Some quick follow-up thoughts on free agency this summer
by Mike Prada on Jun 3, 2010 12:36 PM EDT
in Free Agency
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PrintSo Jon's recent post on free agency spurred a lot of great discussion, which is awesome. There are no easy answers on how the Wizards should proceed this summer, now that they have John Wall, and there were a lot of great points made on both sides. It's a tough issue to figure out, that's for sure.
But personally, while I'm sympathetic to Jon's larger point that we might not ever have the same kind of chance to snag an impact player as we do this summer, I'm very much in the favor of the "do nothing" approach. To me, it's not really a question of not liking any of the specific free agent possibilities out there, even though I really am not wild about them. Sure, I have questions about Amare Stoudemire's defense, Joe Johnson's age, Carlos Boozer's defense and Rudy Gay's style, for example, and but I recognize that you often have to overpay for marquee free agents. I also realize that, at some point, you have to augment your drafted talent by using free agency and/or trades.
At the same time, the real problem with splurging in free agency this year is that our team is still so unsettled. The pickings might be better right now, but at the end of the day, our primary concern needs to be about where our current roster is at. Where is it at right now? Even with John Wall, it's too unsettled to splurge in free agency.
It's important for all of us to take a step back and fairly evaluate what we have right now. Sure, we're all excited about Wall, optimistic about Gilbert Arenas, hopeful for Andray Blatche and intrigued by guys like JaVale McGee, Nick Young, Shaun Livingston and even Al Thornton. But we need to be honest about the state of our roster, because there's just so much that remains up in the air. Namely:
- Can Blatche maintain the level of play he showed over the final two months of last season? How will he deal with being a marked man next year? Can he become even more mature and avoid stuff like feuding with his coach? Will he work hard this summer like he did last summer? How will he play with two penetrating lead guards that like to have the ball in their hands a lot?
- Gilbert. There's so much up in the air with him that almost too obvious to state, but here goes: how will he coexist with Wall? Can he become an asset off the ball? Will he want to play off the ball? How will he act in the locker room? Can he recoup any of his trade value? Etc.
- Can JaVale McGee be a starting-quality player in this league, or is he destined to be a bench guy? Will he take the next step?
- How will Nick Young react to not starting?
- How good is Wall right away?
- Can this team play good enough defense, or will that be a major issue?
- How will Flip Saunders coach these guys? Will he turn them loose? Will they be better in the half court?
All that is before taking into account questions about guys like Shaun and the other free agents we have. As you can see, that's a whole lot of questions and not many easy answers. Frankly, there's really no sure things to count on right now. We know Wall will probably be very good at some point, but we don't know how soon. We know Blatche is capable of being a top-flight player, but we have no idea if he can actually do that over a full season. We know McGee and Young have potential, but we have no idea how they'd fit in. Finally, we literally don't know anything about how Arenas will fit. So really, we know nothing.
And when you know nothing, cap space becomes a virtue. One of the biggest things we have to keep in mind is that cap space has many utilities beyond "space to sign free agents." As we've mentioned many times before, it gives you the flexibility to do BOYD deals. It also allows you to make unbalanced trades, which makes trading less complicated. But more than that, it gives you the ability to figure things out. Once you use it, you have to get really creative to dramatically change your team. You're essentially committing to a guy like Rudy Gay for, say, five years in the hopes that he is the kind of core piece your existing mix needs. That's a leap of faith that requires you having a good idea of what your existing mix is.
Right now, we have no idea what our existing mix is. Until we do, it's best to maintain flexibility and give ourselves time to create a consistent existing mix. Orlando needed a couple years to figure out that the way to maximize Dwight Howard was to go with a four-out, one-in approach. Oklahoma City needed a couple years to figure out that Kevin Durant is a terror at small forward, not shooting guard. We now need some time to figure out the answers to all the questions that still exist.
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I would be perfectly content if we signed no outside free agents
Just re-sign Livingston and James Singleton, bring over Veremeenko and Preldzic, and maybe buy another draft pick or two (even second rounders). Let’s find out exactly what we have before we commit to anything long term.
by yop32 on Jun 3, 2010 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Agreed
That said, if we can get a good young role player for cheap, I say go for it (/obvious statements).
It sucks to say it out loud, but we don’t want to go out and sign guys who will help us win a few games but not be good enough to put us over the top. If a Bynum becomes available through some weird three way deal or something, awesome, go for it, but I’d rather win 25 games again and get another top five pick than get stuck in Pacerville.
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by pantslessyoda1 on Jun 3, 2010 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Completely agree with all your points Mike
Especially the uncertainty. There is no possible way to make informed decisions at this point. I like knowing what I’m doing when I make huge roster decisions.
When it comes to Gilbert I have some concerns about how he will play 2. I am more concerned by his ability to stay on the court. Even if his knee holds up stepping into a grueling NBA schedule after 3 lost years can be a huge adjustment for someones body. Wouldn’t surprise me if he has a bunch of minor injuries that hamper him like you often see with Rookies unaccustomed to the rigors of the NBA.
by BayAreaBullet on Jun 3, 2010 1:19 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
i love it
Unsettled. I’ve tried to point some of this out in other threads. There is no player outside of a James Singleton where you can truly know what you’re going to get night by night, month by month. How do you plug a long term 7-8 figure contract into that? You don’t.
This is a transition year. The year you find out what Gil has left, what Andray can do for 82 games, where Nick is as a professional player, etc. This is not the year to lock yourself into anything.
It also allows you to make unbalanced trades, which makes trading less complicated.
Something that gets rarely mentioned when we talk about Cap space is the possibility of being brought in as the third team in a deal…. usually to take on salary, but also usually to get an asset (young player, draft pick) as well. The more cap space they have, the more likely other teams will bring the Wizards into deals to help facilitate…..
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Just re-sign Livingston and James Singleton, bring over Veremeenko and Preldzic, and maybe buy another draft pick or two (even second rounders).
I wouldn’t mind a BOYD trade with New Orleans (Peja Stojakovic or Mo Pete) or with Indiana (Dunleavy, Foster or Murphy) to get the #10 or #11 pick…. in this year’s draft…
This year’s draft is rich with very good (starting quality) players into the 20’s (and maybe even beyond). Next year’s draft will be poorer – especially past the Lottery… So I think we need to maximize the number of first round picks we can get this year….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on Jun 3, 2010 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Would you trade Blatche and McGee for two lottery picks?
Strictly hypothetical, but I’ve been thinking about this since the farfetched Blatche+McGee for Brand/Dalembert +2 was first floated. Others will be more informed about the talent aspect of it, I am somewhat of the opinion that if the talents are comparable then the benefit of cleaning the goons out of the locker room tilts the balance. I have been pondering this article about Chauncey Billups arrival in Denver and the transformation of the player culture from the Iverson days alot since we won the lottery.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups
by morethesamewiz on Jun 3, 2010 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Goons?
Blatche can be a spoiled little kid sometimes, but I definitely wouldn’t call him a goon. And I haven’t heard a single bad word about about McGee that doesn’t involve shot selection and defensive positioning. Not to mention that Gil better be part of any trade that makes us take on Brand’s contract.
The Brand trade is pie in the sky
More trying to gauge how much BF values Blatche and McGee and what we would give them up for.
As for the goon claim, my opinion of McGee is based on watching him during games, during timeouts (teaching moments), and the disheartening impression I get from his twitter and youtube (especially youtube) feeds. He seems to me to be the kid that gets that first million and is satisfied even though he has the potential for much more.
Blatche is Blatche.
1) Suspended for one game in January for complaining about too few shots. What’d he do? Posted on his Facebook page that he was on his way to Atlantic City to gamble.
2) Refused to re-enter March 24 game after Flip pulled him for being lazy on defense after playing 8 minutes. Then after Flip recounted the incident, Blatche called Flip’s account of the events a “bold-faced lie.”
In Flip’s words:
“I talk to you guys about him, and then he comes out and craps the bed.”
“I’m the most disappointed I’ve ever been in 15 years with a player.”
http://www.mikejonessports.com/2010/01/rip-7-day-dray-we-hardly-knew-ye.html
by morethesamewiz on Jun 3, 2010 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I think we just have a different definition for the word
I hear goon, I think Laimbeer.
Yeah, I want a few guys like that
Blatche is a knucklehead, huge difference. We could always try to get someone like Cousins who combines the best of both worlds.
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by pantslessyoda1 on Jun 3, 2010 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I think this, the BOYD strategy, is the #1 option over waiting and doing nothing. If you have to take on a large bad contract in exchange for the 9, 10, or 11 pick in THIS draft, then you do it. But the BOYD strategy won’t work for next year’s draft, because that draft will stink. The benefit of waiting until next year — only if you can’t swing a BOYD trade now — is that you try to use your cap space to trade for a player, not a pick, next year. This shows why, if BOYD doesn’t work now, the second best option is to try — TRY — to land one or more bargain free agents over this summer. I’m thinking guys like Mike Miller, Brendan Haywood, even David Lee. Not all of those guys are going to get the ten million dollar contracts they all want. The top tier free agents will eat up the cap space of places like Chicago, New York, and Miami. And we’ll be waiting sign one of the lesser guys at a bargain price, and if they take it, they become very valuable, tradeable assets during 2011 season and beyond. And if we can’t swing that, then we do nothing, siting and wait it out as the #3 option with cap space to spend on the next round of attempts. But the BOYD option for picks only works now — after this summer, it will only be worth doing for players not picks.
My only concern in the unlikely scenario that any of those guys is available for a super bargain is that effectively closes the door on any large FA purchases next year. There are some good players available next year when contracts will be cheaper and shorter and teams will have less space. I’d hate to lose a chance at a marquee FA next year because we gave out a contract to a guy like Miller or Haywood(who I would bet good money is staying Dallas) or Lee. Even if those guys are considered bargains now we might be able to get a better guy like West, Nene, Perkins, maybe Landry(excluding Melo, Durant, Yao of course) for the same price next year. What is considered a bargain now might be overcompensation or just plain market value next year which would diminish their trade value.
