Briefing: Eight isn't great when you're losing
by Jake Whitacre on Mar 16, 2010 8:25 AM EDT
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Rook couldn't have put it better. Odds are, this losing streak is still going to get worse before it gets better. The good thing is, thanks to this Western swing, most of the carnage will occur after bedtime.
Wizards Losing Streak Reaches Eight - Dave Johnson, CSN Washington
The game was played at Energy Solutions Arena and the Washington Wizards could have used one. Instead with Deron Williams running the offense and Carlos Boozer finishing at the basket the Jazz extended the Wizards losing streak to eight games with a 112-89 victory. "We lost some close ones and we have lost ones when we got out butt kicked," Wizards coach Flip Saunders said of his team’s slide. "If they think it is just going to happen and get better, it’s not. We have to play accordingly and we can’t play loose or have throw- away type possessions."
Jazz rout Wizards to end 2-game losing streak - Associated Press
Andray Blatche scored 24 points and Mike Miller added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Wizards, who lost their eighth straight game. Washington shot just 3 of 22 from the field and was outscored 31-15 in the third quarter as Utah built a 90-60 lead. The Wizards shot 36.9 percent for the game.
The Wizards shot just 3 of 22 (13.6 percent) and were outscored 31-15 in the third period. They couldn't respond with much, although Blatche tried with his mouth midway through the third. He dunked over Okur and leaned forward to taunt him. Problem was, the Wizards were trailing by 22 points at the time. Blatche picked up a technical on the play and fans started chanting, "Scoreboard! Scoreboard!"
Jazz Pick Then Roll Wizards - Joe Glorioso, Wizards Extreme
Broken record, same old same old, same thing different day, groundhog day, tell me if you’ve heard it…we’ve used up all the sayings to describe this team throughout the year.We’re at the point in the season where we are used to talking about the important aspect of the game that Washington failed to execute on. Tonight it was shooting and effort. In order to have even a remote chance to compete with the Jazz you have to shoot above 37%. Further, if you don’t box out, provide help defense or simply compete, what happened tonight is going to happen on most nights in the NBA.That’s why Washington is a 21 win team.
Livingston starts, gets immediate test - Michael Lee, Wizards Insider
Although he had to adjust his mindset from coming off the bench for Randy Foye, Livingston didn't appear to be in awe of the situation early on Monday. He blocked Williams's shot twice in the first three minutes, with his first block leading to a fastbreak layup for Mike Miller. But Livingston didn't have many highlights after that, as he went without an assist for the first time in his short stint with the Wizards. Williams, on the other hand, completely took over the game during a 16-minute span between the second quarter and third quarter, when he had 11 points and seven assists and the Jazz outscored the Wizards 48-19. "He makes their team go," Saunders said of Williams. "A guy that can push the ball offensively. Can make plays for other teammates. Has the ability to shoot threes. Has the ability to defend. Both him and Chauncey Billups are the two guys in our league that can really do that. He pushed up the tempo."
Jazz Leave Wizards Feeling The Blues - Brian Jackson, Fast Break
When exactly will the Wizards win another game? It could be a while. Following Tuesday nights Mile High meeting with the second best team in the West the Wizards actually get two days off. Once they return to the court Friday night they’ll face a Portland team that is desperate to move up from the eight spot in the West. If the playoffs were to begin today the Blazers would meet the defending champion Lakers. The same team the Wizards will close out their dreadful four game trip against on Sunday. Ouch!
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I Missed the Game
It looks like it was a good one to miss. One thing I’m very curious about is the play of JaVale McGee. Before the Utah game, I was starting to get annoyed at his lack of improvement, or even signs of possible improvement, especially after he made comments in which he implied he doesn’t need to change his behavior on defense. I heard on WTOP that he got pushed around a lot last night. Anyone care to comment on his play in particular?
I’m starting to think we need a backup plan at center, which appears to be our biggest weakness on defense. I’m getting sick of watching Lemonhead on a pogostick, who appears to have a basketball IQ slightly higher than a box of rocks, continuously getting abused on defense without showing any signs of adjustment. But maybe I’m being unfair. Stats say he had the worst +/- per minute on the team last night, what say you all? Are there signs of improvement to point to?
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
Lemonhead on a pogo-stick
Now thats an accurate nickname. But I agree, we need another plan at center. Not to completely bail on lemonhead, because I think he could be a really good fit playing with Dray. But at this point, it doesn’t look like he definitely is gonna be starting caliber center for a good team.
The more balls the better... ping-pong balls, that is.
by returnofswagger on Mar 16, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't forget how young he is
How many of us were particularly brilliant at 22? At least he hasn’t aquired a solicitation charge or a gunshot wound yet. I think what we need is a big man coach that JaVale and Dray will have to respect. I wanted McHale for awhile, but I don’t know that most of the guys in this generation would really have the proper respect for a guy who peaked before they were born. I think we need someone they grew up watching. I just don’t know who that is.
I Just Want a Nugget
A sign, a small step, something! The guy just doesn’t give me anything to be hopeful for yet. I understand he is young and has the potential to improve, but you can’t fix a problem until you admit that you have one. His comments that he’s going to keep jumping make me want to punch through a wall. We’re getting killed in the paint, and he wants to keep pogo-ing like a fool. Until we can stop the bleeding down low, this losing streak is going to keep going and going like the Energizer Bunny.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
The comments were actually what I was alluding to
I said all kinds of stupid shyte when I was 22. Most people do. We really have nothing to lose for, probably, the next year and a half anyway. Sure, pick up a potential plan b, but only implement it if he hasn’t shown marked improvement by this time next year. I still remember Webber and Wallace being shown the door for Hot Rod and The Ghost of Mitch Richmond. I’d rather be absolutely sure this time.
