Discuss Ernie Grunfeld's GM skills here (Part 2)

[AFM]

I assume you mean Ben Simmons and not Ben Wilson
Unless this is another CCJ 2nd round steal no ones ever heard of

[Ruzious]

Hey milellie111:

Please share this with Ernie Grunfeld. (Or anybody lurking who knows EG)

Instead of Ryan Hollins, how's about calling up CHRIS WALKER from the DLeague?

http://www.basketball-reference.com/dleague/players/w/walkech01d.html

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/01/16/chris-walker-florida-gators-billy-donovan-nba#comments

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/chris-walker

Freak athlete. Shot blocker. 6'10" and only 20 or 21. Destroying DLeague. In two or three seasons who knows? Some guys are like Rodman, late to bloom. Pippen wasn't an academic qualifier. This kid Walker seems like an EG pick. Talented physically.

This isn't rocket science. 10-day and in the words of Sandra Bullock from the Blind Side: "Thank me later."

If you like him let him continue to play in the DLeague all season but secure his rights. The guy is already doing very well there. He WILL be an NBA player soon, and perhaps a good one in time.

http://m.themonitor.com/sports/rio_grande_valley_vipers/walker-finds-opportunity-with-vipers/article_4ad8a674-90d1-11e5-9361-b358b5bc7d6b.html?mode=jqm


Added bonus: Micheal Gbinije in 2016 draft, round 2

I wouldn't do a 10 day on Walker, but he might be a guy you sign at the end of the season to a contract that includes a a couple of non-guaranteed years. He needs to gain weight and maturity before he's ready to play in the NBA, imo.

[payitforward]

No surprise to see Millie appear out of the ether while we were pasting the Cavs -- and *that was fun* I have to add!

Alas, poor soul, he assumed we'd beat the Lakers, and we disappointed him. Time to change the title of this thread: "Ernie Grunfeld a terrible GM, proves Millie wrong."

"Hollins is a good signing." -- Wow. Over the top wow.

[TheSecretWeapon]

No surprise to see Millie appear out of the ether while we were pasting the Cavs -- and *that was fun* I have to add!

Alas, poor soul, he assumed we'd beat the Lakers, and we disappointed him. Time to change the title of this thread: "Ernie Grunfeld a terrible GM, proves Millie wrong."

"Hollins is a good signing." -- Wow. Over the top wow.

Hollins IS a good signing -- he's actually an active basketball player. WAY better signing than Dave Hollins or Lionel Hollins to play this season.

Don't feel so smart now, do ya?

Do ya?!

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Hey milellie111:

Please share this with Ernie Grunfeld. (Or anybody lurking who knows EG)

Instead of Ryan Hollins, how's about calling up CHRIS WALKER from the DLeague?

http://www.basketball-reference.com/dleague/players/w/walkech01d.html

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/01/16/chris-walker-florida-gators-billy-donovan-nba#comments

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/chris-walker

Freak athlete. Shot blocker. 6'10" and only 20 or 21. Destroying DLeague. In two or three seasons who knows? Some guys are like Rodman, late to bloom. Pippen wasn't an academic qualifier. This kid Walker seems like an EG pick. Talented physically.

This isn't rocket science. 10-day and in the words of Sandra Bullock from the Blind Side: "Thank me later."

If you like him let him continue to play in the DLeague all season but secure his rights. The guy is already doing very well there. He WILL be an NBA player soon, and perhaps a good one in time.

http://m.themonitor.com/sports/rio_grande_valley_vipers/walker-finds-opportunity-with-vipers/article_4ad8a674-90d1-11e5-9361-b358b5bc7d6b.html?mode=jqm


Added bonus: Micheal Gbinije in 2016 draft, round 2

I wouldn't do a 10 day on Walker, but he might be a guy you sign at the end of the season to a contract that includes a a couple of non-guaranteed years. He needs to gain weight and maturity before he's ready to play in the NBA, imo.

Someone else will acquire his rights if you wait too long.

He's like Robert Covington more than Hassan Whiteside--athleticism is his forte and not sheer size with physicality plus athleticism.

