Washington Wizards in Hunt For Veteran PG
by Sean Fagan on Nov 27, 2011 12:31 PM EST
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In Mike Lee's piece on the end of the lockout, there is a brief mention that besides re-signing Nick Young, the Wizards priority this offseason will be to obtain a veteran PG to play the role of John Wall's caddy. Now, it goes without saying that any player who signs with Washington will expect to receive extremely limited minutes at the PG position and will be signing on to provide Wall six minutes of rest a night and have someone to scrimmage against. Of course, there is also the possibility that the Wizards sign someone who is a combo guard and can split time between PG and SG. With Crawford, (maybe) Jeffers and (maybe) Young at the SG position, this too seems highly unlikely. But lets take a look at the possible candidates. First a list of the FA's available this year and then a list of likely amnesty candidates"
Free Agents
JJ Barea
T.J Ford
Aaron Brooks (restricted)
Pooh Jeter
Marcus Thornton (restricted)
Not exactly a murderer's row there. Marcus Thornton and Aaron Brooks are obviously non-starters as they play large roles on their respective teams. I think we can safely remove the veterans who have too much tread on their tires such as AD or Arroyo. I also think that we can remove guys that break the offense as Flip Saunders will most likely want to pursue someone who can run his sets. So I think Banks, Telfair and our old friend Earl Boykins are also unlikely to be coming to DC. Out of this group, the most likely guys are Pooh Jeter and Chris Quinn, neither of whom bring much to the table, but also don't take much away.
Possible Amnesty Candidates
Glibert Arenas
So the idea of Glibert Arenas returning to Washington....ok I'll stop. Taking a look at the above list, we see a lot of hefty contracts and guys who will expect minutes. The exception is Eddie House, who wouldn't come to Washington because he wants to chase rings on contenders. If Nick Young doesn't return to the Wizards, a player like Francisco Garcia would be interesting but might set the rebuild back if not acquired at the right price.
Honestly, I think the Wizards should save their powder this year and pick up the cheap option such as Chris Quinn of Pooh Jeter and give Wall all the time he wants at the position. If Steve Blake wants to come back to DC on the cheap, I'm not going to say no, but neither would I be pleased at seeing him get 15 a night either.
What do you guys think?
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Although it probably won't happen
I think TJ Ford would be a good mentor. He at one time was one of the fastest players, if not the fastest in the league, much like Wall is today. He could teach Wall how to use that speed to his advantage, since Ford was good at doing that with his change of pace. But I doubt the Pacers let him go for anything reasonable, and he’s not gonna be looking for a short term deal anyway.
No! No! No!
TJ Ford was awful for the Pacers. One of the reasons why they were so quick to replace him is because he is a horrible decision maker. For a PG he tries to shoot way too much. I remember when he was playing in Toronto with Bosh and he refused to give the ball to Bosh down the stretch of some of their playoff games. He is not a good player to learn from.
by ThePGPhenomenon on Nov 28, 2011 8:01 AM EST up reply actions
Compressed season
With all those back to backs and the expected sloppy play, I think it’s unwise to think JW (or any PG) will log all but 10 min a game. If anyone rolls an ankle and misses a week and a half, they miss 10 percent of the season. Deep benches are the key to a respectable finish in this marathon of a season that will be run as a sprint.
by kigaro on Nov 27, 2011 12:47 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Maybe we can get Bibby to give us more money not to play for us.
I think the money would probably be better spent on the coaching and medical staff.
Pierre is the smooth operator. @JaValeMcGee34 is the monster you've grown to know on the court.
by Elvin_is_my_Elvis on Nov 27, 2011 12:47 PM EST reply actions
Hold it!
I thought we drafted Shelvin Mack so that Flip could grant JWall a brief breather. And we’re rebuilding, which means we need to develop our young players. Now, how much time could Mack possibly be getting if there’s yet another guy in front of him? I want to see the rookies play to see what we have here, no matter what!
by Jaba on Nov 27, 2011 1:06 PM EST via mobile reply actions 4 recs
Agreed, I want to see Mack.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Same
He was a senior in college, too, I think, so he should be able to run an offense, not screw stuff up, and defend the position.
Follow me on twitter -
http://twitter.com/TheRealTPruitt
by pantslessyoda1 on Nov 28, 2011 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Stand pat at PG
Crawford & Mack can fill in.
It would be good to see what Mack brings us.
What about Shakur? Where is he?
I’m sure there are cheaper options and we ain’t going anywhere this year anyhow.
please, just say no
Shakur was so awful last year it was painful to watch at times.
