Wizards Sign Martell Webster

tontoz · Post #381 » by **tontoz** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 6:33 pm

It may not be an issue of splitting hairs. To me it is more of an issue of having another good option if Webster signs elsewhere. I didn't even know he was a free agent.

Having CS and JV stuck on the roster another year definitely sucks.

jivelikenice · Post #382 » by **jivelikenice** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 8:32 pm

Nate, I don't think its a wish that players shoot better w/ Wall on the court. Ariza, Webster, to a lesser degree Beal all prove that. Even Price shoots better when he shares the court with Wall cause he gets uncontested looks.

I agree though that if it comes down to signing Martell for $4MM or Budinger for $3 MM, it makes sense to not split hairs and sign Martell. However if you're already looking at spending that much of your MLE, I would exhaust other options and see if better player can be had for the full MLE. Maybe Brewer isn't that guy, but there could be options available, especially if you include the RFA pool (Gerald Henderson) or expand beyond the SF position (Jarret Jack or Timothy Mosgov). Then you can look at a guy like Wes Johnson as a cheap replacement who can backup Ariza. I just want them to look at all options for the MLE before giving it to Webster.

Btw, no disagreement on not picking up the option for Vesely. Like you previously pointed out, at best if he develops he becomes a rotational backup commanding a $2-$3 MM salary so there's no reason to pick up the option at higher $.

WizTom · Post #383 » by **WizTom** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 8:34 pm

nate33 wrote:Webster's season was not a fluke. He played exactly like this two seasons ago (the last time he was healthy). Maybe him staying healthy is a fluke, maybe not, but his actual performance is within norms. I'm encouraged that he'll end up playing roughly 80 games this season, and his one major health issue, his abdominal strain, is unrelated to the back trouble he had previously. With that in mind, I don't think health concerns going forward are any more of a concern than they are for any other player.

I would retain Webster for the MLE. Obviously, I'd prefer to pay him a little less, but I'd rather see him signed to a 3-year MLE contract than let him walk. Another consideration is the fact that Ariza's contract expires next year. Ariza is a bigger name with a better pedigree so he is likely to cost more on the free agency market. It's better to sign the younger Webster to a $5M a year contract rather than be forced to pay Ariza $7M a year next summer.

Webster is a solid player. A legit starter, if not an above-average one. He's just 26 and will remain in his prime throughout his contract. He is a mid first round pick type of talent that we acquired for nothing. Why would you give that away? What exactly do you intend to do with that $5M a year you saved? Who is going to be a better value?

At least we know Webster wants to play here and he is a very positive locker room influence.

Uh oh. Have y'all seen this WaPo Wiz Insider today?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wiz ... al-strain/

Webster has been playing with soreness in his midsection for more than a month, explaining that he first began to experience discomfort on March 1, when the Wizards lost to New York. Using “mind over matter” — as he likes to say – Webster played through the pain, and even scored a career-high 34 points in a win over Phoenix, until he was later forced to leave in the third quarter of a loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Webster then sat the next two games and acknowledged recently that his back problems from the past two seasons may have contributed to his current ailment.

“It’s uncomfortable to do pretty much everything — running, jumping — but it’s part of the game,” Webster explained a few weeks ago........

Now I like Webster as much as the next guy, even to the extent that I hope they re-sign him with most or all of the MLE. But this makes me nervous. I hope his previous back problems don't lead to a succession of other injuries as he continues playing.

BigA · Post #384 » by **BigA** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 8:48 pm

nate33 wrote:<snip>What really needs to happen is that we must decline Vesely's 4th year option, and probably Singleton's too. Those guys ARE suck.

FIFY

Post #385 » by **nate33** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:07 pm

BigA wrote:
nate33 wrote:<snip>What really needs to happen is that we must decline Vesely's 4th year option, and probably Singleton's too. Those guys ARE suck.

FIFY

Thanks, BigA. That was careless of me.

Post #386 » by **nate33** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:10 pm

WizTom wrote:Uh oh. Have y'all seen this WaPo Wiz Insider today?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wiz ... al-strain/

Webster has been playing with soreness in his midsection for more than a month, explaining that he first began to experience discomfort on March 1, when the Wizards lost to New York. Using “mind over matter” — as he likes to say – Webster played through the pain, and even scored a career-high 34 points in a win over Phoenix, until he was later forced to leave in the third quarter of a loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Webster then sat the next two games and acknowledged recently that his back problems from the past two seasons may have contributed to his current ailment.

“It’s uncomfortable to do pretty much everything — running, jumping — but it’s part of the game,” Webster explained a few weeks ago........

Now I like Webster as much as the next guy, even to the extent that I hope they re-sign him with most or all of the MLE. But this makes me nervous. I hope his previous back problems don't lead to a succession of other injuries as he continues playing.

Good catch WizTom. That's very interesting. I wonder if the connection between the back problems and the abdominal strain is a medical opinion from Webster's doctors, or just his opinion. If there really is a connection, then it's cause for concern. I think that statement may have just lowered his price, or at least shortened the contract. Maybe make it a 3-year deal with a Team Option for Year 3.

On another note, you gotta give props for Webster playing through the pain, and playing really well (until the last couple of games).

sfam · Post #387 » by **sfam** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:37 pm

nate33 wrote:On another note, you gotta give props for Webster playing through the pain, and playing really well (until the last couple of games).

