Open Thread: Flip Saunders Press Conference

by Jake Whitacre on Apr 23, 2009 10:49 AM EDT in Coaching

Today is the day we're formally introduced to the new coach of the Washington Wizards. Obviously, we all knew that he'd be the coach a few weeks ago and knew that he was the frontrunner for the job long before that. Now that everything's official we can begin to look forward to what changes he'll bring on the offensive end and if he can get this team to play defense at a respectable level.

Flip can't say anything right today that will save him if the team flounders next year. Likewise, Flip can't say anything wrong that won't be absolved if the Wizards become an upper-echelon team next season. Still, today is a very important day for the direction of the franchise.

I'll be in class while the press conference is taking place, but if you've got some free time this afternoon, the press conference will be streamed on the team website. Once I get a chance to listen to press conference and read all the quotes, I'll be back with some thoughts, but until then, here's your place to discuss today's press conference.

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I see the team photoshoped their logo onto this picture.

http://www.nba.com/wizards/intro_coach_090422.html

by WizChick on Apr 23, 2009 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

Sounds like the video will be posted later

one of the guys on wizardsextreme said they will be posting the full press conference later today.

by igetbucketsson on Apr 23, 2009 1:39 PM EDT reply actions

Rough

Mr. Polin is still holding on, tough old man!

by Jheiser3 on Apr 23, 2009 3:04 PM EDT reply actions

whoa

didn’t know he was in this condition.

by Pryme on Apr 23, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

From what I’ve heard it’s a degenerative disease. All physical, none mental.

by MR on Apr 23, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Is degenerative and there is dementia associated with it. It is a tough disease and it is anyone’s guess how far along Mr. Polin is. You can learn more about it here http://www.psp.org. It is a causes a subcortical type of dementia, as well as eye movement, balance, and occasionally language problems. Just thought ya all should know.

by GodWuzAWiz on Apr 23, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Thank You for the info

From what I’ve heard he is sharp as ever, hope it stays that way

by MR on Apr 23, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

From what I've seen of the video so far

He still looks pretty sharp to me FWIW.

Bullets Forever: A blog dedicated to the Washington Wizards with analysis, commentary, and more YouTube videos than your eyes can handle.

by Jake Whitacre on Apr 23, 2009 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions

"It's about winning"

OK; I’ll take that.

Also, I noticed that Ernie noticed that fans have been harping on (the utter lack of) team defense. Glad he’s paying attention.

by Pryme on Apr 23, 2009 3:11 PM EDT reply actions

Saunders is clearly aware of his reputation.

He is volunteering talking about defense as a priority.

by Aldo on Apr 23, 2009 3:14 PM EDT reply actions

and he's talking about how he's related to past players.

by Pryme on Apr 23, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Now it's official

by MR on Apr 23, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

What stood out to me

Was when Saunders said that he’s known for having a large playbook, but 60% of that playbook is dedicated to defense and 40% offense. Let me be the first to say that I will not miss that “collapse into the paint, leave 3 point shooters wide open” defense that we were using the past few years.

by bigrm18 on Apr 23, 2009 3:55 PM EDT reply actions

a-freakin-men

that was what upset me so much this season. teams would kick the ball out to open shooters from 3, and whoever it was had all day – really, half the time no one even tried to run out at him. so mediocre shooters relaxed, got in a groove, and had great nights against the wiz. it was really unacceptable, and the true sign that the team had thrown in the towel.

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

by little stevie colter on Apr 23, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

Maybe in 1986 the collapse-into-the-paint thing would have been acceptable, but shooters are just too good today. Almost every player on every team including a lot of centers can hit from at least 18 feet. I’m still not necessarily sold on a zone defense of any kind, but I’m willing to give Saunders a chance.

by pantslessyoda1 on Apr 23, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Thats what I don't get.

ANY decent defensive scheme will amount to a vast improvement on defense over EJ and Tap, so why knock Saunders for not being a defense first coach? We’ve consistently ranked in the bottom 5 in the league so I’m actually excited to see if we can just be average.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 23, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

When I read “Saunders teaches zone defense,” I think “Hey, he teaches some kind of defense!” I’m just hoping for something different than EJ’s three offseasons where he said “We’re concentrating on defense,” and nothing changes.

The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.

by mamemimo on Apr 23, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions