The level of Wizards for season 2012/2013

[GUYANNAGRIZZLI]

Wittman has change this team to one of the worse team in NBA with players who thought they could coach themselves for a potential playoff team.
WHY?
the team is now becoming very clear. You have a very good point guard in my opinion between 8th to 10th better pg in nba.

You have in my oppinion for next year with VES KS NENE booker and singleton if he stays, the 5th to 10th better big guys roster in NBA in field goal% and scoring.

You have now with nene and singleton, mason some vets who have talent and brings some respect especially with the young guys who think they know everything ( crawford) and also with the departure of mcgee, blatch and young the roster is fresh and ready for a new start.

The team is coherent, but it needs to improve sf and sg starters because singleton it's not enough in the scoring area even if his defense is okay and crawford in my oppinion is a beat selfish and when he is not heating shots, he continues doing some really poor percentage.

The team also needs to sign one or two reliable players who has a good 3point shot coming from the bench for the postion 1,2,3.

Mack needs to improve because when Wall is on the bench the relay of Mack is rarely effective. Globaly the scoring from the bench needs to be more consistent.

The defense of the team is also very solid now and very energic.
This team has also lots of real and reliable talent like Wall, Nene, SERAPHIN, Vesely and that's the most important because the team can reach a very high level with that axis : wall ks nene

For next year i see wiz with 40 wins.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Wittman has change this team to one of the worse team in NBA with players who thought they could coach themselves for a potential playoff team.
WHY?
the team is now becoming very clear. You have a very good point guard in my opinion between 8th to 10th better pg in nba.

If what you predict becomes true, GUYANNAGRIZZLI, Wall as the 8th or 10th best PG out of 30 starting PGs, I think that means Washington will become a playoff team. I think I would rate Wall better than average now. He is the fastest and he is learning to play at different speeds. Wall is passing better and better. His decisions are smarter regarding when to shoot and when to pass. He is playing harder and not resting on defense more and more. Wall is becoming encouraged now.

BEFORE I would have said Wall is not quite average overall because of his terrible three point shooting and his inconsistent defense. I did not think he was a patient leader or a good fighter so to speak. NOW, I think differently of Wall.

At the end of the season he played like the 4th through 7th PG in my opinion. Wall dominated with his speed but he also used his mind well. He attacked using different speeds. He confused his opponents but appearing to slow down a moment and then going fast. Also, wall fought hard. He did not get picked and go under screens. This used to give many open shots to opponents. Now, Wall is keeping closer and going over some screens. He is overplaying passing lanes and he is getting steals.

Wall is doing everything well except shooting three point shots. He also could finish stronger at the rim. Next season, Wall can become top 3 in the league IMO.

You have in my oppinion for next year with VES KS NENE booker and singleton if he stays, the 5th to 10th better big guys roster in NBA in field goal% and scoring.

You have now with nene and singleton, mason some vets who have talent and brings some respect especially with the young guys who think they know everything ( crawford) and also with the departure of mcgee, blatch and young the roster is fresh and ready for a new start.

Does Crawford respect the old veterans, or is he still going to take every jump shot because he is very confident? Also, I think Blatche will be back. The owner must pay money to Blatche if he does not wish him to return. I think the owner will let Blatche return.

Do you think James Singletoan can stay with Trevor Booker and Kevin Seraphin and Jan Vesely all playing power forward? I like James Singleton but he has no guaranteed contract. I think the Wizards must not have Blatche and maybe Booker to keep James Singleton. I hope they make a wise decision on who to keep and who to not keep.

The team is coherent, but it needs to improve sf and sg starters because singleton it's not enough in the scoring area even if his defense is okay and crawford in my oppinion is a beat selfish and when he is not heating shots, he continues doing some really poor percentage.

The team also needs to sign one or two reliable players who has a good 3point shot coming from the bench for the postion 1,2,3.

Mack needs to improve because when Wall is on the bench the relay of Mack is rarely effective. Globaly the scoring from the bench needs to be more consistent.