Also not sure I would choose to eschew picks just because we think the draft pool will be shallower now. Alot of times when people think the next draft will suck it doesn’t when that draft rolls around or the draft looks suprisingly deep 2 years after the fact. Even in what was a fairly weak draft last year(or so it was considered at the time) There was good players that can help a good team taken outside of the top 10(Collison, Lawson, etc).
Plus there is a line of thinking that because guys can get so much more money by resigning that there won’t be the big name free agent bonanza some people expect. I personally think it is just as likely JJ and Bosh are the biggest names to switch teams this year so third tier guys like Lee get overpaid when LAC, NYN, NYK, Bulls, etc miss out.
That being said I agree with many of your contentions just throwing some other thoughts out there.
by BayAreaBullet on Jun 3, 2010 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure — I think the main idea, that’s been left unsaid for the most part, is that our large amount of cap space gives us the luxury of going “shopping” for bargains over the summer, knowing that we really don’t have to do anything. What I’m saying is that if you get the opportunity to buy a guy like Lee for something in the 7-8 million range, then you jump on that. These second-tier guys are valuable commodities that other teams are going to want , sometime in the future, if they come at the right price. It’s almost like buying successful first-round draft picks rather than waiting to see if they turn out OK and then having to sweat over whether they sign after their four years are up. Buy ‘em now that you know they’re pretty good.
Also, remember how Detroit ended up keeping Rasheed Wallace after they traded for his expiring contract? I expect something similar is how we’d be able to land a guy like ‘Melo, trading for him before his contract expires, rather than letting him hit the open market. I assume we’d be able to sign him to a better deal even under the upcoming new CBA. And, to get back to the main point, having valuable chips to trade for expirings before the trade deadline next year is why you go out and try to make some smart purchases this summer!
But also remember....
the Wizards cap space may be MORE valuable later in the year – as teams fall out of playoff contention, but are still over the Luxury Tax line… Those teams will be desperate to shed salary – and willing to give up very valuable assets to do so…
The Trade deadline (Feb 2011) should be a very, very interesting time…
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
One more thing....
Remember when the last CBA was signed, there was a one-time opportunity for teams to waive one player and avoid having that player count in the team’s luxury tax computation.
With the new CBA in 2011 – there may be a similar amnesty program….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
I agree with looking for bargains this summer
But I would look lower, because I think there will be a lot of good young players or vet types who will be completely passed over and will come really cheap (like half the MLE cheap). Off the top of my head, here are some guys to think about (not saying I’d sign them, but guys like this).
-Tony Allen
-Tyrus Thomas
-Erick Dampier (if he’s cut, he might come really cheap)
-Will Bynum (if we lose Shaun)
-Anthony Morrow
-CJ Watson
-Kyle Lowry (probably too expensive)
-Chuck Hayes (if Houston lets him out)
-Travis Outlaw
-Craig Smith
-Jordan Farmar
-Ronnie Brewer
-Dorrell Wright (my personal favorite – he’ll come cheap and he’s perfect for the 3-a-D role)
-Amir Johnson
-Wes Matthews
Along with Shaun and James, one of those guys could help without eating up too much payroll.
Joke?
Isn’t Dampier pretty much the poster child for inconsistent effort?
I don't think Damp's effort was ever the issue
He just isn’t worth what Cuban paid for him way back when.
Yeah
Actually, Dampier is not a bad choice for a back-up center. He’s big. He rebounds. He can defend one-on-one in the post. He’s not the best help defender, and he won’t get a ton of blocked shots – but he’s solid.
For the right price – he could be a good choice to back up McGee.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
I'd rather have Gortat than Damp
Need to see more WIzards games on tv in Poland.
I Would Love Gortat
So since you brought it up, how exactly do we get him? Didn’t he just resign with Orlando for a fairly large salary?
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
"...don't ever think it can't get any worse, because it can. There's no question, it can." -- Flip Saunders unintentionally coining the new Washington Wizards motto
That'd be good
In order of desirability as a long term investment, I’d rank them:
Tyrus Thomas
Dorrell Wright (agree completely with on him, too)
Travis Outlaw
Ronnie Brewer (Blatche loves hitting cutters)
Amir Johnson (can he play center?)
Anthony Morrow
The other guys are good, but most are too old or bad (Farmar). I initially hated the idea of getting Hayes since he lacks the size or athleticism to guard centers for more than another couple of years and he’s not a shotblocker, but he could be incredible playing next to Javale or even Dray and whatever project we pick up in the second round.
Follow me on twitter - http://twitter.com/TheRealTPruitt
by pantslessyoda1 on Jun 3, 2010 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Chuck Wagon! Cookie Monster!
Chuck Hayes could really school our bigs on how to play position defense, and his outlet passing would really fire up our fast break.
I also like Craig Smith. Nice change of pace from Blatche.
Hayes and Smith would both be great as enforcers, both in games and in the locker room. Short, squat guys FTW!
there is always the very real risk that the oil spill, tax hikes, etc really send the economy back into a tailspin and we are stuck with mid level players and a lot lower cap than we thought. some would dismiss that, but the flags are out there and financial flexibility is a big asset over the next couple years…if history is any guide!
by les boulez bomber on Jun 4, 2010 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Cap and Tax are based on Basketball related revenues
Since the basketball season (for all intents and purposes) is over – the Basketball related revenues should already have been set (with the exception of the few Finals games left -and the sell-outs that will add to the Lakers and Boston’s BRE)…
In other words- the economy can tank tomorrow, but the numbers that the Salary Cap are based on are already set….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Of course, your absolutely right that it could
affect 2011 and beyond…..
