Predict the Eastern Conference Standings

[hands11]

Look back 9 years if you want, Ted didn't look at it that way. He looked at it the way I am posting.

I defy you to prove this statement. It's equally possible that Ted felt that the team wasn't in a position where immediate change was going to do much good so he would bide his time and wait to make a move once he understood the league a little more. I have a very hard time that a new boss would come in and would complete disregard any results from past ownership. They might not use them as a reason to let somebody go immediately but they also will not completely ignore them.

I agree. I don't think he completely ignored that. But the results say, he didn't give those years as much weight as his accumulated personal knowledge of things and his own first hand experience with EG once he was the known owner. Lets remember, Ted was a part owner before he is the majority owner. Its not like he had no knowledge of what was happening and why.

What a two year extension tells me is this. I know some stuff others don't. And so far we seem to be working well together. I will give you a reasonable amount of time but I'm not completely sold yet. I'll give you two years and lets see how things look then.

Ted holds all the cards. If EG does really well with him, he keeps him. If the Wiz get some first round playoffs over the two years but not looking like that can get farther, he should have better options at GM with the added success/exposure.

[payitforward]

All things being equal, I think most expect them to be better this year. ...

IMO, that's kind of the problem. "Better" than what? After all, we have been just awful.

It is a *hard thing* to build a contender in a (relatively) small market by rebuilding through youth, the draft and cap flexibility. To me, it looks like Ted blinked. It looks like he told Ernie "make us respectable, mediocre, something." After all, he might have been thinking, only a few teams ever really contend.

So, yes, we'll be "better." But for that "better" we'll have traded our chance to be really good.

Keep in mind that Ernie used to say, over and over, "when we are healthy we can compete with anyone." You'll hear that again, I am sure.

But I don't want "can compete with anyone." I want to actually win something, or at least actually to try to win something. Forgive me, but that's not what we're doing when we acquire guys like Okafor and Ariza and fill out the roster with marginal players who have no chance whatever to improve or make a difference.

When we win 35 games this year, if we reach that or near that, Ernie will be able to say "another step forward." But it won't be that. It'll be a step backwards.

Dispute the statement if you like. But remember it please when that is exactly how things turn out.

[hands11]

All things being equal, I think most expect them to be better this year. ...

IMO, that's kind of the problem. "Better" than what? After all, we have been just awful.

It is a *hard thing* to build a contender in a (relatively) small market by rebuilding through youth, the draft and cap flexibility. To me, it looks like Ted blinked. It looks like he told Ernie "make us respectable, mediocre, something." After all, he might have been thinking, only a few teams ever really contend.

So, yes, we'll be "better." But for that "better" we'll have traded our chance to be really good.

Keep in mind that Ernie used to say, over and over, "when we are healthy we can compete with anyone." You'll hear that again, I am sure.

But I don't want "can compete with anyone." I want to actually win something, or at least actually to try to win something. Forgive me, but that's not what we're doing when we acquire guys like Okafor and Ariza and fill out the roster with marginal players who have no chance whatever to improve or make a difference.

When we win 35 games this year, if we reach that or near that, Ernie will be able to say "another step forward." But it won't be that. It'll be a step backwards.

Dispute the statement if you like. But remember it please when that is exactly how things turn out.

PIF

I was just trying to be positive with out stating my prediction again. I was hoping that general positive statement would fly. lol

The season will start soon enough. I think most of us have stated our predictions. Its cool. I get why people see things from both sides and the middle. We are all speculating. But I think as Wizards fans, we all obviously want to see a winning year. And if that doesn't happen, I know folks like you will be there to cushion the disappointment of us that were more hopeful.

[hands11]

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/9/20 ... -2012-2013

The Washington Wizards have just released the team's complete 2012-2013 training camp and media availability schedule. Media Day will take place on October 1, with training camp beginning the following morning at 10 AM and lasting through October 9. Practices and events will take place at George Mason University's Patriot Center, with an exhibition game in Charlotte against the Bobcats scheduled for October 7.

The complete schedule is as follows:

[payitforward]

All things being equal, I think most expect them to be better this year. ...

IMO, that's kind of the problem. "Better" than what? After all, we have been just awful.