AverageBro.com - @AverageBro
by averagebro on Nov 27, 2011 4:33 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Shakur is TERRIBLE
He played well in the first few games, but at that time, he was playing with confidence. As the year went on, he started playing very nervous and tentative, like he didn’t want to get cut. Just a very poor decision-maker.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
IF, and I mean IF, the Coaching staff thinks we need a 4th Point Guard
(4th PG, because Wall is #1, Crawford can run the point…. and they drafted Mack)…
So IF the Coaching staff thinks they need another backup PG, I’d go with Pooh Jeter out of all those stiffs you mentioned above. He’s young (27, but with only one year Pro experience). He’s a low turn over guy. Good handle. Competes on Defense (although he’s undersized at 5’11" = generous). His only problem is that he can’t shoot….
But overall, I’m thinking a backup BIG is more important than a 4th PG…. Let’s face it, if John Wall has to sit out some games, Crawford has shown that he is more than capable of running the point. Besides, I’d rather see Shelvin Mack get the back-up minutes behind Wall, than any of the scrubs and wash-outs listed above.
As for big men; Maybe taking a one year chance on Mehmet Okur (decent rebounder, good shooter, strong post defender) – or taking a real BIG chance and splurging on Greg Oden….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
by Rook6980 on Nov 27, 2011 1:20 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Agreed on all points
Pooh Jeter (or maybe Udrih if at a good price) would definitely also be my pick of the above, but point guard depth is absolutely a luxury on this team with Wall set to receive heavy minutes, Crawford figuring to get ample opportunity to handle the ball, and Mack judged worthy of the 34th overall pick (and, I’d assume, some nightly minutes therein). I understand the idea of bringing in a veteran distributor to mentor Wall, but is it really worth it to fill a roster spot with an ancient or marginal point guard over depth at other positions? I don’t think the team would miss Steve Blake for eight minutes a night, and a veteran like Antonio Daniels with a faint chance of securing another major league deal might be persuaded to come aboard as a point guard coach to help Sam Cassell with the mentoring work.
From the District of Columbia, home of the hyperbolic paraboloid transitional floating zone defense.
Rook whats up homie glad we can finally talk about hoops I thought you made great contributions o the CBA dialogue but you back on your hoops lunacy lol
Hell no to broke down Okur do we need yet another soft big who can’t stay healthy a stretch big at that who’s light on boards like Okur.
come on Man.
I don’t think we need to be thinking vet pg with that crap list. I hear the Lakers may amnesty Blake he’d be an option for the Wizards to bring back.
Okur
Actually – other than last year, when he sat out with an Achilles problem, Okur averaged over 9.5 defensive rebounds per 40 minutes for the previous 4 consecutive years….. That’s a very good defensive rebounder. To give an example, McGee was at 7.4 per 40 last year, and Blatche (who had his BEST year rebounding the basketball last year) could only muster 6.4 per 40 minutes….
So don’t call Okur “light on the boards”….. He is PRECISELY what the Wizards need if they want to run – someone that cleans the defensive glass.
As for “can’t stay healthy” – Okur AVERAGED 76 games played for 8 consecutive years…. I’d hardly say that’s injury prone. Yes, he injured his achilles tendon last year, but that’s why I said you take a chance on a one year contract….
As for “soft big”…. while that may be true on the Offensive side, where he is one of the better outside shooting big men in the League; including being a pretty decent 3-point shooter (something the Wizards desperately need) – meanwhile he rarely goes inside – HOWEVER, on defense, he’s a banger. Willing and able to throw his 6’11" 265 pounds around. He actually plays a very physical brand of defense….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
By the way Jazzy1
Just in case you’re overly worried that Okur is not completely healed from his injury; he signed to play with a Turkish team during the lockout – and is averaging 28 minutes a game, 12 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game (2nd in the Turkish league).
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Didn't Flip say that they were going to go after a vet big man?
I’d rather have one than a vet PG. We already have pretty good depth at that position.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
Put me in the Shelving Mack camp as well
Dude has played in back-to-back NCAA title games. He is more than a game-manager IMO. Plus he brings the defensive effort as well.
I could live with Wall,Crawford and Mack as PGs. Bring in a body for camp in case of injury.
by el freako on Nov 27, 2011 1:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions
"Maurice Evans, other Wizards happy about agreement"
It amuses me that Mo Evans is the go-to quote when one of the beat writers needs to bring a Wizards angle to a story. Is Mustafa Shakur not available? Even though we have 14 of 15 roster spots locked up, I hope Ernie breaks with all rational decision-making and signs him to a new contract. What’s more important, that 15th roster spot or Michael Lee’s career?
