Stevenson out as starter
by igetbucketsson on Dec 22, 2008 2:28 PM EST
65 comments
Per the official Wizards blog:
As discussed on here, DeShawn Stevenson has been struggling and today he went up to Coach Tapscott and told coach that he would be willing to move to the bench to try and switch things up and get his “swag” back.
In his place Tapscott and the staff are discussing either Dominic McGuire or Nick Young as the possibilities to start but that is still up for discussion. I will post the audio of the presser shortly.
Tuesday will end Stevenson streak of consecutive regular season games started (275), which trails only Detroit’s Tayshaun Prince.
http://www.washingtonwizardsblog.com/2008/12/22/stevenson-moving-to-the-bench/
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DeShawn has been terrible this season, but you can’t really blame his attitude. Classy move by him by offering to go to the bench in spite of his starting streak.
Also, the coaching staff discussing Taser or NY starting in his place? I thought NY would have been the obvious choice. They really don’t trust him.
by Aldo on Dec 22, 2008 2:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Interesting.....
Sounds like a nice PR story so that everyone can save face.
“Stevenson sacrifices record for the team.”
Awww….warm and fuzzies!!
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It Dot Net
by Truth About It on Dec 22, 2008 2:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
You Really Don't Like DeShawn, Do You
Even when he does something that’s good, you still respond with cynicism. Oh well, I suppose I can’t blame you. DeShawn has been really, really bad this season.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
by cuppettcj on Dec 22, 2008 2:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ehh....
I don’t mind DeShawn, although his antics have stuck a nerve in the past….but I respect that he seems to try….or at least play hurt.
I guess it’s just my speculation that this story is being spun…..like a resigning coach with the door held open for him and a boot ready to kick.
But then again, I’m not around the team….so what do I know?
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It Dot Net
by Truth About It on Dec 22, 2008 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I Don't Know Either
But I have no reason to doubt that it was DeShawn who recommended the move. If this were coming from Tapscott, I feel it would have come a lot sooner.
I also have no doubt that he gives good effort. It isn’t like he wants to miss his shots. He could shoot less, but then how do you get yourself out of a slump? He’s tried shaving, growing his beard, mohawks, clean-shaven head; none of that is working. Coming off of the bench might be exactly what he needs. If not, at least he’ll be hurting the team less.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
by cuppettcj on Dec 22, 2008 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
tapscott talking about the move
they just posted the audio. if you listen to caron it sounds like dom is the guy the coaches are leaning towards.
by igetbucketsson on Dec 22, 2008 2:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
good
very good.
start dmac? pro: maybe we don’t get in big holes early due to improved defense and rebounding. any offense will be gravy and none will be roughly equivalent of what deshawn bought anyway.
con: what about butlers minutes? is the only other SF is starting, does that make young caron’s backup at the 2? or does caron just shift to the 3 when dmac goes out – i really feel that the team needs to start cutting his an antawn’s minutes a little, and starting mcguire may not help with that.
by little stevie colter on Dec 22, 2008 3:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Dom is the better choice to start at this point...
CB3 and Mike James make a pretty strong veteran starting backcourt (I hope the naysayers now understand the short-term sense in acquiring James… at this stage he can do MUCH more of what the Wizards need than Antonio could… and vice versa for Antonio in NO). Young should be the first player off the bench in this rotation, which keeps the offense up and allows shifting Songaila (who is playing pretty good ball) for Jamison at about the same time). DeShawn should be used as the primary back-up to James IMO.
by khrabb on Dec 22, 2008 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I Like Taser to Start Too
This is very logical, because Taser plays solid defense and rebounds well. His offense would be roughly equivalent to what DeShawn was doing, as you said. Defensively, he and Caron could alternate assignments depending on the matchup. I happen to think that Taser is quick enough to guard SGs a bit better than Caron, IMO.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
by cuppettcj on Dec 22, 2008 3:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Respect
Props to DeShawn for keeping the streak as long as he did and for knowing that it was time to bow out. I’m guessing that he read Krem’s Sports Blog today and knew it was time to have a talk with Tap.
