How Grunfeld Does NOT Construct a Team

[Ruzious]

CCJ: Your post has me looking at the end of the first round, really for the first time. I think some of those teams later in the draft got some prospects with nice potential -- Wright to Toronto, Portis to Chicago, RHJ to Brooklyn, Hunter to Boston, Looney to GSW jump out.

Tyus Jones seems like a #SoTimberwolves selection.

I was expecting Flip to blow the draft, but I thought Minny shined - getting Towns and Jones. I'm guessing that by the end of the season, he'll be playing better than both Rubio and Lavine - unless Rubio suddenly develops a jump shot and good health. To me, Jones' PG instincts and BBIQ are off the charts.

[TheSecretWeapon]

CCJ: Your post has me looking at the end of the first round, really for the first time. I think some of those teams later in the draft got some prospects with nice potential -- Wright to Toronto, Portis to Chicago, RHJ to Brooklyn, Hunter to Boston, Looney to GSW jump out.

Tyus Jones seems like a #SoTimberwolves selection.

I was expecting Flip to blow the draft, but I thought Minny shined - getting Towns and Jones. I'm guessing that by the end of the season, he'll be playing better than both Rubio and Lavine - unless Rubio suddenly develops a jump shot and good health. To me, Jones' PG instincts and BBIQ are off the charts.

In the numbers, Jones didn't look very impressive, although YODA may have an irrational dislike for Duke guards. JJ Redick had one of the worst scores in YODA, and he's been a good pro. It wouldn't take much for Jones to be better than Lavine -- he was terrible. Good physical tools, very young, and seems to have a good attitude, so Lavine could/should improve. Rubio would be a bit tougher -- he's been decent when healthy despite the horrific shooting.

[Ruzious]

CCJ: Your post has me looking at the end of the first round, really for the first time. I think some of those teams later in the draft got some prospects with nice potential -- Wright to Toronto, Portis to Chicago, RHJ to Brooklyn, Hunter to Boston, Looney to GSW jump out.

Tyus Jones seems like a #SoTimberwolves selection.

I was expecting Flip to blow the draft, but I thought Minny shined - getting Towns and Jones. I'm guessing that by the end of the season, he'll be playing better than both Rubio and Lavine - unless Rubio suddenly develops a jump shot and good health. To me, Jones' PG instincts and BBIQ are off the charts.

In the numbers, Jones didn't look very impressive, although YODA may have an irrational dislike for Duke guards. JJ Redick had one of the worst scores in YODA, and he's been a good pro. It wouldn't take much for Jones to be better than Lavine -- he was terrible. Good physical tools, very young, and seems to have a good attitude, so Lavine could/should improve. Rubio would be a bit tougher -- he's been decent when healthy despite the horrific shooting.

A dislike for anything Duke makes YODA more endearing. But what sticks out statistically imo about Jones is his 3/1 assist/to ratio as an 18 year old - switching between the point and the 2. Granted, it helped having Okafor to throw the ball to, but Jones also helped Okafor.

[TheSecretWeapon]

I was expecting Flip to blow the draft, but I thought Minny shined - getting Towns and Jones. I'm guessing that by the end of the season, he'll be playing better than both Rubio and Lavine - unless Rubio suddenly develops a jump shot and good health. To me, Jones' PG instincts and BBIQ are off the charts.

In the numbers, Jones didn't look very impressive, although YODA may have an irrational dislike for Duke guards. JJ Redick had one of the worst scores in YODA, and he's been a good pro. It wouldn't take much for Jones to be better than Lavine -- he was terrible. Good physical tools, very young, and seems to have a good attitude, so Lavine could/should improve. Rubio would be a bit tougher -- he's been decent when healthy despite the horrific shooting.

A dislike for anything Duke makes YODA more endearing. But what sticks out statistically imo about Jones is his 3/1 assist/to ratio as an 18 year old - switching between the point and the 2. Granted, it helped having Okafor to throw the ball to, but Jones also helped Okafor.