Another reason to keep the spending this Summer to a minimum…
Cap flexibility will be a key to the rebuild.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
yes for next year. and if we go boyd. i was referring to singing FA for a multiyear contract…
by les boulez bomber on Jun 4, 2010 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
the only player that I think the Wiz should even consider signing is Amare Stoudamire
But I realize Amare has his flaws, and I know that I view him more for what he could be than for what he is.
If we don’t get Amare, then we should sign only minimum contract guys. Steve Blake? Keith Bogans? Josh Powell?
What we absolutely cannot do is sign second and third tier free agents like Nate Robinson, David Lee, Raymond Felton or Carlos Boozer (zing!).
by John Park Williams on Jun 3, 2010 2:24 PM EDT reply actions
I'm not sure Amare is a first Tier guy. I think he's a second banana.
I like watching Amare play but I have several misgivings about signing him.
1) Durability – He is quite injury prone. After his microfracture surgery his Doctor talked to the press about how it was successful. At the same time he dropped another tidbit. He said Amare had some sort of congenital knee defect and would eventually require microfracture on his other knee. I find this very worrisome for a guy who will be paid so much.
2)Locker Room Issues – Amare was a constant source of discontent in the Phoenix locker room. It has been extensively reported how he was a troubling locker room presence and had serious Alpha dog issues. That was with a quality locker room presence like Nash. If we brought him in there is no one to rein him in on our team. I’m not one of those people who think there will be any Arenas related power struggles. If you add Amare I do start to worry about how the ball will be shared and if people can be kept happy.
3)Defense – He refuses to play it. Period. If he won’t play defense while trying for a max contract I doubt he is gonna start after getting maxed out.
4)Inconsistent Effort – He is not a guy who puts in the effort needed on a consistent basis. Especially when it comes to rebounding. He will need constant prodding if there is any chance for him to play hard every night for a whole season.
5)Fit on the Team – A lot of people feel he will drop in production without Nash. I see that a distinct possibility on other teams but not ours. I don’t feel Wall will be as good as Nash has been right away but they have similar skill sets and can flourish in high post pick and roll/pop action. What I am concerned with is our team defense with both him and Arenas on the floor at the same time. Also AB has the same skill set, offensively, and is undoubtedly our 2nd or 3rd best guy. PF is not a position of need(SF and C are huge needs) and a team nucleus comprised of 2 PG’s and 2 PF’s is worrisome. It’s not Amare and Blatche doing their thing. It’s one’s production at the expense of the other IMO. When you factor in AB’s superior defense I’m not sure Amare is a huge improvement.
Look I share the same concerns about AB as most people. But it seems a lot of the negatives we fear about AB(Locker Room, Alpha Dog Issues, Consistent Effort), Amare brings in spades. Plus the durability and defensive concerns. If we sign Amare we are done roster building for the next 2-3 years. My concern is that we might be paying 15M+ for a guy who would only improve our team by a couple(2-6) wins a year. To me it reeks of signing a big name just to acquire a big name without thinking about fit on our team.
by BayAreaBullet on Jun 3, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
small point
I’m amazed at how bad a finisher he is around the rim playing against taller/bigger players. He’s also a one foot jumper which contributes to him getting off balance on his finishes.
very good post, but I would counter that....
1) Durability: he has played 79 or more games 5 of his 8 seasons in the league. The year he missed the entire season was because of microfracture surgery on his knee. The year he missed 30 games (last year) was because of eye problems. Hard to fault a guy for getting poked in the retina twice in a span of 4 months.
2) Locker Room Issues: I am not present in the locker room, nor do I read the gossip pages, so I have no idea how he is in the locker room. All I know is that he and Steve Nash have incredible on-court chemistry, and that he was suspended in 2007 for coming to Nash’s aid when Horry pushed Nash into the scorer’s table. I want a guy like that on my team. Maybe he does complain about not getting touches, but I have no idea. I don’t know about the Alpha Dog issues.
3) Defense: very serious problem. Games 1 and 2 of the WCF were pretty damning evidence of Amare’s defensive inability. Although, I don’t think you can say that AB is superior defensively.
4) Inconsistency: related to Defensive inability. On the offensive end he seems very consistent. But yeah, his D is inconsistent. Sometimes he shows on the pick and roll, sometimes he doesn’t.
5) Fit on the Team: I think he and AB could easily play together. Both players have enough range that spacing would not be a problem.
Bottom line is that after the Wiz, the Suns have been my favorite team the past six seasons. Amare can be incredibly frustrating to watch. But he does care. A lot. He competes. He plays with tenacity and passion, and I’d love him in a Wiz uniform.
But, sometimes sitting tight and doing nothing is the best approach.
by John Park Williams on Jun 3, 2010 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
1)I think you make a good point on the durability I was not trying to indicate he isn’t ever healthy just he carries injury risks which is very concerning for a Max player. Only playing 79+ in 5 of 8 seasons is hardly being durable.
