Wizards Vs. Celtics Recap: Fourth-Quarter Struggles Doom Washington To 100-92 Defeat
by Mike Prada on Jan 2, 2012 10:13 PM EST
in Recaps
Email
PrintIt looked like the Washington Wizards might come away with their first victory of the season, but a pivotal letdown midway through the fourth quarter allowed the Boston Celtics to do just enough to come away with a 100-92 win. The Wizards fought back several times after that stretch, cutting the lead to five points with the ball inside of three minutes, but couldn't get any closer.
Some more notes on the game.
- In case you missed it, here's Flip Saunders getting tossed less than two minutes into the game. Hard to really do too much more than chuckle. I wouldn't jump to conclusions over how it affected the Wizards' play.
- Another slow start cost the Wizards, which has happened in every game since the opener. The beginning of the game is when teams establish their sets and figure out what works. The Wizards consistently can't find anything that works, and their opponents always are able to figure them out on defense.
- Luckily, the Wizards got a nice energy boost from Trevor Booker and Kevin Seraphin to close the quarter. Overall, I thought Seraphin acquitted himself well in his chance for extended minutes. If he understands that his court time is determined by how he slides his feet, and not how physical he is, he'll make a jump.
- Paul Pierce just lit up Chris Singleton in the second quarter, teaching the rookie some veteran lessons. On one play, Singleton decided to trail Pierce on a flare screen to the middle, gambling for the pass. The Celtics simply held the ball, and Pierce cut down the middle for an easy layup. Singleton will learn that he can't gamble and go for steals in this league. That said, he should have been given more minutes in the second half. Way too many minutes for Rashard Lewis in this one.
- JaVale McGee was outstanding all game, and especially in the second quarter. My favorite play of McGee's really good second quarter came late, when Ray Allen beat Nick Young on the baseline. McGee came over a bit late, but instead of going for a flying block, he stood next to the rim and put his hands up. Allen was bothered and missed the shot, and McGee got the rebound. That play showed growth.
- The Wizards let the Celtics back into the lead early in the third quarter. The play that stands out to me came when Blatche caught the ball on the right baseline, held it, didn't drive to the rim and instead launched a wild contested 20-footer that missed badly. Boston got its rhythm after that. Overall, he did rebound to have a very good scoring game, and he fought on the glass. It was his best game of the year.
- I thought John Wall was more under control again, save for the end of the fourth quarter when he was trying to make things happen. The play that sticks out was on a secondary break midway through the third quarter. Instead of forcing the drive, he drew the defense and kicked out to Blatche for a nice 18-foot jump shot. Those are the kinds of shots he and the Wizards need to get more often to take advantage of their athleticism.
- Nick Young really struggled in this one. Someone mentioned it in the comments section, and I agree: his next step is finding a way to get to the free-throw line when his jumper isn't falling. He tried one time in the third quarter, but took it in pretty weak and then yelled at the official for the call. It seemed to affect his game, along with chasing Allen ragged all game.
- I'm not wild about the Wizards' substitution pattern with Wall. They tend to play him the entire third quarter and the start of the fourth quarter, sitting him for a few minutes in the middle of the fourth. I'd rather they rested him to end the third and start the fourth, when the other team is playing their reserves.
- Instead, the Wizards let Jordan Crawford play point guard against Boston's starters, and it was a disaster. Crawford did everything a point guard could do wrong in that stretch. He didn't get the Wizards into their sets quick enough. He forced shots. He played poor defense. It's Crawford's fault for not playing well, but the Wizards also shouldn't have put him in that position. That's the stretch that cost the Wizards the game.
- The way McGee defended Rondo at the 5:30 mark was fantastic and it led to a three-point play for Blatche at the other end on the fast break.
- The Wizards just couldn't guard Allen all night. He freed himself from Young way too often in half-court sets, and there's no time to complain about illegal screens. Worse, the Wizards couldn't find him in transition either. There were even two times when the Wizards helped off Allen to cover Greg Stiemsma. How that happens is beyond me.
- Unlucky break on the shot-clock violation, as the Wizards had an easy fast break. It was the right call, but still, unfortunate. On the ensuing possession, Wall tried to do too much and threw a one-handed crosscourt pass for the interception. Hard to kill Wall too much for the play -- he's trying to make something happen -- but clearly it was not a good decision.
- On the final backbreaking three by Paul Pierce: it was a tough shot, but someone needs to recover to help Wall, who correctly tried to disrupt the 3/4 pick and roll. I have to re-watch the play, but looked at first glance like that was on Lewis.
The Wizards do appear to be making progress, but it is slow and there's a long way to go. If you're looking for a positive, there's that at least.
311 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Heard you the first five times in the game thread
Now stop it or say something a little more constructive.
by Mike Prada on Jan 2, 2012 10:16 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Don't bother
He’s a Wall hater. Everything he says about Wall is negative.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
yes and crawford is our micheal jordan
And blatche is our star and Roger Mason is our future starting shooting gaurd. You make no sense when you say wall sucks… and he’s playing great these last few games
by no more kwame's in dc on Jan 2, 2012 10:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Wall has played better
McGee also has played better but I still saw some of those plays that made me want to throw the TV out the window.
those plays are soo hard to watch
Especially when he’s showing so much improvement
by no more kwame's in dc on Jan 3, 2012 1:33 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Blatche had a good statline, BUT...
