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Around SBN: 2011 In Extreme Home Runs

Pollin': Who's the new agent?

So we know that Agent Zero is going to be out of commission for a little while.  We also know that in times like this, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison will step up their game and help keep the team afloat in his absence.  We also know that as good as they are, that they won't be able to keep the team afloat by themselves, which leads to this week's question: What player, other that Caron and Antawn, has to step up their game the most while Gilbert is out?  Here are your choices...

  • Antonio Daniels - AD is no stranger to filling the void at point guard when Arenas is out, but at 33, he's not getting any younger and he started more games last season than he has at any point in his NBA career.  Can he stay healthy enough to stay on the court and efficiently run the offense?
  • Dee Brown - Brown gives the Wizards an asset they didn't have last year when they were depleted by injuries: a 2nd point guard.  His presence should help keep the Daniels' minutes down, and give the team someone to run the offense with the bench players.  But Dee has very little NBA experience, can he do enough to earn the coaches' trust and get on the court?
  • DeShawn Stevenson - After falling through the basement when Gilbert went down in '06, DeShawn made major strides in his game over the summer so that the same problem wouldn't occur again when he got the injury bug made a return visit.  Can he take it to another level this season?
  • Nick Young - In his rookie year, Young only showed proficiency in one area, but it's the same area that's hurt the most by Gilbert's absence: scoring.  Nick has shown that he can fill it up, but he's hasn't shown that he can do so effectively within the flow of the offense, and his passing and defense leave a lot to desire.  But many players make their biggest jumps between their first and second year.  Can Young do the same (and get a SDC invite while he's at it)?
  • Dominic McGuire - If Caron is going to be able to survive the new load on his shoulders, he's going to need some help from his backup.  Enter Dominic McGuire.  Can he take the next step in becoming the defensive stopper that he was drafted to be and play competently enough to give Butler a breather now and then?
  • Andray Blatche - As someone that can fill in at 3 spots, Blatche's versatility will be a major asset to a team that needs all the assets it can get with their biggest one on the shelf.  But as we all know, Andray has shown less consistency than the average child's sleep pattern..  Will he be able to finally work out his inconsistencies and be someone that the team can rely on?
  • Darius Songaila - As the season went on, Songaila got better and better as he recovered from an off-season playing with Lithuania.  Considering that he didn't play in the Olympics this season, that should mean that he won't slump at the start of the season.  Will that translate into a much needed boost off of the bench early in the season?
  • Brendan Haywood - Voted last year's Most Improved Wizard, Haywood's growth was a major part of why the Wizards were able to be as successful as they were last season with all their injuries.  Can he step it up again to keep the Wizards afloat?
  • Etan Thomas - He has nowhere to go but up after last year, right?

As always, the choice is yours.  Just remember, Larry Bird is not walking through that door, fans.

Poll
Who needs to step up their game the most in Gilbert's absence?
Antonio Daniels
4 votes
Dee Brown
5 votes
DeShawn Stevenson
8 votes
Nick Young
48 votes
Dominic McGuire
3 votes
Andray Blatche
23 votes
Darius Songaila
2 votes
Brendan Haywood
2 votes
Etan Thomas
1 votes

96 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 5 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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I voted for Nick

but I would vote for McGuire number 2 and Blatche number 3.

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

by George Templeton on Sep 23, 2008 2:02 PM EDT reply actions  

I think it’ll be fairly similar to last season … with the performances from the starting five and how they play without Gilbert.

I think the bench needs to step up with Daniels in the starting lineup so someone there. Nick Young is guy I’d point to.

by NBR on Sep 23, 2008 4:50 PM EDT reply actions  

Young needs to step up

The Wizards need a consistant outside shooter…. as well as someone that can slash to the basket. Young can fit that bill. If he can play at least some defense (stay in front of his man) – he may be a very valuable piece this year.

by Rook6980 on Sep 23, 2008 5:00 PM EDT reply actions  

I voted Blatche.....

Sure, I agree that Young needs to step up…but he’ll only be in his second year.

Blatche has the potential to be a star, and we’ve been waiting the longest for him, so he needs to step up the most.

Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It Dot Net

by Kyle Weidie on Sep 24, 2008 11:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Gotta be Young

I would have said Young even before the season. He’s now the top guard off the bench. If he doesn’t produce, AD’s and DeShawn’s legs are going to fall off.

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

by Mike Prada on Sep 24, 2008 10:58 PM EDT reply actions  

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