NBA Draft Lottery Open Thread: It's Our Time!
by Mike Prada on May 18, 2010 6:17 PM EDT
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The Wizards brass convenes in an office at the Verizon Center. Ernie Grunfeld asks to say a few words.
Ernie Grunfeld: Folks, I don't know what to say really.
Two hours to the biggest battle random drawing of our lives, and it all comes down to tonight. Either we get lucky as a team, or we are going to crumble. Missed ping pong combination by missed ping pong ball combination, failed good luck charm by failed good luck charm, till we're finished, again. We are in NBA hell right now.
Gentlemen, believe me. We can complain about our bad luck my bad management in the past and get the metaphorical s*** kicked out of us by the karma gods. Or, we can believe, and believe our way back into the spotlight. We can climb out of NBA hell, one ping pong combination at a time.
Now I can't do it for you. I've let you down too much. I look around and I see these knuckleheads and I think about how I made every wrong free agent choice a general manager could make. I pissed away all our previous cap flexibility. I chased off every young NBA prospect who has ever loved me. And lately, I can't even stand the face of my star player when I see it in the mirror. You know when you get old in life, terrible things get given to you that you shouldn't take. That's, that's part of life.
But, you only learn to reject them when your team starts losing. You find out that life is just a game of chance. So is basketball. Because in either game, life or basketball, the margin for error is so small. One injury that happens at the wrong time, and you don't ever succeed. One ping pong combination too many or too few, and you don't quite catch the prize. The chances we need are everywhere around us. They are in every bounce of the ping pong ball, every bounce of the basketball, every part of the NBA Draft lottery, every minute, every second.
For this franchise, we fight for that chance. For this franchise, we tear ourselves, and everyone around us to pieces for that chance. We CLAW with our spreadsheets and our salary pages for that chance. Cause we know when we add up all those chances that we've missed in the past, that's going to make the difference between WINNING THE LOTTERY and LOSING THE LOTTERY, between LIVING AS A FRANCHISE and DYING AS A FRANCHISE.
I'll tell you this: in any fight, it is the team who is willing to put it all on the line and tank that is going to win that chance. And I know, if I am going to have any life as an NBA GM anymore, it is because I am still willing to fight and put my reputation as a GM on the line for that chance, because that is what LIVING IN THE NBA is. The six ping pong combinations in front of your face when you see the machine do it's work.
Now, I can't make you win the lottery. You gotta look at the guy next to you. Look into his eyes. Now I think you are going to see a guy who will do everything he can to help for that chance. You are going to see a guy who will sacrifice personal dignity for this team because he knows when it comes down to it, you are also going to use some silly good luck charm for him. That's a franchise, gentlemen. We get out of NBA hell now, as a team, or we will lose our jobs as individuals. That's the NBA Draft Lottery, guys. That's all it is. Now, whattaya gonna do?"
Tommy Sheppard: Ernie, we're already late for the bus. Let's go!
----------------
GO WIZARDS! LET'S DO THIS!
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It can't be worse than last year . . .
Right?!
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 6:26 PM EDT reply actions
Would someone remind me why
Ernie Grunfeld is still this team’s GM?!
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont know. Personally, I think Mike&Rook could run the team better, at least in the roster management department. What’s sad is that is probably almost true. The last straw for me was Ernie letting Alonzo Gee leave. I tried to believe that the Wizards were just cheap b*st*rds unwilling to sign the guy for the rest of the year. But no, after letting him get away they sign Cartier Freakin’ Martin. Not that I dont like the guy, but he is not a promising young pogo stick of a player.
Ted, please get rid of this guy. Please!
ALMOST true?
ABSOLUTELY true
...one of those guys who reads all the time but barely comments
by Juice over Whine on May 18, 2010 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Mike and I could comfortably split
an NBA GM’s salary between us…
I know I could probably “get by” with about $1 Million a year….
What about you MIke, You willing to take a pay cut to share the Wizards GM job?
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Please, let us win.
We could be a 50 win team within 2 years if we land Wall…
And does anyone else think Daniel Orton will actually go that high? #11? I know he played behind Cousins, but he still barely played.
can somebody help me understand..
is it still the fact (like last year) that we can finish no worse than 5th? Or is it possible we can get the 6th or 7th pick? Are we guaranteed a top 5 pick?
im gonna bet on 3 or 4 and picking a bust
maybe I would rather they go 6 or 7 and pick Monroe. but knowing the wizards they would prolly pass on the Georgetown grad.
All 7 teams before us
will pass on Wall. I’m hopped up on whippets – it’s our time!
by Palace of Good Play's Golden Toilet on May 18, 2010 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Obviously Wall is a steal but when I heard Chris Miller on WPL saying that Evan Turner could be a better fit because he would take away less of a spotlight from Gil than Wall it got me thinking. Anyone agree with this?
by purpleonblack86 on May 18, 2010 7:09 PM EDT reply actions
Wilbon
No one else in the Northern Hemisphere, though.
I think my wife's hairdresser
likes Turner better than Wall……
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Not me
That’s ridiculous. John Wall shared the spotlight with so many people last year, and he did just fine.
Things I'm wishing for tonight
- If any team jumps over the Wizards into the top 3, I’m hoping it’s Utah. Who can hate the Jazz? Give Jerry Sloan a real chance for another Finals appearance before he retires. Plus, it will cause Knicks fans’ heads to explode.
- Ernie not to sell any draft picks while in Secaucus.
- To not see the Wizards logo unveiled at the 8th pick.
- To see the Golden State logo unveiled before I see the Wizards’ logo.
Yeah
They’re in Utah, who needs more of a reason than that?
I think Gil would do well to have someone take the spotlight off of him for a while.
And who cares about the “spotlight”? Chris Miller, get it together.
great point
After being out for 3 seasons and counting, Arenas is probably best suited to play 2nd fiddle.
by Johnnie Futbol on May 18, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's a prediction
Watch to see what sort of interview they do with Irene Pollin before the picks are announced. Certainly they can’t do a heartbreaking interview about the passing of Abe, and then stick her with the 7th or 8th pick, can they?? I’m guessing that the more heartbreaking and emotional the interview with Irene, the more they are setting up the joy of getting a good pick.
I know this is a little off topic
but if you were born in the 80’s or after what is your Washington DC sports fandom ultimate high? It is pretty sad when you think about it. Maybe nabbing the first pick and John Wall can change that.
That's the basketball high for me
Shared by Maryland winning the ACC tournament final over Duke and Georgetown beating North Carolina in the regional final.
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
.....
2002 Maryland Championship….
Santana Moss two late TD catches in Dallas….
Gilbert’s Shot versus Chicago in 2005…..
………………………..Soulja Boy lmao
by SkinsWizStangs on May 18, 2010 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Santana Moss two late TD catches in Dallas
Those catches were great but really thats the point we are reaching for straws. Come on #1 pick.
So was I the only one born in the 80s but old enough to watch Washington win the Super Bowl?
Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.
Oh you lucky bastard
The closest thing I’ve seen to a championship team is the Capitals, and we all know how that ended…
ha
I set out all my football cards and yelled at them during the game, exhorting them to greater heights…(I was nine)
We're from the city with the highest murder rate in the country. Why WOULDN'T they call us the Bullets?
by Bullet Nation in Exile on May 19, 2010 4:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Say hello to Cole Ostertag, Gentlemen
Bullets forever……… :)
That is harsh!
No way he will ever look as dumb as Scot Pollard or be as big a pansy as Greg Ostertag!
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm a Cole fan at 28
Just not the 20 picks prior where we’ll undoubtedly be drafting him.
If we're drafting down far enough to "earn" us Cole Aldrich
#7, #8, etc…. they Cole Aldrich is a very good pick at that slot….
