Andray Blatche officially arrives, Wizards beat Nets
by Mike Prada on Feb 28, 2010 8:36 PM EST
in Recaps
130 comments
I know, I know, it's hard to imagine someone "arriving" against the New Jersey Nets. But in case there was any doubt that he's a different player, this game should have erased it.
(And yes, I know that's a photo from the Knicks game. Andray Blatche was so good tonight that he mesmerized the photographers).
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good headline
question i have – because it came up in chats before all of the trades during the actual games…
how many games did we lose when blatche was playing well in the 2nd half – only to get benched in last 5 mins so we could get “starters” haywood/jamison back in game?
i say at least 4 that i can remember
wow and to think this team could have had AB, mcgee, blair and some kid named ricky rubio as a core- all for what- maybe 15-20mm lol
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 8:47 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
yeah, its crazy to think about
we also drafted dominic mcgwire one spot ahead of marc gasol
by John Park Williams on Feb 28, 2010 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
Hey now...
No bad mouthing Taser. :)
by imperialme on Feb 28, 2010 10:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
AB
we all know that statistics don’t really tell us everything about how a good a player really is, but AB’s numbers tonight are awesome.
36 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, only 3 turnovers and +13 eff rating.
Is there another PF putting up AB’s numbers these days? (Granted, he’s playing against the Nets, not Timmy Ducan and the Spurs)
(posted this on the previous thread, but thought it made more sense here)
Amare
well, Amare had a pretty good game with 41 points and 12 rebounds. Its just great to see AB coming into his own and putting up All-Star numbers night in and night out. Im sure we’ll see a drop off every now and then, but I expect him to average 20 + points and 10 rebounds per game from the All Star break to the end of the season.
that seems a little unreasonable
granted he is playing out of his mind, but at least at this stage of his career, he’s a lot more LaMarcus Aldridge than Chris Bosh
its nice to see the refs are trying to help out new jersey
I only saw the last 10 minutes of the game and some highlights, but from what I saw the game was terribly officiated. How many travels were called? I mean, this is still the NBA right?
But all that doesnt matter. 7 Day Dray is here to stay. The last time I was this excited watching Wizards basketball was the last year they were in the playoffs.
I know I have been bashing Arenas a lot lately, but after watching this game, I am flip-flopping. The makeup of our team is different. We now have what every good team has-role players that understand their roles. The problem is we only have one star right now.
I used to love Arenas. But it was so frustrating watching the team struggle this year when the expectations were so high. But now I see all the struggles as a good thing. There is no question in my mind that right now Andray Blatche is a better basketball player than Antawn Jamison.
I think Arenas could actually co-exist well with with Blatche…his outside shooting would give Blatche some space inside. Plus he can create on his own as we have seen. However i think Gillie should still be moved even if he plays well. I just cant see his knee holding up with his style of play.
@lez boulez bomber-i would rather have Flynn, Curry, or Jennings. Personally i am not a fan of Rubio and that huge nose of his. whenever i see that thing i want to pop him in the face. i cant help it. im sorry.
@ CVC-he did put up 18 on the Nuggets who have some talented post defenders, and 33 on Minny, and 25 on chicago who also have some good post defenders. i dont think any of this is a fluke
tw10- you are beginning to see the light..
Let’s assume Arenas comes back, refocused, and more mature— and brings his 25 PPG, 8 APG, and 5 RPG numbers he was putting up the last few weeks before his suspension. He will only make Blatche even better, as you say, by drawing defenders away from the paint. The other pieces we need would be a tall pass-first PG, so that we could move GA to the SG spot. Then a Center (JM is not ready to be a consistent starting center). We could have a decent team NEXT season— and more importantly, we would make Michael Wilbon eat crow about the Wizard’s being “bottom-feeders” for a long time.
I'd also be open to moving GA...
but we need to get him out on the court — where he, no doubt, will put up great numbers, which will boost his trade value.
