Practice Quick Report - Caron Butler's injured, Nick Young's starting, Gilbert Arenas is talking
by Mike Prada on Nov 23, 2009 2:40 PM EST
in First-hand reporting
29 comments
I attended practice today, and I'll have more later, but some really quick things while I'm on company time.
- And your newest injured Wizard is ... Caron Butler. (Pay up if you didn't have him in the pool). Butler has been trying to play through some ankle pain for six days, but it swelled up really bad during and after the San Antonio game. He's scheduled to have an MRI this afternoon to figure out what's up. Flip Saunders said he's not sure whether he'll play tomorrow. Gilbert Arenas basically ruled him out. Butler hasn't practiced in two days and was walking around with a sock and flip flops today
- Gilbert Arenas gave an interesting interview after practice, during which he said that of the 15 players on the team, 14 get along and are all on the same page. He didn't say who that one person was, so I have no clue. However, I should point out that, when asked whose shoulders it's on to get everyone on the same page, he mentioned himself and Antawn Jamison. Someone then jumped in and asked about Caron Butler. Gilbert at first said "Come again," as if he didn't hear the question. Then, after it was asked again, Gil said "Yeah." It's definitely weird that he didn't mention Caron right away, but it could also be nothing. Just feel it should be pointed out.
- Nick Young is like a cat - he gets nine lives. After being inactive against San Antonio, he will start for Mike Miller against the 76ers tomorrow. Gilbert said: "Nick is coming out of the box."
- Mike Miller's MRI still hasn't come back yet. When he was asked about his status as he was walking by, he said "I'm playing tomorrow." Funny thing is, I would have believed it.
- I talked to the two Mikes about the Haywood-Arenas incident a bit. They made it clear that nobody called anyone out by name, and both made a point to say that it was a team-wide problem. They just wrote what they saw, which is their job. Haywood and Arenas, for the record, were shooting free throws and joking around together after practice. Not sure if they were feuding or not, but there's at least a possibility that they weren't.
- UPDATE: Michael Lee just tweeted this: "Just for clarification, Gilbert Arenas & Brendan Haywood do not have a rift. Their comments were not directed at each other."
- UPDATE 2: Mike Jones caught up with Caron Butler via phone. Butler didn't really address the "rift" stuff in depth - Jones said he took the high road. I kind of expected nothing less - he's never going to talk about stuff like that in public.
- UPDATE 3: From Michael Lee's Twitter: "Caron Butler just texted me. He called Gilbert Arenas to clear up what was said in practice. There's no beef, I guess."
More later.
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They just need some wins
In any relationship, when things get sour people start to look at the negatives instead of the positives.
If they can get on a streak (even a little one) they’ll be back to complementing each other on dunks, passes, and buzzer-beaters.
Flip & Co. has to get them organized. Arenas, Butler and Jamison have to lead on the court as well as off it. The role players need to understand and accept their roles. Everyone needs to trust the system.
Three in a row will do.
by Pryme on Nov 23, 2009 2:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Is Caron the Odd Man Out?
If Brendan wasn’t talking about Gilbert, then who was he talking about? Funny thing, but I thought he might have been talking about Caron from the get go, until I heard Mike Lee talk about Gilbert ducking into the shower during Brendan’s interview and then Brendan singing Beyonce during Gilbert’s. But consider the quote:
If you want to win, you have to check your ego at the door. Bottom line. If you normally score 20 and you don’t get your 20 but the team is winning, who cares?
I was probably reading too much into this, but I thought, “Gilbert has never averaged 20, but Caron does. Could he be talking about Caron?” Now I’m starting to wonder again. Against the Thunder, everytime the Wiz would make a run, it was selfish play from Caron that broke it. Now I’m seeing that he’s hurt, but still… If he was hurt, shouldn’t he have passed more and dribbled and shot 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 Nov 23, 2009 3:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think Caron's a good guess too
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Nov 23, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Does He Ever Give Interviews Anymore?
I haven’t heard a quote from Caron in a long time. What does he think about what’s going on? If he won’t talk, will anyone speak for him?
"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 Nov 23, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I talked to him for a while after the Cleveland game
That’s the last time I’ve talked to him.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Nov 23, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
I hope you’re not offended, Mike, but I kind of glanced over this interview when you first posted it, because I didn’t really think it had any new or interesting material. But with what’s going on now, I’m re-reading all of the answers, and I’m wondering if I’m picking up hints of selfishness in them.