Here’s the past 6 picks at #7:
Stephan Curry, Eric Gordon, Cory Brewer, Randy Foye, Charlie Villanueva, Luol Deng
Solid NBA players – but not a superstar to be seen……
Thats what you get at #7
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
I'd rather have Cole Aldrich
than Cousins….
I’m hoping the Wizards get #1 or #2 – or fall to 5, 6 or 7 (where, hopefully, Cousins will have already been picked before the Wizards turn)
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Actually
I’d take any player in the top 14, rather than Cousins
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
I can safely say you are the only person I will ever know to say that
You’d really rather have Daniel Orton??
That goes without saying
Cousins in a Bullets uniform scares the hell out of me.
Is Cole Pollard
a mix between the two or one stacked on top of the other? I am so down for the later.
forgot John Wall had "a dance"
that alone makes him a potential Wizard.
by Pryme on May 18, 2010 8:04 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Dug my lucky watch out of the closet
Wearing it helped me see my way out of a jogging trail in a state park late at night after I had twisted my ankle at sundown. Go Wizards!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by morethesamewiz on May 18, 2010 8:07 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Uhh
Via Michael Lee.
Spoke with Ted Leonsis briefly. Said he plans on keeping Ernie Grunfeld & Flip Saunders: “I, right now, would say that they’re my guys.”
Most ringing endorsement since
Dan Gilbert said he hadn’t made a decision on Mike Brown
by morethesamewiz on May 18, 2010 8:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I have an old school Bullets hat + Lamar Odom Clippers' jersey
Maybe some of Odom’s excellence last night will rub off and bring the Wizards luck.
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 8:12 PM EDT reply actions
If only I had a cameraphone
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Tonight we find out
If my $100 donation to the Ernie Tolbert Fund paid off.
by morethesamewiz on May 18, 2010 8:14 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Here we go...
Gentlemen (and ladies), hold on to your good luck charms. I’m wearing my illl-fitting ’05 playoff t-shirt and one of my many Wizards caps (also ill-fitting).
By the way
I won the ESPN lottery thing 5 times today. Just sayin…
How about Danny Granger's white jacket
And my God that is some serious yellow from Irene Pollin
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 8:17 PM EDT reply actions
I saw that...
That has to be some kind of omen lol
by SkinsWizStangs on May 18, 2010 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm wearing my Gilbert jersey .....
And holding on to my “Abe” patch, like the one that the Wizards wore this year…Need some luck…
Did Mikhail Prokhorov say
I will break you or we will bury you! He would be my favorite owner if he did.
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 8:19 PM EDT reply actions
I MUST break you...and yes, he said that to Irene afterwards...
We're from the city with the highest murder rate in the country. Why WOULDN'T they call us the Bullets?
by Bullet Nation in Exile on May 19, 2010 4:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Hurray!
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 8:22 PM EDT reply actions
Wall/Turner/Cousins/Favors
Come on down!
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 8:22 PM EDT reply actions
Top 3
All have Eddie Jordan paw prints on them. Coincidence? I think not.
GIMME WALL!!! GIMME A FREAKIN' ARENAS-WALL BACKCOURT!!!!
GIVE IT TO ME!!!!
by Wieters Wieners on May 18, 2010 8:23 PM EDT reply actions
Please 1 or 2
I don’t want to worry about Cousins for the next month — or next 5 years.
whoooooooooooooooo
Clutch those good luck charms tightly Wizards fans, go Wizards!!!!!!
by morethesamewiz on May 18, 2010 8:23 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I wonder what Caron and Jamison are thinking right now
by disgrunted on May 18, 2010 8:24 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
HALLELUJAH!
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 8:26 PM EDT reply actions
ohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigod
Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.
Just wanted to congratulate you guys.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
HOLY CRAP!!!!
I’m doing a little dance right now!
Fire Ernie before he trades it for Kevin Love and cash!
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on May 18, 2010 8:27 PM EDT reply actions
Classy way to answer.