It is a *hard thing* to build a contender in a (relatively) small market by rebuilding through youth, the draft and cap flexibility. To me, it looks like Ted blinked. It looks like he told Ernie "make us respectable, mediocre, something." After all, he might have been thinking, only a few teams ever really contend.

So, yes, we'll be "better." But for that "better" we'll have traded our chance to be really good.

Keep in mind that Ernie used to say, over and over, "when we are healthy we can compete with anyone." You'll hear that again, I am sure.

But I don't want "can compete with anyone." I want to actually win something, or at least actually to try to win something. Forgive me, but that's not what we're doing when we acquire guys like Okafor and Ariza and fill out the roster with marginal players who have no chance whatever to improve or make a difference.

When we win 35 games this year, if we reach that or near that, Ernie will be able to say "another step forward." But it won't be that. It'll be a step backwards.

Dispute the statement if you like. But remember it please when that is exactly how things turn out.

PIF

I was just trying to be positive with out stating my prediction again. I was hoping that general positive statement would fly. lol

The season will start soon enough. I think most of us have stated our predictions. Its cool. I get why people see things from both sides and the middle. We are all speculating. But I think as Wizards fans, we all obviously want to see a winning year. And if that doesn't happen, I know folks like you will be there to cushion the disappointment of us that were more hopeful.

Ok ok -- I'll stop!

Can't wait for TC to begin. In the meantime, how about those Nats!!

[nate33]

Here's a fair breakdown of the Wizards' chances via hoopsworld:

http://www.hoopsworld.com/2012-2013-was ... n-preview/

[hands11]

Nats and Os. I don't know what to think. Is this really DC ?

We now have 4 teams that are playoff worthy when you add the Caps and Ravens.

Now if we can get the Skins, Terps and Wiz on board that would be pretty sweet.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Here's a fair breakdown of the Wizards' chances via hoopsworld:

http://www.hoopsworld.com/2012-2013-was ... n-preview/

To help anybody else with their season predictions, here is a link to all of Hoopsworld's team previews: http://www.hoopsworld.com/

Guys, I've got such an obsession over the Bobcats that I might place a wager if I can that they're going to have a much better record than predicted. I NEVER bet and I would only do so sensibly if I did.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/2012-2013-cha ... n-preview/

With his ability to get to the basket at will and create open opportunities for others, newcomer Ramon Sessions might be the Bobcats best option at the point to open up the season. In 19 starts to close out the 2012 regular season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Sessions averaged nearly 13 points and over six assists per running the show in LA. In talking with Lakers’ shooting guard Kobe Bryant late last season, the five-time NBA Champ couldn’t help but praise the 26-year old Sessions for how much pressure he took off Bryant last year.

[hands11]

Here's a fair breakdown of the Wizards' chances via hoopsworld:

http://www.hoopsworld.com/2012-2013-was ... n-preview/

Preseason should answer some interesting questions. One of the big ones is, how will they line up in the front court. Will Nene and Okafor both play center with Ves, Kevin and Booker manning the PF.

There are lots of ways this roster rotation could line up. I'm not going to just assume they do something like Okafor, Nene, TA, Crawford and Wall. Maybe they do. Personally, I'm just going to wait and see what they do because I have no idea. They do have options and Randy doesn't seem to be the conventional follow the herd play it safe type.

For me, I want to best defensive team starting. Come out of the gate by getting the other team to turn it over and get them out of them game. And run. Then come in with more of the vet and let their experience mismatch against other teams weaker second unit. This is how they ended last year.

This roster has good defensive players depth which give you options. They may not have big three super stars, but they do have other advantages.

I still think this team is poised to surprise a lot of people in a good way.

[hands11]

Question....

As objectively as possible... how does the front court rank up defensively against other teams.

Who have a better front 5 defensibly. While there are top flight stars, collectively I like this group defensively.


Nene, Okafor, Kevin S, Booker and Vesely.

That group brings some muscle, athleticism, and defensive talent and attitude.

Blocking
Oak is a career 1.8 per game. Kevin 1.33 last year. His march numbers were 1.7. Thats Okafor territory. Nene was 1.2 as a Wiz. Booker was 0.9 and Ves got better as the year went on ending March with 0.7. That a nice shoot blocking group. They are athletic and have good timing. Book and Ves are good weakside help.

