Hidden treasures
The biggest benefit of having NBA League Pass is that I get to see every team in the league. I was an NBA fan for decades before I got the League Pass, but I'll never not have it again -- it's that cool. Seeing every team lets me get a look at a lot more players than just the same ones who show up on TNT and ESPN (do they even show games if Wade, LeBron or Kobe aren't involved?). I really like being able to check out players who get little or no ink, but when you see them, they really can play -- guys I wouldn't mind seeing in a Wizards uniform. In years past, I'd put players like David West and Boris Diaw in this category. Here's a few guys who I think are a lot better than the pub they're getting this year:
Linas Kleiza -- A solid SF at 6-8, 245, Kleiza can shoot from the outside and get his shot off around the basket as well. He's averaging 11 points and 4 board this season, and shoots well from the floor and the line (and passably from 3-point range) but what has struck me most is his attitude. He's just a hard-case who doesn't take shit from anyone. Has sort of a serial-killer look in his eye -- the kind of guy I'd much rather have on my team than against me.
Joel Pryzbilla -- He's pretty much been a goon his entire career, but this season, he's been an effective goon. Doesn't score much, but he shoots a high percentage from the field, and his main strengths are shotblocking and rebounding. He's just an old-school enforcer, and if you drive the lane on him, you can expect to be picking yourself up off the floor at the end of it.
Matt Bonner -- He was a free agent a few seasons ago, and I coveted him for the Wizards, but I think we landed AD that summer instead. I prefer AD, but Bonner would be a good addition to a lot of teams. Unlike Kleiza and Pryzbilla, he's not a regular, but he can shoot the 3 (.411 this season) and is 21-for-21 from the line this year. He's only averaging 7 points and 4 boards, but he makes the most of his minutes, and he always plays like a pro. A good roleplayer. He reminds me of Darius Songaila, but a better rebounder and with 3-point range -- and at half the price.
Francisco Garcia and John Salmons -- I guess you could make the case that every member of the Kings is unsung, but these guys are rarely ever mentioned, they both have dynamic offensive games with good shooting numbers, and they just no how to play. Salmons is more quiet, but Garcia plays with a mean streak.
There are a couple other guys who I'd put on the list, but my baby's waking up from a nap, so I'll end this here.
This represents the view of the user who wrote the FanPost, and not the entire Bullets Forever community. We're a place of many opinions, not just one.
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9 comments
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Joel Pryzibilla
by JakeTheSnake on Jan 1, 2008 1:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
How 'bout the announcers?
by hotplate on Jan 1, 2008 12:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Heh
Perhaps the strongest impression of an NBA announcer I ever had was wondering why in the world Tommy Heinsohn did national broadcasts of Celtics games when he was so openly rooting for them. Now that he only works for Boston, it makes more sense.
As for Buchhanz and Chenier, they're fine. I could do without so many daggers, but I guess it's Steve's signature.
by Vanilla Gorilla on Jan 1, 2008 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I Wish
It would be interesting to see other teams that don't normally make the national broadcasts play. The teams I'm most curious about this year are the Trailblazers and the Grizzlies. I'm curious about Portland because they seem to be playing so good despite their complete overhaul this off-season that seemed to most people to be in preparation for a rebuilding year. If 18-13 is a rebuilding year, then the Wizards should rebuild as soon as possible! And this is without their prized draft pick Greg Oden, wow!
I'm curious about Memphis because I want to figure out how a team can play so badly when they appear to have so much talent. They sure didn't look like an 8-22 team when the Wizards played them a couple of months ago. Pau Gasol and JCN seemed like really good players, so what's the problem with this team?
by cuppettcj on Jan 1, 2008 5:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
the ticket is pretty great
by Moonman on Jan 3, 2008 10:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yup
As for the family obstacles, they worked in my favor last season, when our newborn son was going through the worst of his cholic. I spent many nights holding and rocking him while watching League Pass games late into the night.
This season -- he's sleeping better (as we all are), but I'm seeing less hoops.
by Vanilla Gorilla on Jan 3, 2008 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
VG
by Mike Prada on Jan 3, 2008 2:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
by Vanilla Gorilla on Jan 3, 2008 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
salmons
by hotplate on Jan 4, 2008 12:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

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