If he’s putting up great numbers, and jelling with this new Wizards team, then we keep him. If not, we trade him for players who do.
Its really a win win situation for the Wizards to bring GA back, instead of trying to void his contract, buy him out, or rush into a bad trade where GA is packaged with AB or another valuable player.
No way theyd trade Ab just to get rid of Gillie
I’d like to think Blatche is untouchable at this point. But I still think trading Gil is necessary. I dont trust his knee. Plus if we can trade Gil we will have enormous amounts of cap room and we can land a good FA. Hopefully Melo or Durant or Rudy Gay will want to come home to the DMV area.
And CVC, everything is not always about stats. Gil got that 25 and 8 by jacking up shots and by always having the ball. If we can move him to the 2 gaurd I’ll be able to live with him being a gunner.
And we have that tall pas first Pg you are talking about—Shaun Livingston. Hes not ready to play big minutes yet though-that was obvious from the 5 minutes he played. Plus he’s got a injury history worse than Gil’s. Im tired of fragile players. If we turn down an offer for Gil(unless they want Dray) we are going to regret it when he suffers another knee injury.
Foye is stepping up his game lately..
could he be a consistent PG with GA at SG? Or is it better having him come off the bench.
I don’t know anything about Livingston, only that he looked tall on the court. Does he have the skills to be a consistent starting PG in the NBA?
Folks have been trying to convert Gil to shooting guard since high school
He doesn’t like to move away from the ball. He prefers to create off the dribble.
Aint gonna happen. Plus he still thinks he has Dec 2007 knees.
Good luck with that.
Earlier in the season..
Gil played SG to Boykins/Foye PG… and Gil seeme to play well. On another past thread, someone brokedown Gil’s numbers playing off-guard minutes…and they were stellar.
that..i dont know..
…i think they played Foye at PG and Gil at SG in stretches during the very first game versus Dallas, in which they won in convincing fashion. someone might have a better recollection.
Man, that seems like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?
i was being sarcastic
they did horrible the first half of the year. im sure Flip tried to play Gil at the 2 and would’ve kept doing it if it was effective. but obviously it didnt contribute to them winning.
im just saying
i want to see GIl do well, but no matter what we have to trade him because we shouldnt pay a guy with a knee like that all that money.
We thought we had depth at the 2
With Young, Miller, Stevenson, and Foye fighting for minutes there we were more worried about Gil getting comfortable in a new system.
by forthepeople on Feb 28, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
im going to cringe every time he leaves his feet next year,
thats why i think it might be smarter to sit him until we can trade him. he proved he can still play this year.
Honestly, I'm less worried about his knee than just him, in general
I’ve never been a big fan of Arenas. Maybe it’s a little irrational, but whatever. However, that being said, I do think a Gil/Dray, inside outside game could work. I just can’t get past the concern of Gil being Gil.
true - what do they have to lose AND
what choice do they have, since voiding is not going to happen
"how ironic - you came here with a mouse in a bottle, now YOU are the mouse in the bottle" - B.M. Smith
by little stevie colter on Feb 28, 2010 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
i am pretty sure they r angling for the buyout option
especially with the pollin interview and the grunfeld comments.
basically telling gil that he is signed by the team – so if he wants to leave, negotiate a buyout
and i dont want gil guarding NBA SG's.
gil vs. joe johnson, DWade, Kobe, or even JR Smith just smells like disaster to me.
i went with rubio bec he was the #5 pick. any of those guys you mention would work for me!
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
is there any chance that we could get Darren Collison from NO?
I’m watching the Mavs-NO game, and DC is impressive.
Actually, I think yes
New Orleans already has Paul and they have major luxury tax problems next year. Maybe we can take Collison as a price for taking Posey or Peterson off their hands.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
dont you think they could get more for collison than just luxory tax savings?
He’s been specgtacular for a rookie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk
by hibachi on Feb 28, 2010 10:16 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
NO being blown our by Mavs...
… Collison has been the only bright spot.
