Truth About It: A Better Wizards Locker Room Without Etan Thomas

I thought this was a tad harsh, but it's definitely clear that Etan Thomas was not bonding with the rest of the team. Then again, I tend to shy away from these "locker room" commentary pieces naturally (it's a bias!), and Rashad's comment in the last thread adds some credence to Truth's position.

Definitely an interesting issue to discuss, though.

over 2 years ago Mike Prada 7 comments 0 recs |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

That Makes

The deal all that much better for us. It should help team chemistry I hope. I’ll add… We need Sheldon Williams.

by Danyon Rome on Jun 30, 2009 7:54 PM EDT reply actions

that's pretty suprising

because all signs said that etan was a solid all around guy who has dealt with a lot since he’s been in dc. A broken eye socket and open heart surgery are two very serious injuries that have ended careers as well as lives. That could have a lot to do with his team, in that he went through so much and spent so much time away from the team. Also he was an older guy where almost all of the other guys on our team are still in their 20’s.

I’m not trying to make excuses for Etan, and if he was a negative influence than good thing he’s outta here, but I feel like there has to be more to it than what we’re being given.

by Spanky731 on Jun 30, 2009 11:07 PM EDT reply actions

Negative influence?

I would argue Truth About It’s article was on the too harsh side. Perhaps over the years Etan became more disconnected from the team. Part of that could have been his health and surely part of that could have been having a personality uncharacteristic to the rest of the team. But outside of the spat between him and Haywood (and who’s fault was that? can’t really say), it seems hard to argue he was a negative influence that was bringing down the team, even if he probably wasn’t much of a rallying force either (though he was team captain for a while).

by Johnnie Futbol on Jul 1, 2009 7:28 AM EDT up reply actions

just restated what I said

I just meant that in the case that he was a negative influence in another way that we are un aware of, then good riddance,

by Spanky731 on Jul 1, 2009 7:34 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah much of what i wrote just repeated what you wrote. but i’m adding that i believe calling him a negative influence and saying “good riddance” is harsh. perhaps it’s fair to say he’s better off on another team, or that at this point in his life he can’t contribute much to an NBA team, but no need to disrespect him in the process. and I’m not saying you are by any means, just stating my own personal opinion.

by Johnnie Futbol on Jul 1, 2009 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Yea....

I was going to respond that I didn’t mean to be that harsh towards Etan ….

He’s not a bad guy … and I “tried” to cover myself (somewhat) by saying:

It’s not that Etan was a noticeable burden on team chemistry, but it will improve for the simple fact that he’s gone.

I think my overall point, and I’ve been around a couple locker rooms in my life, was that Etan’s aloofness had an unrealized mental affect on the locker room … and of course, I’m being liberal with this assumption.

However, I’m still confident in saying that the unity in the locker room will be better off without him and with someone with whom others feel is more part of the team.

Network Bar

Bullets Forever -

Home of the Great Wall ... of Chinatown