Roster notes - And bringing back James Singleton? Why?
by Rook6980 on Jul 30, 2010 5:42 PM EDT
in Team Analysis
50 comments
Lots of folks here have been asking why the Wizards have not signed this guy, or that guy... or why they haven't otherwise filled out the roster.
As it stands now, and with the signing of Josh Howard, the Wizards have 12 players under contract.
The Wizards complete roster after the jump.
Roster (as of 07/30/2010):
PG John Wall
SG Gilbert Arenas
SF Josh Howard
PF Andray Blatche
C JaVale McGee
G Kirk Hinrich
GF Nick Young
SF Al Thornton
F Yi Jianlian
F Trevor Booker
CF Kevin Seraphin
C Hilton Armstrong
Not to sound TOO optimistic, but that's not a terrible starting line up; and the bench has at least a few guys that have some skill and experience. As you can see, the team is pretty deep at most positions, but could use some more help at Guard (only 4 guards on the roster) and SF.
So, why consider bringing back James Singleton, when the Wiz are loaded with talent at Forward? Wouldn't his minutes come at the expense of Trevor Booker, and/or Yi? Of all the positions on the Wizards, PF (Blatche, Booker, Yi, Seraphin) is already pretty well set. I would be more worried about injuries at Guard. The Wizards appear to be pretty deep up front - with McGee and Armstrong at Center and Seraphin, Yi Jinlian, Booker, and Blatche able to play multiple positions; but if one of their guards is injured, they may be in some trouble.
I'm assuming they will sign their second round pick, Hamaday Ndaiye, to a rookie minimum contract. I think that's a pretty good assumption, since the rookie minimum is only $473,604 - and considering the only "true" centers on the team are JaVale McGee and Hilton Armstrong (bleh). There is no rush however, since they retain his rights until September 6th (see below); so keeping his roster spot open is a smart move.
That leaves 2 roster slots left. If the Wizards are prudent, they will probably keep one of those roster slots unfilled at least until February - so that they won't be restricted from making unbalanced trades at the deadline that may require 2 for 1, etc...
So that leaves 1 roster slot open; or two, if they find someone better than N'daiye that they want to sign. I think it would be foolish to go into the season with only 4 guards on the roster.
On September 6th, second round draft picks become free agents if they are not given a "required tender" by the team that drafted them. A required tender is a minimal contract offer teams must submit to their second round picks in order to retain their draft rights. The logic here is that a team can't draft a player without providing any kind of contract offer. If they refuse to offer at least a minimal contract, then they lose their draft rights to the player, and he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Each year, several good young players are either not "tendered", or cut loose - ending up in the D-League or in Europe. We have already seen some of that happening already, with Joe Alexander being cut by the Bucks and Kyle Weaver released by the Thunder. As everyone here knows, both Alexander and Weaver were favorites of mine in the 2008 draft. Weaver is a big guard (6'6") with a pass first mentality and a penchant for playing hard nosed, in your face defense on the perimeter - and Alexander can head butt the rim. Who knows what gems might be available after September 6th?
The Wizards would be wise to keep an open roster spot, and a close watch on the required tender offers.
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I like Singleton
The more I saw of Singleton last season, the more apparent the weaknesses in his game became, but I still like him for our team. He’s a hard-nosed, high-energy player who rebounds out of his area. I suspect that he comes cheap, and would not at all be surprised if he proved to be more valuable than guys like Armstrong and Yi.
I agree that Weaver is an interesting prospect, and given our lack of backcourt depth, we should certainly consider him.
As for Alexander, I’m left wondering what the hell is wrong with him. He looked terrific in college, and the tales of his freakish athleticism really piqued my curiosity about him, but the only times I ever saw him on the court in Milwaukee, he looked utterly clueless. I mean humiliatingly clueless — like he had no idea what all these guys were doing running around him. Maybe Milwaukee did something to really mess him up — sort of like Jordan messed up Kwame Brown — but based on the admittedly small body of work I have to judge Alexander by, he would have a LOT to prove before we should sign him.
"Now, obviously individual production does not unilaterally equal better team production, but there's a high level of causation."
by Vanilla Gorilla on Jul 30, 2010 6:53 PM EDT reply actions
If we played Indiana every night
Singleton would be an all-star. As it is, he’s the one thing this team still lacks—a solid, experienced, unselfish defensive player willing to clog the middle, work hard for rebounds and take charges. He’s also (very) slightly responsible for Blatyche’s turnaround late last season; for that reason alone, he’s worth expending the veteran minimum on. Booker and Seraphin most likely belong in the D-League even if, unlike Ndiaye, they aren’t initially assigned there. That’s a major part of the roster in diapers. We need a couple of grownups on this team.