Webster even played well last night. He had 12 points or so when he left. I'm glad we're shutting him down. Now if Wall would just catch the flu before the Philly game, we'd be set!

likwitdesi · Post #388 » by **likwitdesi** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 2:50 am

He's a guy we should keep even if we have to pay $4M a year too, because of what he brings in the leadership / intangibles department that guys like Nene, Okafor and some of the other vets don't bring.

However, if we do let him go, the options mentioned previously make sense, but what about Luke Babbitt for the minimum? The guy will put up a 40% 3PG% with Wall and Beal around him

rl25g · Post #389 » by **rl25g** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 3:57 am

i would much rather try to trade for a swingman like Jared Dudley (not getting as much PT in Pheonix) and use the MLE on a third guard.

Post #390 » by **nate33** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 12:15 pm

rl25g wrote:i would much rather try to trade for a swingman like Jared Dudley (not getting as much PT in Pheonix) and use the MLE on a third guard.

Why not trade for a third guard and use the MLE on Webster?

zardsfan · Post #391 » by **zardsfan** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 3:01 pm

nate33 wrote:
rl25g wrote:i would much rather try to trade for a swingman like Jared Dudley (not getting as much PT in Pheonix) and use the MLE on a third guard.

Why not trade for a third guard and use the MLE on Webster?

+1

or even draft the third guard, even with the 1st round pick, especially if he can play both the 1 and the 2.

jivelikenice · Post #392 » by **jivelikenice** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 5:33 am

What third guards are available via trade? Marcus Thorton is out there but he'd tie up salary long term. You can save $ at SF because you already have Ariza who is a capable starter and there are cheaper options like Wes Johnson and Budinger out there who can do what Webster did this yr.

Post #393 » by **nate33** » Wed Apr 17, 2013 1:37 pm

jivelikenice wrote:What third guards are available via trade? Marcus Thorton is out there but he'd tie up salary long term. You can save $ at SF because you already have Ariza who is a capable starter and there are cheaper options like Wes Johnson and Budinger out there who can do what Webster did this yr.

Wes Johnson cannot do what Webster did. Johnson is a 32% 3-point shooter and has been a horrible player everywhere he has gone. Budinger might be a viable option, but we don't know yet if he'll come much cheaper than Webster. Kahn is desperate for shooting and probably doesn't want to let him go.

Also, Ariza is only under contract for one more year.

The available 3rd guard I would target is Luke Ridnoir.

There's also the Biannual Exception, worth $2M. That might be enough to get us a competent third guard.

willbcocks · Post #394 » by **willbcocks** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:48 am

I would prefer Budinger at the same price to be honest. I have fewer injury concerns, and I think he's slightly better as a player.

dangermouse · Post #395 » by **dangermouse** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 9:58 am

What does the board think are our chances of hanging on to Webby?

Could the Timberwolves try and snatch him back to use at SG?

Whos got cap room who might want to snag him, if he wants more than the MLE?

fishercob · Post #396 » by **fishercob** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:28 pm

Can we change this to the MART3LL W3BST3R appreciation thread? I absolutely love this guy.

http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos ... /index.jsp

Post #397 » by **nate33** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:14 pm

fishercob wrote:Can we change this to the MART3LL W3BST3R appreciation thread? I absolutely love this guy.

http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos ... /index.jsp

He's such a bright, articulate and likeable guy. He seems mature beyond his years but playful at the same time. They really must love him in the locker room. It's really hard to believe that he was ever labeled a low-bball-IQ player.

He could easily have a career in broadcasting when his basketball career is over.

fishercob · Post #398 » by **fishercob** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:17 pm

Yes, he could take over for Chenier!

hands11 · Post #399 » by **hands11** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 11:53 pm

fishercob wrote:Can we change this to the MART3LL W3BST3R appreciation thread? I absolutely love this guy.

http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos ... /index.jsp

LOL. Best interview in the league.

Telling Wall his butt crack is showing. :lol:

He seems to get along so well with Wall and Beal. He is always messing with them like a big brother. There is a real connection there. These dudes respect and care about each other.

If I didn't like him so much as a player for this team, man it would be cool if he was the GM.

I think we can pretty much pencil Webby in as back on the team. My jaw would drop if I heard they didn't sign him. He sounds like he is all in. Doesn't mind coming off the bench. Going to be working out with Wall on his jumper this summer. Beal also said he would be working out with Wall in his interview.

We saw what they could do when healthy. Webby speaks the truth. They just need depth. They have something nice they got started this year.

Now Ted/EG must have to take it to the next level. Something legit is going on here. And Webster is a part of that.

Wow, Webster making a strong statement at the end there. He say it have to happen now. They already did a rebuild. Sounds like the players want them to trade the pick.

payitforward · Post #400 » by **payitforward** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 1:47 am

nate33 wrote:
fishercob wrote:Can we change this to the MART3LL W3BST3R appreciation thread? I absolutely love this guy.

http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos ... /index.jsp

He's such a bright, articulate and likeable guy. He seems mature beyond his years but playful at the same time. They really must love him in the locker room. It's really hard to believe that he was ever labeled a low-bball-IQ player.

He could easily have a career in broadcasting when his basketball career is over.

It's a lock -- I think he'd be the best nba broadcaster on TV in two weeks if he started tomorrow. He is a very gifted young man. I hope he's a Wizard the rest of his career.

And, I agree as well in not seeing the "low basketball IQ" stuff. He didn't play that way this year, that's for sure -- and it's pretty obvious he has a high-everything IQ anyway.