Muscle and physical
Lots of that. And Ves did get a lot stronger by the end of the year. They got some real physical players.

Position and help D
Again, I think they rank really high across the board so as a group that should bring it. All those player will move their feet and there is lots of defensive smarts and focus.

Rebounding.
Okafor is 11.0/36 Nene and Booker are solid rebounders 10.5 and 9.3 per 36. Kev is 8.6/36 and should get better. Ves was 8.3/36 and ended the year strong. Collectively I think they will all help each other to rebound well by boxing out. No real weak link. no true monsters. But as a group. I like it.

Now when you add how good I think they will be with the SF extending the D along with Beal, Wall and others on the guards, I start thinking we may have a shut down D.

But for this comparison, let just compare the front court defensively compared to others.

Nene, Okafor, Kevin S, Booker and Vesely.

I see a group picture before to long. I could just be a homer but I see some real potential as a group.

[closg00]

Fact or fiction: The Bobcats will finish with the worst record in the NBA this season.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/b ... z27KnnVl00

Continuing the Bobcats discussion.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Fact or fiction: The Bobcats will finish with the worst record in the NBA this season.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/b ... z27KnnVl00

Continuing the Bobcats discussion.

All those experts told opinions based on 7 wins last season. They note that both the offense got better and the defense improved but then in a sentence or two say the other teams didn't take a step back. How can you say Phoenix didn't take a step back? How does Thomas Robinson make Sacramento better? What makes the Pistons better? Andre Drummond? Corey Maggette? The Magic will have a worse record than the Bobcats. The Bulls won't have the worst record because of their coach, but they lost Korver, Brewer, and Lucas III, and still won't have Rose healthy. Early on, their record will be terrible. The Raptors made no moves to improve them drastically. Last, the Wizards didnt' add shooters. There are many more winnable games. The guys who all parroted one another didn't impress me one bit, closg00.

Experts didn't have much to say about Faried this time last year.

They are wrong. The Bobcats need to start Sessions at PG, and if they do their record will be dramatically improved.

[dobrojim]

Beal isn't a shooter?

[dobrojim]

Fact or fiction: The Bobcats will finish with the worst record in the NBA this season.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/b ... z27KnnVl00

Continuing the Bobcats discussion.

Did one of those guys actually mention Shart as an asset for the Heat?
I have a hard time taking anyone seriously who talks like that.

The MIN talk was interesting but then someone mentioned Stiemsma and
I had the same thought re ^ Shart/MIA except MIA doesn't need Shart for anything.

[verbal8]

I think their improvement has been from an historically bad team to a "normal" cellar dweller. They really don't look too different from the Cavs the season before they got LeBron James. Even Lebron James as a rookie only improved an 18 win team to a 35 win one. The pre-Lebron Cavs had twice as many wins as the Bobcats(adjusted for season length).

I think Walker will improve, I think Bismark will be better and I think MKG will be pretty good for a rookie. Even with pleasant surprises from Sessions and Gordon, I don't see a team threatening to make the play-offs.

Fact or fiction: The Bobcats will finish with the worst record in the NBA this season.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/b ... z27KnnVl00

Continuing the Bobcats discussion.

All those experts told opinions based on 7 wins last season. They note that both the offense got better and the defense improved but then in a sentence or two say the other teams didn't take a step back. How can you say Phoenix didn't take a step back? How does Thomas Robinson make Sacramento better? What makes the Pistons better? Andre Drummond? Corey Maggette? The Magic will have a worse record than the Bobcats. The Bulls won't have the worst record because of their coach, but they lost Korver, Brewer, and Lucas III, and still won't have Rose healthy. Early on, their record will be terrible. The Raptors made no moves to improve them drastically. Last, the Wizards didnt' add shooters. There are many more winnable games. The guys who all parroted one another didn't impress me one bit, closg00.

Experts didn't have much to say about Faried this time last year.

They are wrong. The Bobcats need to start Sessions at PG, and if they do their record will be dramatically improved.

[hands11]

Question....

