It's the perfect storm; we're missing all three. Below are my observations for each category and I apologize ahead of time for the rudimentary stat evidence. I'm not an advanced stat guy.

1. Effort: While the problem has loomed over this team's collective head since the roster was constructed, it became readily apparent to anyone watching last night. Toronto players constantly raced past our guys for uncontested dunks and lay-ups. The Wiz responded by dropping their heads, launching terrible shots on offense (which led to even more fast-breaks), and communicating even less on defense.

Back-up stats: 32 opponent fast break points last night. Overall rank of 29th in this category so far this year (19.3 avg pg).

2. Aptitude: Our guards can't stay in front of anyone due to inexperience (Wall) or physical limitation (Arenas & Hinrich) and our bigs find themselves constantly out of position. Our rotations are so slow, the simplest ball movement by the opposition generates uncontested dunks. Even when our bigs do alter shots, the offensive board is wide open more often than not.

Back-up stats: 62 opponent points in the paint last night. Overall rank of 27th in this category so far this year (45.5 avg pg). 14 opponent offensive rebounds last night. Overall ranking of 24th in this category so far this year (12.1 avg pg).

3. Coaching: Flip is on record as saying the only way this team will compete is if it brings maximum effort to every game, but then turns around and says "you can't coach effort." So, in my mind, he's basically declared himself useless. The strategy might work for a team that polices itself (like his Minnesota and his Piston teams), but this bunch doesn't; they walk on eggshells around each other. If Flip doesn't discipline them, no one will and the defense won't improve. And just to beat a dead horse: the zone should be taken out back and shot.

Back-up stats: I wish there was some way to show Minnesota's and Detroit's defensive success had nothing to do with him, but I don't have those stat skills. I also wish I could show just how awful the zone has been, but I've yet to figure out how to measure the saliva dripping from opponents' mouths when they see it.