The defense of the team is also very solid now and very energic.
This team has also lots of real and reliable talent like Wall, Nene, SERAPHIN, Vesely and that's the most important because the team can reach a very high level with that axis : wall ks nene

For next year i see wiz with 40 wins.

GUYANNAGRIZZLI, you made some very good points. I agree with just about everything you said.

SF and SG must improve. The personnel you identified must improve, or I think the Wizards must replace them. Include Blatche to the list. Washington will be a lot better next season. They can become very good if they improve from Crawford, Blatche, Mack, and maybe Chris Singleton. I want James Singleton, Cartier Martin, and Morris Almond to remain with the Wizards. Mason is a local player, and he's a good influence. I also like Maurice Evans a lot, too. He is a very smart, respectful player. I don't know if Almond is ready to do better than Mason or Evans, yet, but I think he's going to be very good in the future.

Kevin Seraphin is a hard worker and he will improve. He must improve rebounding by position and blocking out. Seraphin will just continue to improve--he is impressive.

I like the Wizards and they are making progress. When Vesely and Wall hit jump shots with accuracy the Wizards will win over 50 games IMO.

[GUYANNAGRIZZLI]

50 wins is very optimistic but I think in 2 years with some average trade, keeping Wall and the potential of this frontcourt it's possible in 2 years to make 50W.
40 wins will be really a great first step for2012/2013 and near of the maximum you can get considering the potential of the young guys and the the good finish of this year.

[cwb3]

I am leery of predicting a 40 win season for next year. We have seen other Wizards squads play decent in April, add a piece in the offseason, then go on to stink the next Novemeber/December. The Wizards are still so talent short. I hope Wall can improve his shooting over the summer. I hope Nene can stay healthly next season. Booker, Singleton and Seraphin have made great strides this year, but are not NBA caliber starters. Good role players off the bench, but should not be 30+ minute a night players on a contender. We should get a good draft pick, which will help. Hopefully lose AB and Lewis and have some money to use in free agency. But I still see this as a year or two away from being a real playoff contender. Just can't trust these last 2 week surges in April.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I would be leery of a Nene injury. Otherwise, this team will win over 40 games. They have too many young guys who are really fast and really decent on defense, along with a true post scorer in Seraphin not to win over 40.

I think they'll win around 40 to 45 games, if not more.

[nate33]

I would be leery of a Nene injury. Otherwise, this team will win over 40 games. They have too many young guys who are really fast and really decent on defense, along with a true post scorer in Seraphin not to win over 40.

I think they'll win around 40 to 45 games, if not more.

Yup. 40 wins if Nene plays 65+ games and Wall plays 75+.

[Spence]

Yup. 40 wins if Nene plays 65+ games and Wall plays 75+.

Bring on the first round playoff sweep! We're Wiz fans -- we'll take what we can get.

[GUYANNAGRIZZLI]

I am leery of predicting a 40 win season for next year. We have seen other Wizards squads play decent in April, add a piece in the offseason, then go on to stink the next Novemeber/December. The Wizards are still so talent short. I hope Wall can improve his shooting over the summer. I hope Nene can stay healthly next season. Booker, Singleton and Seraphin have made great strides this year, but are not NBA caliber starters. Good role players off the bench, but should not be 30+ minute a night players on a contender. We should get a good draft pick, which will help. Hopefully lose AB and Lewis and have some money to use in free agency. But I still see this as a year or two away from being a real playoff contender. Just can't trust these last 2 week surges in April.

I actually think that KS is a reliable nba caliber starter because is really impressive in defense and he has learn fast to defend well without fouls which is very encouraging. And in offense his post ups are nothing else than all star caliber, this guy will continue to surprise the fans who are steal sceptics.
Wall is definetely a futur all star and Nene is also in the eastern conference a serious contender to all star game 2013 considering the big guys in EATS? NO DOUBT ABOUT IT;