Thats exactly why
i was so disappointed with the draft. There were better options that high. Now it looks like only 1 of 3 first round picks is a significant contribution, and he was a no brainer
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jul 31, 2010 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions
????
Very few drafts picks ever pan out, and less so in their first season? What player did the Wizards pass up that would just step in and be awesome? You act like there were sure things out there, and there was not. Also, this team should be playing for 2013, not 2010.
Agreed...
I think the wizards did as best they could in the draft. With booker, they have a low ceiling guy but can potentially produce right away. His bulk and athletcism can be great for the inside rotation. In Sepharin, they have their pet project (Grunfeld loves those…and does a decent job with them…McGee, Blatche and now Sepharin). Also, it’d be nice if booker and singleton can pick up a few pointers on rebounding from Singleton!
by Meraj Chowdhury on Jul 31, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
2013 agreed but why then 2 picks with little upside?
First of all, the 11th pick (aldrich) was sold to the thunder for picking up Cook. We could have taken on more capwise and have a great center prospect with good upside offensively who bangs for defensive boards (something McGee lacks)
Since the hawks and grizlies were selling there 24 and 25th pick for next to nothing, trading 30 and 35 for 23 and 56 doest seem like a bargain does it? I hoped for guys like James, Whiteside, Pondexter, Alabi, Ebanks.
There´s no sure thing in the draft, that i agree on. But dont tell me that we´ve done the best we could. Booker (soon to be 23) was projected as a second round talent and both him and Ndiaye (23) dont have a lot of upside. No way they are better than those guys i mentioned above at this point. It would be unfair to judge seraphin since i know next to nothing about him.
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jul 31, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I loved Whiteside
and started to love Pondexter towards the draft, but Ndiaye has a ton of upside and Booker may be not be star material but he could be a solid role player
High Potential Goons
I disagree that Booker and Seraphin have low ceilings. Booker may be older but he’s extremely athletic. He seems to have the potential to develop into a sane Ron Ron. Seraphin is 20 and built like a bear. If he can be our version of Nene, then he would be a steal at #17, especially considering that we also got Hinrich and $3 million to draft him.
Anytime you are making picks outside the lottery, its a crapshoot. I feel like you get your quality role players in the late teens and 20s. Every now and then you get a Rondo, but its mostly the place to get your Shannon Brown and Carl Landry type players. Maybe you get starters with specialized roles like a Robin Lopez.
I think we made really quality picks because both of these guys will always have a role on our team as hard-nosed, defense and rebound first players. That’s there floor. A guy like Whiteside has a chance to be an all-star, but most likely will always be the super athletic big that never gets it together enough to get on the floor. Those types are always inconsistent, or not strong enough to rebound, or not dedicated to defense.
These were really good, high percentage picks. And I think that they complement our starters very well. Honestly, in the long run I think they will both be starting caliber players that will be coming off the bench to make major contributions and always push our starters for their spot.
I plumbed my mind
On this important issue of filling out the last roster spots on the team. A guard is needed but Howards health is still a question. The doctor says….which doctor. Singleton is solid and experienced, but I still wonder about Crittenton because Grunfeld liked him and as far as I know he hasn’t signed with anyone and Wall is the only true point guard they have and Crittenton knows Saunders offense. So I keep wondering about him.
Crittenton
I wouldn’t mind having him back but I wonder if the organization still thinks he has another shot with them.
by purpleonblack86 on Jul 30, 2010 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions
De-dun
dun dun.
by Palace of Good Play's Golden Toilet on Jul 30, 2010 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
No way in hell am I bringing Javaris back in the same room as Gil
by Mike Prada on Jul 30, 2010 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I had kinda thought they had worked it out.
But Critt is one of the last players I’d bring back. Hudson seems a better target.
Critter
I still like Crit’s potential, but he was already behind the curve in his development because of the injury and between that and the suspension lost all of last year. I don’t know how well he actually knows Flip’s offense because he never actually played in it did he? Plus, I just don’t think you can risk bringing him back if Arenas is around. The whole thing may have been overblown and those two may have squashed it, but assuming that is risking a lot.
Plus, I don’t think Crit is so unique that they can’t go out and find someone pretty much just like him.
Hudson and Martin
An unselfish guard who plays hard on D and a scoring wingman reasonably good D who could play as a big 2 and provides depth at 3 behind Howards injury.
Both are good team guys, in there mid twenties so not to young-old and are already familiar with the team and staff. In my opinion better options then Weaver and Alexander.
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jul 31, 2010 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm not necessarily advocating signing Weaver or Alexander
but my post was rather to suggest the Wizards not do anything with that last roster spot until September – when we see who is out there…. There could be some good players not “tendered”, or outright released.
