Favorite moments from Draft night
by Rook6980 on Jun 25, 2011 7:00 AM EDT
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PrintJan Vesely's NBA Post Draft Interview. He talks about learning to win at Partizan and bringing that to the Wizards. Also listen for Mike Prada's question and Jan's answer at about the 1:16 mark.
A couple of my favorite moments from draft night:
ESPN's Mark Jones asking about Vesely being the European Blake Griffin, and Vesely said "I think he's the American Jan Vesely" . Someone should talk to Jan about dissing guys like Griffin, they tend to remember stuff like that. But whatever, at least he's confident.
Another gem from a "global player" when Mark Jones asked Valanciunas why he thought his game was like Chris Bosh, and Valanciunas said: "I don't know. I have not so strong body." Left me in stitches. (uh.... Chris Bosh, you watching this? )
And then there was "THE KISS".... Nuff said. The guy's a stud in my book - I don't care if he can play basketball or not.
After the jump, two post draft interviews with Jan Vesely and Chris Singleton.
Here are two videos from Draft night:
Jan Vesely's NBA Post Draft Interview. He talks about learning to win at Partizan and bringing that to the Wizards. Also listen for Mike Prada's question and Jan's answer at about the 1:16 mark.
Chris Singleton's NBA Post Draft Interview. Chris Singleton knows his weaknesses.... and he's a well spoken young man. And I loved the fact that he talked about "breaking down" teams, opponents, film etc... Preparing for the opponent: "You have to scout teams. That's one thing we did a lot." ; Something that I hope the rest of the Wizards youngsters learn from him.
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Along with Ziller
I was malevolently delighted while the ESPN crew talked about how great a fit Marshon Brooks was with the Celtics, and then oops! traded
by Bullet Nation in Exile on Jun 25, 2011 9:14 AM EDT reply actions
LOL
Yeah – ESPN’s coverage of the draft left a lot to be desired… On the other hand, there was a lot to laugh at them about too….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
JVG was especially bad
at one point in the late second round, I don’t remember what pick it was… but they asked Van Gundy about the pick, and he said “I have no idea… I got nothing”…
Way to be prepared Jeff…..
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Yeah...
How about the awkwardness of the Mark Jackson interview? That was PAINFUL
by Bullet Nation in Exile on Jun 25, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
well mines not funny as it is ironic
george hill going back to indiana = worst homecoming ever…some quotes:
"I kind of look at Pop as a father figure. I’m sure everyone knows that and I’m sure he probably looks at me as a son…It was tough to really talk to him, with him getting rid of me and me leaving. But I talked to him today also and it was very good. You see the emotions on both ends."
J.UST E.NJOY T.HIS S.HIT
This is Forty08.
also this is prettty funny
No. 46 pick by lakers Andrew Goudelock said,
“I’m going to be able to shoot until the day I die.” Not only did he embrace it, Goudelock took it a step further: “Unless something happens, unless I gain some type of disease where I forget how to shoot, I’m going to shoot until the die I day.”
J.UST E.NJOY T.HIS S.HIT
This is Forty08.
by big_p.a.w.z. on Jun 25, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Chris Singleton is the man
when people talk about the rebuilding process, this is a guy that will head it moving forward (along with wall of course). bright, hard working, and really has a defensive drive that nobody else in this draft has. I can’t stress enough just how much of a steal he is: he’ll be starting after we dump Rashard, guaranteed
Hopefully...
by then he can consistently knock down a corner three.
He has a good stroke when his feet are set.
If he focuses on off-ball offensive skills (moving without the ball, good cuts, catch and shoot, setting good screens for pick and pop) he will be an average offensive player. Average is good. If he was average defense and average offense then he is a valuable player. But he has the tools to be a lot better than average on defense. Average on offense and great on defense is an All-Star level talent (though he will never be an All-star due to offensive bias).