I wonder how a Collison and Arenas back court would work. Obviously, it would be a high-octane, blindingly fast scoring back court, but would they be defensively challenged going against back court’s with bigger shooting guards?
I've been on the DC bandwagon since CP3 went down
Would love to run him at point. Then have Foye at the 2.
Then build a statue of either Melo or Durant in front of Verizon Center the next year and throw every dollar we got at either of them.
I think Foye would be a great compliment to either of them because he doesn’t need to control the ball. Can be a complimentary player.
Have Melo or Durant as our wing scorer, and Blatche on the blocks scoring.
Good balance. No more trio scoring.
I don't think Melo wants to go back to a reclamation project
Even if it is at home. And It seems like Durant really likes his team.
And to think we tried to trade Blatche for DJ Augustin.
DJ Augustin!
I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE!
by OleksiyPecherovsHomeboy on Feb 28, 2010 10:03 PM EST reply actions
Had to Tivo the game
Just finished it. Are we free to believe in Dray at this point? Is it ok? Or do I have to wait until the end of the year? That turn around at the end of the shot clock was a shot 4’s just shouldn’t make.
Here's to hoping Dray and JaVale hire Dwight Howard's trainer
Cuz they could both really use some strength.
by imperialme on Feb 28, 2010 10:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
2 fun things actually said by the NJ play-by-play guy during this game:
“Andray Blatche is not human!”
followed a few minutes later by:
“Andray Blatche is a machine!”
"how ironic - you came here with a mouse in a bottle, now YOU are the mouse in the bottle" - B.M. Smith
by little stevie colter on Feb 28, 2010 10:32 PM EST reply actions
LOL...thanks for sharing that
sounds like something Buckhantz would say though
i wonder if Butler meant something by this comment
he was just interviewed before going into the locker room on ESPN, and they asked him how he got off to a good start.“blah blah blah…you know, playing with a great point gaurd like Jason Kidd really helps..”
was that a shot at Gil? It was on national TV. Who knows. They didnt get along, so i wouldnt be surprised if he was throwing an elbow at Gil
It's possible, but at the same time
It is Jason Kidd.
And CB and Gil didn't get along all season
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
yeah- i think it is more likely he is talking up his situation trying to be a good teammate. he has no reason to blast anyone here. he was thankful on natl tv the other night they traded him to a good situation.
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
i missed that. and thats true, no reason to kick GIl while he’d down. BTW, Dallas has 69 freakin points at the half.
I'll go out on a limb..
… and predict that Dallas will be the Western Conference’s representative in the NBA Finals.
I’ve watched 4 or 5 of games (funny, they seem to be on national TV more since the trade), and they are firing on all cylinders. Butler is back, and finally shooting a decent percentage. Brendan has been Brendan.
I still think they won't get past Denver, personally
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Butler is by no means "back"
In fact his numbers have been worse in his small sample in Dallas. Brendan has been their difference maker. They can score with anyone.
by forthepeople on Feb 28, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
jason kidd is a great point guard
so whats the issue?
i think we will have more success focusing on building around an inside game with a complimentary assist/shooter on the perimeter ala malone and stockton. a lot more championships have been won that way. there is nothing harder to beat than a team that can score inside at will.
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 10:50 PM EST reply actions
That's why I actually agree with Simmons
Taking Dream over Jordan was a no brainer. You always go with the sure fire big vs. the sure fire guard.
the weird thing about this comment
is i have been trying to think of whose game dray looks like (in the recent small sample set).
he is playing like a slightly shorter dream
I said the same thing a couple days ago
And got mocked for it. :) But seriously, he plays under the rim the same way Dream did. NOT that I’m saying Dray is the second coming of Dream or anything (just to make sure that’s said), but yeah, his game is somewhat similar.
yes - i agree - not that they r but or will be the same player
but the moves…the duck under layups..the post fakes, etc. very reminiscent
True
But he’s definitely a lot closer to Dream than he is to Garnett (who is he seems to get comapred to the most).
yes - thats a better way to put it i think
more like dream than garnett
agreed - but this is where i see so much improvement from dray around the basket
again – not the same player…but a lot of the same moves he is learning
and by the way
for big guys – i dont remember anyone who compared to hakeem footwork wise
Yup
Probably the best and most versatile post game ever
Without question
But he wasn’t Dream. That doesn’t stop me from hoping Ted throws boat loads of cash at him to come in and teach Dray and McGee, though.
