Jan Vesely

[sfam]

I'll say this. Vesely has significantly improved over the last 15 games or so. He has definitely added bulk and he's doing a better job of rebounding, avoiding fouls, and getting open on offense. By about mid February, I was about to completely give up hope on him, but I'm much more optimistic now. I'm particularly impressed with the way he has added muscle during the grind of a basketball season. It leads me to believe he can pack on much more weight in the offseason. If he can start holding his own strengthwise against NBA centers, that changes everything.

If he continues to get better, than we got the best of both worlds - help in the Tank train in the short term to ensure we have a decent chance at the Davis sweepstakes, while potentially developing into a reliable rotation player in the long term.

[FAH1223]

Vesley does look a bit bigger. Interesting.

[fishercob]

I continue to enjoy the way Vesely plays the game. I didn't see much of the TOR game, but there was one sequence -- I think in the 4Q -- that illustrates Ves's value. He was standing at the elbow, with his back to the TV camera and caught an entry pass, I think from somewhere between the top of the key and the wing. In one motion he caught the ball and passed it back out to a wide open Singleton, who canned the three.

If he waits another second, or perhaps even half second, that wide open shot isnt there. People talk about "shot creators" a lot and they're usually referring to dribble penetration. But Vesely creates shots just by moving the ball quickly and to the right spot. He just knows how to play. Very Spur-like.

[Ruzious]

That's what the typical "glue guy" does. Once he starts hitting jump shots, we can call him Elmer.

[montestewart]

Shhh. I'm hunting wabbit.

[Dat2U]

I continue to enjoy the way Vesely plays the game. I didn't see much of the TOR game, but there was one sequence -- I think in the 4Q -- that illustrates Ves's value. He was standing at the elbow, with his back to the TV camera and caught an entry pass, I think from somewhere between the top of the key and the wing. In one motion he caught the ball and passed it back out to a wide open Singleton, who canned the three.

If he waits another second, or perhaps even half second, that wide open shot isnt there. People talk about "shot creators" a lot and they're usually referring to dribble penetration. But Vesely creates shots just by moving the ball quickly and to the right spot. He just knows how to play. Very Spur-like.

I think Vesely is smart enough to know his limitations at this point. He gets rid of the ball as soon as it hits his hands. Some of his assists don't look so much like passes as it looks like the ball is burning his fingers as he's touching it.

But Ves has been playing better lately. So he's a little less terrible right now. But I haven't given up hope. hHe might approach Jared Jeffries status soon enough.

[fishercob]

I don't think Jared is that smart a player, and he never showed the upside as a finisher that Vesely has. I understand why you make the comparison, I just don't agree with it.

Vesely has pronounced shortcomings -- physical strength and shooting. Those are traditionally things thought of as improvable with the right amount of work. Whether Jan puts in the work and is able to improve those things enough to matter remains to be seen.

[Ruzious]

Shhh. I'm hunting wabbit.

The other Elmer.

Hmm, the sign says it's duck season.

[DCZards]

I think Vesely is smart enough to know his limitations at this point. He gets rid of the ball as soon as it hits his hands. Some of his assists don't look so much like passes as it looks like the ball is burning his fingers as he's touching it.

I don't think you're giving Ves the credit he deserves. The great passes I've seen him make are far more instinctive than they are someone just looking to get rid of the ball.

[JonathanJoseph]

I'm still bullish on Vesely as a Jared Jeffries/Andrei Kirilenko type. Vesely looks completed overwhelmed by his experience this year, both physically and mentally.

He needs to add 20 lbs of bulk, obviously, but he also looks like he's struggling with the personal transition to the NBA. I think he'll get over that in time, but it's got to be painful to get dominated repeatedly because everyone you match up with is stronger than you. Hence growing pains.

Right now he wants nothing to do with the ball. I suspect that will change with time.

[montestewart]

I think Vesely is smart enough to know his limitations at this point. He gets rid of the ball as soon as it hits his hands. Some of his assists don't look so much like passes as it looks like the ball is burning his fingers as he's touching it.

I don't think you're giving Ves the credit he deserves. The great passes I've seen him make are far more instinctive than they are someone just looking to get rid of the ball.

Yes. As JJ points out, he's struggling with lack of bulk, so even when he gets the ball near the basket, he may be hesitant without a clear lane, fearing he'll be outmuscled. Coupled with his lack of shot, he really only has one scoring weapon (pretty spectacular, but pretty one-dimensional), and if he can't do that, he wants to move the ball along. Still, to have the reflexes and court awareness to do that (and he's made some remarkable passes in traffic) is in itself a nice skill for a big man.