So with Ves and booker who brings some athleticism, plus some average roster at sg and sf and a second unit who can heat some shots, they are going to battle for eighth place.
The thing which is crucial and i agree with you is the health of Wall but he is young and healthly.
The case that Nene injuried is more likely. In my oppinion it would be interesting to keep him in the second uinit :
Because Seraphin and Vesely have shawn that they are playing well together and with some maturity combining height, strength, post ups, blocks, rebounds defense and scoring like average starters in this league at least and Nene needs to be protected by paying 25 minutes per game max and he will bring a lot, playing against second units guys.
He will be very effective as we have seen a sample of it in april. Like that i think Nene will play more than 70 games and Wiz won't have the problem of second units scoringless and that's why teams like sixers, nuggets made playoffs because they've good second units even if they have not so much talent

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I would be leery of a Nene injury. Otherwise, this team will win over 40 games. They have too many young guys who are really fast and really decent on defense, along with a true post scorer in Seraphin not to win over 40.

I think they'll win around 40 to 45 games, if not more.

Yeah I think 40 wins is achievable. I do feel more optimistic after the way they finished. Seraphin has been an absolute revelation after the McGee trade. It does give me some added optimism about Vesely because he too even started to show some signs of life. Just earlier this season I had concluded Seraphin was never going to be a player and he totally proved me wrong! So I'm hoping Vesely will do the same next season, after looking completely hopeless earlier this season.

I mean some of the questionable guys on the roster like Vesely, Chris Singleton and Mack are rookies after all, who came in with no offseason program or summer league, missed out on a legit training camp, and had little practice time during the season. Seraphin showed us this year that we really need to have some patience with these guys before leaping to rash judgements.

Even Crawford, who is the one I'd most like to see traded, was only in his 2nd season. Even he is probably worth keeping as a reserve. He is on a low salary, has shown he can come into a game hot and get the offense moving on nights the starters are flat. And if the starting SG (whoever that may be) goes out for extended time with an injury, Crawford is a guy who does have the talent to step in and fill that starting SG void if needed.

I mean we gotta see what we do in this draft and offseason of course, but with good health I do think 40 wins is a reachable goal next season.

[JWizmentality]

My head hurts.

[doclinkin]

Didn't see this posted anywhere. Maybe I missed it. But figure this is as good a place as any to drop it.

Exit Interviews
Posted on April 29, 2012

I had the opportunity to speak to a few of our Wizards players on Friday as they prepared to leave for home and begin to prepare for next season. Everyone noted how important this off season was to them individually and to our franchise. They also noted how different the team culture had become and how uplifted they were by the last 20 games of the season and the progress they all saw in each other and as a team.

I was pleasantly surprised by the positive discussions with several players. Here are a few highlights via verbatim notes:

“The last 20 games or so of the season were the most fun I have ever had. This is a tight and great group of guys to play with. We hang out together on the road. It is really enjoyable to play for this team. Everyone wants everyone to be successful.”

“This is a serious no nonsense locker room now. We can’t wait to come back and play next season. This is our business. We don’t take it lightly.”

“No one cared about stats – only team victories. If we had had another 12 games to play I think we could have won more than half of them. This is a totally different team now. We are all excited about next season.”

“Nene is one of the best big men in the East. I really didn’t know how good he was to have an inside presence now changes everything. We have so much great spacing now. He really knows the game. He is a great guy. I think if we had had him all of this season we would have made the playoffs.”

“We are all getting ready for next season. We will work out together and practice together in the off season. You get us a few more pieces and some additional vet presence and we will be a vastly improved team. We will surprise everyone. I will get stronger and know what I have to work on and I promise you I will and I am so positive about how much I can improve alongside my teammates.”

“My coach had confidence in me and gave me minutes. I worked hard for him and my teammates. I know I can play now and contribute. I am very grateful.”

“It was like a light switch was turned on. We knew we could win games and be tough to play against if we played like a group and played hard and played man up tough defense. We are athletic and smart now. We know how to win. This will carry over to next season.”

“I love my teammates.”

“First time I have ever been around a group of guys that don’t care about their own stats. They only care about the team. This is a good change and they respect the coach and staff. We want to get better.”

“I was surprised at how much talent was on the team. We make some smart moves this off season. We will be a dangerous team. No one will want to play against us because we are big, young, and fast and we really like to play defense. We get at it.”

