Dear Ed Tapscott
by Mike Prada on Dec 6, 2008 11:00 PM EST
in Recaps
46 comments
You see this man? This first-round rookie that has been better than anyone imagined. This guy who blocked three shots in the first minute of the game. The guy who was killing Chicago's tiny front line. The guy who was also awesome offensively. The guy who has the longest wingspan in the league and won the starting job earlier this year. The only guy who could have deterred Derrick Rose from driving to the basket. The guy who would have helped prevent the woeful Bulls offense from scoring 117 points.
Yeah, he deserves more than 11 minutes. I figured I wouldn't have to tell you this, not after that basically ushered Eddie Jordan out of town, but I guess I do.
I really thought you had turned a corner, Ed. I really did.
But hey, more ping pong balls I guess...
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Not a good night for athletic young'uns
Tyrus Thomas only played 5 minutes tonight.
Oh, and if McGee had played 33 minutes at the pace he did tonight, he would’ve had 18 points and 12 blocks. He probably wouldn’t have kept that pace up, but still, I don’t know how you can justify McGee’s minutes tonight. There have been games when I’ve understood JaVale’s short leash, but tonight was not one of them.
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 6, 2008 11:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Stinky cheese man
At least if the Wizards are gonna stink up the place, they should put on a good show. McGee, Young, Dee Brown (and to a lesser extent McGuire) should be given more minutes. They are exciting players.
I find myself concentrating on McGee when he is in the game. Every game, he does something special… for instance, I’ve been watching Basketball for over 40 years, and I don’t think I have ever seen a player block 3 shots in the first minute of a game. Talk about sending a message.
But Tapscott didn’t get that message. Instead, the message he’s sending his rookie phenom is that if you play with energy, passion and do good things, you can play 10-12 minutes a game – and you’ll be sitting on the bench in the 4th quarter.
Hey Ed…. what message are you sending the fans? Here – watch this squad of Veterans stink up the place – and lose a bunch of games in the 4th Quarter?
Hey Ed….. What happened to 8+2 ? How come everyone on the roster is playing almost every game?
Hey Ed…. Why did your starting Point Guard and starting Center play only 22 minutes COMBINED . If they’re not your best players, then why are they starting? If they ARE your best players, then why are they not playing more minutes?
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on Dec 6, 2008 11:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Starting PG and C
I agree. I do find it odd that the starting PG and C aren’t playing very much. He’s done this with several other games.
by se7en on Dec 7, 2008 12:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
11 MINUTES!!
I demand an explanation!!
Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!
by Evander holyfield on Dec 6, 2008 11:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thank You
…and also thank you for not making a similar plea about (overrated) Nick Young.
FGM-A 1-6, 3PM-A 0-2.
I’m not sure I get the “veterans stink up the place” comment by Rook6980. Butler and Jamison have good looking stats tonight. CB: 27 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists. AJ: 23 points, 12 rebounds, 1 blk.
Three cheers on this line, though: “I’ve been watching Basketball for over 40 years, and I don’t think I have ever seen a player block 3 shots in the first minute of a game. Talk about sending a message.”
by EarlM71 on Dec 7, 2008 12:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rook isn't talking about Butler and Jamison
He’s talking about AD, Songaila, DeShawn and Etan.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 7, 2008 12:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No! Don't talk about D-Song like that!!
He’s wonderful!!
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It Dot Net
by Truth About It on Dec 7, 2008 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And really?
…and also thank you for not making a similar plea about (overrated) Nick Young.
Good to know that people can cherrypick to make any point they want. I guess his entire season should be thrown out the door.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 7, 2008 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Overrated Nick Young?
You gotta be kidding me. Have you been watching his play the entire season?
His shot isn’t falling for one game, so you throw him under the bus?
You should know that he’s shooting 47% and 18 points per 36 minutes. He can take anyone off the dribble, and he’s learning to make wise decisions. Dude’s going to be a 25 PPG one day. Then we’ll all call you an overrated commenter.
by se7en on Dec 7, 2008 12:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
whoa. chill out on the new guy, guys.
Calling someone “overrated” doesn’t mean he’s bad, or that he won’t be good later.
by Aldo on Dec 7, 2008 12:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Earl's not new
He’s been around since the Bullets Fever days, but yeah, no need to call him an overrated commenter.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 7, 2008 12:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Re: And Really?
I fess up to the cherry picking. Sorry about that.
I get that NY can be an exciting player. But in the few games I’ve seen, he’s been downright allergic to passing the ball. And his blind instinct to shoot hasn’t paid off with points.
His selfishness turns me off, and I’m bummed that Bullets Forever seems committed to promoting him. I honestly don’t get it.
Now, JaVale McGee … I get it. Too bad Tapscott doesn’t.
by EarlM71 on Dec 7, 2008 12:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
i think i agree
that nick young is overrated by many people on this site. i’m excited about what he might be able to do at some point, but earl’s right, the guy really needs to learn how to pass.
also not sure how mcgee would have helped stop chicago from nailing 20 footers and threes all night.
that being said, i agree he should have gotten more minutes. i’m just not sure it would have changed the result.
by DarrellWalkerFan on Dec 7, 2008 1:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
gotta disagree with you again, ear
Especially about Young being “allergic to passing the ball.”