The ast/to ratio is in Jones' favor. As is his very high FT% and solid 3pt%.

On the other hand, he got few rebounds, even for a PG, and his steals were low for a PG. Two stat indicators for athleticism are 2pt% and steals, and he was low in both categories.

"Didn't look impressive" is probably too harsh. There are positives in his numbers and causes for concern. On balance, he still rated as a first round pick, and Minnesota chose him about where I had him ranked.

[payitforward]

Since we are looking back at the draft...

I whiffed on Cliff Alexander who has tremendous physical tools but seems to have no understanding of the game whatever. I went back and forth with someone about him vs. Rakeem Christmas. He too has been awful in SL (.21 shooting???).

I look to have been right about Alan Williams, otoh; he went undrafted and has killed it in SL, so that people are saying he'll wind up on the Houston roster. I wish it was ours....

Richaun Holmes broke his elbow in his 3d game. Hard to imagine what that must be for someone who has been so focused for so long.... Got to feel for the kid.

[Higga]

I don't think Grunfeld is a terrible GM per se. I think he's just...average. He'll never think outside the box and he seems to lack foresight/vision, although the moves he's made recently make it seem like he has a clue reg. the whole Durant/2016 scenario. But even then, seems like he picked up on it really slow.

[closg00]

I don't think Grunfeld is a terrible GM per se. I think he's just...average. He'll never think outside the box and he seems to lack foresight/vision, although the moves he's made recently make it seem like he has a clue reg. the whole Durant/2016 scenario. But even then, seems like he picked up on it really slow.

Sounds terrible, is terrible. So-what, he knows how to use a trade calculator, he doesn't know how to construct a team. No vision, no foresight. Agree100%

[ptptpt]

Ernie Grunfeld's roster building has always been a question mark.

As it is Ernie prefers perimeter players who can run and shoot as you can see with his history of picking up players in the likes of Latrell Sprewell, John Starks, Ray Allen, Sam Cassel, Glen Robinson, Michael Redd, Tim Thomas, Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Bradley Beal and even Wall (even though Wall is not nearly as good of a shooter as any of the above mentioned). It seems as though he prefers his players to shoot and score a lot of points, which is cool.

No idea about defense though. This is bad. We can even see this with his roster building. Out of the likes of Nene, Emeka Okafor, Etan Thomas, Michael Ruffin, Jamison, Brendan Haywood, Marcin Gortat, Joel Pryzbilla, Ervin Johnson (Not Magic), Jason Caffey, Scott Williams maybe Haywood, Nene, Okafor and Ervin Johnson were pretty good decent defensively. His eye for big men is very lacking. So lacking in fact that it has become not only a weakness but almost a burden. Most these players aren't great post scorers and don't dominate defensively either. When you don't have dominant defensive bigs in a high tempo offense, you do not win games.

Good news about Ernie, the past three years we have had a team in the top 10 in defensive rating. This is the first time Ernie has done this since the Knicks days when he had a HOF in Ewing manning the middle. Bad news is Grunfeld has yet to build a 50+ win roster with the Wizards franchise. He should be held accountable for that.

Even with the Wizards being in the running for the KD sweepstakes, the main goal should always be progress. A lot of times, Ernie's idea of progression is staying pat and waiting on team chemistry. Waiting on team chemistry does not always equal to championships. In Ernie's case it has yet to produce a 50 win roster with this franchise. This season is no different. The goal this season should not be to tread water for a chance to get a player. The players on this team should only be focused on achieving better results this year. A 50 win season is within reach. Eastern conference finals is within reach. Both of these things should be main goals for this upcoming season. Anything less is failure. This team cannot stand pat and wait on chemistry much longer. If there is an opportunity to get a good player in a trade, Ernie should do it.

