I need to rewatch this game before a full-scale recap

by Mike Prada on Jan 15, 2009 12:36 PM EST in Recaps

But my God, did Tapscott really try to play Antawn Jamison or Dominic McGuire at center down the stretch? Is he really surprised when David Lee scores at will around the rim?

It's like Tap's trying to lose games at this point. Sixteen minutes for Andray Blatche is inexcusable, even if he began the game with a couple dumb fouls. At least we didn't see much of Darius Songaila at center.

The good news is that the Critt-Young backcourt seems to work really well. For all the talk about our lack of an interior presence, the backcourt going forward is a big concern, particularly if Gilbert doesn't return to form. Having Critt and Nick show they can contribute down the road is imperitave.

More later.

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Sorry.....

But Blatche seems to play only when it is convenient to him.

I mean, does anyone else not notice that he lacks hustle and concentration a good deal of the time?

I say sit his butt if that’s what the situation calls for.

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

by Kyle Weidie on Jan 15, 2009 2:34 PM EST reply actions

I don't know -

I think he’s been more into it recently – obviously still not the best decision maker, but i can’t really question his effort, based the games since he’s been starting.
also, to me it seemed he was playing well last night – just some bad fouls, which shouldn’t be cause for benching, other than for foul-related strategic reasons

"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler

by little stevie colter on Jan 15, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah

I disagree. Completely. He’s trying, he’s just still not smart all the time.

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

by Mike Prada on Jan 15, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions

A couple times they tried to get him the ball in the post....

He didn’t take up space….go to the ball…..command possession of it…..and the Wizards ended up with a turnover.

Even Phil Chenier was pointing this out.

I’m just baffled as to why you always seem to think that Andray is “trying” to the most of his potential.

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

by Kyle Weidie on Jan 15, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions

That happens with Caron and Antawn all the time

Does that mean they aren’t trying?

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

by Mike Prada on Jan 15, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions

I'm sick of people trying to divine effort from body language facial expression etc...

Mistakes happen, sometimes especially when they are “trying” or perhaps even pressing. If the management of the team would stop skullf — ing players maybe they might gain some consistency. On a normal team if your starting center gets 2 fouls, you worry about bridging until you can get him back out there. The wizards coaches throw a tantrum and punish the player.

Meanwhile they seem to interpret flailing your elbows, scowling, “I can’t feel my face”, playing injured, constantly stopping play to jawbone refs etc. as effort. I’m sorry that Blatche and Young are cursed with a “laid back” vibe on the court but unfortunately they may be the two best players on the team right now (yes including AJ and CB right now) and they need to play.

One final thing. The wizard look whipped, like they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. It’s understandable they’re making team suckiness history. Still, when I looked at the Knicks they were having fun even though they also stink — call me crazy but I think that’s good coaching. The Wizards are an up tempo team by nature, they want to have fun. I’m not sure they can win if you crush all the fun out of the game. I’m afraid all this “it’s a war” mentallity (I’m looking at you AJ and CB) is making it worse.

by NeverNervousPervis on Jan 15, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions

Well said

Although Butler and Jamison are much better than Nick and Dray. Nick and Dray are good, but Butler and Jamison still produce pretty well. Both are having seasons comparable to last year.

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

by Mike Prada on Jan 15, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

When I said right now I really meant in the last couple games...

Obviously AJ and CB are better, although I feel that Blatche is doing more on D right now than either of them. Also, Caron has wildly inconsistent lately perhaps because he has been shooting too many jumpers — in contrast to Young who has been blazing hot.

I know I’m saying nothing new here but it’s frustrating watching a team constantly misevaluate players based on thing perceptions of “savvy” or “hard work.” Etan is favored over BTH all based on supposed work ethic. We are subjected to guys like Ruffin who are barely NBA players, while better players are on the roster. We watch Roger Mason go off and become a starting quality guard with a great team, while we prioritize giving minutes to a guy with a herniated disk, because he’s a “warrior.” DeShawn who I just bashed even though I kind of like him, has to essentially ask to be demoted to make room for last years 1st Round Pick (shockingly most teams – like say Detroit – actually want to play those guys.) We trade to get Critt and play James instead,and on and on. The consant refrain is that we do it for veteran leadership.

So what do we get. Groundhog day. Starting lineup comes out spots the opposing team a lead. Young and crew come in bring the team back, Tap immediately brings the starters back only with Songaila instead of Blatche and we promptly lose in the 4th.

by NeverNervousPervis on Jan 15, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions

AND

when not fouling, blatche has been pretty solid on defense, which could have come in handy against lee.

"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler

by little stevie colter on Jan 15, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

None...

Of that matters to Tapscott, however. It’s all about “veteran savvy”, even if keeps costing us games. Don’t wanna play young guys like McGee and Blatche down the stretch, which might lose games and affect our playoff positioning!

by YellaFella on Jan 15, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions