Quality Shots

by Mike Prada on Sep 27, 2007 1:52 PM EDT

In case you weren't clear about what defines a "quality shot..."

Tom Ziller's Ballhype NBA preview spectacular moved to the Southeast, and it's obviously a great read, but he predicted the Wizards will only win 42 games. If the Wizards only go 42-40 this year, it will be a major disappointment. Here's how he justified it.

I think if playing four guards and one stiff center was a viable strategy, someone would have mastered it by now. Until the Wizards have a legitimate option inside 10 feet, they'll be too susceptible to those nights when the jumpers don't fall.

Obviously, there's more, but I don't think we should play the disrespect card. I definitely don't agree with it, but TZ knows his stuff.
The Orlando pick, on the other hand...
Our man IC is back, and is polling readers for pertinent questions to ask during training camp. So imagine if the Wizards gave you a press pass. What questions would you ask to whom? List 'em in the comments.
Gilbert talks more about his new shoes, and gives us a glimpse of his motivations.

AllHipHop.com: Kanye "battled" 50 Cent, whose shoe do you want to battle?
Gilbert Arenas: I called it out. I want to see who takes the challenge. If it's D Wade, LeBron or Carmelo. Or Kobe, hey. I have no problem challenging you guys.
Don't you hate those players on other teams that just get geared up for us?
A fascinating look at the differences in different newspaper reporter blogs, from We Rite Goode.
The Wizards' TV schedule was released yesterday, and it includes seven ESPN games and two TNT ones. Strangely enough, two of those ESPN games are against Denver. I guess I missed the rivalry those two teams developed.
Actually, I nearly forgot about the biggest news of the day...the view of the new high definition jumbotron at the Verizon Center. Interesting that Abe Pollin gets such a reputation as a cheap owner, and yet he's still paying for a substantial upgrade here. Is this really necessary? I mean, it looks cool, but I'd rather see that money get pumped into the team.
As we come up on training camp, a quick reminder of the Ten Commandments of the preseason.
The Celtics signed Esteban Batista from the Hawks yesterday, which ordinarily wouldn't give me pause, but still does for some reason. As much as I love Roger Mason the person, why couldn't we sign a guy who was a terror on the glass in FIBA play? Another big man is easily more important than another guard. Oh well.