No - probably not an All Star
But if he can have a career like Bruce Bowen – I’d be extremely satisfied…
5× NBA All-Defensive First Team
3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team
And most importantly:
3× NBA Champion (2003, 2005, 2007)
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Without the "dirty" label - of course.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
I'm flexible on that...
One of my exes knew him, said he was a nice guy off the court
by Bullet Nation in Exile on Jun 25, 2011 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
He doesn't have to be dirty to be labelled dirty.
Especially if he has success guarding the best perimeter players. I wouldn’t mind having a ‘dirty’ player…
And vice versa
Stockton and Malone were some dirty sumbitches, but you never hear about that…..
If you're not cheating
You’re not playing good defense.
This
Nothing ever said was more true.
Ohhh my God.
Where is my FACE? I CANT FEEL MY FACE!!!
by returnofswagger on Jun 26, 2011 9:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
To me
Bruce Bowen was an all-star caliber player. He was never voted that because defense doesn’t garner the attention like offense; it isn’t as easily quantifiable therefore we ignore it. We see this in baseball all the time — we know defense is important, very important, we just do not know how to quantify it. Therefore, players who excel at defense get screwed.
Shane Battier
Is another example of what Michael Lewis termed, “The No Stats All-stars.” If Singleton is ~ average then I believe he will qualify as a No Stat All-star.
Nah
Too offensively limited. Very valuable to his team, but one-way/role players shouldn’t really be all stars unless they dominate more than just their man. Singleton should be more versatile offensively than Bowen though (and bigger too), so I don’t see Bowen as his ceiling.
There are a WHOLE lot of one-way players that make the all-star game.
Offense only players are one way players too…
by jones-y on Jun 25, 2011 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Very true
And I don’t think they should be there either, unless they dominate more than just their man (which does tend to happen more on offense).
I don't buy the one-way players shouldn't be all-stars
If you are a legit first team, all-NBA defensive player, then you are an all-star unless you are a zero on offense. But average offense plus All-NBA defense = All-star.
We have an extreme bias to offensive players. A lot of offensive players are only one-way players. But we generally do not think of them that way because we don’t see their defensive statistics.
You missed "unless they dominate more than just their man"
Plus I don’t consider average offense plus All-NBA defense to be one-way.
I'd prefer we put Rashard at the end of the bench
Starting: Now. He contributes absolutely nothing at thsi stage in his career and I would prefer to play the young talent as much as possible. (See also, Oklahoma City).
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jun 26, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
If we sit Lewis,
then its for ‘youth movement’ purposes. Not ‘contribution to the on court product’ purposes. He’s our best SF (not even close) and our second best PF (even if he’s out of position there).
Best SF?
In what way? He’s a terrible defender, poor rebounder, and last year only scored 1.2 more points per 36 minutes than a guy who can’t even shoot: Trevor Booker. Booker smokes him on PER too.
Not to mention, now we have Singleton, who is already probably the team’s best defender. What good is Lewis to this team in any meaningful way?
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jun 26, 2011 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
But even if you're right
And Lewis is better on the court than any other option (oh, he turns the ball over more than Booker as well), I’m absolutely all for sitting him for a youth movement. Lewis has been getting worse for the last five years and is not in this team’s future plans, while Booker and Singleton will only improve this year with playing time.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jun 26, 2011 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd be ok with limiting his minutes for the youth movement.
But he can make a valuable contribution by showing Vesely Booker and Singleton how its done on the court too.
I think that's overrated
Hence my Oklahoma City comment. Those players didn’t have any former star vets “showing them how it’s done.” They just played (and admittedly sucked for a while before they got really good). Talent + good coaching finds a way in the NBA. Lewis can teach and push them in practice.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jun 26, 2011 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
OKC didn't have all star vets in front of their youngsters period.
If they did, they would have played them. I think the thing that you’re missing in the ‘show the youngins how its done’ philosophy is making the youngsters earn their minutes by outplaying the guy in front of them.