As objectively as possible... how does the front court rank up defensively against other teams.

Who have a better front 5 defensibly. While there are top flight stars, collectively I like this group defensively.


Nene, Okafor, Kevin S, Booker and Vesely.

That group brings some muscle, athleticism, and defensive talent and attitude.

Blocking
Oak is a career 1.8 per game. Kevin 1.33 last year. His march numbers were 1.7. Thats Okafor territory. Nene was 1.2 as a Wiz. Booker was 0.9 and Ves got better as the year went on ending March with 0.7. That a nice shoot blocking group. They are athletic and have good timing. Book and Ves are good weakside help.

Muscle and physical
Lots of that. And Ves did get a lot stronger by the end of the year. They got some real physical players.

Position and help D
Again, I think they rank really high across the board so as a group that should bring it. All those player will move their feet and there is lots of defensive smarts and focus.

Rebounding.
Okafor is 11.0/36 Nene and Booker are solid rebounders 10.5 and 9.3 per 36. Kev is 8.6/36 and should get better. Ves was 8.3/36 and ended the year strong. Collectively I think they will all help each other to rebound well by boxing out. No real weak link. no true monsters. But as a group. I like it.

Now when you add how good I think they will be with the SF extending the D along with Beal, Wall and others on the guards, I start thinking we may have a shut down D.

But for this comparison, let just compare the front court defensively compared to others.

Nene, Okafor, Kevin S, Booker and Vesely.

I see a group picture before to long. I could just be a homer but I see some real potential as a group.

I'll try again. So who has a better defensive 5 front court.

[fugop]

I really like our defensive potential at the 4/5. I think we might have a few weaknesses -- we don't really have a guy I would characterize as a good weakside shot blocker, and we may have some trouble with defensive rebounding. But Nene and Vesely should be good on the pick and roll, and I don't have any concerns about Okafor and Nene as individual defenders.

http://bkref.com/tiny/HigXP

James/Bosh/Haslem is probably better.

I think Deng/Gibson/Noah is a better 3/4/5 defensive rotation, but Boozer and the loss of Asik introduce some question into their overall FC defense.

Mbah a Moute, Ilyasova and Dalembert are a comparable rotation. Sanders is interesting off the bench (>4 Blk/36, >7 PF/36), and Henson should be a competent rookie.

[hands11]

I really like our defensive potential at the 4/5. I think we might have a few weaknesses -- we don't really have a guy I would characterize as a good weakside shot blocker, and we may have some trouble with defensive rebounding. But Nene and Vesely should be good on the pick and roll, and I don't have any concerns about Okafor and Nene as individual defenders.

http://bkref.com/tiny/HigXP

James/Bosh/Haslem is probably better.

I think Deng/Gibson/Noah is a better 3/4/5 defensive rotation, but Boozer and the loss of Asik introduce some question into their overall FC defense.

Mbah a Moute, Ilyasova and Dalembert are a comparable rotation. Sanders is interesting off the bench (>4 Blk/36, >7 PF/36), and Henson should be a competent rookie.

Thanks for chiming in Fugop

James is a 3 so that doesn't count when comparing just the 4s and 5s against other teams.

I was just wondering how people saw our 4s and 5s against other teams. Is there a team that has a better roster of them defensively. Five deep is the Wizards strength.

As for weak side blocking, I think Ves and Booker are a pretty good there. Both are quick. Book is a great leaper and quick. Ves has length and good court awareness. Kevin is pretty good as well. He is quick for a powerful big guy.

Defensive rebounding is going to be a tandem effort. Like when Nene boxes out so someone else can get it. Okafor is pretty good defensive rebounder. And Ves got better at the end of the year. I think they will collectively do much better at that this year.

Mbah a Moute, Ilyasova, Dalembert, Sanders and Henson

vs

Nene, Okafor, Kevin, Veslely and Booker

You think the top group is better defensively then the bottom ?

[closg00]

James does play the 4 sometimes, that's why he worked on his post-moves.

[hands11]

James does play the 4 sometimes, that's why he worked on his post-moves.

How often do you think he is in as the PF ? As a percentage. Just wondering. I had always thought of him as lining up at the SF.