More experience, added bulk, and working on his shot (hopefully with some results) could make him as useful as Kirilenko or Battier, not a superstar or top scorer, but an unselfish all-around contributor. Vesely's per-36 numbers compare decently with Jeffries in his rookie year and in his career as a whole. Vesely fouls more, but I think he sets better picks, is a better defender, and has better court awareness. Jeffries had something of a jump shot. If Vesely could develop anything reliable in the 10-12 foot range, I think he's clearly better than Jeffries at a similar point.

[jivelikenice]

Got to say I'm beginning to gain some optimism with Vesely. He's playing with more athelticism than he was earlier this season. it could be just getting acclimated to the NBA and also might have to do with the hip injury he suffered this preseason. His length just really stands out and he's looking like the athlete we all saw on the youtube clips. Its obvious he's been working on his shooting with the improvement in his ft % over the last month. He needs some refinement, and needs to play to his length but I'm beginning to have more confidence that he can become a rotational player with some upside. A little strength (not 20 pounds worth, don't want to take away his athleticism), development of a 15-18 ft jump shot, and working on finishing at and around the hoop should be the emphasis. There was a play a week ago where he dribbled left, spun, and then shot a turnaround hook from a few feet out. it went off back rim but it showed how easily he can get that shot off....He wasn't worth the 6th pick with how much development he needs, but I wouldn't give up on him yet.

[Ruzious]

Fwiw, these are Vesely's stats compared to Seraphin's rookie stats:
Vesely: PER = 9.6, EFG% = 53, TS% = 53.
Seraphin: PER = 8.4, EFG% = 45, TS% = 48.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

My view of Vesely is the guy is freakishly big for a SF. If you play him at PF he is quick. He's tall enough to play C. He makes heads up plays. He has shown some grit and toughness. There are some nice screens, passes that he makes and he moves well without the ball. Jan strikes me as a guy who doesn't like to make mistakes. His limitations are strength and shooting.

In the context of the Wizards, I think Vesely can be best utilized at SF, alongside Nene and Seraphin. I don't think he's a terrible player at all and I'm past where he was drafted. My thoughts are that if his salary needed to be moved to facilitate getting a better SF, so be it. Otherwise, give the young man some time.

I like Vesely. He is a highlight reel dunker who can be part of making the Wizards a "Showtime Lakers" type team moving forward. There's nothing wrong with having a Jeffries-type guy on a team. Obviously, the Wizards need a stud-like talent at SF.

The only problem I see with Vesely is he and Singleton play the exact same primary position.

[Ruzious]

I think he's like a young infielder in baseball that's outgrown the middle infield - and he hasn't even filled out completely, yet. His days at the 3 in the rear view mirror.

Even if he hadn't outgrown in it, you can't get away with having no jump shot at the 3. Eventually, there's realistic hope he'll be okay from 15 feet - even Noah can do that - but to think he could shoot well enough to play the 3 is pushing your luck to the max. Ya never say never, but... Singleton had a better shot of winning the lottery than Vesely has of being a quality NBA small forward.

[nate33]

Yup. Vesely is no small forward. Heck, right now, he's not skilled enough to be a power forward. If he ever achieves a power forward's skill level, I'd be thrilled.

[hands11]

I think Vesely is smart enough to know his limitations at this point. He gets rid of the ball as soon as it hits his hands. Some of his assists don't look so much like passes as it looks like the ball is burning his fingers as he's touching it.

I don't think you're giving Ves the credit he deserves. The great passes I've seen him make are far more instinctive than they are someone just looking to get rid of the ball.

The kids BBIQ is way above average. His passing is amazing for a big.
He is athletic and coordinated. He can dribble on a fast break and finish.
He is long and still growing into he paws but still has a good center of gravity.
He is a fighter. He gives effort.
He appears to be very coachable and a good egg.

All he really really lacks offensive skills. He can add that. He has the physical tools, coordination and intelligence to do it.

And like I said before, once he can shoot and drive, his passing is going to really open things up even more. I dont see the kid peaking for at least another 2-3 years.

There is a big box of crow in storage for all youll who bashed Ves. EG did well picking Ves. He is a big with lots of upside. That isn't bad to get at 6.

[terperoni]

I think Vesely is smart enough to know his limitations at this point. He gets rid of the ball as soon as it hits his hands. Some of his assists don't look so much like passes as it looks like the ball is burning his fingers as he's touching it.