I’m pretty sure the Wiz will only have one roster spot left….. because
1. Why draft him, if you’re not going to sign N’diaye
AND
2. I don’t think the Wizards will carry more than 14 players (at least until the trade deadline)
And if there’s only ONE roster spot left – they should try to sign a guard – preferably a big guard (6’6" – 6’7") that can defend the perimeter. Because I’d hate to go into the season with 6’4" Arenas, 6’4" Wall, 6’3" Hinrich and 6’7" Young as our only guards…..
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I'd advocate signing Weaver
He’s a solid backup guard, he defends, he might be able to shoot if I recall correctly. At worst, he seems like a poor man’s Thabo Sefalosha, plus we really need a wing stopper who’s over 6’3.
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by pantslessyoda1 on Jul 30, 2010 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought I read that Weaver is going overseas. I forget where though.
by Mike Prada on Jul 31, 2010 2:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Alexander would fit EG's pattern from this offseason....
….Of picking up former lottery level talents who have not shown it on the floor yet.
I think the criteria for those last slots should be guys who have some talent, certainly, but guys who are hungry to play and are hard workers. We started the offseason picking up tougher players — Hinrich, Seraphin, Booker, NDiaye — then sort of took a side step with guys like Yi and Armstrong. I’d like to see them get back to bringing in hard-nosed players.
Hudson definitely showed that sort of intensity in Summer League and I wouldn’t mind having him on the team, but I agree Rook, that they really need one more big guard who can defend. People have hopes for Nick taking a step forward in that area this year, but I think that’s far from a thing you can count on.
Meanwhile there are a variety of guys out there like Weaver who are worth taking a chance on. I’d also consider Mikhail Torrance even despite the heart issue. He’s not necessarily a defender, but he does have a lot of talent.
I agree
He should have been one of our first pickups this season, he’s better than half our bench.
Next year is always our year.
I'd love to sign Singleton
but honestly I don’t see how he fits. Unless either Ser or Book are going DLeage or overseas.
Send N'Diaye overseas
and sign both Singleton and Martin
PG Wall/Hinrich
SG Arenas/Young/Martin
SF Howard/Thornton/Booker
PF Blatche/Singleton/Yi
C McGee/Seraphin/Armstrong
That’s 14 players, leaving one roster spot open to scoop up any overlooked free agent or to address a midseason need if there’s an abundance of injuries at one position.
Why send N'Diaye overseas?
Why not sign him, retain his rights, and play him in the D-League until we feel we need to call him up.
I like Singleton as much as everyone, but I don’t think he needs to be part of the rebuilding process because he’s taking about minutes from our newer guys. I see Booker playing more at the 4 than at the 3. Behind Blatche, you’ve already got Booker, Yi, and Seraphin that play the 4. I wouldn’t mind having him on the team if he takes an even lesser role, letting those young guys get their minutes.
The reason we signed JHo to a one year deal was because we were very thin at SF. We are already loaded at PF in terms of bodies, therefore signing Singleton doesn’t make the most sense in the world.
by ToughHibachi on Jul 31, 2010 6:06 AM EDT up reply actions
While I loved Singleton as much as anyone during last season
I don’t understand the love this summer. Perhaps it is a function of the split on this blog between people who want to fully rebuild with young players, and people who want a more competitive team by adding a good number of veterans. Singleton is a good 9th or 10th man on a team, and would be a good pick-up for a lot of teams. But not for the Wizards, both because they are rebuilding and need to get floor time for the youngsters, and because they already have 4 or 5 guys who play his position.
Sorry, Mike — you need to push the Wizards to sign a player named James so that you can move those Big Game James t-shirts. Hey, Mike James is still available!
Maybe you don't understand it
Because you didn’t draw the correct conclusions from Las Vegas. Without an experienced enforcer, every team in the league is going to be trying to knock Wall to the floor.
why
Because we retain his rights while he progresses without using a roster spot. If we sign him he counts toward the 15 whether he’s in the D League or not. I think thats what they are trying to figure out, and negotiate with his agent, right now. Will he play overseas for a year? I know the Detroit Pistons ask this of their second round targets. There’s not a lot of money in the foreign market right now. If he will that gives us some flexibility.
Even if Hamady plays elsewhere, I’d rather have another C than another tweener forward.
This leaves us with a spare roster spot (ndiaye)
8 man rotation
Wall, Arenas, Howard, Blatche, McGee
Hinrich, Thorton, Booker
Depth
Young, Seraphin, Yi, Armstrong
In case of injury
Hudson, Martin, Ndiaye (sign for min. then DL)
If Seraphin or Booker is D-League material as well there might be a spot for Singleton left.
I read you, Rook...
but there is no reason not to at least attempt to sign Singleton (or Martin for that matter) to partially guaranteed contracts at this point…
I cannot help but wonder if the delay on Singleton is connected to some management jockeying on the possibility discussed on BF and elsewhere of going after Shaq… I am not advocating this by any stretch, but I would guess from the intensive marketing gimmickry that has been going on this summer that the Wizards are pretty concerned about ticket sales, and might see Shaq as an added draw.