Okay fine
If the youngsters can’t outperform or at least equal Lewis as a whole (not 3 point shooting alone, but the whole package) then they shouldn’t play. But no way should Lewis start simply because he used to be a good player, albeit overrated, 4-5 years ago or because he’s insanely overpaid.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jun 26, 2011 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll give you insanely overpaid lol.
but he has had tendinitis for two years and he played out of position in ORL for 4 of the last 5. You can only heal tendinitis with rest. He wasn’t gonna rest (or heal) in ORL because they’re contenders. So it wasn’t gonna get better.
He can rest up for 6 months (or a lot more if there’s a lockout) this offseason. Next year, he’ll manage his minutes, sit out a couple weeks whenever he needs to, etc, and get healed up a lil more. Like Gil here last year. Heck, like himself here last year. When he’s healed up, the youngsters will still split 18 or so minutes between them. Booker gets the lions share, and the rookies can get scraps until they show they’re ready to contribute more. I like the idea of a player/mentor for Book, Vesely (him in particular), and Singleton as much as I do for Wall, Javale, or Blatche. Especially one that can ball.
Having Rashard Lewis’ talent is a good thing… Having his contract next offseason (or the following trade deadline) is a great thing. Kinda like a better Hinrich with a worse contract. And yes, he should start. Its better for him and its better for us.
OKC never had a team filled overwhelmingly with 1st and 2nd year players.
There were plenty of vets around the team, even though the core players were very young.
For example in 08-09 (Durant & Green’s 2nd year, Westbrook’s first) the team’s top 10 minutes-played players included Collison (age 28), Earl Watson (29), Krstic (25), Mason (31), Wilcox (26). Joe Smith, Malik Rose and Damien Wilkins also were around a lot.
It wasn’t till Durant was in his 3rd year that they didn’t have a bunch of old vets around, and even then Krstic, Collison, Sefolosha were major contributors.
IMO it’s a terrible idea to field a team filled with 1st and 2nd year players without any experienced players getting decent minutes.
He was also dealing with knee tendinitis.
So you expect for his numbers (and defensive ability) to be down. Numbers can lie, you know… Look, the guy has a body of work. Unlike anyone behind him.
And Booker played most of his minutes at PF. That’s not apples to apples.
Yeah I get that Booker didn't play a ton of SF
Still, I just don’t think Lewis is the clear cut best player at the 3. Indeed, I think Singleton would likely easily be our best option at SF this year in most important aspects other than perimeter shooting.
And Lewis at the 4 is only useful in late quarter offense scenarios.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jun 26, 2011 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
We are a rebuilding team..
Why make it a priority to give a declining veteran talent minutes while taking away minutes from players that will be apart of our team in the future? Even if Lewis is the better option (which he is not, he is our worst SF…even Mo Evans is better than him) and he will give us crucial moments in crunch time…wouldn’t u want to give those crunch time moments to players who will actually be huge contributors to us in the future?
by Abstrakt × Ovechkin on Jun 26, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Well if we don't play him, then we also reduce his value in trade. Trade partners would be unsure of what they're getting.
I mean, I can understand the position. I’d like to see Book Vesely and Singleton to man the position. But the reality is that no one does what you guys are advocating. Not with a player as talented as Lewis.
And the other thing is that in creating this culture we speak of, giving minutes to the clearly inferior (Booker) or total unknown (Vesely, Singleton) player who hasn’t earned it (by outplaying the guy in front of him) is a step in the opposite direction. It works against the culture.
Not to mention that nobody does this…
And...
What may work in the favor of Book, Vesely, and Singleton, may work against the rest of the prospects. You’re talking about putting an inferior team on the floor.
Tell that to OKC Thunder...
There is no reason in giving more minutes to a guy that will not contribute to us in the future. and Singleton is probably better than Rashard. There is no reason in giving him minutes.
by Abstrakt × Ovechkin on Jun 26, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Again, OKC didn't have an all-star to bench.
Bad comparison.
the only vet they were able to bench was nick collison
And he was a reserve most of his career.
by thewiz06 on Jun 26, 2011 5:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Lewis hasn't been an all star for some time
And he doesn’t do any more the one thing he was good at: score. 11.7 ppg? That’s horrendous.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jun 26, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok i give, we're going in circles bro.