Consider:
I asked him what changed for him in that quarter as opposed to earlier on.
“I made shots. Simple as that. Shots were falling.”
Okay, so maybe that’s not much of an answer. But that’s Butler. Always confident, always steady.
Always cocky?
“I am keying in on [defense], but I’m not getting away from my bread and butter, what I’m good at,” he said. “Getting out in transition, getting on the logo, drawing double teams and making plays.”
You’re not going to let yourself get away from your “bread and butter”? Even if it helps the team? Drawing double teams? Does he still draw double teams?
Bucher asked Butler whether he’s struggled to fit in as opposed to having the ball all the time.
“I can pretty much adapt to any situation,” Butler said. “My offense will come. Me being out there, coach playing me me 35 minutes plus, good things are going to happen for me on the offensive end.”
So he expects to play 35 minutes plus? Even if he can’t shoot?
“Me as a basketball player, I always find my way. Coach knows that, the organization knows that. I score in bunches. Once I get in rhythm, I can put up 10-12 points fast, kind of like what I did tonight.”
Why bring up the organization? Do they owe you the chance to find your offense?
“My main thing as a basketball player is really trying to develop a good chemistry with us all out there. That’s the main thing. Because I’m used to having the ball so much, and because when Gilbert was out, Antawn, me and him carried the load pretty much. Now, we’re trying to figure out how to be successful playing together. It’s a work in progress.”
Yes, you used to have the ball so much, and you used to carry the load. So do you not want to give that up now?
I know what everybody is thinking at this point. I’m reading WAY too much into this. And you’re probably right. And I hope you all are right. Let’s just a few wins and forget all about 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 Nov 23, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
By and large, I think you are ... a bit
For example, the first part of the first quote was immediately followed by the second, so that’s not much of anything. And the last part was specifically in response to Ric Bucher asking about his adjustment from having the ball a lot with Gilbert out to now.
But I do remember thinking there was some very curious and disheartening answers in there. I don’t remember the last time he drew a double team. I don’t know why he’s talking about his ability to score 10-12 points quick. I just tend to hear the exact same stuff from Caron over and over again.
I tried to get this point across with the whole “steady, confident” angle, but I suppose it could also be a negative. Regardless, I dunno whether Caron’s teammates got annoyed with these comments. So far, I’m the only one to write about them, so I don’t think they even knew.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Nov 23, 2009 4:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pryme said it best.
They need wins.
If your co-student was cuasing you to score F’s consistantly trust me you would be at his neck.
All they need is wins. I dont know how but something is going to change. Some linup will click. Something will click. Theres too much talented to be wasted.
by Unxpekted on Nov 23, 2009 3:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
At this point, I don't see anything dire happening to the role players
Meaning, I don’t see them as the “problem.” Oberto is a professional. Critt’s been injured. McGee, McGuire and NY have barely played. Boykins just got here. Miller has literally contorted himself to fit in and help the team. Foye hasn’t played enough to really be destructive. Last season, among other things, has humbled Stevenson and Blatche (at least on the court) to the point where they’re’ just trying to play a role. Haywood has finally found his role and is playing it pretty well.
That leaves the Tri-Force, and each guy is obviously playing for something, but something different. Arenas seems to be playing to prove that he still deserves to be mentioned among the good players in the NBA, and more importantly, that he’s good enough to push a team into the playoffs. Jamison is playing for a championship; his locker practically screams trophyroom and he’s hinted that he’s calling it quits in two seasons. Butler appears to be playing for validation as well, but to prove that he can be more than just a second banana; maybe he took last season personally because he played a big chunk of the season and they still lost so many games, it certainly would be a valid answer to the question, “Why play when you’re hurting?”
That being said, yes; a winning streak will go far in calming the waters and getting these guys back on track.
by Pryme on Nov 23, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I agree with your read on the situation
Well said and rec’d.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Nov 23, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nick Young starting
With all the hoopla over the Butler rift, nobody is discussing the biggest news of the day. Nick Young is starting again! And if Butler is hurt, then the starting lineup might be:
PG Arenas
SG Young
SF Jamison
PF Blatche
C Haywood
When you think about it, this is actually the ideal offense to run Flip’s Hawk set. We have the prototypical 2-guard to curl off the baseline screens, the pick-and-pop SF who can launch 3’s from the weakside, and two big men who can set picks and crash the glass, with the added bonus that Blatche is an excellent passer for a PF.