2)The locker room stuff has been alluded to by Nash himself and they are so extensively documented by Legit NBA beat guys that I take them seriously. I in now way doubt their on-court chemistry.
3) I couldn’t disagree more about AB being better defensively than Amare. I’ll leave it at that.
4) He is consistent on Offense without a doubt. He is consistently pathetic on Defense. My point was effort and always showing up. Rebounding is a hustle stat. In the most recent playoffs he played 16 games. He had 6 or fewer rebounds in 9 of those games. That is pathetic IMO. He only had more than 8 rebounds 3 times. I also love watching the Suns but I have never seen him consistently do the little things like run back on defense, box out, grab rebounds, show on screens, etc….. His effort is all Offense related and that is only one aspect of the game(Though an important one)
5)How do they space? Neither is very effective on the block or on the perimeter. They both thrive at the elbow and facing the basket. I will respectfully disagree there.
I’m not trying to kill him because I love watching him. I just feel he is more style than substance and wouldn’t bring the type of improvement to THIS roster that his salary would justify. If we had a hole at PF and a banger type center to effectively compliment him I assure you I would feel different.
by BayAreaBullet on Jun 3, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually
Blatche is most effective on the wing… especially facing the basket from the left side of the court, where he can jab step and pull up for a jumper, or drive the baseline ….
He’s incredibly agile along the baseline, able to snake around down there, and still get a shot up with his incredibly long arms…
Amare is actually better from the right side of the court… along the baseline and at the right elbow… also, he’s very good on the pick-and-roll at the right elbow (but I I suspect that’s because he’s running it with Nash, one of the best PnR guards in the League…. my guess is that it’s Nash that makes the PnR special, not Amare)…
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
good point … just say it with me out loud …. no more players that dont play defense.
you can not win a championship without it- period
by les boulez bomber on Jun 4, 2010 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh , hey...
I already agree with you …..
No to Stoudemire (crappy defense)
No to Boozer (even crappier defense)
No to Nowitzki (plays the same position as Blatche – for 7 times the money)
No to Bosh (relegates Blatche to Center, makes McGee expendable)
No to Lee (crappy defense)
No to Johnson (too old)
No to Brendan Haywood (retards development of our young bigs)
No to Tracy McGrady (old, broken down, on his last years in the League)
No to Fab Oberto, Mike Miller and Josh Howard
No to any other big name FA out there
Yes to Shaun Livingston (at the right price)
Yes to Singleton (at the minimum)
Only sign a FA if they take the Vet minimum… no long term contracts (1-year, or 2 at most) – and then preferably younger guys like Joe Alexander.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
by Rook6980 on Jun 4, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I'm just gonna go with the tried and true +1
You kids with your newfangled +1000000’s.
by BayAreaBullet on Jun 4, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
You do realize
that you can “rec” simply by hitting the actions button?
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
no i really dont know anything about it other than the obvious- if it’s recommended, someone liked it.
is there a search feature for recommended posts?
thanks
by les boulez bomber on Jun 5, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
that would be a pretty cool feature- if you could just scan, search, or go to a tab of only recommended posts across the whole SB Nation website (with a filter for something like 5 recommendations min)
by les boulez bomber on Jun 5, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
DEFENSE
Thank you. If there were no other reasons than just this one, DEFENSE ALONE is a great reason to see Rudy Gay as a terrible fit. He’s essentially a 23 year old SF version of AJ. He gets 20 and gives up 24.
We need to concentrate on acquiring players who enjoy playing defense as part of their game instead of guys who play it so they can be on the court and shoot at the other end.
by Jheiser3 on Jun 4, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agree with your assessment..
The team is too unsettled to commit to any of the free agents. The only player I am really tempted by is Rudy Gay. He’s really young and I think could fit the bill at the 3 spot for us. A young core of Wall, Gay, and Blatche could really be something to work with. Then I would see how Arenas performs with that group and make a decision about him either at the trade deadline or the end of the year.
I also see the flipside to the argument that if you sign a guy like Rudy you are commiting to him and are taking a risk by hoping the other guys like Wall, Blatche and either Young or McGee pan out. Its a risk/ reward situation because on the flip side if it does work out you have a dynamite young core to build around with Wall, Gay, Blatche. If Young works out slide him into the 2 spot… if not then sign a veteran who can Shoot and D’s up. If McGee develops into a great post defender and a monster on the boards great. If not you know your next need is a defensive beast in the middle. Once again, I see the arguments for both.
I buy the reasoning Mike...
But we do need to spend some money for a small forward…
Do you pay at the high end for Rudy Gay, who is a fine player, but will want $50 million (i.e. Antawn money)? What about Josh Childress, who might cost less?
Do you a deal for the corpse of Peja Stojakovic in order to get another draft choice this year and cap space next year?
Do you re-sign JHo for the mid-level assuming is knee is sound? At least he seems to want very much to be play here, and if he can be counted on for 14 and 5 with 2 assists that would be just fine.
Do you re-sign Mike Miller?
I am all for bringing back Singleton, but cannot imagine the Wizards making a competitive offer for Livingston. I think he wants to start somewhere, and the Lakers or Heat have to be possibilities, also the Hawks.