Let’s agree to disagree
Haha
Yes. I think though that we can both also agree we’ll be rooting for the Wiz no matter who is on the court.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jun 26, 2011 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
And until he suits up Singleton is an unknown.
And until he’s played at a high level for at least half a season, he’s still not higher in position than even Booker.
Im pretty sure there youngsters will beat out Rashard. He's not that good.
If Booker outperformed him statistically in limited minutes, Im sure Vesley and Singleton will outperform him.
by Abstrakt × Ovechkin on Jun 26, 2011 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
There we disagree.
Lewis is good. Damn good.
Again, Booker played PF. A stats comparison is not apples to apples. Not to mention that you can’t say that doubling his minutes will double his production.
lewis used to be good
not sure about nowadays
by DarrellWalkerFan on Jun 26, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
And if Lewis was so good, why did he get traded for a washed up Gilbert Arenas?
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jun 26, 2011 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn I love the things that Singleton said.
It all depends on Jan (who I’m growing more optimistic about each day), but we could have nailed this draft out of the park. Wall will be the draft we look back to as the new beginning, but this could be the draft we look back on when we think about our return to relevancy.
Jan (who I’m growing more optimistic about each day)
Yup, I’m working on it too (not much progress so far, but I’m appreciating about how tall and long he is, and that he can be effective off the ball). Homer bias is an important part of being a fan!
Think of the alley-oops, man!
Part of Pech's Posse since 2007.
by OleksiyPecherovsHomeboy on Jun 26, 2011 3:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I was hoping for Tobias Harris or Kenny Faried.
But really anybody but Motiejunas.
I was ready to hear Mirotic's name get called
And then wait 4 years for him to Carlos Navarro us.
lol
at pick 16, Steve Buckhantz mentioned how much the Wizards liked Motiejunas and the Verizon Center started booing all around me. There was also a sigh of relief when Jonas V. was drafted by the Raptors….granted these same people weren’t excited to see Vesely’s name called.
Shane Mack!
Personally I would have taken Faried next, but would have been okay with a Wiz selection of Brooks or Hamilton. It’s fantastic that Singleton fell to us there.
Defnitely Tobais Harris
With MarShawn Brooks being a close second
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
I really like Chris Singelton
Really impressed with this guy. Articulate, modest and seems driven to maximize his potential. I am going to enjoy watching him play and hope he can be the contributor he and I r hoping he will become. WELCOME to DC Chris!
by Jaymann on Jun 25, 2011 2:36 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Hit him up on twitter
He felt slighted, and he seems to feel the love he gets on there
by Bullet Nation in Exile on Jun 25, 2011 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
It's hard to believe, but we're building a roster that can be one of the best defensive teams in the league
down the line. Between John Wall, Nick Young, Chris Singleton, Jan Vesely, Trevor Booker, and Javale McGee (yes Javale McGee) — I’ll even throw in Othyus Jeffers in the pot — we’ve got a great, young core that should develop into a team that can get stops down the stretch and compete on the defensive end on every possession.
I’m excited to see who we pick up in next year’s draft (Jared Sullinger??), which veterans we sign as free agents or trade for over the next few years. I can’t wait to see how the men in charge continue to shape the roster; they’ve had a phenomenal 13 months. The change in Wizards culture is becoming increasingly apparent. Our players are too young now, and there is still one more bad apple in the bunch, but it seems like EG and Ted are building towards a team that can actually compete for championships. Defense? Hard working players? Basketball IQ? It’s more or less a foreign concept in DC
by Max Zamphirescu on Jun 25, 2011 4:02 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
maybe even add Shelvin Mack
into the defensive discussion. If Jared Sullinger adds a 15 foot jumper to his game he will be similar to Enes Kanter and the Wiz definitely will be adding a big man instead of a SF for the first pick.