Ruz, I respect your opinion. The thing I would do is burn a ten-day and practice him with Oubre side-by-side, because I think he's at the same ability level more or less. Might try to buy the diamond in raw state first for a change. If he's good enough sign him before another team figures this out.

I think he's big enough and mature enough. Christian Wood and Chris McCullough are NBA players. Why not Chris Walker based on his very early DLeague domination?

[closg00]

There is no way to predict the performance of this team. There are too many inconsistent players. I'm starting to wonder if it's a lack of professionalism.

Does anyone remember former Wiz Beat Writer Jay Glassie's bridge-burning blog titled "The Final Straw" from a few years ago?
I think the problem is an organizational listlessness that starts with how Ernie runs the Wizards. Here's a flashback from Glassie's article that has since been removed from the internet.

Ted Leonsis, as we’ve seen very clearly however, has no interest in building a title team. His interest is in proving anyone who ever questions him wrong. It’s why he called me into his office after I gave him a poor midseason grade last year (solely on the basis of allowing Grunfeld to further disembowel this organization – imagine what his grade would be now!). He can talk about wicked pixels and all that garbage all he wants – he had a chance to truly rebuild this franchise with John Wall, and instead he and his staff used John Wall as the reason to continue their sloth and cowardly operations. This is a franchise that is more terrified of winning because of the effort it entails, than it is of losing because they have become masters of blame and excuses. It is a toxic mess, one that Leonsis defends because he would rather be the last man standing on the faint hope that things will turn in his favor, than do the brave thing and pull the trigger when it’s clear the ship be sinking.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

AFM, I really want to be the next GMs (compensated consultant) consigliere.

In my perfect world, Ted Leonsis creates a lifetime position for Ernie Grunfeld. Danny Ferry becomes the new GM. I get the pleasure of meeting Bob Ferry. I've never golfed in my life but I'd caddy for Danny Ferry. I would (playfully/respectfully) crack on DeMatha and talk about my thoughts first time I saw him at New Carrolton Mall in his starter jacket. (DeMatha got all the calls!). He had a GF with him and during that time I had an awesome fiancée who I wish I'd married...

Any way, I'd be happy to help with advice, suggestions, dissenting opinion if asked and otherwise.

[Ruzious]

Hey milellie111:

Please share this with Ernie Grunfeld. (Or anybody lurking who knows EG)

Instead of Ryan Hollins, how's about calling up CHRIS WALKER from the DLeague?

http://www.basketball-reference.com/dleague/players/w/walkech01d.html

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/01/16/chris-walker-florida-gators-billy-donovan-nba#comments

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/chris-walker

Freak athlete. Shot blocker. 6'10" and only 20 or 21. Destroying DLeague. In two or three seasons who knows? Some guys are like Rodman, late to bloom. Pippen wasn't an academic qualifier. This kid Walker seems like an EG pick. Talented physically.

This isn't rocket science. 10-day and in the words of Sandra Bullock from the Blind Side: "Thank me later."

If you like him let him continue to play in the DLeague all season but secure his rights. The guy is already doing very well there. He WILL be an NBA player soon, and perhaps a good one in time.

http://m.themonitor.com/sports/rio_grande_valley_vipers/walker-finds-opportunity-with-vipers/article_4ad8a674-90d1-11e5-9361-b358b5bc7d6b.html?mode=jqm


Added bonus: Micheal Gbinije in 2016 draft, round 2

I wouldn't do a 10 day on Walker, but he might be a guy you sign at the end of the season to a contract that includes a a couple of non-guaranteed years. He needs to gain weight and maturity before he's ready to play in the NBA, imo.

Someone else will acquire his rights if you wait too long.

He's like Robert Covington more than Hassan Whiteside--athleticism is his forte and not sheer size with physicality plus athleticism.

Ruz, I respect your opinion. The thing I would do is burn a ten-day and practice him with Oubre side-by-side, because I think he's at the same ability level more or less. Might try to buy the diamond in raw state first for a change. If he's good enough sign him before another team figures this out.

I think he's big enough and mature enough. Christian Wood and Chris McCullough are NBA players. Why not Chris Walker based on his very early DLeague domination?

Covington's contract is exactly the kind of contract I'd try to sign him to. Philly got him for 4 years at basically league minimum dollars.