Have to see what Draft Day brings….
I think we will find a SF in the draft
I can’t understand the Howard advocation. All reports have him being on the shelf till December. Assuming he heals on time. Even then he will be limited coming back from that knee. I don’t think he brings much value in a 1 year deal and isn’t worth a multi-year deal unless it was for 3M a year.
by BayAreaBullet on Jun 3, 2010 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
God, Childress would be incredible
He was absurdly productive in Atlanta. He’d be great at small forward or shooting guard for a looong time, plus he could be the back up point guard if Gil gets traded and Livingston isn’t resigned.
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by pantslessyoda1 on Jun 3, 2010 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I worry Atlanta would overpay to keep him if they lose Johnson
I believe they still own his restricted free agent rights too.
But yes, I’d like him. Wish his improved shot carries over.
LK
Linus Kleiza is another RFA/SF and I don’t see Denver matching.
by Jheiser3 on Jun 3, 2010 10:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
oh man it'd be great to have linas kleiza back in the dc area
you know he was the WaPo All-Met Player of the Year at Montrose Christian
by John Park Williams on Jun 4, 2010 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I was afraid people would get on me...
if i brought up Kleiza as I had advocated signing him last season.
Was unaware of the local connection, too, John. Thanks.
And just as Anthony Parker was repatriated after a fairly lengthy stay in Europe, the Wiz might want to look at Pete Mickeal, who plays the 3 and was a key part of the Barcelona team that beat Kleiza, Childress et al in the European finals last month.
I'm for Gay...
I’m for making a stab at Gay. If you sign him four 4 years, he’ll come off the cap along with
Arenas and the Wizards will again have a lot of cap space. In the meantime, you maximize
Gilbert’s ability in the two-guard offense…I don’t see offensive questions, only defensive. Gil-
bert is the proven player of the current lot. I believe Blatche is close to NBA stardom, not a
fluke and I’m anxious to see he and Gil play together. You throw in Gay, and Wall’s speed…
something I think you can count on from day one, and it’s a dangerous team. I think Gay is
the only free agent I’d spend money on at this time.
totally agree
Gay would make it better for Wall and Arenas. His consistent shooting ability would make it better for the Wall and Arenas back court so neither is left with the team on their shoulders. To have a consistent shooter outside of those 2 will take pressure off the both of them and allow them to do what they do best.
"But my main problem with McClain is his lack of hunger – he clearly doesn’t lust for the kill" -Sons of Blanda
"I've been aware of McClain's downside for several months and posted on it - many here agree this guy's overrated." Sons of Blanda
"McClain isn't in the game the full 30 minutes, film shows he dogs it." Sons of Blanda
So
you’re going to pay Rudy Gay upwards of 70M to not play defense and shoot every time he gets the ball. We can pay someone minimum wage to do that and not kill the cap for 4 more years.
No you can't....
No, you can’t find somebody as good as Rudy Gay at mininum wage….that’s a lie!
Gay’s a BIG-TME player! I wonder what Memphis thinks of him?? To me, he’s a
coming Carmelo….by the way, is Carmelo a great defender? If the answer’s not
Hell Yeah, sign Gay!! Yo gotta pay to get quality. What if it’s 50 million. Stop exagerating!
Gay can't penetrate, draw fouls, or score in the post like Melo
It’s not because he hasn’t had opportunity. He just doesn’t have an aggressive mentality or a physical frame.
Rudy Gay = Rashard Lewis
Lots of talent but will never be better than a third or fourth banana.
by BayAreaBullet on Jun 6, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I am no longer intrigued by Nick Young.
When a guy, in his third year in the NBA, AFTER spending three years in college, gets THAT many chances and barely musters an “okay” performance at the very tail end of a shitty season, I say to hell with him.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
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by Kyle Weidie on Jun 3, 2010 5:15 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Same here
If only he could rebound…
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by pantslessyoda1 on Jun 3, 2010 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I have to disagree - to an extent (and not too vehemently)
Nick Young as a starter, has been solid… He’s a pretty good one-on-one perimeter defender… and he puts up decent numbers as a starter… ESPECIALLY when he knows he’s starting, and getting starters minutes…. With Nick, it’s all about confidence.
in 2010 , in 22 games started = 29.2 minutes per game, 12.9 points (40% from 3point), 2.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists. However, in the last month, when he started the last 10 consecutive games, and he KNEW he was going to start and get major minutes (there was really no one else) – he really produced: 34 minutes per game, 15.2 points (44%, and 43% from 3), 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists.
Obviously, I’d like to see him rebound better, and you’d like to see an assist or two more per game – but he didn’t stink up the place like Stevenson did…. and he didn’t disappoint like (lottery pick) Foye…. Obviously, I’d prefer Mike Miller as the starter, but he’s gonna cost too much. For Nick’s $1.7 Million salary, that’s pretty good production for the money.
I’m all for drafting a guy like Xavier Henry, or James Anderson – – – but I am perfectly happy to “settle” for Nick Young if we can’t get one of those guys… This draft is exceptionally poor at the traditional 2-3 wing positions; so we may have to “settle” for Nick.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
What intrigues me about Nick Young
is this — He came into the league as a potent offensive player, and it seems coaches see him that way and he envisions himself that way. But we have seen that he actually is a pretty effective defender, probably without him focusing that much on his skills as a defender and sometimes even seeming to be effective despite little effort just because of his natural gifts.
