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Open thread: Summer League game 1

Jerrydbayless


The Essentials

Summer League Game 1
SummerWizards (0-0) vs. SummerBlazers (0-0)
Thomas and Mack Center
8 p.m.
CSN and NBATV (I'm not sure about the rest of the games, but I'll check)

Pregame links:

Our first chance to see the Young Guns of the Wizards in the Summer League comes tonight when they take on Portland at 8 p.m. our time.  It's our first chance to scrutinize JaVale McGee, Dee Brown and V squared, as well as Jerryd Bayless, of course.

All the key figures on the roster were saying the right things in that Times article.  Andray Blatche has apparently "turned into a gym rat," in his own words, which is nice because, um, professional basketball players are supposed to be gym rats.  (It'd also be nice if we heard the words "gym rat" coming from someone other than Blatche himself).  Good for him, because he's supposed to be beyond the Summer League stage of his career.  Hopefully, he'll prove it.

Nick Young talked about being a better defender and learning more about the Princeton offense.  I doubt he'll do much to advance his second goal, but as for his first, it's nice to hear.  Dominic McGuire has apparently dropped 10 bounds, which should help him defend more effectively than before.

As far as our opponent, the TrailBlazers, despite their seemingly endless supply of young talent, don't look so imposing.  Bayless is obviously the headliner, and fellow draft pick Nicholas Batum is on the team as well.  There's also Finnish point guard Petteri Koponen, who was drafted last year.  Otherwise, the only name that is worth mentioning is J.R. Pinnock, the George Washington standout.  Pinnock, as some may remember, was on the Wizards' Summer League team last year. 

I honestly think this Wizards team should fare extremely well.  With Blatche, Young, McGuire, Brown and Oleksiy Pecherov, the Wizards have five guy who made a significant dent on NBA rosters in the past two years.  Throw in McGee and Veremeeko, and that's what looks like a loaded core.  It'll be disappointing if they struggle, even though wins and losses don't really matter.

This is an open thread, so celebrate the return of basketball here.

0 recs  |  Comment 115 comments

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"This is an open thread, so celebrate the return of basketball here."

You asked for it…

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 6:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sir Blatche

Needs to be putting up a 20-10-4-3 every night. Or at least Per-36. Hell, just show me that you seriously want to move to the next level. As for the rest: The City, Taser and Pech – show me a little growth from last year (check that, Pech, show me that you don’t have the worst ankles for a 7 ft Euro since Dirk Nowitzki); McGee (and to a lesser extent Vermeenko) – show me you aren’t 5 years away; Dee – show me you can mesh with the young-uns (b/c this is probably who you will be running with off the bench in D.C.).

I’m anticipating this meaningless game WAY too much.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 6:57 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

LETS GET IT ON!

Allright, Young Nick. Time for some throw downs and allyoops, please. Dom, just do as well as you did last year, because you looked like a beast. JaVale, let’s block shots and get rebounds. Dee, let me see you hit some jumpers like the ones on YouTube that look, well, Gilbertesque. Pesh, well, you just rest up there buddy. Andray, don’t get arrested in Vegas.

by Unselds on Jul 14, 2008 7:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Agree

We should dominate tonight.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just curious

Who’s going to be switching back and forth between this and the HR Derby?

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 8:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Starters

Brown, Young, McGuire, Blatche, McGee.

Coach is Wes Unseld Jr.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Over/Under on minutes for Jonathan Wallace

9.5

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 8:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yuck

McGee’s first shot.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yuck

McGee’s second shot.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Lovely trend we have going!

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yuck

Blatche’s rebounding on that last play.

He got bailed out, but still.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yuck

Young’s fadeaways.

I promise I’ll be less negative.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

It might just be the competition

But Blatche looks a lot bigger out there than I expected.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

The Blazers center is listed at 6'9"

I think it’s the competition. But since I can’t get the online feed to work yet, I couldn’t really tell you either way.

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Umm...

We can call McGee a bust, right? Right?

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow

8 minutes in.

Frankly, I thought it would take even less time for someone to pull out the B word.

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

No luck here

All I’m getting is the NBA Summer League Logo with “Live Event” under it.