Also see:
Wizards Insider: Evans ‘We were left with no options’ 11/15/11
Wizards Insider: The education of Maurice Evans 10/14/11
Wizards’ Maurice Evans: ‘We have prepared for this fight’ 10/12/11
he is the player rep and only one allowed to talk
Without threat of fines.
Mystery solved
by DavidDunn on Nov 27, 2011 1:45 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Where do you draw the line?
“Wizards Bigs Say Team Needs Frontcourt Help”
Earlier today, unsigned Wizards PF Mark Riggs commented on a popular sports blog that “I’m thinking a backup BIG is more important than a 4th PG.” Unsigned Wizards C David Dunn was later quoted as saying…
by Emmet O'Neal on Nov 27, 2011 6:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
the quote above is related to the overall agreement
Which seems reasonable territory for the player rep and reasonable line to me? I didn’t click the link, but did he mention the wizards player situation as you imply on your response?
by DavidDunn on Nov 28, 2011 6:44 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Just say NO to Shakur
And if the team really wanted him back, they would’ve gave him a QO.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
Personally I think our backup PG is already on the roster.
Jamal Crawford should be the backup PG. His handle is good enough. His level of play rises significantly when the offense runs through him as opposed to playing off the ball. He’s not a catch & shoot guy. He’s a rhythm shooter and it’s tough for him to get into the rhythm unless he’s got the ball in his hands.
Signing a 3rd PG is fine. But no money or resources should be invested into finding one. It’s a terrible list anyways and I’d prefer Crawford at PG as opposed to anyone on that list.
Jamal Crawford ??!!?
Jamal Crawford will be WAY too expensive to sign as a Free Agent… Besides Atlanta will try to re-sign him… and there will be plenty of other teams interested…
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Wall averaged 38 minutes last year
Young 32 and Crawford 24 (including his ATL stint) so with Crawford backing up both, Mack should only see the floor in blowouts or if Wall sits out and Crawford runs the point as a starter.
Not sure if Jeffers is going to be there to back up Young in those games but otherwise I would like Evans to return instead of Jeffers (Othyus received a QO but he suffered an injury which keeps him sidelined for the whole season…poor guy)
by Dutch Hoopfan on Nov 27, 2011 7:05 PM EST up reply actions
He also missed 13 games.
And this year there are going to be a lot more games per week, including back to back to backs.
My confidence in Mack is not as high as some. I’m not a big fan of Jordan at point for long stretches either. He looks for his own shot first. On a young team, that would lead to a team of me-firsts.
by MR on Nov 28, 2011 3:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But without an opportunity to learn, he's not gonna learn
That’s my a big part of my point, let the young guys play. Let’s see what we have in them and which needs need to be addressed next summer when we have a strong draft, a reasonably strong FA class and a trade asset in that gives us oodles of capspace (Lewis’ contract)
by Dutch Hoopfan on Nov 28, 2011 5:22 AM EST up reply actions
I think that most of us can agree that
Jordan Crawford has the passing ability and court vision/awareness to man the PG position, so in my mind (and I recognize that may be the only place lol) it all boils down to whether or not he would take the task seriously or just look at it as an opportunity to jack more shots without anyone telling him what to do…
I think making the blanket statement that “He looks for his own shot first” is a bit unfair, because it assumes that, as a fill-in PG, he would just play the same as he would at the 2. For at least one game, he demonstrated he wouldn’t. Terribly small sample size, of course, but its a sample size too small to make the opposite judgement as well…
I really like Crawford. I've been one of his big supporters.
He has great court vision. Great. But I don’t think he has the right mental frame for a PG.
by MR on Nov 28, 2011 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
Perhaps you're right.
We obviously need to see more, but I think the only potential hitch would be if he tended toward hero ball… It remains to be seen if he can have the resolve not to succumb to that temptation.
This isn't about playing time.
Every guard on the roster besides nick young is incredibly fresh. This is about bringing a guy in to sit on the bench and point out bad habits, especially in scrimmages. If i’m choosing one of these players, I’m picking someone based on experience and basketball iq, not what they actually bring to the court.
Geting it done.
by Knowledge92 on Nov 27, 2011 2:40 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
if the leak is true, could mean bye bye NY
I would assume that means they are thinking about major time for JC, meaning Nick may be gone. Otherwise, this is an odd leak. Maybe it is an attempt at leverage.
by DavidDunn on Nov 27, 2011 2:41 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Flip is so dependent on vet guards though
he’s probably pulling out his hair at the thought of a PG rotation consisting of 2 sophs and a rookie
Judgement Day
Jordan Crawford Fan Club.
by HailEarlBorgans on Nov 27, 2011 8:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What about Shelvin Mack?
