Andray Blatche - Resurgence Thread ( Merged )

[hands11]

I respect David Thorpe a lot, but I think in some ways, he has Blatche reversed. Blatche IS a lazy defender. He's effective when he decides to get involved, but he's not active in help D, and that hurts the team defense. On offense, I know what Thorpe means when he says Blatche is tough to defend -- Dray does have a ton of moves and he can shoot the ball. And, while his scoring totals are often impressive, his inefficiency ends up hurting his team a lot. For all his ability, Blatche shoots a low percentage, doesn't pass as effectively as he should, and commits too many turnovers. His shot selection may not be the worst I've ever seen, but you can see "worst" from where he ranks.

Yeah .475 is butt aweful for a 24 year old PF averaging 20 pts a game since feb last year. Can we cut this bumb already. Bring back AJ.

[TGW]

I'm not a believer yet. Until he cuts down his turnovers dramatically, improves his efficiency, and actually puts a consistent effort out defensively, I'm still not steppin' foot on that bandwagon.

[hands11]

I'm not a believer yet. Until he cuts down his turnovers dramatically, improves his efficiency, and actually puts a consistent effort out defensively, I'm still not steppin' foot on that bandwagon.

Oh We will be waiting with baited breath.

I just hope he stays heathy and gets him legs right
Coming of injury and missing all the summer work had him rusty n out of shape to start the season for sure.

Good to see him producing after playing on a swollen knee in Chicago
I thought he may miss the last game. Instead he went

News: Blatche had 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists in Washington's win Tuesday.
9-13 and 1-1 from 3

I'll take a few more games like that.

I think most fans are just happy he started the season and is finding his game so quickly. While he isn't all the way back, he is looking good enough that less people are considering the end of last season as a flook.

[Nivek]

I respect David Thorpe a lot, but I think in some ways, he has Blatche reversed. Blatche IS a lazy defender. He's effective when he decides to get involved, but he's not active in help D, and that hurts the team defense. On offense, I know what Thorpe means when he says Blatche is tough to defend -- Dray does have a ton of moves and he can shoot the ball. And, while his scoring totals are often impressive, his inefficiency ends up hurting his team a lot. For all his ability, Blatche shoots a low percentage, doesn't pass as effectively as he should, and commits too many turnovers. His shot selection may not be the worst I've ever seen, but you can see "worst" from where he ranks.

Yeah .475 is butt aweful for a 24 year old PF averaging 20 pts a game since feb last year. Can we cut this bumb already. Bring back AJ.

That's productive.

I'm suggesting that Blatche needs to get better because...well...HE NEEDS TO GET BETTER. Yes, his scoring average is impressive. Yes, his offensive repertoire is impressive. But, his efficiency sucks. If he's going to lead the Wizards to WINS, he has to become more efficient on offense.

Last 2 seasons combined, Blatche is one of 6 players 6-10 or taller who has used at least 25% of his team's possessions while on the floor. Here's the list by offensive rating (points produced per 100 individual possessions -- which accounts for points scored, assists, turnovers and offensive rebounds):

1. Bosh 117
2. Dirk 116
3. Duncan 115
4. Amare 115
5. Blatche 101
6. Kaman 98

League average last season for all players was 107.6.

Here's the list by efg:

1. Amare .547
2. Bosh .519
3. Duncan .519
4. Nowitzki .502
5. Blatche .479
6. Kaman .479

I guess we could keep blaming it on Blatche's teammates (even though his efficiency was the same with lower usage and better teammates). Or, maybe we could take a look at the way Blatche's play and consider that if he made smarter decisions; that if he used his repertoire to get higher-quality shots; that if he valued the ball and cut down on the careless turnovers -- he might actually get better and help the Wizards win more games.

By the way -- over last season and this season, 34 players used at least 25% of their team's possessions while on the floor and played at least 1,000 total minutes. Blatche ranks 29th in offensive rating. He needs to get better.

[fishercob]

Dray seems to miss close in way too much. Some of it may be his lack of lift because of his knee, but some of it is that he doesn't protect the ball or go strong to the rim. These one handed flips and finger rolls in traffic need to stop. As has been much discussed, this is some of the byproduct of no time in college. I feel like a lot of these bad habits would been addressed.

[go'stags]

Blatche takes 2-3 really bad jumpers a game. If he cuts those down it will help him be more efficient. Fish is right in that he needs to get stronger with the ball in traffic. I'd like to see him try and throw down some vicious dunks once he drives. He has done it before, and it might get him to play more aggressive overall. Even if he misses, I just want to see him try and break the backboard.