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lovely

Nothing says “Live Event” like a half-hour tape delay.

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeahhh

Gary Forbes!

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

What have we learned so far?

JaVale has attended the Pesh Big Man’s Camp, and VV - that’s Double V - needs to attend Dave Hopla Camp.

by Unselds on Jul 14, 2008 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The guys who have looked good

Dee Brown
Frank Elegar

That’s about it.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah

Double VV is destroying my prejudice about Euro shooting.

Its always Roger Mason (Jr.) time!

by ledellforlife on Jul 14, 2008 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think

its flying commercial that has them all done in.

Its always Roger Mason (Jr.) time!

by ledellforlife on Jul 14, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

2 poins after reading the above posts

Hard to call a 2nd rounder a bust. Disappointment, yeah. Bust, not really.

Blatche looked to have the jitters but I like his energy. Seriously, that’s a positive. His skills will kick in sooner or later if he brings the intensity.

Okay sorry, third point: NY has GOT to stop the fadeaways.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sorry

For some reason I thought he said McGuire was a bust.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Awesome

I’m thinking of starting the JaVale McGee fadeaway bank shot drinking game.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isn't that his only move?

Its always Roger Mason (Jr.) time!

by ledellforlife on Jul 14, 2008 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

And holy crap

Does McGee have anything other than a fading bank shot?

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 8:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Blatche looks likes he wants to dominate

But can’t. That was a nice spin though.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

JaVale...

You are 7 FEET TALL. Get a rebound, please!

by Unselds on Jul 14, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I actually liked that move into the paint

Only problem was a fadeaway at the end of it….from 4 feet!

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Has he ever shot anything different?

Take it to the hole!

Its always Roger Mason (Jr.) time!

by ledellforlife on Jul 14, 2008 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

30 minute delayed thoughts

Jerryd Bayless got Tased (as he was fouled)!

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Rick Kamla just said

That Chris Ellis had a “nice body.”

The same couldn’t be said about JaVale McGee.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Comcast

They didn’t televise many of the SL games last year, did they? Good for Comcast.

by Unselds on Jul 14, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I worked there last summer

And I believe they televised three of them. They definitely did televise the first one.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Refs

Don’t call sh*t in this league. Good for them, but it’s a war zone out there.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You think they'd be overly cautious

With the 10 fouls per game and all, but I think the refs just want to get back to the casinos.

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like Dee Brown

Isn’t making any mistakes, pushing the ball well, playing solid defense.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yup yup.

good floor general. knows his role and is filling it well.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice steal by McGee

Really awkward finish though.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 8:57 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

can someone introduce him to Dave Hopla?

ugly free throws

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Truthfully

I’m happy with Dee Brown

by DT711 on Jul 14, 2008 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, agree with that as well

Chalmers has looked really good, but I think we’re alright with Brown, who costs the same as a second-round pick.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

To be fair

It’s just one game. Nick looked pretty bad in his first Summer League game, and he showed a lot this past season.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Well sure

But he wasn’t worthless during the season. That’s the point I was getting at.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

(Raises hand)

1 minute into the 2nd quarter

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah

Right as Frank Elegar started dominating.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is it too late to give him McGee's roster slot?

Cus I guarantee you that you wouldnt know the difference during the year.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Blatche is officially in foul trouble

In a 10 foul limit 40 minute game.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 9:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice play by Dominic

Taking advantage of the open space and finding Blatche.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Note to self

Pay extra special attention at 9:41

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice pass by JaVale

What did Wes Jr. tell these guys at halftime?

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

No Baskets Allowed

Says JaVale.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I can't root against the USA

But any commercial that starts with LeBron and Coach K doesn’t make me feel very warm and fuzzy.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 9:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I am tivoing the noon broadcast tomorrow

Should I look forward to this or not? Good thing I can fast forward through commercials then.

"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck

by George Templeton on Jul 14, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

There aren't really any commercials

If you enjoy ugly basketball and JaVale McGee’s bank shots, then you’ll love it.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh goody

Well maybe there will be some more McGuire moments. I am sure Kamla still has a man crush on him from last year.