I know he was a 2nd round pick, but this guy was the PG one of the most efficient and smartest teams in NCAA history.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
I'm assuming Mack was omitted...
…because you see him spending much of his rookie year in the DLeague. Still, I’d assume he will be given every chance to win that backup job.
Earl Watson seems like a good fit, so does Arroyo.
AverageBro.com - @AverageBro
by averagebro on Nov 27, 2011 4:32 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Someone beat me to the Bibby joke
I agree…stand pat. Give Mack the minutes. Re-up Sam Cassell with some of the money.
Singleton=Steal of 2011.
by Juice over Whine on Nov 27, 2011 4:41 PM EST reply actions
Vet PG
We have Sam C to mentor Wall.
Let Mack see what he can do.
Play the rooks if they fail so what.
You can’t judge anyone in practice or how loud they cheer on the bench.
Antonio Daniels
He’s certainly a veteran.
seriously, though, he could competently spell Wall for 7-9 minutes a half
Give Mack the minutes
I think that Mack should get those minutes. Better to let him develop now when we won’t exactly be contenders, than later down the road.
The Wizards will have a chance at picking up a waived PG
Cowbell Kingdom found the following:
A modified waiver process will be utilized for players waived pursuant to the Amnesty rule, under which teams with Room under the Cap can submit competing offers to assume some but not all of the player’s remaining contract. If a player’s contract is claimed in this manner, the remaining portion of the player’s salary will continue to be paid by the team that waived him.
Taxpaying teams get the dregs.
There's something for Wall to learn
From every vet PG. Even if it’s just watching somebody play and the tricks they’ve acquired through their years in the league. Wall still has such an unrefined game, I think a vet PG could help. But I definitely still voted, “Not if its these bums.”
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
by returnofswagger on Nov 27, 2011 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
There's only going to be a 2 week training camp
That’s going to really reduce Mack’s ability to help the team this season.
Michael Lee has to be talking out the side of his neck
Makes no sense, if anything this team would be better served picking up a veteran center. Our backups to McGee are Seraphin and N’Diaye. Seraphin was ok as the backup but he isn’t really a true center. I think that position could use another player more so than PG.
by ThePGPhenomenon on Nov 28, 2011 8:04 AM EST reply actions
Agreed
But I expect a big trade scenario at the trade deadline or in the 2012 off season.
We have lots of prospects in Crawford, Singleton, Vesely, Booker, Seraphin, Mack and NDiaye, some intruiging pieces in Young, AB and McGee and a juggernaut of an expiring contract in Lewis. Meanwhile, only Wall is legit.
by Dutch Hoopfan on Nov 28, 2011 9:13 AM EST up reply actions
Seraphin is the definition of 'true center,'
idealized height requirements met or not. He’s not a power forward.
I agree however with your positional assessment.
Not really
He was severely out of shape last year and he’s too short (6’9") to be a dominant center.
by ThePGPhenomenon on Nov 29, 2011 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
There are several centers his same height or an inch taller.
Size alone doesn’t make you a PF. You have to take into account playing style. When you do, he’s a center.
As for his game shape last year, sure, but I don’t see what that has to do with this particular discussion.
It has a lot to do with it
His weight made up for his lack of height. Out of all the 6’9" Center that are out there, how many of them are actually good? Most of the ones who are his height, have difficulty guarding bigger centers (look at what happened to Joel Anthony in the playoffs), which is my point.
Look at his NBAdraft.net scouting report.
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/kevin-seraphin
The last sentence even states how his height is a question mark. I think he can definitely play C from time to time, but he is not a true center in my opinion and apparently others.
by ThePGPhenomenon on Nov 29, 2011 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
Weight and game shape are two different things.
And while I accept your point, I think that in a year or two he will be 270lbs of muscle/beef instead of the 270lbs of flab he was last year.
As for his height, I’m not saying that he isn’t an undersized center, I’m saying he’s a true center, height notwithstanding. Being 6’9 doesn’t make you a PF.
In addition both NBA Draft and draft express (who I tend to prefer) stated that he has the necessary physical attributes – strength, frame, athleticism and length (once he converts the pork to beef….) – to compete as a 6’9 center. Dominate? Who knows, the jury will be out for a while… Its not inconceivable.
Shannon Brown
Certainly, he wouldn’t be the best option, but I figured I might as well throw it out there.
Bullets Forever: Waiting for the Fat Lady to sing since 2006. | @jakewhitacre
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