Also, Mike has a much deeper voice than I thought he'd have
just sayin’
by Max Zamphirescu on Jun 25, 2011 4:03 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Post draft euphoria.
I think all fans think that their team got a potential ALL STAR the week after the draft.
I don’t need any of our 3 to become all stars or first team all D.
I just want them to play hard & with passion like the D leaguers played the end of last season.
If these 3 lay it all out each & every time I’ll be a very happy Wizzie fan next season (whenever that is) & will know this draft was a success.
It’s much more watchable when they play hard regardless of the score or team record.
All it takes is for 2 or 3 to start and the others will follow.
I gotta admit I was glad to see Josh Harrelson drafted
OK so now I’m a Knicks fan. He’ll get significant minutes. When He plays the Wizards I’m fairly sure He’s going to clear out the middle, post up, run pick and rolls and just knock any weak shit out of the court. You know all the stuff the Wizards can’t and don’t do and what we were hoping to get Kanter for.
by Janber on Jun 25, 2011 10:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QZxGrVco3o
good evaluation of Vesely
by nhlnflnba18414 on Jun 25, 2011 10:17 PM EDT reply actions
Singleton and Vesely both have a bit of attitude about them
And it could be really healthy for this team. I was thinking some more about that Twitter post from Singleton on draft night, basically declaring that he could help JaVale (“Pierre”) from getting dunked on so much. JaVale’s response was essentially “cool it”. It may be that Singleton just meant it as a statement of fact – “I will help by blocking shots” – but I love the idea that a newcomer is willing to stir things up, even just a little. This team won 3 games on the road last season. No criticism should be off limits, especially when it comes to the subject of defense.
JaVale is actually the one who tweeted that.
He said it after they drafted singleton: “Cool! Now someone can guard people so P won’t get dunked on from weak side!”
JaVale said that, not Singleton. He actually never even said anything about it.
Pierre is stating a fact
However it may sound to people here, JaVale is just stating a truism – an improved perimeter defense will make it easier to defend in the paint. Of course, whether McGee, Blatche, etc. take advantage of this is another story.
Yep, I stand corrected
I misread the tweet – it was hard to tell who said what. Anyway, I’d like to see these guys come in with some attitude, this team needs to get stirred up a little.
I recommend checking out Singleton’s actual tweets. He’s @C_SING31
Singleton bandwagon!
I have to admit that I’m very pleased we drafted Chris Singleton. As much as I love my offense-I was hoping for Monteijunas here(don’t throw rocks!!)-and I hope Singleton does
not replace Andray Blatche-It’s really nice to have a player who excels at defense already,
and is commited to it already. Means he’ll get minutes. How many depends on his offensive development, particulary his three point shot. Wizards have an impressive array
of young talent. Hope the coaching staff can get the most out of them.
If Singleton is at the 3
and McGee is at the 5, the Wiz will need great scorers at 1, 2, and 4. Wall is not a great scorer in the half court as of now, but Young could be. The Wiz would then need a superstar at the 4 who could shoot, rebound and defend. Blatche doesn’t meet this standard.
It would be better to use Singleton on a defensive second unit, and fill out the starting five in a complementary fashion (that is, a good shooter at the 3 and a good defender and rebounder at the 4).
Will Leonsis feel the need for a trade if the Wiz get off to 10-20 start? Or will he try to get a high lottery pick the next year? We know that Barnes and Sullinger will come out next year, and those guys will be franchise players.
Well, Leonsis mentioned that the next steps include "adding vets via trade and free agency"
So, that is apparently on the horizon regardless of how the team starts. See http://www.tedstake.com/2011/06/25/sometimes-the-best-decision-is-no-decision/
No thanks on Sullinger. Defensive liability.
If we are going to get inside scoring, then I’m of the opinion that it MUST come with capable defense and rebounding. For the same reason, I was opposed to trading up for Derrick Williams.
Anyway, I think they ride out the year with the team they have, and I think the qualifying offers extended to the D-Leaguers is a key indicator of that. They’ve ostensibly got 14 players under contract (13 if Nick walks) so they don’t have a lot of flexibility to make moves. Depending on how the team does (pushing for the 8 seed?), that will determine their strategy going into the following offseason.
If they get close to the 8, or grab it, then you can look for them to switch gears and look at free agents or cash in on some of their assets in a trade. I think their cap situation combined with a new (and potentially radically different) CBA puts them in a prime position to get somebody in FA or trade for pennies on the dollar.
If they struggle again, then look for them to try and pull some draft day magic, and get the best single prospect they can. They won’t really have room for more than one draftee (unless they trade some prospects or toss the D-Leaguers), so it will make sense for them to put a package together and trade up as high as they can.
The dark horse is the trade deadline. I have a feeling they will sit tight, but you never know. EG is paid to keep the phone lines open, so we will see.
by jones-y on Jun 26, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agree with everything here -- feel like Blatche will be moved at the deadline
Right now, if we tried to move Blatche, best case scenario is we sell him for five cents on the dollar. If he comes in to camp in shape, improves his decent 18-7 numbers to something like 19-8, there will be some teams looking to make a playoff push that will consider taking him on as offense off the bench. And if Blatche continues to struggle, displays attitude problems and inconsistency, we’d probably look to move him for anything we could get (as there’s got to be at least one other team looking for a scoring 4 that would think a change of scenery would do wonders for AB, which is probably true).
Regardless, even if Blatche plays really well and ‘validates’ EG’s contract, I think he’s moved — it’ll give us greater salary cap flexibility, while his mentality isn’t consistent with what we’re trying to build (hard working, high-IQ, defensive minded, team-first players). We’ll be looking for a dominating power forward in the draft/free agent/through trade over the next two offseasons, and whatever we can get for Blatche could be used as ammunition (to trade up in the draft; whathaveyou).
There will be a time in the first few months of the season when Blatche is on fire. It’ll be enough to convince a lot of fans to keep him around for a while longer, maybe he CAN prove to be worth the shot, etc. etc. Ideally, this is when we move him.
by Max Zamphirescu on Jun 26, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I also wonder if next season is the year we trade our 2013 first round pick
With Wall, Young, Crawford, Singleton, Vesely, Booker, McGee, Seraphin (?), we’ve got enough young core pieces. We really don’t have that much more room for more rookies — I’d say one more. I think this is a team that will improve in a lot of areas over last year and very well won’t pick higher than 10th in the draft. And in 2013, I’d have to imagine we wouldn’t pick higher than 14th or so, a pick that would likely be another ‘role player.’ Which is not what we need.
There will be impact players at positions of great need next year, guys who can come in and start immediately, and we may not be in the spot to take one. It wouldn’t surprise me to see us be aggressive and move up in the draft to take one, particularly if we can find a franchise power forward that rebounds, defends and scores in the low post.
by Max Zamphirescu on Jun 26, 2011 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm wasn't a fan of Sullinger last year...
…but he comes from a basketball family, and knows what it takes. If he drops 20
pounds, puts the effort in to play defense, and makes the NCAA Championship
game, he’ll go 2nd in the draft.
He will.
And as an undersized, under the rim player, he will still have no chance on defense against the NBA’s taller, more athletic post players. And he will have trouble getting his shot off in the post against them.
His best chance is to keep those 20lbs and turn 15 of them into muscle this offseason. At least he’d be able to body NBA big men. Hmmm… I’m beginning to have second thoughts…. Perhaps Glen Davis is his upside?
Not necessary but still somewhat true
If Wall improves his jumper, that immediately helps the offense more than any other 1 factor. I don’t see Singleton as that big of a weak link on offense because he can play a Battier type role (not sure he’s as good in the post though). At the 2, both Young and Crawford are good scorers and you just have to mix it up at PF (Blatche by far being the best scorer). Seraphin developing at both ends will help out a lot also.