"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck

by George Templeton on Jul 14, 2008 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eddie looks hung over

What happens in Vegas…

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

No wonder they look sluggish

They arrived only two hours before the game.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Taser!

About time.

McGee’s on fire!

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Unfortunately

They will figure out he always turns baseline by the next game. One trick pony so far…but at least EJ just admitted he’s “a couple years away.” No pretenses.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Loved Eddie's interview

Did you guys see the look on Eddie’s face when Young Nick’s “big three” was mentioned. He was like, “Damn kids.” Then he quipped that everybody in summer league thinks they’re Gilbert Arenas. Classic. I love when Eddie trashes the young guys. Same thing Bill Parcells, Joe Gibbs and Pat Riley would say.

by Unselds on Jul 14, 2008 9:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

what kinda sucks

is that Portland has the two best players on the court – and I’ve never even heard of one of them until tonight.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 9:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

True

It’s probably more indicative of Koponen’s talent than Brown’s defense.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Koponen

Is one of those first rounders that Portland bought off somebody.

"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck

by George Templeton on Jul 14, 2008 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Random observation

Taj McCullogh runs funny, but it’s an inspiring kind of funny run.

Bullets Forever: Where fancy numbers and YouTube come together.

by JakeTheSnake on Jul 14, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Goddammit

Blatche is so weak sometimes.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 9:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

He got fouled though.

of course, you can’t ever count on fouls to bail you out.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Typical

We have a chance, but can’t get the rebound.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 14, 2008 10:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Wes Unseld Jr.

Mad props tonight. Got the guys fired up tonight after a seriously rough trip to Vegas, and called JaVale’s number on that three at the end. What a guy!

by Unselds on Jul 14, 2008 10:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Peace out

Doesn’t look like we have any budding stars on the summer league this year – Gil I hope your knees are feelin fine!

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Jul 14, 2008 10:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Give them a break...

They did get in only 2 hours before the game because their flight got canceled just like mine did going to Cleveland. They’re just lucky the didnt get welcomed into vegas by a giant LBJ billboard/poster type thing.

by hibachi on Jul 14, 2008 10:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Blazer fan here

because we won, summer league results mean a TON. If you guys had won, it would have meant nothing.

That’s just how it works.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Jul 14, 2008 10:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Elegar

Yes yes yes. Loved seeing him in a (pseudo) Wizards jersey. He had some great plays, just didn’t get the ball as much later.

A little disappointed in Taser, but at least he was trying to be more assertive. I just hope he can pull it off next time.

If only we could trade Taser for one day and have him put up 30 on us off their bench before we got him back...

by Juice over Whine on Jul 14, 2008 11:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

It's going to be brutal

I know it’s just summer league, but if JJ Hickson turns out to be a monster for the Cavs then Ernie needs to be removed from the entire draft process. We might as well have some monkeys throw darts at the draft board and go with their selections.

Hickson is younger than McGee and performed better in a more competitive conference.
And I just know Donte Greene (dropped 40 tonight), Darrel Arthur, CDR and Chalmers are all going to end up killing it this season. @#$( ... why try and “swing for the fences” with McGee when we could’ve 1 of 5 established college players who would fill an immediate roll instead of a suit at the end of the bench.
I hate upside & potential, I hate treading water (which is what it feels like the Wiz are/have been doing), and most of all… i hate the meaningless summer leaguegames that get me this agitated

by TremendousUpside on Jul 15, 2008 12:40 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

definitely not good

to start 5 guys who are likely to have roster spots and lose to bayless, koponen?, and filler.

worse, three of them are slotted to play major roles and a sixth is on the bench with a sprained ankle. that’s pretty much half the roster!

what’s our summer league losing streak now? 7 games?

i will say that i am somewhat happier about the jamison deal all of a sudden, as the less i have to watch blatche play, the better. (did anyone see the rebound he gave up on the missed free throw down the stretch?!) maybe the continued losing will be a wake up call for him. seems like that’s the best we can hope for at this point. (stop dribbling the ball up the court for f’s sake.)

by DarrellWalkerFan on Jul 15, 2008 1:08 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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