Ted Leonsis is going to be very good for the Wiz. Regardless of the #1 pick.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Thank you Mike, Rook, Jake
And all the other contributors to BF for helping the diehards get through the last few years. A change is gonna come! The nightmare is over. Thank you from the bottom of my heart
by morethesamewiz on May 18, 2010 8:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Thank you Mike, Rook, Jake
And all the other contributors to BF for helping the diehards get through the last few years. A change is gonna come! The nightmare is over. Thank you from the bottom of my heart
by morethesamewiz on May 18, 2010 9:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
god bless america!
Holy wowtasticcalifragilisticickspeealidocious!!!!!!
by morethesamewiz on May 18, 2010 8:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Congrats
Wiz fans. Just draft someone better than Kwame Brown. That shouldn’t be too hard.
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on May 18, 2010 8:28 PM EDT reply actions
Does John Wall bring in a big Free Agent?
This significantly changes the game doesn’t it?
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
I don't see how it can't
We’ve got the number one pick, a new owner who has shown he knows how to treat his players and his employees, and a bunch of cap space. This could be huge.
Wishful thinking
We shall see. Bullets/Wizard’s history says they’ll blow it!
(shaking head in disgust)
He knows Gil is still here
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on May 18, 2010 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions
It means less minutes.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on May 18, 2010 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions
i take that back.
but a backcourt of Gil/Wall is fine. Wall can be a terrific defender with his athletic ability
Party time!
"I say he does have to shoot me now! So shoot me now!" --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 18, 2010 8:29 PM EDT reply actions
GREATEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE
...one of those guys who reads all the time but barely comments
by Juice over Whine on May 18, 2010 8:29 PM EDT reply actions
YES YES YES
I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE!
by OleksiyPecherovsHomeboy on May 18, 2010 8:29 PM EDT reply actions
So let me get this straight
Something good just happened for us?
Things are definitely looking up
for this franchise…..
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
someone should have gotten I-Pollin a chair
on second viewing, she looked like she was gonna pass out
GOODBYE GILBERT....WELCOME JOHN WALL
DON’T LET THE HALFWAY HOUSE DOOR HIT YOU
Everyone needs to perfect their John Wall dance
by tmoneyttime1 on May 18, 2010 8:31 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I said it was no need to tank the games.
We got the #1 pick! I can hardly wait for next month.
Long-Time Wizard Fan
So I guess the Wiz will get new uniforms and logos
to usher in The Great Wall of Washington
by aMo on May 18, 2010 8:32 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
The Great Wall of Chinatown
Good call, aMo.
Will do
We’ll probably wait until he’s officially a Wizard, in case they take Turner or something, but that’s definitely on the docket.
Linky?
Just tell me where to send my money
by Manimal Smith on May 18, 2010 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Madison Square,
I’m heading up to NY with my Wall jersey when the draft happens, happiest moment of my life.
Remember we have 3 picks!
Numbers 1, 30, and 35
Ernie work your magic!
Who has Ted's email - we need to spam him to TAKE WALL
AND NOT THE GUY WHO JUST BROKE HIS BACK …. ahhh I just know that we will find a way to crap the bed
im not going too happy until...
Until John Wall walks up to the stage and puts on a Wizards hat. Even then I will still doubt Ernie. Im scared he might try to trade him for Rubio and former Wizard great Brian Cardinal.
Leonsis talking more draft picks, whooooooooo!!!!
Michael Lee of WaPo tweets that “Leonsis also didn’t sound too thrilled about making a big splash in free agency, opting to build through draft. Wiz might pursure [sic] more picks” http://twitter.com/mrmichaellee
by morethesamewiz on May 18, 2010 10:51 PM EDT reply actions
Are you INSANE?!?
Hey, been a Washington fan all my life. BUT they gave away the TEAM and NOW we finally get the #1?!?!
We just can NOT catch a break! Imagine adding a #1 to a team that included Antwan, Butler, Haywood, and Gil?!?
They’d win for years. Now we’re going to add a #1 to a lousy team?
Typical Bullets “luck” and leadership.
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