This here.

[doclinkin]

‘Never in my life I lost so many games’
April 30, 2012 via Sport.CZ

I have to say that the first year in the NBA was a vast experience for me. I never lost so many games in a season, and dealing with that was difficult. But I kept gaining confidence in how to deal with game situations, and I had an opportunity to indulge the unique atmosphere of the most prestigious basketball league of the world. With the end of season, the improvement of the team and positive feelings came after all.

We started producing much more team ball, and we understood how we have to play in order to be successful. Everything culminated with a six-game winning streak and, actually, it’s a pity that we won’t play anymore this season. Definitely we have something to build on for next season, and if we keep playing this way, the Wizards could achieve great things.

I take the whole season as a really strong experience. I had a chance to compete daily with the best basketball players in the world, of which I always dreamed about. In a lockout-shortened season, there wasn’t time for long analyses, as we [the Wizards] didn’t even have any official conclusion to the season. Rather I’d see it like we, teammates and staff members, will go have a dinner over the weekend, and we’ll talk until we all scatter home.

From a human point of view, the stay overseas has enriched me too. I had to use foreign language before when I played for Partizan, so I didn’t have a problem with it, although it’s different to speak English in Serbia and in the US. In a half-year here, I don’t dare to assess the lifestyle of Americans, but still, I’ll be getting used to it for a while. In the Czech Republic, I lived with family, then in Serbia I had to get used to the fact that I’m by myself. It looks like to me that in America, people follow by certain system/rules in basketball as well. But they seem to me the least relaxed from all the nations which I‘ve had an opportunity to get to know closer.

Since we didn’t advance to the playoffs, I’m rooting for Washington’s NHL team. I had a chance to meet with the Capitals hockey players several times and to see their games as well. Now they have a valuable scalp of Boston, and I’ll continue to keep my fingers crossed for them.

I fly home on Monday [April 30]. I’m looking forward to seeing my girlfriend Eva and my whole family. After return, I’ll take a break for a while, then I begin working out individually. I know there’s an interest from the national team, but their training camp starts in July, so there’s enough time for debate regarding my possible participation in the Eurobasket qualification. It will depend on my plans, apparently summer league awaits me overseas.

-Jan V.

Here.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

‘Never in my life I lost so many games’
April 30, 2012 via Sport.CZ

I have to say that the first year in the NBA was a vast experience for me. I never lost so many games in a season, and dealing with that was difficult. But I kept gaining confidence in how to deal with game situations, and I had an opportunity to indulge the unique atmosphere of the most prestigious basketball league of the world. With the end of season, the improvement of the team and positive feelings came after all.

We started producing much more team ball, and we understood how we have to play in order to be successful. Everything culminated with a six-game winning streak and, actually, it’s a pity that we won’t play anymore this season. Definitely we have something to build on for next season, and if we keep playing this way, the Wizards could achieve great things.

I take the whole season as a really strong experience. I had a chance to compete daily with the best basketball players in the world, of which I always dreamed about. In a lockout-shortened season, there wasn’t time for long analyses, as we [the Wizards] didn’t even have any official conclusion to the season. Rather I’d see it like we, teammates and staff members, will go have a dinner over the weekend, and we’ll talk until we all scatter home.

From a human point of view, the stay overseas has enriched me too. I had to use foreign language before when I played for Partizan, so I didn’t have a problem with it, although it’s different to speak English in Serbia and in the US. In a half-year here, I don’t dare to assess the lifestyle of Americans, but still, I’ll be getting used to it for a while. In the Czech Republic, I lived with family, then in Serbia I had to get used to the fact that I’m by myself. It looks like to me that in America, people follow by certain system/rules in basketball as well. But they seem to me the least relaxed from all the nations which I‘ve had an opportunity to get to know closer.

Since we didn’t advance to the playoffs, I’m rooting for Washington’s NHL team. I had a chance to meet with the Capitals hockey players several times and to see their games as well. Now they have a valuable scalp of Boston, and I’ll continue to keep my fingers crossed for them.