Based on how the minutes were doled out yesterday, I think Taser will be starting. I share lsc’s reservations about how this affects the rotation since the Wizards are now essentially starting the only small forward they have, but we’ll see how it works out.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on Dec 22, 2008 3:47 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
i agree -
there are some risks with putting taser in – but if he can be the rodman/bowen hybrid a lot of BF posters think he could be, that would be a great plus to build on.
by little stevie colter on Dec 22, 2008 3:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good for Taser
But the logical roster move would be to start Young. He provides much better offense, and we want him to develop into a poor man’s Kobe. Does this show Young is still in Tapscott’s doghouse? What does Tapscott have against him?
by zeke5123 on Dec 22, 2008 5:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'd start Young now while Gil's still out
That’s for sure.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 22, 2008 5:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On the broadcast last night-
they mentioned that Gil had just started running but as the line on this blog reads – no timetable for his return
by ooba on Dec 22, 2008 9:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Timing makes sense
Just when Deshawn was getting basted for Lebron’s Xmas feast, the Wiz go and change the king’s favorite menu item. Here’s to hoping DM snaps LBJ’s arm in two during one of his putback dunks. (Sorry for the bitterness, but I’m still irked about 3 straight playoff humiliations).
I kinda like the McGuire call. With Mike James, CB, Jamison, and Blatche already on the court, we need rebounding and defense much more than we need another shot-jacker.
by jvflail on Dec 22, 2008 5:50 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Sad the player had to tell the coach..."I suck bench me"
Wizards should be trying to trade DeShawn he is taking mins from the younger players that have shown to have more talent and a brighter future. This should have happen weeks ago and Young should be the guy to replace him.
by LoneWiz54 on Dec 22, 2008 6:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you about Young taking his spot
But who in their right mind would trade for DeShawn Stevenson?
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 22, 2008 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I know you are right
It is just wishful thinking. Some on the board get too hung up on players but don’t think about what is best for the team. The fact is Stevenson’s contract is one of the worst and he is on the team more for his relationship with GA then his talent. He is not the defensive stopper EH wants fans to believe he is and his offensive game is 3 point jumpers and nothing else. And this year they are not falling.
by LoneWiz54 on Dec 22, 2008 8:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What are you talking about?
Who is hung up on DeShawn Stevenson?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 22, 2008 8:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Stevenson is Gil's sidekick
He seems to heat up and feed off of when Gil is playing well. To be honest, I think those two compliment each other quite nicely. Gil’s game makes it easier for Stevenson to play his game effectively, but I wonder what happens when Gil returns and Deshawn is still riding the pine. Or will the lineup change back? I don’t know, but this team obviously plays better when Stevenson is playing at least halfway decent ball.
Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!
by Evander holyfield on Dec 23, 2008 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
major props to deshawn. here’s to hoping that he stops feeling his face as soon as possible.
by mr. 91 on Dec 22, 2008 6:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Props to Deshawn
Does starting McGuire get us much more than starting Stevenson? Decent defender, lousy offense. Better rebounder I guess.
BTW I think Deshawn is a tough warrior and is to be admired for that. But boy that guy is a headcase. Who talks like he did before the playoffs last year? Only a headcase.
by MR on Dec 22, 2008 7:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Dominic is 23
Stevenson is going on 28. Although DeShawn is by no means old, we know what we’re getting out of him; McGuire is more of a project, and at least he has the potential to develop.
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
by Baltimo on Dec 22, 2008 11:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Better rebounding you guess?
McGuire is a much better rebounder. And when Stevenson is shooting the way he is, he’s not a better offensive player than McGuire.
by Matt K. on Dec 22, 2008 11:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, so
the question remains “Does starting McGuire get us much more than starting Stevenson?”
I’m actually for this move. I just think if you searched the league for a player to insert that was the most like the current DSteve, you’d find DMac.
by MR on Dec 23, 2008 6:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
DMac is riding a hot streak right now
And is playing with great energy and defense. It would do wonders for his growing confidence to get into the starting lineup, and since he is playing the best ball between him, NY, Deshawn, and obviously Juan, he deserves to be a starter. I would like to see how Nick Young produces as a starter at some point, but he has to earn that starting spot first, which he has not done. I think it’s best to keep NY as an offensive spark off the bench and let DMac anchor our D through the start of the game.
Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!
by Evander holyfield on Dec 23, 2008 1:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
D-Mac's on a hot streak?
Not with his shooting…
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 23, 2008 2:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He's hit three of his last six FGs
In Taserland, that’s a streak to behold.