The reasons I don't think Walker is ready are because he was a HUGE disappointment in college - after being a very highly touted HS player - and he weighed in at 206 lbs at the combine. He has absolutely no perimeter game and no jump shot, so he's got to play 4/5 in the NBA. He should actually play to develop some kind of a game before joining an NBA team, imo. Doing well in 6 D League games shows potential, but it doesn't show he should be in the NBA.

[Ruzious]

There is no way to predict the performance of this team. There are too many inconsistent players. I'm starting to wonder if it's a lack of professionalism.

Does anyone remember former Wiz Beat Writer Jay Glassie's bridge-burning blog titled "The Final Straw" from a few years ago?
I think the problem is an organizational listlessness that starts with how Ernie runs the Wizards. Here's a flashback from Glassie's article that has since been removed from the internet.

Ted Leonsis, as we’ve seen very clearly however, has no interest in building a title team. His interest is in proving anyone who ever questions him wrong. It’s why he called me into his office after I gave him a poor midseason grade last year (solely on the basis of allowing Grunfeld to further disembowel this organization – imagine what his grade would be now!). He can talk about wicked pixels and all that garbage all he wants – he had a chance to truly rebuild this franchise with John Wall, and instead he and his staff used John Wall as the reason to continue their sloth and cowardly operations. This is a franchise that is more terrified of winning because of the effort it entails, than it is of losing because they have become masters of blame and excuses. It is a toxic mess, one that Leonsis defends because he would rather be the last man standing on the faint hope that things will turn in his favor, than do the brave thing and pull the trigger when it’s clear the ship be sinking.

Yes, and I loved it. Glassie was a guy who gave you a good analyses - whether or not it favored the Wiz players or organization. I really enjoyed his commentaries.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I wouldn't do a 10 day on Walker, but he might be a guy you sign at the end of the season to a contract that includes a a couple of non-guaranteed years. He needs to gain weight and maturity before he's ready to play in the NBA, imo.

Someone else will acquire his rights if you wait too long.

He's like Robert Covington more than Hassan Whiteside--athleticism is his forte and not sheer size with physicality plus athleticism.

Ruz, I respect your opinion. The thing I would do is burn a ten-day and practice him with Oubre side-by-side, because I think he's at the same ability level more or less. Might try to buy the diamond in raw state first for a change. If he's good enough sign him before another team figures this out.

I think he's big enough and mature enough. Christian Wood and Chris McCullough are NBA players. Why not Chris Walker based on his very early DLeague domination?

Covington's contract is exactly the kind of contract I'd try to sign him to. Philly got him for 4 years at basically league minimum dollars.

The reasons I don't think Walker is ready are because he was a HUGE disappointment in college - after being a very highly touted HS player - and he weighed in at 206 lbs at the combine. He has absolutely no perimeter game and no jump shot, so he's got to play 4/5 in the NBA. He should actually play to develop some kind of a game before joining an NBA team, imo. Doing well in 6 D League games shows potential, but it doesn't show he should be in the NBA.

Noted. Thanks.

I'm not worried about the perimeter game. (Player) Coach Kris Humphries could perhaps mentor ...

Ruz, they can fly me in from HI or Skype ... Jump shot? Come on, man ... teachable IMO.

[Kanyewest]

My friend knows someone who is knowledgeable in the sports industry who claims that Grunfeld didn't pick Vesley but it was rather a decision made by Ted Leonsis and that's why EG hasn't been fired yet. Take it for what it's worth.

[AFM]

Is your friend Ernie Grunfeld

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Tell that friend I think Ted was premature but right.

Bring Jan back next season with Satoransky and pay him like Webster was paid, or as cheaply as Vesley requires.

I would.

[closg00]

My friend knows someone who is knowledgeable in the sports industry who claims that Grunfeld didn't pick Vesley but it was rather a decision made by Ted Leonsis and that's why EG hasn't been fired yet. Take it for what it's worth.

CYA nonsense. The Wizards FO was infamously unanimous on drafting Vesely, also recall that Ernie had been drooling over Vesely for several years and wanted to try and draft him the year prior. The Wizards intent on drafting JV was one of the worst kept secrets in the NBA. Ted doesn't make draft decisions.