*Also, Jeremy Lamb may be entering the draft next year. Just saying
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
I could be wrong but
does anyone else feel like Jan is just a taller, younger but skinny Booker?
my favorite momens
Knicks fans disappointment with pick 17
and
David Stern getting Boo – ed
by g zeller on Jun 26, 2011 2:45 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Yeah - big shock that Knicks fans didn't like the pick, right?
When have Knicks fans EVER liked their pick?
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
When have they last made a pick worth liking?
Minus Landry Fields
by Max Zamphirescu on Jun 26, 2011 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I keep reading that we're introducing the draftees at Verizon Center tomorrow
Anyone know if this event is open to the public? And if so, when?
Thanks
Worth mentioning -- some 16odd months ago:
Our roster consisted of GIlbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, Earl Boykins, Randy Foye, Mike Miller, Fabrico Oberto, DeShawn Stevenson, Al Thornton, Mike James, Josh Howard.
Somehow, in 16 months, we’ve revamped that aging, increasingly decrepit, expensive and underperforming roster with:
John Wall, Jordan Crawford, Trevor Booker, Jan Vesely, Chris Singleton, Kevin Seraphin, and Shelvin Mack, to complement the few young assets that we had acquired in Javale McGee and Nick Young (assuming he’s re-signed).
Management’s done a hell of a job rehabilitating an awful roster that had a number of awful contracts into one that has amazing upside with a ton of cap flexibility in the short term and long term
by Max Zamphirescu on Jun 26, 2011 5:34 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Is that as amazing as I think it is?
To me, that seems pretty amazing.
Ohhh my God.
Where is my FACE? I CANT FEEL MY FACE!!!
by returnofswagger on Jun 26, 2011 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
So Awesome
for how bad we’ve been for the past years, just seeing our roster and mentality change as quickly as it did has been so encouraging. Not only do we have young players, but these guys might be the most athletic core in the NBA. McGee, Young, Wall, Booker, Vesely, Singleton are all beasts.
Next year will be an important draft as well. Need one solid player to finish off the youth movement, but this season is going to be about forming the team chemistry and developing good defensive habits.
Istill
Ohhh my God.
Where is my FACE? I CANT FEEL MY FACE!!!
by returnofswagger on Jun 26, 2011 9:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Damn cell phone!
I still think we need our second star. We are almost better off if Jan proves himself a mere role player this season, so Ernie will shoot for that Star SF in next years draft.
Ohhh my God.
Where is my FACE? I CANT FEEL MY FACE!!!
by returnofswagger on Jun 26, 2011 9:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't think the "second star" needs to be a SF
Other than Wall at PG, nobody on this team should be projected to be the “__ position of the future.” Any surefire star at PF, C, SF, or SG should be seriously considered by the team if that person is available (whether draft or free agency). Of course, a number of players on the roster (including Jan) should have an opportunity this year to potentially lock up their future roles on this team, so who knows what the outlook going into next year’s draft will be.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jun 26, 2011 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
who do you think it could be?
I don’t know… I still think it could be nick young, but that may be foolish to think considering we don’t know how long he’ll be here for.
by no more kwame's in dc on Jun 26, 2011 11:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Imo, Nick is not suited for the role at this point.
And he doesn’t have the game for it.
What he brings, we need, don’t get me wrong. But I think he is too much scorer and not enough anything else at this point.
Ohhh my God.
Where is my FACE? I CANT FEEL MY FACE!!!
by returnofswagger on Jun 27, 2011 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree
Nick Young is too 1 dimensional for that. He also plays good D but the rest of his game is all flawed up (passing, ball handling, rebounds, hustle plays, weakside defense, etc.). Still a very good shooter and solid man defender and I want the team to retain his services.
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
well it depends
I think that, at this point, the team is so young that they need to have a veteran type player to pass the ball to, and will knock a shot down, what I saw last year was nick was getting 25 points any time he wanted and played good perimiter d, I agree that he is more of a scorer and nothing much more but I think he could still be a star. I hope he passes a little more instead of taking tough shots this year though
by no more kwame's in dc on Jun 27, 2011 1:40 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I am pretty sure he is not.