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on Dec 23, 2008 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True, he's not scoring a bunch
He’s supplying defense and rebounding which we are in desperate need of. He does look like he’s getting more comfortable within the offense, and is capable of facilitating the ball. He is also a decent compliment to Mike James right now – an awkward kind of statement that I never expected to have to say.
Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!
by Evander holyfield on Dec 23, 2008 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It does only because of how bad DeShawn has been
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 22, 2008 11:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or Someone Who Had His Girlfriend Talked About
Who talks like he did before the playoffs last year? Only a headcase.
Seriously, were you on the board then? Blame him for playing badly, but please don’t blame him for standing up for himself after LeBron talked trash about him and his girlfriend. I would have done the same thing, I don’t care who LeBron thinks he is. Here were my comments at the time, if you are interested in getting the whole story on this.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
by cuppettcj on Dec 22, 2008 11:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No I was not
But I don’t care what anyone says about you, you don’t go mouthing off like he did. Stupid. Distracting. Exactly what a team that’s trying to sneak in an extra win doesn’t need.
And the hand waving has got to go. When you’re down 20 points and hit a basket and wave your hand in front of your face you look like an idiot. Actually any time he does it he looks like an idiot.
by MR on Dec 23, 2008 2:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh and
I’ve been one of the last around here to give up on starting Stevenson.
by MR on Dec 23, 2008 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Check the ESPN story and fan posts on DeShawn...
Say what you want, DeShawn is a real NBA personality :-) I hope he plays great off the bench too, we cannot afford for him not to be a contributor.
by khrabb on Dec 23, 2008 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well I wasn't reading this blog during last year's playoffs...
but I wasn’t hiding under a rock either. I heard the stories of what went on. Still stupid.
by MR on Dec 23, 2008 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You weren't amused -
even a little bit by seeing soulja boy at game 3 of the playoffs wearing a stevenson jersey? I agree his antics are distracting but he’s such a nutjob it’s really entertaining (but only when we are winning), if he pulled that same old stuff this season I would be furious.
by ooba on Dec 23, 2008 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Entertaining?
I guess I’m not entertained by getting beat by a two dimensional Cavs team every year. Maybe if folks like Deshawn were more focused we’d have a better chance.
Speaking of “the stupidest team in history”, Barkley himself squandered away his shot at a title by losing his focus in that series against the Bulls way back when. Maybe the Wiz don’t really own that distinction over Charles’ squad.
by MR on Dec 23, 2008 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
DeShawn didn't cost the Wizards the series
He played well, “focus” be damned. Cleveland was just better.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 23, 2008 4:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think he "cost" the series
But damn all that BS doesn’t help. Plus it’s downright embarrassing.
By the way, his shooting in that series:
1-9
4-7
5-9
5-12
5-14
2-9
I thought he played good D though.
by MR on Dec 23, 2008 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Both sides were engaging in bs
Like cuppett said. Cleveland kept fueling the fire too, what with LeBron’s comments about Stevenson, Jay-Z’s ridiculous rap at the DC nightclub, LeBron’s response to DeShawn’s overrated comments with the “Jay-Z vs. Solja Boy” reference, Mike Brown’s ridiculous comments about the Wizards’ supposed thuggery after Game 1 and the like. The only reason nobody remembers what the Cavs did was that Cleveland won the series. The off-court stuff between the two teams basically canceled each other out. But yeah, it’s a convenient scapegoat.
Cleveland won because they shut down our perimeter game, which they didn’t do two years ago. They shut down Butler, with the exception of Game 5, and hit their threes.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 23, 2008 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lost swag
Actually, I think DeShawn would do well to get some of that “in your face” swagger back. It’s obvious that he’s not playing with any confidence this year.
Oh and by the way – I’ve watched every televised Wizards game for the last 5 years – - – When did Stevenson do the hand wave while the Wizards were down 20? What game? Circumstances? (Was it against Cleveland? when Damon Jones was mocking him?). I’d really like to know – because I certainly don’t remember it.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on Dec 23, 2008 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They were down 16
Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.
by JakeTheSnake on Dec 23, 2008 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Same game, Damon Jones did the face wave, mocking Stevenson….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on Dec 23, 2008 6:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My feeling on the hand waving
Is that I understand why people think it’s annoying and it definitely looks bad, but it’s harmless. DeShawn’s not even the first to do it — Tim Thomas was.