I fly home on Monday [April 30]. I’m looking forward to seeing my girlfriend Eva and my whole family. After return, I’ll take a break for a while, then I begin working out individually. I know there’s an interest from the national team, but their training camp starts in July, so there’s enough time for debate regarding my possible participation in the Eurobasket qualification. It will depend on my plans, apparently summer league awaits me overseas.

-Jan V.

Here.

I wonder how much of that is Jan sensing the vibe in the DC Metro area or is it him sensing the competitive mentality of the average NBA player? I think he is right. It is a struggle and not very relaxed from what I can tell. There are many battles and not much respect for opponents, either.

The culture of the NBA teams doesn't seem to be like a family to me. One team that does seem to have a sense of relaxed family and continuity to it is the San Antonio Spurs. Guys they like stay a while with the team.

Jan was a good find for Ernie Grunfeld. I like his perspective.

[GUYANNAGRIZZLI]

SF is the target for the draft for the gm
Kidd gilchrist may come

[doclinkin]

From a human point of view, the stay overseas has enriched me too. I had to use foreign language before when I played for Partizan, so I didn’t have a problem with it, although it’s different to speak English in Serbia and in the US. In a half-year here, I don’t dare to assess the lifestyle of Americans, but still, I’ll be getting used to it for a while. In the Czech Republic, I lived with family, then in Serbia I had to get used to the fact that I’m by myself. It looks like to me that in America, people follow by certain system/rules in basketball as well. But they seem to me the least relaxed from all the nations which I‘ve had an opportunity to get to know closer.

I wonder how much of that is Jan sensing the vibe in the DC Metro area or is it him sensing the competitive mentality of the average NBA player? I think he is right. It is a struggle and not very relaxed from what I can tell. There are many battles and not much respect for opponents, either.

The culture of the NBA teams doesn't seem to be like a family to me. One team that does seem to have a sense of relaxed family and continuity to it is the San Antonio Spurs. Guys they like stay a while with the team.

Jan was a good find for Ernie Grunfeld. I like his perspective.

I think it's true about the United States right now. People are just in general slightly more tense, intense, worried about their job, trying to pay bills, less overall optimistic. Harder to kick loose and have a good time. I think in countries that have suffered significant strife when they have opportunity to party they cut loose and lose their collective mind. Here we're not used to being on that downslope and are clawing to stay in place despite having taken a few setbacks over the past decade or so. Hope is a rare commodity.

I have a few friends who are ex-Pats living in Prague. Loving the party culture of the Czech republic, or the bar scene anyway. The few Serbians I knew in NYC also had the sense that, once you were in their trusted inner circle anyway, you were family and drinks and singing were due in short order, no one was leaving until everyone passed out. Might have just been the dudes I knew.

One reason why I like the quotes of players under Witt. Chemistry is a rare commodity, and players who are both focused, hard-working and who stick together offcourt enjoying each others' company, -- that gives a decent jumpstart to a team that communicates well oncourt, shows up early to put in work, etc. Jan had both a language and cultural barrier, but with continued good atmosphere would probably change his mind about the basketball aspect of all that. And of course, wins go a long way to changing a vibe.

[SuitedAce]

My guesses at who said what.

Exit Interviews
Posted on April 29, 2012

I had the opportunity to speak to a few of our Wizards players on Friday as they prepared to leave for home and begin to prepare for next season. Everyone noted how important this off season was to them individually and to our franchise. They also noted how different the team culture had become and how uplifted they were by the last 20 games of the season and the progress they all saw in each other and as a team.

I was pleasantly surprised by the positive discussions with several players. Here are a few highlights via verbatim notes:

“The last 20 games or so of the season were the most fun I have ever had. This is a tight and great group of guys to play with. We hang out together on the road. It is really enjoyable to play for this team. Everyone wants everyone to be successful.”

Nene

“This is a serious no nonsense locker room now. We can’t wait to come back and play next season. This is our business. We don’t take it lightly.”



“No one cared about stats – only team victories. If we had had another 12 games to play I think we could have won more than half of them. This is a totally different team now. We are all excited about next season.”