[dckingsfan]

I don't think Grunfeld is a terrible GM per se. I think he's just...average. He'll never think outside the box and he seems to lack foresight/vision, although the moves he's made recently make it seem like he has a clue reg. the whole Durant/2016 scenario. But even then, seems like he picked up on it really slow.

I think he was terrible and trending toward average

[Kanyewest]

Ernie Grunfeld's roster building has always been a question mark.

As it is Ernie prefers perimeter players who can run and shoot as you can see with his history of picking up players in the likes of Latrell Sprewell, John Starks, Ray Allen, Sam Cassel, Glen Robinson, Michael Redd, Tim Thomas, Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Bradley Beal and even Wall (even though Wall is not nearly as good of a shooter as any of the above mentioned). It seems as though he prefers his players to shoot and score a lot of points, which is cool.

No idea about defense though. This is bad. We can even see this with his roster building. Out of the likes of Nene, Emeka Okafor, Etan Thomas, Michael Ruffin, Jamison, Brendan Haywood, Marcin Gortat, Joel Pryzbilla, Ervin Johnson (Not Magic), Jason Caffey, Scott Williams maybe Haywood, Nene, Okafor and Ervin Johnson were pretty good decent defensively. His eye for big men is very lacking. So lacking in fact that it has become not only a weakness but almost a burden. Most these players aren't great post scorers and don't dominate defensively either. When you don't have dominant defensive bigs in a high tempo offense, you do not win games.
.

Grunfeld did get Marcus Camby and Larry Johnson with the Knicks and the Knicks made it to the NBA finals without Ewing.

EG could certainly stand to improve in this category with the Wizards. I will say that Gortat's contract is looking not so bad given what other centers are making this offseason. I do think an upgrade at the 4 is needed. Here's hoping Nene can play well in a contract year.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Ernie Grunfeld's roster building has always been a question mark.

As it is Ernie prefers perimeter players who can run and shoot as you can see with his history of picking up players in the likes of Latrell Sprewell, John Starks, Ray Allen, Sam Cassel, Glen Robinson, Michael Redd, Tim Thomas, Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Bradley Beal and even Wall (even though Wall is not nearly as good of a shooter as any of the above mentioned). It seems as though he prefers his players to shoot and score a lot of points, which is cool.

No idea about defense though. This is bad. We can even see this with his roster building. Out of the likes of Nene, Emeka Okafor, Etan Thomas, Michael Ruffin, Jamison, Brendan Haywood, Marcin Gortat, Joel Pryzbilla, Ervin Johnson (Not Magic), Jason Caffey, Scott Williams maybe Haywood, Nene, Okafor and Ervin Johnson were pretty good decent defensively. His eye for big men is very lacking. So lacking in fact that it has become not only a weakness but almost a burden. Most these players aren't great post scorers and don't dominate defensively either. When you don't have dominant defensive bigs in a high tempo offense, you do not win games.

Good news about Ernie, the past three years we have had a team in the top 10 in defensive rating. This is the first time Ernie has done this since the Knicks days when he had a HOF in Ewing manning the middle. Bad news is Grunfeld has yet to build a 50+ win roster with the Wizards franchise. He should be held accountable for that.

Even with the Wizards being in the running for the KD sweepstakes, the main goal should always be progress. A lot of times, Ernie's idea of progression is staying pat and waiting on team chemistry. Waiting on team chemistry does not always equal to championships. In Ernie's case it has yet to produce a 50 win roster with this franchise. This season is no different. The goal this season should not be to tread water for a chance to get a player. The players on this team should only be focused on achieving better results this year. A 50 win season is within reach. Eastern conference finals is within reach. Both of these things should be main goals for this upcoming season. Anything less is failure. This team cannot stand pat and wait on chemistry much longer. If there is an opportunity to get a good player in a trade, Ernie should do it.

Despite my scathing criticisms and vitriol I must agree with you, jayscott, that he's done his best defensive work the past three years.

How in world have the Wizards not even sniffed 50 wins, but EG has been GM the past 12 years?

