Andray Blatche doubtful for game against Timberwolves with shoulder injury
by Mike Prada on Jan 12, 2011 4:31 PM EST
in Injuries
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PrintUnsurprisingly, Andray Blatche's sprained shoulder didn't really feel any better today than it did yesterday, when he had to leave the game against the Kings. Blatche didn't participate in today's brief practice and is "day-to-day," which means he's probably unlikely to play against the Timberwolves, according to Michael Lee.
Blatche was hoping the shoulder would get better overnight, but it hasn't.
After the game, Blatche said he was hoping that he would wake up and feel better. But as he headed out of the arena, Blatche said, "It was worse. I couldn't sleep at night. I couldn't lay comfortably. A lot of pain."
It looks like Rashard Lewis will slide over to power forward, freeing up the small forward spot for Al Thornton. It's a perfectly defensible way of altering the lineup. Still, I'd rather see Lewis stay at small forward and start one of the other backup power forwards (okay, I really mean Trevor Booker). We love versatility, but I'd rather see some consistency in positions and roles, even if Lewis is capable of playing at both spots.
But I might just be acting silly right now. Thoughts? Who'd you put in the starting lineup for Blatche?
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Well, you tipped your hand pretty obviously, Mike...
I happen to agree. Lewis is playing quite well as starting 3, why move him over?
Now I might think differently about that if Howard were available to start at the 3, but Thornton with his -24 against Sacto, ummmmm, maybe not.
Love is good at positioning himself for rebounds but he is not physically that big. I would give the nod to Booker. We’ll find out pretty quickly if that works.
Hope the hoops at Target Center have the same diameter for Nick as the ones at Verizon last night, we will need big numbers from the backcourt, plus an old fashioned Seattle-type 30 point effort from Shard (against Beasley) would be useful too.
Is that a joke?
Or have you been drinking?
by Oldbuckwilder on Jan 12, 2011 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
I'd rather have McGee at the 5, Seraphin at the 4, and Lewis at the 3
TNT should've treated Lebron's return to Cleveland game like 2k11 and cut the game off after the Cavs were down by 30. lol
Yes - but
have Seraphin guard Love, and McGee (more mobile) guard Beasley….
On Defense:
Seraphin is better equipped to bang with Love… and McGee’s length might bother Beasley…
On Offense:
Lewis will create a match-up problem at SF against the Rookie Wes Johnson
He's "delightfully cranky"
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
(Wes Johnson's not starting the past few games.)
The Timberwolves’ perimeter defense is atrocious, just atrocious, so Rambis decided to go to the hustle guy in Corey Brewer at shooting guard.
Pick your matchup to get Rashard going from long range. Kurt Rambis in his tenure here has been consistent as heck: At least one so-so opposing wing will go off from distance. Lewis is a headache defensive assignment for Love, and really almost everyone is at the SF for Beasley.
But did I say atrocious? John Wall will likely never see worse NBA defense than Jonny Flynn will present him in this game. Flynn is an epically bad defender.
"Those things about which we cannot theorize, we must narrate." – Umberto Eco
Beasleys quickness will eat up McGee
McGee should stick around Love because he is taller.Seraphin can be physical with him until Seraphin fouls out or is benched. Lewis and Thorton should play Beasley and Brewer. Booker can swing between Love and Beasley. Wall can stay with Flynn and Young will eat up Ridnour. For defensive matchups.
by hambonejackson on Jan 12, 2011 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
We're talking Washington's defense of the Wolves, yes?
You describe defending everyone but the Minnesota center. The Wolves’ lineup is likely to be:
5: Darko – battered in body and spirit, likely to put up 7 short left-handed hooks.
4: Love – Who, if B-Easy’s in, gets his points without much offense run through him.
3: Beasley (on two iffy ankles?) >> Martell Webster?
2: Corey Brewer: “Let him shoot” is the proper defense.
1: Ridnour
Michael Beasley has the offense going through him, and of late he’s diversified his game, showing nice touch to other players rather than forcing long jumpers of his own. However, he was already gimpy on one ankle before the Spurs game and late in that one he landed on -Bruce Bowen’s- Tim Duncan’s foot and tweaked the other one.
If Beas is out, I’m not sure if Rambis runs through Love; allows Martell Webster to try to expand his game (he’s been injured, of late his legs are a little more under him, but historically we’re talking an outside shooter and little more); or force feeds Darko Milicic even more down low. The latter sounds insane, and Darko himself is pretty beat up in every sense, but even when they’re all healthy Milicic gets set up in the offense more than Love.
If Webster steps into Beasley’s slot, that’s a big defensive change on the other end. Michael B makes an effort but gets caught flat-footed defensively pretty often. Martell is a strong defender, or anyway has been before.
"Those things about which we cannot theorize, we must narrate." – Umberto Eco
Beasley is doubtful for Thursday's game.
I read on Yahoo that Beasley may not play on Thursday’s game.
Long-Time Wizard Fan
Krobify reminded me about Milibad
A player that Mr.McGee should be able to deal with So Lewis on love, but if the WZ put in Seraphin and Booker on Love, including Lewis, thats 18 fouls to give. Of course. Love cannot keep up with Lewis. So even if Love murdered this team there is no reason that the WZ should lose this game other than poor play
by hambonejackson on Jan 13, 2011 5:12 AM EST up reply actions
I thought Darko is the center and Love is their PF...Beasley is their SF.
TNT should've treated Lebron's return to Cleveland game like 2k11 and cut the game off after the Cavs were down by 30. lol
Except
Milicic gets into foul trouble almost every game – and they have to go with Love, Beasley, Corey Brewer and either Wesley Johnson or Martel Webster….
He's "delightfully cranky"
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Um, Minnesota will go with 4 players and no PG?
Rambis actually uses his backup centers a lot, even when they’re not up to the task.
Nikola Pekovic: Big body, in principle an efficent inside scorer, but hasn’t caught up to the league. Also has one of the funner tattoos since Rasheed’s Akhenaton heiroglyphic – a sword-wielding warrior with a pile of skulls at his feet – on one shoulder.
Kosta Koufos: Speaking of “not up to the task.” Very raw, on rare occasions he looks plausible.
Anthony Tolliver: Hustle defensive player with a range shot. Tolliver is a D-leaguer-made-good type who knows how he earned a contract with someone and plays like it. You’ll recognize his high socks.
"Those things about which we cannot theorize, we must narrate." – Umberto Eco
I've seen Minny play a couple times this year. Beez is comfy on the perimeter.
And Miami really did him dirty….dude has a lot of potential. No way McGee could gaurd him….look at his freakin game log
hmm…interesting, Smithers, verrry interesting. This will be a chance to foresee whether subtracting Blatche from the starting lineup is really addition. I’d go with Booker, too — but rather than designating “3,” and “4,” play the matchups. Booker can obviously defend small 4’s, and I’d like to see how he does against a mid-sized 4 like Love; Lewis can play either spot but might fare worse on defense against a muscle dude like Love. Love can’t defend worth a lick anyway, so who cares who plays him on offense.
Blatche has already missed a couple games.
Didn’t work out so well…
by jones-y on Jan 12, 2011 10:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think we had a different team when he missed those games. We’ve had at least four different teams this season. Now that we can run Wall, Nick, Lewis, Booker, Vale, let’s see if it rolls any better.
by Tbonebullets on Jan 12, 2011 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
Point noted, but,
we’ve had different teams all season long.
As poorly as the Wizards rebound...
Love could get 40 rebounds
He's "delightfully cranky"
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
bouta be...
a 40-40 game for K-Love. Hell, why don’t we add 10 assists and make it a triple double? But it’s ok cus the Wiz will win (knocking on wood).
shame blatche is out
he had a field day against Minny last season.
I like Booth at center, Ruffin at PF, and Hayes at SF
Barring that: McGee, Booker, and Lewis
The artist formerly known as ledellforlife.
I see your Booth, Ruffin and Hayes
And raise you a Jahidi, Ike & Jared.
I see your Ike, Jahidi and Jared
and raise you Never Nervous Pervis, Harvey Grant and the "Secret Weapon, Charles Jones
He's "delightfully cranky"
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Speaking of Charles Jones
That’s the kind of role player the Wizards need – instead of all these offensive minded players they have now (Thornton, Yi) -
CJ was a terrific rebounder, especially on the defensive glass. He blocked about 2 shots a game – and was a pretty good passer. He rarely shot the ball, but when he did he would throw out some amazing George Gervin like finger-roll, or a spin move in the land ala Charles Barkley, or a Doctor J tomahawk dunk. Every game, he seemed to roll out an amazing offensive move – but only one… He averaged about 3 points a night….
I though Dominic McGuire would become that kind of player – doing all the dirty work. Cleaning the defensive boards – playing solid defense – blocking shots – running in transition, etc…. But I guess Ernie Grunfeld decided he needed more scoring so we get to watch Al Thornton instead and his putrid 11% defensive rebound rate – and 9 points per game….
Now, Dom is leading all Small Forwards in Defensive Rebounding rate for Charlotte.. while playing solid defense, blocking about 1.7 shots per 40 minutes – and doing the dirty work for Charlotte in limited minutes (16.4 minutes per game)…. Can’t shoot for crap – but he can defend and rebound…..
I wish we could get him back… Be good to have on a second unit – or as an end of game defensive specialist.
He's "delightfully cranky"
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Muresan?
Is this like one of those years Jordan didn’t get the MVP because he was on a different plane of existence, or what?
"Those things about which we cannot theorize, we must narrate." – Umberto Eco
Also think Lewis should stay at the 3.