Now OTOH, I would not put is past Ernie to present the idea of drafting JV to Ted for cover, then asking him what he thought. Ted not knowing s_h_i_t about basketball may have said "sure".

[queridiculo]

It's too bad the Glassie piece is gone now, but here's another quote from the Last Straw dedicated to Grunfeld.

"There’s no way to convey appropriately the incredible losing culture that Grunfeld has cultivated without being there yourself. As I’ve said, it drove me to such anger to see players and staff fail so miserably yet act with such incredible nonchalance, all with the pleased eye of Grunfeld overseeing this atrocity. There’s no possible reason that any owner within his right mind and trying to win a title would bring back this man who has further defiled a franchise that already was one of the most embarrassing in sports. He gets credit for building a playoff team – but that was years and years ago, and even those teams underachieved because the same culture that has this team a bottom feeder now was pervasive even then.

It’s the Grunfeld way.

Grunfeld still being in charge is all on Ted Leonsis, ring leader of the wee lil poor billionaires club.

It's a shame that John Wall is stuck with this franchise, he's a really good dude.

[montestewart]

My friend knows someone who is knowledgeable in the sports industry who claims that Grunfeld didn't pick Vesley but it was rather a decision made by Ted Leonsis and that's why EG hasn't been fired yet. Take it for what it's worth.

Right, so the claim is that two years after a #5 pick was traded away, supposedly at the behest of the old owner, the new owner (with all of his new owner experience) forces the choice of the relatively unheralded Vesely with the #6, a long shot that many/most on this board had a really bad feeling about ("Anyone but Vesely" I think was the poll winner). Vesely almost immediately assumes the role of bust, and EG covers for the imperious incompetence that resulted in Vesely by asserting that the front office was "unanimous" on the choice (I guess that might have been true if the alternative was being fired). Leonsis over-rewards EG for covering up this dreadful nonsense by making him de facto GM for life.

That entire scenario is just too preposterous to be believed, and yet completely Wizardsable.

[TheSecretWeapon]

That friend is misinformed. I talked with people -- more than one -- in the front office at the time. There was never even a suggestion that anyone had reservations about picking Vesely, but they were being overruled by someone higher up. They were excited about picking him. All of them. And they were all wrong.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I assume you mean Ben Simmons and not Ben Wilson
Unless this is another CCJ 2nd round steal no ones ever heard of

Definitely, if I said Wilson.

[Kanyewest]

My friend knows someone who is knowledgeable in the sports industry who claims that Grunfeld didn't pick Vesley but it was rather a decision made by Ted Leonsis and that's why EG hasn't been fired yet. Take it for what it's worth.

Right, so the claim is that two years after a #5 pick was traded away, supposedly at the behest of the old owner, the new owner (with all of his new owner experience) forces the choice of the relatively unheralded Vesely with the #6, a long shot that many/most on this board had a really bad feeling about ("Anyone but Vesely" I think was the poll winner). Vesely almost immediately assumes the role of bust, and EG covers for the imperious incompetence that resulted in Vesely by asserting that the front office was "unanimous" on the choice (I guess that might have been true if the alternative was being fired). Leonsis over-rewards EG for covering up this dreadful nonsense by making him de facto GM for life.

That entire scenario is just too preposterous to be believed, and yet completely Wizardsable.

Yeah, the claim was that EG would have been fired if he went a different direction. It wouldn't be the first time that an owner overruled a team's GM (see Vivek Ranidive overruling Nick Stauskas).

That being said, I am still more inclined to believe that EG is responsible for the pick. Nonetheless, it does appear that Ted Leonsis is definitely on board with the pick given that EG is still employed.

[Kanyewest]

That friend is misinformed. I talked with people -- more than one -- in the front office at the time. There was never even a suggestion that anyone had reservations about picking Vesely, but they were being overruled by someone higher up. They were excited about picking him. All of them. And they were all wrong.

Well everyone except Flip apparently.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/06/09/flip-saunders-says-the-wizards-considered-drafting-klay-thompson-over-jan-vesely-in-2011/

I will bring up that EG seems responsible for the pick though to my friend.