They need to IMO pull the ultimate KD-attractor move and replace Ernie with Troy Weaver.

Before that I think Washington should offer Nene and several future picks for Cousins. I would probably offer Beal (however, not if he is willing to sign an early extension that is reasonably priced) but I would not deal Porter.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

CCJ: Your post has me looking at the end of the first round, really for the first time. I think some of those teams later in the draft got some prospects with nice potential -- Wright to Toronto, Portis to Chicago, RHJ to Brooklyn, Hunter to Boston, Looney to GSW jump out.

Tyus Jones seems like a #SoTimberwolves selection.

I was expecting Flip to blow the draft, but I thought Minny shined - getting Towns and Jones. I'm guessing that by the end of the season, he'll be playing better than both Rubio and Lavine - unless Rubio suddenly develops a jump shot and good health. To me, Jones' PG instincts and BBIQ are off the charts.

Flip has achieved a lot. He's got a lineup that is loaded with talent.

I think he should trade both Rubio and Kevin Martin within a couple seasons.

Shabazz Muhammed and Gorgui Dieng also have quite a bit of talent.

[Ruzious]

CCJ: Your post has me looking at the end of the first round, really for the first time. I think some of those teams later in the draft got some prospects with nice potential -- Wright to Toronto, Portis to Chicago, RHJ to Brooklyn, Hunter to Boston, Looney to GSW jump out.

Tyus Jones seems like a #SoTimberwolves selection.

I was expecting Flip to blow the draft, but I thought Minny shined - getting Towns and Jones. I'm guessing that by the end of the season, he'll be playing better than both Rubio and Lavine - unless Rubio suddenly develops a jump shot and good health. To me, Jones' PG instincts and BBIQ are off the charts.

Flip has achieved a lot. He's got a lineup that is loaded with talent.

I think he should trade both Rubio and Kevin Martin within a couple seasons.

Shabazz Muhammed and Gorgui Dieng also have quite a bit of talent.

Bazz seems to be turning out pretty well. I thought he was going to be pretty much a bust. Diengs' a good backup.

I never liked Rubio - Yes, trade him, or otherwise you end up over-paying him. Lavine is a true enigma. He's not a PG and a little small for the 2, but he's so talented - he should be a good basketball player, but I'm not sure he has the mentality to play under control. When he's on, he's spectacular.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I was expecting Flip to blow the draft, but I thought Minny shined - getting Towns and Jones. I'm guessing that by the end of the season, he'll be playing better than both Rubio and Lavine - unless Rubio suddenly develops a jump shot and good health. To me, Jones' PG instincts and BBIQ are off the charts.

Flip has achieved a lot. He's got a lineup that is loaded with talent.

I think he should trade both Rubio and Kevin Martin within a couple seasons.

Shabazz Muhammed and Gorgui Dieng also have quite a bit of talent.

Bazz seems to be turning out pretty well. I thought he was going to be pretty much a bust. Diengs' a good backup.

I never liked Rubio - Yes, trade him, or otherwise you end up over-paying him. Lavine is a true enigma. He's not a PG and a little small for the 2, but he's so talented - he should be a good basketball player, but I'm not sure he has the mentality to play under control. When he's on, he's spectacular.

Lavine's a sixth man in my book.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Jarrid Famous was good enough to sign with the Mavericks.
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/238805/Jarrid-Famous-Agrees-Upon-One-Year-Deal-With-Mavs

In four games in Las Vegas this month, Famous averaged 12.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 57.7 percent shooting from the field. Before summer league, Famous scored 31.1 points and grabbed 24.3 rebounds a night over seven games in the Philippine Basketball Association.

The Mavericks held Famous' D-League rights in 2014-15, when he averaged 18.1 points, 14.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 17 games for the Texas Legends.

Ernie Grunfeld, nah, don't ever be the first to sign a guy.

[closg00]

*BUMP*


#FireErnie ~ Because he believed Stephen Curry couldn't help us and Jan Vesely could.