Last year I would have been in complete agreement. Last year, Nick Young was an exciting Offensive player but was prone to excessive turn overs, had an atrocious assist rate, and didn’t even know how to SPELL Defense.
This year, while maintaining a pretty efficient Offensive game (55% True Shooting percentage), his assists are up (double from last year’s average), and he’s turning the ball over less. He’s also putting forth much more effort on the Defensive end of the floor.
So, perhaps Nick didn’t look good in the “few games” you’ve seen – but overall this year, he has improved in the areas that he was weak in last year (assists, Turn Overs, Defense).
That’s what you want your young guys to do – improve.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on Dec 7, 2008 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Give Nick Young Time
I think he is doing a better job of passing.
I’ll surely give him the ‘inconsistent’ label, but I’m not sure how he can be overrated at this early point.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It Dot Net
by Truth About It on Dec 7, 2008 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks PM
I was watching this on NBA TV, and the awful Chicago-loving announcers were even saying how it was ridiculous that McGee wasn’t playing more, and that he was useful in hampering the Chicago offense.
These announcers were really bad. Really bad. And if they can see that, but Tap couldn’t? It’s a tough job coaching, maybe something happened behind the scenes, but I would like an explanation.
by se7en on Dec 7, 2008 12:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
McGee trade rumor...
…looks like we are looking to lure Chamiqua Holdsclaw out of retirement and trade Javale to LA Sparks for her rights.
This is just agony
by ucantstopbernard on Dec 7, 2008 12:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Tapscott's Explanation
via Ivan Carter
-I know folks are wondering why JaVale McGee, who opened the game by swatting away two Derrick Rose shots on the first possession, only clocked 11 minutes. I was wondering the samee thing and asked Coach Ed Tapscott that very question afterward:
Tapscott: “The flow of the game and again (Bulls center Aaron) Gray is not a good matchup for him. They didn’t play (Joakim) Noah. That would’ve been a good matchup. You know, similar style of game, speed guys. Gray is a guy who can get into your body and JaVale is better against those speed guys. Big, wide-body guys give him trouble simply because he’s not real big physically and he’s still learning the tricks of the trade, how to use his body and hold guys off. And I thought Etan Thomas gave us some good effort and so did Songaila.”
I see where he’s coming from, but I think he’s dead wrong for not playing him more.
by se7en on Dec 7, 2008 12:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I just saw that
and was about to post it. Anyway, just about every team has at least one guy like Gray (big and wide), so who cares. Gray would have to guard McGee too; that’s a great matchup for the Wizards on offense.
Tapscott just seems like he’s overcoaching instead of putting the best guys out there. With how some of these games have gone, 3-15 is just downright embarrassing.
by Matt K. on Dec 7, 2008 12:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Another example
of Wizard coaches being reactionary instead of proactive. No way could Gray guard McGee all game. You put both Blatche and McGee in that game at the same time and there is no way Chicago can stop them down low, and that would have kept the Bulls out of the lane.
by GodWuzAWiz on Dec 7, 2008 1:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well
i agree mcgee should have played more, but gray was effective on the glass, with 9 boards in 22 minutes. i dont think mcgee could have kept him off the offensive glass.
then again, its not etan and darius are stud rebounders themselves.
by joshp on Dec 7, 2008 1:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's so silly
JaVale was too athletic for Aaron Gray. Taking him out negates our advantage.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 7, 2008 3:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Matchups
How about dictating the matchups to them for a change? Blatche was playing well and McGee played well in his few minutes. Chicago was playing Aaron Gray, Drew Gooden and Nocioni up front. And Gray only played 22 minutes. I’d love to see the opposing coach say, “They went with their young seven foot thoroughbreds down the stretch and we just couldn’t keep them off of the boards with our 6’8 defenders”. Its like we don’t think its fair to play a seven footer against a shorter opponent.
by hotplate on Dec 7, 2008 9:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I don’t know if that’s happened at all this season. It always seems like the Wizards’ coaches are the ones adjusting instead of trying to force other teams to do so.
If the Wizards have any advantage besides Butler and Jamison, it’s the ability to run when McGee and Brown are in the game so they can use their quickness.
by Matt K. on Dec 7, 2008 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly - Another thing
the matchup between Gray and McGee was kind of irrelevant, as Gray was the Bulls 5th option on offense, and McGee obviously showed his help defense with those 4 blocks in the first 2 minutes. Tapscott is a fool for pulling him after effort like that.
The reason Tapscott gave for keeping McGee out of the games because of the matchups was ridiculous as well:
“Gray is a guy who can get into your body and JaVale is better against those speed guys. Big, wide-body guys give him trouble simply because he’s not real big physically and he’s still learning the tricks of the trade, how to use his body and hold guys off.”
What situation is better for McGee to learn “the tricks of the trade” and “how to use his body and hold guys off” than against the SECOND ROUND pick Aaron Gray?! You didn’t even give him a chance, Tapscott.
Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!
by Evander holyfield on Dec 7, 2008 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think ping pong balls are worth much
in this draft…
by hibachi on Dec 7, 2008 12:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Does he really have the longest wiongspan in the league?
by hibachi on Dec 7, 2008 1:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Actually
I had even more of a problem with Tap playing D-Song over Blatche down the stretch. Against the Lakers it was AD, NY, Caron, AJ and Blatche who led us back. Who was in there tonight? D-Steve and D-Song (and Dixon b/c AD was hurt). We pulled within four and then Darius got abused by Gooden on the low block, foul, bucket, 7 point lead. Shades of his bad foul on Blake late in the Portland game that essentially sealed the deal.
I don’t mind sitting McGee if Blatche is getting the minutes; AB has been playing really well as of late. But if Etan and Darius are your other choices to man the middle then McGee needs more than 11 minutes.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Dec 7, 2008 2:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Fire Ed Tapscott
And stop hiring people with E first initials.
by Fundefined on Dec 7, 2008 3:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Tapscott wants McGee to get used to playing just 12-15 minutes a game...
because that is all he will get when Haywood returns…
Maybe he keeps giving AD minutes because he is being showcased for a trade to someone who needs a backup point guard…
And maybe DeShawn keeps getting PT because he will still be the starting off guard when Gilbert returns.
In other words, maybe there is some bizarre logic to all this…
But like the rest of you, I just don’t really understand what is going on… and I really hate to see us lose games like this!
by khrabb on Dec 7, 2008 8:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Showcasing these guys makes them look worse
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 7, 2008 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Case in point: The Nationals desperate attempt to showcase Paul Lo Duca before the trade deadline last season.
Unknown quantities > Well-known bad quantities
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 7, 2008 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Our main objective
besides winning – should be getting our young guys as much experience as they can get.
If McGee isn’t doing something the way Tapscott wants him to, he should sit him down right next to him on the bench and explain it to him. Then put him back in the game with a good idea of how to improve. He should NOT be pulling him and sitting him for the entire game, especially after an effort he gave in the opening minutes. That just disappoints us fans, and I’m sure it couldn’t sit well with Ernie Grunfeld.
Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!
by Evander holyfield on Dec 7, 2008 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My addition to Prada's letter:
When your rookie has the third best PER on the team … you really should let him play.
Jamison: 22.57
Butler: 21.81
McGee: 16.91
PS – Blatche is next with 16.49.
"My swag was phenomenal!"
by Wizards on Dec 7, 2008 12:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Busted Wizards
The real reason Tapscott played the vets. and in general is playing many of the players is because he is instructed to evaluate this team. Grunfeld’s job is on the line and he is a few minutes away from blowing this team apart and needs to know who he really has.
Unfortunately it is too late for Grunfeld (I could be wrong given the type of ownership this franchise has) because we see the lack of depth, defense, and scheme associated with this truly sub par organization. All teams have injuries, some have the overall organization and philosophy to overcome them. And I don’t consider one and out of the playoffs a real success, I’m just not buying that. There are 30 teams in the NBA and 16 make it to the playoffs.
There is so much that we need that I just can’t go into it right now…I’m heading to Baltimore to watch my beloved Redskins lose the Ravens. At least I have the Capitals…McPhee and Boudreau Rock!
by milkcarton on Dec 7, 2008 4:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I disagree with that logic
I guarantee you Ernie is instructing Ed to play the rookies. That was the main reason EJ got fired.
Ernie knows what he has with AD, Songaila, Etan, DeShawn, etc. He doesn’t know what he has in Nick, JaVale, Dray, Dom and Dee yet.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Dec 7, 2008 5:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm....we can certainly speculate, but...
I’m betting the Grunfeld has instructed Tapscott to go out and try to win games.
Now, clearly, Jordan and Tapscott both believe that playing the vets give them a better chance to secure a W.
Not saying that any way is right or wrong….but I’m not ready to say that the main reason Jordan got fired was because he didn’t play rookies and that it’s a guarantee that Grunfeld wants them on the court.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It Dot Net
by Truth About It on Dec 7, 2008 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yes, i 100% agree with truth
ET and EJ have been instructed to win games. period. this is why they play the vets. EJ was under the gun the entire time under EG.
also, consider how much money the franchise loses if they don’t make the playoffs…
by DarrellWalkerFan on Dec 8, 2008 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Who would you start if you wanted to win games...
I gotta believe you need to try Big and Quick
1 Brown
2 Butler
3 Jamison
4 Blatche
5 McGee
First guy off the bench is Young, with CB sliding back to the 3, Jamison to the 4 and either Blatche or McGee getting the first rest…. Songaila in next at the 4 to give Jamison a 5 minute blow…. then Taser at the 3 to give the same length rest to CB… First crack at back-up time at point goes to AD, if he does not produce then Juan gets a shot… DeShawn gets some solid bench time next to ET.
Detroit will be an interesting game, the Knicks really embarassed them Sunday and Kwame appears to have finally proven utterly worthless.
by khrabb on Dec 8, 2008 1:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What took him so long?
Kwame appears to have finally proven utterly worthless.
"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 9, 2008 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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