Maybe
But only if Ted hands him a big bag of cash. I can’t imagine it happening any other way.
I say
I have been saying this all week. My high hopes for McGee have faded to just hoping he can get it together enough to be a decent backup. Like I said before, last year I compared his low ceiling to Marcus Camby, and was ostracized. Now I believe that was being extremely generous.
Wow you guys give up quick.
do any of you have children? Just curious.
Yep, 3 of them
In fact, I’m putting the first 2 on the bus to Indiana to stay with their Grandparents now. I’ll give the last one 1 more chance.
Seriously though
aren’t you getting a little tired of seeing no progress being made whatsoever. I know it’s easy to get entranced by his athletic abilities, but like I said, when you take out the ‘WOW’ plays, what exactly are you left with? A guy with a collar for a waistband who gets pushed around like a substitute teacher, has yet to realize that going TOWARDS the rim ups your odds of scoring, and thinks that he’s controlling Kobe Bryant on Nintendo when he gets the ball at the top of the key.
Look, I’m not one to give up on a guy quick. I’ve held out hope for Nick Young WAY too long. But McGee just seems to be in his own little world. He has done nothing to dispel the bad habits he displayed last year, let alone improve this year.
I've seen progress
in the following areas:
better picks
better understanding of offensive floor spacing
better understanding of offensive plays and where to be
better defensive positioning
better rebounding positioning
attempting to box out
Yes he has a long, long way to go. For example, getting pushed off his position so easily is an issue of both strength and technique. Camby used to get pushed around the same way, and he didn’t add 50lbs to combat it, he got stronger and learned technique. Even in those improvement areas above, he still has a long way to go. But you just plain have to admit that he doesn’t look lost out there. That, in itself, is progress. Especially for a guy who, according to scouts, needed another year coming out of college.
Finally, all reports indicate that he has a positive attitude, is willing to learn, and has a strong work ethic. He has HOF caliber players recognizing his potential, FFS! You guys will be his biggest fans by the end of next season. You heard it here first.
Javale
He’s only gotten consistent minutes for the past 15 games? He was playing less than ten minutes a game before the trading deadline. It is waaaayyy to early to give up on our first round pick from 2008 when he has seen consistent time in only about 15 games in his second season. We knew he was going to be a project when we drafted him so he needs at least until the end of next season until we decide that he can or can’t play.
That being said, we need to draft Best Player Available regardless of position next draft.
I Don't Want to Give Up on JaVale
I just want a Plan B. We used to say, “don’t judge him, he never gets consistent minutes!” Now we say, “don’t judge him, he’s only had consistent minutes for 15 games!” Next season, we’ll say, “don’t judge him, he’s only had consistent minutes for one season!” At some point, you have to ask yourself, is he getting it? Is he actually improving his defense? If so, then we can target other areas in the draft. If not, we need to draft or otherwise acquire a competent defensive center. We cannot allow our weakest defender be our center, who is supposed to enforce the paint. Right now, JaVale is by far our worst defender.
With that said, I must say that I thought JaVale played a much better game tonight. I didn’t see any egregious defensive lapses that I can remember. I’m hoping this is the start of something, and not an isolated blip. If so, we can concentrate more on improving our backcourt. If not, well, then we need to take a long hard look at the impressive big men in this year’s draft, and maybe also in free agency.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
My thoughts exactly
I’m not saying give up on him. I’m just saying I’m not confident enought to have him as our main options at center going into next year. Look, obviously Blatche is the poster child for not giving up on a guy. But at least with AB, he showed glimpes of what he would be, and now that he’s getting 35+ mpg, he’s proving it. McGee, on the other hand, is proving to be a liability on most nights. There isn’t one opposing center who’s the least bit worried about going up against him. In fact, I tend to think that they look forward to it, knowing how easy it will be for them to get to the basket. And I don’t think being blocked once or twice changes that.
AB showed glimpses in his third year as a backup on a playoff team.
after having learned from and observed the enrenched starting frontcourt for two plus years. And it was still another two years before he was ready.
McGee, on the other hand, showed glimpses as a rookie on a bottom feeder, and is now starting by default on a bottom feeder, in the second half of his second season. Do you expect more at this point? If so, why? And (the real question is) should you?
I really think you guys should consider an expectations adjustment. That would put your minds at ease. McGee is the definition of a raw prospect. I thought everyone knew that going in?
OK, well
how much time should we give him? I’m not expecting him to make the all star team. Just show some progress. Marc Gasol was a “project” too, and he ate McGee up. As did Brook Lopez. And Jason Maxiel, all 6 ft 7 of him., Really, there’s no point in naming names since any center he goes up against, no matter size or experience, he gets manhandled. And I’m not just talking about being outplayed – that happens to everyone. I’m talking knowing after the first play that there’s gonna be a mismatch the enitre game. And then on the offensive end, he continues to believe he is Kevin Durant or something. Who was it that said “potential is what ges coaches fired”?
Gasol and Lopez have over a solid year and a half of PT
And they were both much much more refined coming in to the league. Gasol was a pro before he even got to Memphis, in fact, he was even MVP of his league…
If we wanna do apples to apples, wait until McGee has 1.5 years of PT and a full offseason as the starter under his belt, and then give him an extra half year of benefit of the doubt just because he was so absolutely raw coming in. So let’s resume this discussion about midway through the 2011-2012 season…
Again, he needs time and actual on-court experience to get better, especially in terms of bodying up with other centers. Technique and strength, that’s all.
Granted, he still could be a bust. I just think its more likely he turns out to be at the very least an all-star caliber player.
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