My tune would probably change if I was a father and I was trying to use the Wizards to provide a good example to my kids, like my dad did with me, so I don’t really have a problem with people thinking differently from myself.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 23, 2008 6:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What circumstances?
How about every time we’re down 20 and DSteve hits a shot.
by MR on Dec 23, 2008 11:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's the worst hand motion
since Mutumbo and the stupid finger wave.
You know what? Just play some basketball, win some games, and act like a professional. That other stuff is bush league BS. Childish. If you really need that to get yourself psyched up then you certainly are a head case, my point from the beginning.
I have a ton of respect for a lot of what Deshawn does. As I said before, I think I’ve defended him around here as much as anyone and I still do. But it’s time for him to drop that other junk and concentrate on his game. Maybe with the end of the streak he’s taking a step in that direction. I hope so.
by MR on Dec 23, 2008 11:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
For the Record
DeShawn did give up the hand wave two seasons ago. His agent told him it made him look like a gangsta and that it might hurt his chances in free agency, so he gave it up for several games. Gilbert got in his face and told him to bring it back and not ever let anyone tell him what not to do again. DeShawn brought it back and has been doing it ever since.
Personally, I just think it is a harmless celebration after a made shot. Damon Jones tried to mock Stevenson with it last season, and that brought extra attention to it, but I never felt it was something he was trying to do to humiliate or demean an opponent.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
by cuppettcj on Dec 26, 2008 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bush league?
What’s “bush league” and childish BS in your opinion?
Like, say, throwing chalk up in the air before every game?
(LeBaby)
Or, Maybe chest pounding? (Kevin Garnett)
How about the uniform top pop? (Paul Pierce)
the jump in the air fist pump? (Jordan)….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on Dec 26, 2008 6:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There's more...
Damon Jones “three on a platter”.
Dikembe’s finger wag.
I’m sure the BF gang here can come up with dozens more “bush league” and childish BS stuff…. that doesn’t involve Stevenson.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on Dec 26, 2008 6:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think spontaneous reaction is great. I think pre-planned stuff is stupid. I think stuff that you do when you are ice cold or losing by a lot is moronic. I think stuff that you do slavishly every time you make a play is bush league BS.
I’m pretty sure nobody ever pounded their chest or pumped their fist after every made basket when they were losing, playing poorly etc.
As I said, I’m not anti-Deshawn by any stretch. Actually I admire him, which is why I wish he’d grow out of this stuff.
by MR on Dec 26, 2008 9:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
stevenson
yeh, you do have to respect a man that knows his place…..ON THE BENCH….is LeBron still “overrated” deshawn? Sorry, but I just can’t get enough of this one. Repeated media jabs, then what should have been an intentional flagrant foul against Lebron…stevenson’s “game” has gone to an entirely new level, …Sh*t! I hope your practicing your free throws gilbert!
by LBJ23 on Dec 29, 2008 3:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Pretty heady stuff from someone who needs the refs to win games for him.
But enjoy it while you can. I’d say that Arenas is more likely to bring a championship to DC than James is to Cleveland. Go Knicks, indeed.
by MR on Dec 29, 2008 8:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Pay him no heed
He’s just trying to stir up trouble. Don’t let him.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 29, 2008 8:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I know
I’ve just really been wanting to throw that one down on a Cav for a while. And that other guy who’s been posting seemed too nice.
by MR on Dec 29, 2008 11:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
6-23 & talkin'?
That’s what losers do MR…cry like babies about officials calls. Don’t worry …. I am enjoying it! 26-4! I hope you are enjoying the wizards fantastic season. Lebron gets the calls just like MJ did, GET USED TO IT. Go Knicks? Hmm…I see your subscribing to the media’s 2010 ‘speculation’ game. As for arenas bringing any championship to DC… I think he would have to play in a game before that could happen. Free throws gil…not AK-47’s….free throws. NBA tv is offering some great programming today, I encourage all wiz fans to check it out! This is going to be fun. Free throws gil, ….FREE THROWS. Clutch? LOL!
by LBJ23 on Dec 30, 2008 1:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Bye bye
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 30, 2008 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hope you weren't talking to me....
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on Dec 30, 2008 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If you made that comment
Then obviously not.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 30, 2008 6:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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