One thing that seems odd to me is that we hardly ever get him the ball in the low post anymore. It's almost always in a position on the floor that a SF would catch the ball, and then he attacks. If he catches it on the low block more often, all of his fakes, up and unders, and post moves would be more effective. He would also have more time to see the help defense coming, which would improve his passing and cut down on his turnovers. Developing soem sort of shot with his left hand would also help immensely.

I definitely agree that he needs to get better, but these are things that I think will improve. The right coaching and the proper amount of failure (maybe caused by KG?) should get him to do that. We shall see.

[nate33]

Blatche takes 2-3 really bad jumpers a game. If he cuts those down it will help him be more efficient. Fish is right in that he needs to get stronger with the ball in traffic. I'd like to see him try and throw down some vicious dunks once he drives. He has done it before, and it might get him to play more aggressive overall. Even if he misses, I just want to see him try and break the backboard.

Yup. Those 2 bad jumpers a game are what he can easily improve upon. Twice a game, it seems like he's playing as if the shot clock is about to expire and he has to force it up right away. He just needs to be a bit more patient and kick it out when his offensive move fails to create space from his defender.

If he does that and gets a little more touch around the basket (which will happen as his knee gets better and he continues to regain the lost rhythm from his offseason injury), I'd be pretty happy. I'll even live with the high turnover rate for now.

[Ruzious]

Blatche takes 2-3 really bad jumpers a game. If he cuts those down it will help him be more efficient. Fish is right in that he needs to get stronger with the ball in traffic. I'd like to see him try and throw down some vicious dunks once he drives. He has done it before, and it might get him to play more aggressive overall. Even if he misses, I just want to see him try and break the backboard.

Yup. Those 2 bad jumpers a game are what he can easily improve upon. Twice a game, it seems like he's playing as if the shot clock is about to expire and he has to force it up right away. He just needs to be a bit more patient and kick it out when his offensive move fails to create space from his defender.

If he does that and gets a little more touch around the basket (which will happen as his knee gets better and he continues to regain the lost rhythm from his offseason injury), I'd be pretty happy. I'll even live with the high turnover rate for now.

I might live with the turnovers if he'd use that passing ability that he flashes in streaks. He's got the longest teammate in the NBA - with good hands - in McGee. If either of them used interior passing as a weapon, who's going to stop them - with their length and agility? They could play volleyball against most teams for easy shots.

[hands11]

Not a lot of 6-11 guys with handles an drives are
Dishing the ball off, but yeah, interior passing would be cool.

Part of the problem with Dray to McGee is that the other is McGee hasn't
Been clearing space. Your more likely to see Dray to Booker or Seraphin.

[pineappleheadindc]

.

I found it interesting that Wall, Arenas, and McGee are on the All-Star Ballot, but Andray is not.

[hands11]

Here is something to consider.

If you look at Dray in total from coming out of HS, to the trouble is got in and the shooting, to the conditioning issues, to the not getting enough playing to, to having EFJ as this coach, to him putting in his 7DD summer, to the team getting blown up, to him breaking out last year after finally getting to start at PF after all these years of being forced to playing backup center, to him getting injured over the summer but still getting healthy enough to start the season rusty..... this would be a huge experience year for Dray.

This is the first season he started at PF. He has now been around long enough that he has developed enough of his game that he is going to be out there and expected to produce. He is going to get the minutes over the whole year so he isn't looking over his shoulder as motivation. He is still a little dinged up but after 9 games or so, he is settling in. Now his is presented with the mental challenge of setting his next goal and achieving it. This is the opportunity for him to step up and become a real pro.

Now is the time for him to take it to even another level. This is the year were he will be coached to not just play well enough to be out there, but to play well enough to reach his greater potential. I have faith that Flip is telling him this.

I'm not down on the kid at all if I look at the big picture of where the team is, where he came from and where he/they are. Im actually excited because I think the stage is set where he will get the opportunity to improve his game as he get more healthy and the team gels some.

Should be interesting to evaluate him after half a season to see where he has improved. Now its time to pay attention to smaller details. Constancy. More set moves and moves off moves instead of just being so free form. More FTs. More position D. Better screens.

This is a big year for Dray. This is the year for him to move from recognized unique talent with some holes is game to established professional that you can depend on 90+ % of the time.

9-13 FT 1-1 3s, 3-4 FTs, 7 RBs, 5 ASTs, 3 STLs, 22 Pts is an amazing line even if it was against TOR, but he needs to get closer to those numbers consistently and against better teams. Chicago he was hurt but that was a laid egg. So was the Boston game.

Big year for Dray. Get healthy and get to work mentally putting the finishing touches on your game.