Much easier said than done
Also, the rules changes mean you need to have a perimeter guy who can get you points. The whole “dump the ball into the post only” way of playing doesn’t work as well now.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
maybe not, but i think the fastest way to 60 wins will come with consistent inside scoring. when we lose in the finals, you can add that final piece. i dont think it is that hard to find serviceable perimeter scorers. in fact, foye might be that guy! can he defend???
what i think is the safest, fastest way is to the finals is inside scoring, with a point guard that can penetrate and dish and a 2 guard that can defend and hit the open jumper. i dont think basketball has changed that much but maybe one day you can elaborate why you think its not the best way because i dont know of any championships won by exclusively jump shooting teams. and jordans big men could score the put back, which is basically what they had to do with him.
at the end of the day, there are a lot of scorers. but there are few that can score at will and play lock down defense. and they tend to be playing for the teams that compete at the top! its not by accident…arenas does not defend which is why we will never win with him.
by les boulez bomber on Mar 1, 2010 12:32 AM EST up reply actions
Short answer
You need everything, or as close to it as possible, to win a title. The Spurs needed Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili as much as they needed Tim Duncan, particularly to win their 05 and 07 titles after the rule changes. Paul Pierce mattered just as much to the 08 Celtics as Kevin Garnett (and Garnett mostly shot jumpers anyway). Pau Gasol is not a traditional championship-winning dominant big man, but he was good enough to be a sidekick and operate as the second option win with Kobe being the most important player last year.
Inside scoring may be the best way to build a successful offense, but it’s also the trait that’s most difficult to find. Short of that, you build the best team you can and make up the rules later.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I think a better way of saying it is that PLAYERS -
and more specifically STAR players, win Titles.
It doesn’t matter what position… where the scoring comes from…. or whatever…. Great players make Championship teams.
You need a HoF type player on your team, and then surround him with All-Stars and near All-Stars…. That’s why I think LA has the best chance of winning the Championship this year… HoF (Kobe), All-Stars/Near All-Stars (Gasol, Bynum, Odom)
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
and blatche is playing into that role…hope he continues to take it to the next level! we can find a backcourt that can support him.
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 10:51 PM EST reply actions
BTW, completely off topic
But how the hell does and ear infection knock somebody out for the year? Apparently Hansbrough is done. Makes me chuckle.
Because its not an ear infection
Its like the " Flu like symptons " is actually just being hungover.
Anybody wanna paypal bet that 7Day drops atleast 40 this season?
I have a $100 on my prediction.
Gilbert Arenas, Miller, Andray Blatche, McGee and maybe someone else as a lineup = I think I just nutted
by Unxpekted on Feb 28, 2010 11:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I'm rooting for the kid
But he looks lost on simple things right now.
he still is very quick
just needs to get feel back – that will come.
cant teach the speed…and even with the knee he has it
The 5 second violation last game was bad
And the travel tonight was just ridiculous. I’d keep him for the rest of the year, definitely, but that’s pretty much based on hope.
In what way did Livingston do well?
All I saw were 2 TOs and a missed shot in 5 minutes. I mean, I don’t want to knock the guy at this point—let’s give him a sec to get back to the NBA…but I haven’t seen him do a single positive thing out there yet.
Me neither
He throws nice entry passes. That’s about it.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Well.