If Arenas and Young can finally execute the system properly, this could be an exciting lineup which leads to a turnaround in our fortunes. Furthermore, it could result in a rejuvenation of Young – which would add another starting-quality player to our roster.
Hmmm. I can’t believe I’m still hopeful. I’m a glutton for punishment, I guess.
by nate33 on Nov 23, 2009 4:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
My BOY
Irrationally love Nick Young. Hope he tries to stay within the game. Not trying to prove anything, but let his natural talent take over. If Nick Young plays to his talent level, he is a better player than alot of the guys on this team.
by zeke5123 on Nov 23, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So Young went from being inactive to being a starter? Man, what must be going through that kid’s mind…
by Vic De Zen on Nov 23, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nah Im hopeful too. Was playing NBA Live had the same line up except Caron made it on a game time decision.
Sure enough Nick Young got invovled and we won the game with a Gilbert Arenas buzzer beater……. lol
by Unxpekted on Nov 23, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They will be up for Eddie...
One of those early season must wins….
by khrabb on Nov 23, 2009 5:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
All this stuff -
is making me sick to my stomach. I feel worse about this team than I have in a very long time. Maybe even worse than last season when we lost all those games. Let’s hope we can win the Philly, Charlotte and Miami games and get some kind of turnaround going. All of those games at least to me are winnable but nothing is guaranteed with this team.
by ooba on Nov 23, 2009 5:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Eddie should play peacemaker in the Wiz lockerroom
but yeah, a nice win streak will quell a lot of this bickering.
by rzawrecktah on Nov 23, 2009 5:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
arenas
wow..the ahip is about to sink
http://www.csnwashington.com/pages/landing_wizards/?blockID=94704&feedID=2994
by skinz21rip on Nov 23, 2009 5:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It's so frustrating to watch this BS
Yeah, they’re losing, which hurts for them and for us.
But any sane person can tell that infighting and this other nonsense only works against the team. Why put this stuff in the press? If there is indeed a beef anywhere, mature millionaires should be able to work it out internally, and experienced coaches (Flip and, of a different type, Sam) should be able to point them in that direction. Any team, sports or otherwise, can get derailed pretty easily this way. I lead a team of about 30 and I wouldn’t allow it for a minute.
by RamV on Nov 23, 2009 8:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm a fan of this quote from the SI power rankings:
“Maybe Gilbert Arenas should go back to, you know, not talking to the media. After road losses to Oklahoma City and San Antonio, Arenas accused some of his teammates of having “hidden agendas.” Arenas might want to look at his own play as a reason for the Wizards’ struggles. He’s shooting a career-low 39 percent and averaging 4.0 turnovers to go with 6.3 assists."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/chris_mannix/11/23/rankings3/index.html
by ooba on Nov 23, 2009 8:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This Quote From Butler Pissed Me Off
From the Mike Jones Update #2 above:
“I don’t take my work home with me. I just focus on how I prepare myself to be able to compete at the highest level possible. My resume speaks for itself.”
Your resume speaks for itself? So I guess you’ve got nothing to prove, right? Except you still don’t have any championship rings on, Tough Juice! Meanwhile, your team is 3-9 and subtly calling you out for your selfish play. Now might be a nice time for a little humility on your part, Caron. Not to mention a little bit of that hunger you had when you first got here. I liked the hungry Caron who had something to prove a lot more than the Caron whose “resume speaks for itself”. When did Caron get such a huge ego? I don’t get it.
"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 Nov 23, 2009 9:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I'm struggling with this too-
I never thought he was a selfish player. I always thought he was pretty humble – I still remember his first all star game – the smile on his face when he was introduced. What happened to him to make him this way. So confusing.
by ooba on Nov 23, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry no need to answer this-
Caught up on another posting and saw this has been discussed already.
by ooba on Nov 23, 2009 10:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Could that attitude apply to Gilbert and Antawn as well
I wonder if the whole team is taking their cue from them with their sense of entitlement (maybe that isn’t the right word, but I am struggling for the right one).
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Nov 24, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely Also So With Gil
But we can’t really fault Antawn right now. He’s doing his job, and he’s getting it done. Gil and Caron have been playing like crap, though, and so they need to drop their respective attitudes and start playing like a team again.
"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 Nov 24, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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