[Dat2U]

I'm tired of seeing Blatche drag that leg around of his. I really think that Boston game was an indication that he needs to have a seat and give his knee a chance to heal. It looked like Blatche & Garnett swapped knees out there compared to last year. When I read Blatche mention that his knee was 'locking & clicking' it gave me real concern. Right now, Blatche's health is probably my biggest concern, even moreso than Gil.

[Hoopalotta]

I agree - we should sit Dray for a week or so and see what happens. I don't believe that he's digressed to this sort of extent based on laziness and attitude.

His shot blocking is down to about 1/3 or last years tally on a per minute basis. Combined with the visual evidence, I just have to think he's not right. The guy's probably an average defender in the best of times, but right now he's in the absolute bottom tier of the whole league. His rotations are semi decent as far as recognition, but he's slow and not offering any substantive resistance even when he's in position (the Chicago game was the worst).

[MF23]

He needs to get in shape. He needs to improve his motor. He needs to stop focusing on other things instead of winning.

All through his "resurgence" the Wizards haven't won. It's not a coincidence Blatche doesn't play winning basketball.

[nate33]

Ever since his embarrassing performance in Toronto, Blatche has played with much more intensity. He is no longer standing and watching others defend. I think the coaches played video of his Toronto game over and over again to drill it into his head how lazy and lethargic he looked.

[Hoopalotta]

Blatche after the game:

"That was probably one of the worst funks I've ever been in in my career. And it just got worse and worse, the fans started booing me. Once that happened, it messed my whole head up," Blatche said after missing 11 of 14 shots and scoring just seven points with four turnovers. "Was I surprised by it? Yes, because they are our fans, they are supposed to support us. At the same time, if I'm playing like [garbage], they are going to let me know. It goes both ways."

"Physically, I'm better. Mentally, I'm not. I get a little better physically, I'm mentally down now," Blatche said. "I come back, I try to redeem myself in San Antonio and Houston."

And then Flip:

When asked why he kept Blatche in the game, Coach Flip Saunders said: "He's one of our main guys. Part of development sometimes is getting your butt kicked. You can learn as much sometimes when you play bad, than when you play good. And, uh, I've got confidence in him that no matter how bad he's played, that down the stretch, he's going to be able to make a couple of plays for us."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 05915.html

It is what it is. Coach 'em up sounds streets better to me than ship 'em out.

[WizarDynasty]

I would say that Dre stop building on the dynamic of his game would have make him great. The ability to back down players and still maintain a low fluid dribble. Dre has not work against strong enough post players to continuously improve his leg strength to back down opponents. he has be going so long against soft as tissue mcgee that his game has suffered. he needs to have someone in practice that he can practice smashing his shoulder into and powerfully backing down someone in the post, initiating contact and creating separation for an easy jumpshot. Right now, he is going up against a bunch of softies that he wants to be friends with so he doesn't practice being aggressive with them. Hilton armstrong...nice "NEW" guy so he doesn't want to use a aggressive punishing style in practice, mcgee soft run and jump guy that he friends with so he doesn't want to practice punishing mcgee, Seraphin..a brute that he can't communicate with so he doesn't want to get to physical with him since seraphin can't understand why a team mate would want to be physical aggressive, he has ndiaye, another rail thin paper center who he can't practice against. So in essence Blatche doesn't have a physical body to practice posting up in the the paint. Booker maybe but booker is still only about 230 and undersize so he doesn't give mcgee legitamate imitation of the a starting big that he see during the game. Booker may be blatche's best hope right now for practicing backing down an opponent with power and still maintain a below the knee fluid dribble. I think the other problem is backing down a post player with force puts alot of pressure on your feet. maybe blatche just doesn't have the feet to be a low post player?

[MF23]

The Wizards staff isn't doing him any favors having him play like this. Blatche is lazy both ways on the court. He's inconsistent and gets pushed around all over the court. Every big man in the league should start chumping' him. It's aggravating that there doesn't seem to be expectations for the Wizards this season. If this were a contending team Blatche's efforts wouldn't justify rotation minutes. Look at him. You get a sense when you watch him play that he is content with his level of effort. It's why he will never be an all-star or a starter on a team in contention.

I remember someone on this board saying what significant improvement does Al Hartford provide that would justify trading or signing him over keeping Blatche. Is there not an indifference between those two? Is Al Hartford lazy, out of shape, pushed around and transparently content with losing? What about Paul Milsap, Nene, Haslem or any other notch below all-star level playing big man on a playoff contender? People need to wake up and figure out whether this guy is a loser or if he's going to make a change within him. Flip apparently isn't going to do much in regards to Blatche except for hoping he gets is together. In my opinion this is the reason why Flip didn't get it done in Detroit. He can't get into his players to give the extra push like Larry Brown or Chuck Daley did. That is a subject for another time and this thread is focused on Blatche. I was just making a case that the weaknesses in Blatche have a connection with the Wizards as a whole. He's played for nothing but players coaches and has had the same easygoing FO his entire career.

Don't get me wrong. I'm pleased he's become as productive as he's been while being a 2nd round pick. EG deserves kudos but coming real soon a determination is going to have to be made on this man. Somebody has to be held accountable for his performance this season because it correlates to the Wizards winning and losing. It's obvious he isn't playing right or in shape. Who's fault is that and what's going to be done to improve it?

I'm becoming motivated to write Ted Leonsis. I believe I can give him a perspective that would be entertaining and enlightening. Food for thought with a little spice in it about blatche and other things.

[WizarDynasty]

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Re: Game Thread: Wizards vs. Bulls 12/22/10 7:00ET

Postby WizarDynasty on Thu Dec 23, 2010 1:20 pm
ok so i think i figured it out. Dre's biggest advantage is when he is backing someone down far out on the perimeter. he has the ability to spin both to his left and his right and that's what makes him so dangerous.
The problem with Flip is that he hasn't designed our offense to react to the advantage that dre creates off his spin. usually offenses force dre to spin to the baseline and then cut him off. Our entire offense should be designed on exploiting when dre spins to the baseline and creates a huge weakness in the defense. Right now, we don't have that level of sophisitication among the players on how to effectively exploit the weakness dre causes when he is able to get past his man on the baseline. We are expecting Dre to immediately cash in after he beat his man on the baseline..but he can't cash in those chips...the chips have to be cashed at the third level of our offense because Dre's initial spin move to the baseline is counter by him being double teamed by a help team mate, that double team is breakdown in the other teams defense and we don't have a consistent team strategy for making the other team pay so it kind of makes dre look bad. Also Dre getting blocked is because he can't finish over a help defender but the real problem is that Flip offense isn't sophisitcated enough to exploit the weakness that the help defender causes and or the player left open to double dre doesn't have the skills to take advantage of being open. huge problem with Flip's offense strategy IQ.
Blatche has the power and agility to force get by his man but he doesn't have the athleticism to perform a hop step to get off a high percentage moving toward the basket. blatche's poor athleticism after picking up his dribble...is making him fade away from the basketball instead of floating towards the basket. So again, just thinking out loud, Blatche's ability to drive to hole is his strength but he doesn't have HOP STEP ability...the ability to lunge while dribbling toward the basket before he takes his two step and shoot. Without that ability, Blatche can take advantage of his ability to stay low to the ground while driving by and big. So until Blatche can keep his knees bent staying low to ground and perform a hop step with his left hand...also getting a good 4 to 5 feet off his initial hop step before taking his two steps, his ability to dribble with his left hand is basically wasted.
Dre needs to get alot more Air--off his Hop Step lunge and catch the ball going up by his elbow while lunging in the air in the middle of his dribble while planting his foot cutting to the basket. maybe he can't do this because of his broken foot?

[hands11]

Blatche after the game:

"That was probably one of the worst funks I've ever been in in my career. And it just got worse and worse, the fans started booing me. Once that happened, it messed my whole head up," Blatche said after missing 11 of 14 shots and scoring just seven points with four turnovers. "Was I surprised by it? Yes, because they are our fans, they are supposed to support us. At the same time, if I'm playing like [garbage], they are going to let me know. It goes both ways."

"Physically, I'm better. Mentally, I'm not. I get a little better physically, I'm mentally down now," Blatche said. "I come back, I try to redeem myself in San Antonio and Houston."

And then Flip:

When asked why he kept Blatche in the game, Coach Flip Saunders said: "He's one of our main guys. Part of development sometimes is getting your butt kicked. You can learn as much sometimes when you play bad, than when you play good. And, uh, I've got confidence in him that no matter how bad he's played, that down the stretch, he's going to be able to make a couple of plays for us."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 05915.html

It is what it is. Coach 'em up sounds streets better to me than ship 'em out.

I was posting about those Flip comments in the game thread. I hadnt read what Dray had said though.

Sounds like good stuff though. Dray is feeling better is good news. Him admitting he is in a mental funk and wants to fight through it is also good news.

I'm excited to watch the next 10 games and see what these guys can do. They have some talent here. And Kirk is really balln since Gil left. Great for keeping or great for trading. Works well for us either way.