I don't think you're giving Ves the credit he deserves. The great passes I've seen him make are far more instinctive than they are someone just looking to get rid of the ball.

The kids BBIQ is way above average. His passing is amazing for a big.
He is athletic and coordinated. He can dribble on a fast break and finish.
He is long and still growing into he paws but still has a good center of gravity.
He is a fighter. He gives effort.
He appears to be very coachable and a good egg.

All he really really lacks offensive skills. He can add that. He has the physical tools, coordination and intelligence to do it.

And like I said before, once he can shoot and drive, his passing is going to really open things up even more. I dont see the kid peaking for at least another 2-3 years.

There is a big box of crow in storage for all youll who bashed Ves. EG did well picking Ves. He is a big with lots of upside. That isn't bad to get at 6.

LMAO!!

[FAH1223]

The kids BBIQ is way above average. His passing is amazing for a big.
He is athletic and coordinated. He can dribble on a fast break and finish.
He is long and still growing into he paws but still has a good center of gravity.
He is a fighter. He gives effort.
He appears to be very coachable and a good egg.

All he really really lacks offensive skills. He can add that. He has the physical tools, coordination and intelligence to do it.

And like I said before, once he can shoot and drive, his passing is going to really open things up even more. I dont see the kid peaking for at least another 2-3 years.

There is a big box of crow in storage for all youll who bashed Ves. EG did well picking Ves. He is a big with lots of upside. That isn't bad to get at 6.

April Fool's was on Sunday man

[pcbothwel]

I don't think you're giving Ves the credit he deserves. The great passes I've seen him make are far more instinctive than they are someone just looking to get rid of the ball.

The kids BBIQ is way above average. His passing is amazing for a big.
He is athletic and coordinated. He can dribble on a fast break and finish.
He is long and still growing into he paws but still has a good center of gravity.
He is a fighter. He gives effort.
He appears to be very coachable and a good egg.

All he really really lacks offensive skills. He can add that. He has the physical tools, coordination and intelligence to do it.

And like I said before, once he can shoot and drive, his passing is going to really open things up even more. I dont see the kid peaking for at least another 2-3 years.

There is a big box of crow in storage for all youll who bashed Ves. EG did well picking Ves. He is a big with lots of upside. That isn't bad to get at 6.

LMAO!!

i dont think Hands said anything worth "LMAO" about. In fact, If you really look at EG's draft history(And trust me im no EG apologist) you see a fairly quick maturation and shift in scouting style.

2005-Blatche: Highly skilled HS player who falls to 2nd cuz of lack of elite athletic ability and work ethic. Good BB IQ but poor work ethic.
2006-Pecherov: Only clear cut miss, could not defend and was not physical enough to develop post skills.

At this point EG starts the shift to players with strong(er) Work ethic, but still high ceilings.
2007-Young: Very skilled Scorer. Average work ethic but very low BB IQ.
2008-McGee: Extreamly raw player with amazing tools. Good work ethic but very low BB IQ.
2009-Trade for Miller/Foye

2010:Wall-At this point EG has had two years since his last "real" draft and sees the Gilbert situation unfold and the lack of development by both players with low work ethic(Blatche) and players who dont know HOW to use their work ethic (NY and McGee). So he takes Wall to be the franchise player and chooses to build around him with guys who work hard and understand the ins/outs of playing the game (ie. floor spacing, setting picks, team defense, passing, etc.)
Seraphin: Raw player who has only played the game for 5 years. But he is a humble kid who works hard and show solid understanding of how the game is played.
Booker: Raw athletic player who would be taken higher if he were 2 inches taller. Much like Seraphin, he is very physical, hardworking and willing to learn.

2011-Vesely: Raw Athletic euro who lacks offensive skill, but has great tools and very high IQ.
Singleton: DPOY in ACC who hustles and has very good height/length/athleticism.

Sorry to ramble on. But the point is EG loves guys with very good to elite TOOLS. Every (significant)player over the past 6 years has shown this. The maturation has occured where he realized that just because guys have great gifts and decent work ethic does not mean they will ever have the instincts to succeed(McGee and NY).
I have said numerous times over the past year that I thought Seraphin would develop into a very good backup PF/C because of his strength, work ethic, and instincts.
I will say it again for Vesely. He can set great picks, play very good Team defense, pass extreamely well, and he hustles his ass off. This are things that 95% player do not develop if they dont instinctly have them. The ball handleing/shooting/strength can most certainly be developed...and it will