But what if he realizes that he has the ability to be a great defender, gets excited about that, and starts thinking of himself as a defender first? He could become a completely different player. I agree that I am not that intrigued with the current model of Nick Young — a one-on-one player who can be hot or cold, who doesn’t pass much, rebound much, and is a good defender. But change that last point to great defender and I am very intrigued.
I think it's funny when you guys talk about Nick Young like a delicate hothouse flower.
by MR on Jun 4, 2010 7:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey
Not everyone is built the same on the inside…. Some guys need confidence… from the outside… some guys exude their own confidence…
Nick needs someone to pump him up…. Kobe Bryant doesn’t.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
or
He doesn’t need more smoke blown at him. Someone needs to teach Nick how to prepare as a professional. that means something beyond personal work and crappy summer leagues in LA.
In other words, you can pump him up and eventually he will be flat again. Or teach him how to prepare so that his confidence comes from within and he’ll rarely if ever go flat. Rondo has come a long way by following Ray Allen’s every move. We could use some more one-year player role models that actually hold people accountable instead of the passive aggressive approach from Caron and AJ.
I am only one who is hoping to see a stop-gap signed at center for a year or two?
I would love to have Brendan back for a year or two. McGee will get his minutes, but I think with a center like Brendan we could be very competitive. Say Arenas and Wall play well together and 7DayDray does his thing…we would definitely be good enough to make the playoffs next year in the east AND be a threat to possibly win a series depending on who they get matched up with—-AS long as we sign a good center.
Yeah, I agree — but isn’t Brendan the only realistic option (and even he may get a 10 million dollar contract, which is out of our range)? There’s Oden, but you gotta break the bank with him. Jermaine Oneal?
Kuhkuhkuhkuhkwame
Would actually work for fifteen minutes or so. No matter what, though, I want to keep Dray at power forward, since he gets a lot less effective when he’s matched against someone with height and length.
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by pantslessyoda1 on Jun 3, 2010 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Start JaVale
I want him to know that he is going to have to deal with Dwight Howard, Perkins, Shaq, Yao, Bynum, Nene, Oden, etc. and not their backups. It was a really bad sign last year when he said that he didn’t think he needed to add much additional weight to become an effective NBA center.
by yop32 on Jun 3, 2010 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actually, I think there are a number of serviceable Veteran Centers available....
Erick Dampier will probably be available…. Dallas will most likely trade him this Summer, and the other team will cut him to save the salary…. (he has a non-guaranteed deal).
Perhaps Theo Ratliff could motivate his old bones for a 15th NBA season.
Brad Miller will be out there… I don’t like his game, but he can shoot….
Ben Wallace enjoyed a resurgence this year, and may be out of our price range…
Tony Battie is a defensive minded Center, that didn’t get a whole lot of minutes behind Brook Lopez in NJ. He could be had for the vet minimum…
Etan Thomas – hey he was not a bad back-up center… he just had a bad contract for a back-up center… at the Vet minimum, he might be serviceable.
My personal favorite is Rasho Nesterovic. If the Wizards can get him for the same one-year, $1.9 million deal he got with Toronto last year- it would be a steal.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
bench versus start
I tink you’ve got it backward. Why put him on the floor against first team NBA 5’s when you know he’s not ready for full time duty in that role? thats setting him up to fail. People get to into who is on the floor for the tip. Starting is overrated. I want to be on the floor at the end of the game. Let him come off the bench (regular minutes are key) so he can perform against second line guys and be a bigger difference maker, not get as many fouls etc.
JaVale could still earn more PT then the “starter”. Part of it is to get his confidence up.
JaVale has plenty of confidence
Maybe too much confidence. His preparation is what’s lacking. He needs to know down in his bones that he has to get stronger and learn the fundamentals of his position.
I asked [McGee] if he thought he needed the extra bulk to play as an NBA center; “I don’t think I do, but that’s what people try to tell me, so I’m gonna gain the weight and see,” he said. “If It don’t help, then I’ll just slim back down.”
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/07/wizards_lose_to_nuggets_77-70.html
The above quote is from early last summer. Then JaVale failed to gain the weight he was supposed to before training camp.
The elite, behemoth centers in the NBA are a different breed from the backups that JaVale has been dealing with. I say start him and let him learn that lesson the hard way, since it doesn’t seem to be sinking in just coming from the coaches.
by yop32 on Jun 4, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
JV
He has put on more muscle in a year than Blatche has since he was 13. Nothing in that quote that you pulled from before last season has anything to do with his confidence when he’s on the court.
Shot selection
JaVale’s shot selection says that he’s not lacking confidence.
And what does Blatche have to do with anything? OK, I agree: Blatche needs to find the weight room, too. So does my old roommate. Damn that kid was scrawny. Actually, while we’re at it, I should get into better shape, too. Getting a little squishy around the midsection….
pointing out
that for a kid who supposedly has so much confidence that he doesn’t think he needs to add weight he has shown more and had shown more in one year than Blatche has ever shown in term sof physical development.