Seraphin/b]

“Nene is one of the best big men in the East. I really didn’t know how good he was to have an inside presence now changes everything. We have so much great spacing now. He really knows the game. He is a great guy. I think if we had had him all of this season we would have made the playoffs.”

[b]Mo Evans

“We are all getting ready for next season. We will work out together and practice together in the off season. You get us a few more pieces and some additional vet presence and we will be a vastly improved team. We will surprise everyone. I will get stronger and know what I have to work on and I promise you I will and I am so positive about how much I can improve alongside my teammates.”

Wall or possibly Crawford

“My coach had confidence in me and gave me minutes. I worked hard for him and my teammates. I know I can play now and contribute. I am very grateful.”


Vesely possibly Seraphin

“It was like a light switch was turned on. We knew we could win games and be tough to play against if we played like a group and played hard and played man up tough defense. We are athletic and smart now. We know how to win. This will carry over to next season.”

Singleton

“I love my teammates."


“First time I have ever been around a group of guys that don’t care about their own stats. They only care about the team. This is a good change and they respect the coach and staff. We want to get better.”


Cook?


“I was surprised at how much talent was on the team. We make some smart moves this off season. We will be a dangerous team. No one will want to play against us because we are big, young, and fast and we really like to play defense. We get at it.”

Lewis maybe?

This here.[/quote]

[leswizards]

I am always overly optimistic about the Wizards before the season starts, and this season is no different. I am hopeful the Wizards can be one of the biggest surprises in the East next season, and win 50 plus games and go past the first round in the playoffs.

Here are the things that realistically can and need to happen for the Wizards to achieve that goal:

1. Nene needs to be healthy and used only as a center, and continue to produce as he always has produced when used primarily as a center.
2. Okafor has to accept that his minutes will be limited to primarily the back up center spot, and he needs to produce no less than he did last season, but hopefully his game can rebound a little.
3. Bradley Beal has to have a strong rookie season, and earn the starting SG spot.
4. It would be awesome if this were John Wall's breakout season, but I am content for him to just keep making the steady improvements he has made over his first two seasons.
5. Jordan Crawford has to become a more efficient scorer, and with the influx of talent on the team, I think he is going to have less opportunities to take bad shots.
6. 82games.com says that when used exclusively as a PF, Kevin Seraphin is a well above average PF. With the addition of Okafor, I am hopeful that Seraphin will be used exclusively as a PF, and have a breakout season. (I recognize that many people have problems with 82games.com data, but it is the only data that I have available that breaks down production by position.)
7. Melvin Booker has to get over his foot problems and provide the solid contributions he is capable of at PF.
8. Whoever plays back up point guard, whether it is Mack, Price or Crawford have to be no worse than slightly below average.

I think all of the things I have mentioned above are realistic and probable. If they all pan out as a I hope, then the Wizards are no worse than average to well above average team at every position but SF.

That means the Wizards only hole is at SF. Here is what I hope pans out. Vesely made huge strides last season, and was very productive as a Power Forward. He spent all off season working on his jump shot. With the addition of Okafor, the minutes in the front court are very limited. I hope Vesely's improved jump shot will allow him to slide back to the SF position and be able to offer the kind of production there that he did at the PF. If he is capable of doing that, the Wizards will be solid at every position because Ariza is a very productive back up SF.

[Nivek]

7. Melvin Booker has to get over his foot problems and provide the solid contributions he is capable of at PF.

Might be a tough comeback for Melvin. The transition from PG to PF will be difficult for a 6-1 guy, especially for a guy who's 39 and hasn't played in the NBA for 15 years. Worth a shot, I guess.

[leswizards]

7. Melvin Booker has to get over his foot problems and provide the solid contributions he is capable of at PF.

Might be a tough comeback for Melvin. The transition from PG to PF will be difficult for a 6-1 guy, especially for a guy who's 39 and hasn't played in the NBA for 15 years. Worth a shot, I guess.

You say tomato, I say potato.

So what is the protocol. Do I edit it so I don't continue to look like a fool, or do I leave it so people will get what you are referring to?

[Nivek]

Don't worry about it. All in good fun.