I’d go with Booker at the 4, keeping Seraphin as the backup 5. Funny how Yi has fallen off our radar (gladly).
agreed
Why not start Booker and get him some experience, esp againt Sota. This should be a year where our young players grow and get experience. Bring Seraphin in to spell McGee. Yi is weak and Hilton I really have nothing bad to say about I just want to see the new blood.
Just put Booker T in there, dammit
Can you dig it, sucka?
Part of Pech's Posse since 2007.
by OleksiyPecherovsHomeboy on Jan 12, 2011 9:26 PM EST reply actions
Can you dig it? Sucka!
Black Dynamite 101
crush our enimies, see them driven before us, and hear the lamentations of their women!
Le Bullet - where being a fan isn't easy, but at least we have lots of cool scars to show for it.
BOOKER
but flip always thinks offense first he play either Yi or AL…..Bummer
During this type of season you can find light in any situation
Tough as it is that Dray got hurt during a game he was rolling and looking to break out of a slump, it gives the team a chance to work other things out in his absence:
-Al Thornton is the direct beneficiary. He needs to show he can be that hustle type, slasher that will bring energy and finish strong around the rim.
-Yi could potentially get some extended looks. This i think is great because although we’ve seen a bunch of him, he still intrigues me the most on this team. Visit the post once in a while Yi!
-Cartier Martin! He should take some of the minutes vacated by Thornton off the bench and show some of his solid team play and shooting prowess from deep. Doubt it though
-Last but not least, Trevor Booker, who I wholeheartedly agree should be the one in line to get the start. We know what he does and brings to the table and it was so good to see him knock down that mid-range jumper vs Sac Town. Would be nice to see if he can make an impact on limiting Kevin Love.
Mike, you missed the rest of the quote from Blatche:
“I could hardly sleep because of the pain. I mean, when I got home at 4am from the club it was really bad. I think lifting all those glasses of Cristal may have aggravated the injury. If I wasn’t so wasted I probably wouldn’t have slept at all. Good thing I passed out. So I’m doubtful for the next game…and only probable for the next night out on the town. But I’m a professional and I’ll have to find a way to party through the pain.”
Wait, I thought Kirk starts whenever someone's out? ;)
I don’t mind if Trevor doesn’t start, as long as he gets minutes – with Dray’s near 40 open, there’s no minutes-crunch excuse. (Not that I think it’s a very good excuse anyway.)
Booker Time
I want to see Booker start the next few games and see how he shines. He is the hustle player with a few moves that can start a fire under a team. I like the way he caries himself too… he’s like BazaroBulletproof or something. We need to hold on to him and watch him develop.
Might as well start now, cause this season needs a serious reboot. Trade AB for a player Armsrtong was suppose to be, and some draft picks and lets call it a day. Leave Booker in to start the remainder of the season and watch him grow so that he will be either a great backup PF or maybe something special. I like what he did at Clemson and I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds a nice role for himself in this league.
I’m content at this point of the season after seeing what I’ve seen to focus on the smaller victories and the more realistic side of a rebuilding team.
1.) individual player development WALL BABY!!!
2.) team cohesiveness (cause it’s tuff when you loose… and so ugly)
3.) pray for a lottery repeat of last year. Come on Irene!
4.) write about our lack of big men coaches and poor medical staff
5.) and hope we can shed the epitome of laziness… the one they call AB as soon as possible. The more I think about him he reminds me of a more talented Kwame Brown… Oh how we are so blessed to be rid of him. Thank the D.C. Basketball Gods, Santa, and the Commodores.
crush our enimies, see them driven before us, and hear the lamentations of their women!
Le Bullet - where being a fan isn't easy, but at least we have lots of cool scars to show for it.
Im tired of Al Thornton. He plays really hard, I'll give him that, but I dont like his game.
He’s a ball-stopper with an ugly jumper…He hustles, and yeah sometimes he makes a few things happen on offense, but I’d much rather see Cartier, Booker, Yi, or Seraphin out there…so yea, basically anyone but Thornton.
Mike's right
Versatility is, strangely enough, a double-edged sword. At this point I’d rather have strong role-players than a squad of JOATs.
Give all the bench "Bigs" some action
Evaluate! This is a season of rebuilding.
I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.
if it's supposed to be player development time then let's develop the rookies
Thornton should never get minutes ahead of Booker or Seraphin. current lineup should be McGee, Booker, Lewis, Young, Wall…with Armstrong, Yi, Seraphin and Hinrich as the bench. Martin if we need more of a ballhandler/shooter at 2 or 3.
The intersting part happens when Josh Howard gets back. much better defensively with him in there.
Blatche is a coach killer and needs to go. Keep Howard, Lewis and Booker. Get another guard. Too many minutes for Hinrich and John “i’m impersonating Greg Oden with my bad wheels” Wall.
Mae Jude?
Did anyone see this on Wizards Insider:
“He also has to fulfill a request from his mother, Mae, who told Young “how she was so proud. She said she needs a win. She don’t want to get to excited because we always let them down on the road.”
doo doo do doo, doo doo do doo....
you are now entering da twilite zone
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