Nah
I think it’s more that Singleton probably wants a long-term contract and the Wizards are only willing to offer one year.
Pick 3
Between Singleton, Hudson, Cartier and Hamady N’diaye …. (Oberto’s out of play).
I’d like to keep N’diaye, but send him to the D-League. The rest is tough.
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thats the catch
Teams and players should consider altering the rules for roster spots when it comes to the D League. One change would be making it so 2nd round picks who are sent down don’t count toward the 15-man roster. That way more teams can use is as a true farm system.
Yes, that's the rub since there are only 3 spots left and those 4 guys.
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There's always been an unofficial player
or two on every NBA team who nurses a “groin pull” or “hip flexor” (or my personal favorite, “shin splints”) all season and so is on the inactive list. Martin is ideal for that. Hudson or someone like him will always be available on call-up from the D-League; nobody else wants him. Ditto Palmer. Ndiaye actually needs to be in the D-League or overseas.
As for Singleton, probably nobody on the team is calling more loudly for his re-signing than Blatche, Howard, and Young, because aside from Oberto, Singleton was the only guy setting picks for them last (mini-)season. Without him, Miller would have hardly taken any shots at all.
Gotta resign Singleton
You need a vet presence with those young guys in the middle. His scrappy, rebounding energy is contagious and would be very useful. He also played both PF and C effectively last year. We have enough young guys on the roster…we need someone vets to steer the ship and provide some professionalism and leadership. Singleton is that guy.
by Meraj Chowdhury on Jul 31, 2010 1:16 PM EDT reply actions
booker
He may have not huge upside (which considering his athleticism Im not sold he cant become a solid starter/6) but Booker plays a style and has the physical tools that is hard to find and that kind of defensive ace is needed for the playoffs
Booker
Plus, he is a good character hard working type of player. Im glad he is on our team and honestly think he can quickly become a high caliber defensive player capable of smothering the best players in the league. He has the strength, quickness and mentality for it
that being said
resign singleton as long as he doesnt expect big minutes. 12-20 a game or so sounds right to me
12-20 is big minutes
That means he is one of your top 8 players. They still have Seraphin who says he is tough. How about getting him in there for a few minutes. Booker is a 4 year college guy. He should develop fastest of all the rookies. Only 12 players can be active which means half the time Singleton won’t get any minutes. And you don’t want to deactivate your 17 th pick. The Wizards traded Veermenko for Seraphin so Seraphin must be good. Ofcourse, I would have traded Veermenko for any NBA player who can tie his shoes. I bet Chicago is thinking that trade was kind of dumb. After signing Boozer they were still left 12 million under the cap. They could have kept Hinrich, Seraphin and 3 mil.
I always forget about Boykins
He is so easy to overlook. It makes no sense for Singleton to resign with the Wiz. He is not going to get the minutes. If I were him I’d be in Miami right now offering my services. He will get minutes there Since I have the last word. I think they keep N’diaye. And I think their roster is set. I think they are in Player development mode and that is that.
Meh..
He’s easy to overlook because he is a waste of a roster position. He was a great mid-season pick up, but there’s a reason he’s played on 10 NBA teams, and spent time overseas..
Next year is always our year.
We drafted Trevor Booker in the first round to do the same job.
I’m all for Singleton’s attitude and work ethic but don’t see the minutes. Is Ernie concerned about Blatche’s foot and Seraphin’s knee? Seems like excessive insurance for Yi and Booker.
I’m a sucker for Lester Hudson. He fits as the 5th guard. With Wall just learning NBA defense and Hinrich needed on the wing, Hudson becomes an important sub if he can defend PGs. According to Twitter he and John Wall are “about to create a chemistry like no other”.
Singleton
They do have a lot of depth up front, but the quality is suspect to say the least. It really depends on the goals for this year, and how they want to go about them. If the goal is to try out all of these youngsters who still maybe have some upside, then signing Singleton doesn’t make sense.
If the goal is to try to develop all of these youngsters, having at least one vet on the team who plays the way the Wiz appear to want to play (tougher, more defensive-minded) is a good thing. If they are not going to bring in Singleton or someone like that, they need to address the coaching staff and try to find a Cassell-like equivalent for the big men. I don’t know who coaches the big men now (Gene Banks?) but with the volume of young bigs they have, they need more ‘old heads’ whether on the floor or among the coaches.
Singleton can be our Hinrich for bigs
Just a guy to show them how to be tough. Seraphin and Booker have the right mentality, but they need someone to show them what tough means on an NBA level. If we can get him on a one-year deal, I’d be ok with that.
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