Jordan Crawford is the next closest thing, and he is the not the next most talented. And I say that, based off of what I have seen that he is made up of. JUST like Jason Terry for Dallas. Maybe Jan is that guy, but I can’t determine that without having ever watched a whole game(but I also doubt it).
It is safe to say we need another sure fire all-star, before we are a legit contender. And if Wall has a true running mate, early on, he is much more likely to stick around. Think if Cleveland would have gotten Lebron a guy like this in his first four or so years, instead of a bunch of role players constantly.
Ohhh my God.
Where is my FACE? I CANT FEEL MY FACE!!!
by returnofswagger on Jun 27, 2011 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions
It is safe to say we need another sure fire all-star, before we are a legit contender.
Mavs just won it all with just one (though I thought Chandler deserved consideration).
And if Wall has a true running mate, early on, he is much more likely to stick around. Think if Cleveland would have gotten Lebron a guy like this in his first four or so years, instead of a bunch of role players constantly.
Unlike Cleveland, the Wizards just got Wall the guy he wanted. The team is doing its part and Wall is under contract. No one is to say when he’ll leave
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
I agree
But I can just see it at the 3. I think it’s a projection of Westbrook and Durant for me.
Ohhh my God.
Where is my FACE? I CANT FEEL MY FACE!!!
by returnofswagger on Jun 27, 2011 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions
QUESTION
IF THE WIZARDS NEW THEY WOULD GET SINGLETON DO YOU GUYS THINK THEY STILL WOULD HAVE TAKEN VESELY?
cuz they kinda play the same position
by NotGivinUpOnDray on Jun 27, 2011 6:28 AM EDT reply actions
Very different players....
and the concept of position is becoming an increasingly fluid one.
Right now we have a number of very interesting mix and match combinations to consider across the frontline. I can imagine a starting lineup (whenever the season starts) not too different from our best group last year (Lewis, Blatche, McGee) that quickly morphs into any number of permutations with Vesely, Singleton, Booker and Seraphin…
At some point a true rotation will emerge, but that will take a while IMO
Yeah....
I imagine that we’ll even start to see a front line of Vesely (6’11"), Blatche (6’11") and McGee (7’1") – - – and by the end of the year, that will be the starting front court.
Match them up with Nick Young (6’7" with 7-foot wingspan) – and John Wall (6’5" , he grew an inch this year, with 6’9" wingspan) – and the Wizards could have the tallest, longest starting 5 in the League… And then you have Singleton (6’9", 7-1 Wingspan) on the bench…
I LOVE the fact that the Wizards’ shortest player is Shelvin Mack at 6-3
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
Philosophies
I’m not sure what came first, the chicken or the egg, but I know Flip definitely likes long, agile players. Maybe EG hired Flip because they share that philosophy OR maybe he hired Flip for other reasons and is now giving him the players that Flip wants for his system. Either way, they seem to be on the same page and there seems to be a trend.
What’s interesting is that during the draft excuses are made for so many players’ undersized height X by adding that their wingspan or standing reach is Y…For example, “He’s undersized at 6’7” to play PF, but he has a wingspan of 6’11"…" Well the problem for those guys in the NBA is that a lot of the players who are the “right size” for their position, also have freakishly long arms, but the commentators never point that out. Anyway, what’s more is that when teams play the Wizards, they are matching up against a team that is oversize on height AND oversize on reach. I like that as a starting point.
add in leaping ability.
Kanter: 6’11, 7’1 wingspan vs. biyombo only 6’9 but 7’6 wingspan when they both stand up biyombo is taller…and can definitely jump higher
by NotGivinUpOnDray on Jun 27, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
You didn't factor in the shoulders.
Standing reach does not = height + wingspan/2
I love that fact too
It reminds me of the Lakers a bit— the size of Gasol, Bynum, and Odom cause some serious match up problems.
by HIBACHI GOLD on Jun 27, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
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