I wasnt expecting him to do much and he didnt but he showed confidence in that knee. I think I was just very happy to see him play after that injury more than anything.
by MurlandTerps on Mar 1, 2010 12:52 AM EST up reply actions
i think Vasquez can bring the size Livingston does with the same point gaurd abilites. Plus i think Vasquez will be a whole lot better. He is super competitve. I really wanna keep watching him play baskeball i will be very upset if we pass on him. I say Favors/Cousins with 4th pick, Collins/Stevenson with the 30th, and Grevis with the 2nd rounder,
Looking forward to Blatche's upcoming match-ups against...
KG, Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, Bynum/Gasol.
real measuring sticks for AB.
wouldnt be surprised if he does well against all of them.
I"m with you
I haven’t been truly jazzed by this team in a long time. But I find myself eagerly waiting to see how Dray does against top flight front lines.
Of course, AB has played all of them before..
..but these games will be the first time he mans-up against these players for 30-40 minutes.
In the past, he came in for AJ and faced second teamers. After he plays Garnett, Dwight, Bynum/Gasol, Westbrook, we’ll get a better sense of how good AB really is. Based on how he’s played the last 7 games, I think he will do quite well against the best PF/C in the league.
Stupid side note
But I had a Bynum/Arenas deal worked out on the trade machine. That would’ve been fabulous.
Brendan just tried to toss in a put back
When he should have jammed it. Her’s still adjusting….
FYI - good chance shaq done for year
any other wiz fans out there that, knowing that, would have just sat on ilgauskas for rest of year…instead of buyout?
cavs without either cant get past orlando in my opinion.
So what's the deal with Singleton? We missed him.
I was really really sick of seeing that chinese moses malone and lopez just abusing us on the boards…..
They seem to be a different team withought Singleton
That just sounds weird to say…..
he is - BUT
his assist numbers are going way down as he tries to be the primary offensive option
"how ironic - you came here with a mouse in a bottle, now YOU are the mouse in the bottle" - B.M. Smith
by little stevie colter on Feb 28, 2010 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
Collison and Thornton
What a monster pair of back court rookies.
Bravo Hornets. They are set for a decade…Who’s CP3? :-)
Ps. Someone was questioning Arenas productivity potential. Did you miss his 45 point 14 assist game this past year? He is a good player if you ask me it was Deshawn, Caron, and Jamisons lazy play and lack of chemistry/ball movement/basic fundamentals that lost us games. I really think this intense, fast paced, team can really flourish with a shooter like Arenas
by Unxpekted on Mar 1, 2010 12:12 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Then comes playoffs
The game slows down, half court sets are the norm, defense is notched up.
And Gilbert and his high intense game is worthless. Just ask the hawks, suns, 76ers, etc etc
Just to make sure I'm understanding you properly
It’s everybody but Gilbert’s fault?
Who does Dray compare with?
The mere fact that people are making comparisons with Garnett, Stoudemire, Bosh, Olajuwon et al suggests that Dray has come a long, long way in a two short weeks either in reality, or in people’s perceptions, or both!
Over on Wizards Insider, someone even compared Dray to Robert McAdoo…. Lately I have been leaning towards the Big E, though Dray does not fade away quite so dramatically on his jumpers, the shot is becoming increasingly high percentage for him (thx for the stats Mike).
Anyway, I am ready to eat any negative words I uttered about Dray over the past few years. I hope he keeps up the great work. Really, he has been an exceptional force! And if he does, I hope people cut EG a bit more slack for having the foresight to pick him up at #47 four years ago.
Not saying that it will or even should happen, but If the Wizzies were to move forward with Gilbert and Dray as their top players, it would certainly make for be some interesting story lines… second rounders, checkered pasts, things to prove etc etc
i will never give EG credit. I dont think I’ve ever shared this story but i met him in person once and he is a douche, IMO. sorry if i offended anyone.
Please Elaborate
I’m curious.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
Everyone I've talked to says he's a nice guy
He was very nice to me when we talked.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Can We Get an Update on Singleton?
What’s the story? How much pain is he still in? Will he have to sit out the next game? When can we expect him back at close to 100%?
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
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