I'd love to bring Etan back for 10-15 minutes a night
I was always on the Etan side of the Brenda Battles anyway.
There's other guys available....
I just weeded out the real fugly choices (Kwame Brown, etc…)
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
No to Etan
Etan used to be a serviceable center back when he was fighting Brendan for the starting job, but his game fell into the toilet after his heart surgery. I’d place his defense at about the same level as a Carlos Boozer or Antawn Jamison at this point. No thanks.
"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier
"...don't ever think it can't get any worse, because it can. There's no question, it can." -- Flip Saunders unintentionally coining the new Washington Wizards motto
Exactly
What I was thinking. It’s almost painful to watch McGee get pushed around by other centers. He’s a nice spark off the bench: get a few blocks, try a few alley-oops, and get some fast-break dunks. But the guy doesn’t have the energy or size to start in the NBA and play starter-minutes. We need a starting center. Anyone.
My swag was phenomenal.
trade for Joel Pryzibilla
the Blazers just extended MArcus Camby for three more years, and Pryzbilla is sure to opt-in on the last year of his contract. I am sure the Blazers would gladly give us Pryzibilla for a pick or maybe Rudy Fernandez?
by John Park Williams on Jun 4, 2010 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions
KYLE, how is 5 minutes here and there be consider given a chance. MAYBE YOU WERE BLIND AT THE END OF THE SEASON WHEN HE AVERAGED 17 POINTS A GAME, OR YOU DIDN’T WANNA SEE, OR A DAM NICK HATTER, OR A DAM FOOL.
straight talk
by Mae.jude@yahoo.com on Jun 3, 2010 9:41 PM EDT reply actions
Nick played some pretty good D, too.
If Gilbert still refuses to defend anyone, I wouldn’t mind seeing Nick take some of his minutes.
If only Nick could rebound…. He has the size to slide over to SF where there are more minutes available.
Center!
I agree that the Wizards could use a center. I kinda like Javale starting, particularly at
about 255 lbs. Blatche is not real muscular, but his jump shot is pure and with his
length, he plays big and has great agility. And he’ll throw it done on you in a minute,
don’t sleep! I really think Blatche is a comer. Is Kwame that bad as a backup center?
Brad Miller and Rasho sound good to me too. Dampier is a little long in the tooth.
Lose Oberto…pee-uuuw!!
Kwame is NOT a poor center
He plays some defense… he can rebound a little. and he’s big….
But his history in Washington would make it impossible for him to play here…
I like Rasho or Dampier
Dampier is only 34 – and it’s not like I’m advocating signing either of those guys for more than a year or two…. Nor should they play major minutes… but signing a veteran backup Center to play 15-20 minutes a night makes sense. Both of those guys (Rasho and Dampier) are pretty good post defenders and rebounders. Neither will get a lot of blocks or wow anyone on Offense… but Paying $2-3 Million for a year or two of their services would be prudent.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
yes 2-3mm is a good price for their services!
by les boulez bomber on Jun 6, 2010 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions
CARMELO
We need to put all our eggs in one basket and go for Melo
No, seriously
Isn't this advocating building the team outside-in?
The way to build a team is definitely inside-out, specifically getting a 3-4 player nucleus and filling-in holes around them. Now, I’m not saying I’m 100% wild about chasing every free agent, but do think that Amare, Boozer and Bosh would all be great additions, as we likely have 1 core piece in John Wall and think those guys all are most certainly a 2nd core piece. Overpaying for them is not the worst thing either, as look a the Celtics and Magic, both have overpayed core guys.
In all likelihood, we can’t sign any of them, but Nick Young and Javale McGee should not be reasons we don’t pursue FAs. The reasoning behind not chasing any FAs is the strategy the Celtics used of stockpiling young assets and flipping many of these assets for veteran players. The Wiz could thus benefit from modestly tanking by not signing a big FA and thus getting a slightly better draft pick. The only young assets we have of any value now are McGee and Blatche, and Dray is also a big reason to not go after the guys I listed, as signing any of those guys would impinge on his role, thus possibly limiting his development and our chance of evaluating him.
As I was trying to say in my post, with Dray, Wall, McGee, and Gil, we have a lot of minutes on our team already ‘filled’, so we are in a weird spot where there is not a lot of minutes to evaluate and develop other young guys, yet we are far from being a championship contender.
Not really
It’s advocating taking a year to see if you have the 3-4 player nucleus already, and then reevaluating at the same time as you head into a new CBA, where everything could change.
Stiff...
I hear what you’re sayin’. It has a logic to it. It might be a little rigid though, although I
get the idea about the cap. But I see Blatche & Gil as core pieces to this team as well
and the reason GM’s get paid well is to deal with the cap while smoothly transitioning a
team through larger & smaller contracts(Gil!), veteran to youth if applicable, and main-
taing the brand…putting a good product on the floor. Would you root for Orlando?
They just lost to Boston, but I’m not sure if they’re gutting the team, you know? And I
know they probably have a hell of a fan base! What I’m emphasizing is the smoothness
of managing the situation, without any tanking. I’m not too keen on trying to get a high
draft pick on purpose.
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