He’s one of the reasons why we lost this game. I expect people to say I’m nitpicking, but I’m not, because if he played better D in the 4th, we could’ve won this game. He’s one of the big reasons why we lost this game. He played lazy D on some possessions, and didn’t contest a lot of jumpers when he had to help out. Just putting his arm up would’ve caused the C’s to miss a few more 3’s.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
his gut says it all
he probably had 5 of his 9rebs in the first 10mins…..he’s physically unable to give you a full game
Which is why Booker should've gotten in real late in the 4th
I’m tired of these coaches pampering the starters. If someone on the bench gives you a better chance of winning, PUT HIM IN!
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
the team has been better with Booker on the floor than Blatche
because Dray has become one of the very worst defenders in the league and until tonight was shooting 30%FG or whatever
True, but tw10 is right.
Booker is a career bench player who will find minutes because of his hustle and defense. We already knew that on draft day but there are some who think he can be more.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jan 3, 2012 6:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
In the big picture, Booker is irrelevant for our rebuild
It al comes down to ‘need’ to have core pieces and Booker is just a ‘nice to have’ role player.
The sad thing is Crawford, Booker and Seraphin (Hamady and Mack too, at best) are all in that same category and I’m not convinced Vesely and/or Singleton aren’t as well. For a re-build through the draft we have done a poor job so far imho.
I think Ernie should have traded up for Cousins, Favors, Monroe or Paul George in 2010 and Williams or Kanter in 2011. There is only a few yrs to collect your core pieces a la Durent, Westbrook and Harden so if you want to re-build through the draft you absoluty have to come away with core players. Everything else is irrelevant.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jan 3, 2012 6:20 AM EST up reply actions
It takes two to tango.
If Ernie trades up in 2010, he’s likely using 2011 draft picks. It’s not like there are players on the Wiz’ roster that would have netted high picks.
Given where Ernie drafted, he had excellent drafts the past two years. If they all turn out to be role players, that’s OK; you need those, to. And none of the guys you mentioned in either draft are guaranteed stars, either.
Durant, Westbrook and Harden were the No. 2, 4 and 3 overall picks. Ernie had just one pick that high, and took the right guy in Wall. Last year’s draft was historically weak, and the blue-chippers were gone by No. 6. Getting Vesely and Singleton was a good draft.
What would you have done in the same situation, knowing what Ernie knew at the time — not through the benefit of hindsight?
by YellaFella on Jan 3, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I wouldnt have drafted Seraphin or Vesley
obviously too early to say whether that’s right or wrong tho, but also too early to say Ernie has had “excellent drafts.” Especially considering Jan hasnt played one second and Keveen only sees the floor because a journeyman broke his hand
I'm saying it based on projections.
He hasn’t had high picks for the most part, but has found useful players. McGee- 20; Blatche-2nd round (yeah, he’s problematic, but for a 2nd-rounder, he’s been good). Singleton- 18. Seraphin and Vesely are still unknowns. Vesely was projected as a top-10 pick in a weak draft, however.
And we don’t know if Seraphin is any good, ‘cause Flip won’t let him develop.
i'm really tired of the 2nd round excuse, he's in the nba/7th year
but what’s the category?
It's expected production...
Of 2nd-round picks (which is usually none) vs. actual production (decent, for Blatche).
This discussion is about drafting Blatche. Where he was drafted, relative to his output, shows that he was an outstanding pick.
I still say it isn't his fault
You can tell when he’s obviously tires, coaches need to make that sub. He did make those big 3 FTs and had that dunk to keep us in it. Being tired is not an excuse for a professional but we have guys to sub him out for.
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
Nitpicking
If we can get 28/9 out of AB most nights, we will win more often than we lose
by HeyHeyDoctorJ on Jan 2, 2012 10:38 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
isn't that about
What we got out of him in his “breakout year”/our injury year? Ok, maybe not 28, but that’s unrealistic. Its now how many points he gives us, its how he gets them. Tonight his shot was falling. Most nights it won’t. Your PF not named Nowizki does not belong on the perimeter.
Where do they teach you to talk like this? In some Panama City "Sailor wanna hump-hump" bar, or is it getaway day and your last shot at his whiskey? Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here.
by CJHutch on Jan 3, 2012 12:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!
He got 28 points but it was the WRONG kind. Garnett’s 12 points were much better because they were the RIGHT kind of points!
You people kill me.
Pierre is the smooth operator. @JaValeMcGee34 is the monster you've grown to know on the court.
by Elvin_is_my_Elvis on Jan 3, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I'm glad to see
Someone else gets it.
Where do they teach you to talk like this? In some Panama City "Sailor wanna hump-hump" bar, or is it getaway day and your last shot at his whiskey? Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here.
by CJHutch on Jan 3, 2012 11:38 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
lazy D
How can it be too hard to just put up your arms. He’s so tall and just standing upright with outstretched arms would make a shot more difficult for penetrating guards. But instead Blatche moves out of the way and starts boxing out before the shot is even fired. I dunno if it’s a problem of mentality or stamina.
I like the Bullets
by K-Bro on Jan 3, 2012 8:50 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I am overall happier with the Wizards today
we did play like we wanted to win this game.
On Wednesday, we play Orlando on the road, Friday we play the Knicks at home, and if we continue with this type of play,we should eventually start winning some of these games..
by thewiz06 on Jan 2, 2012 10:15 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
eh, i dont see any reason we will start winning
because we have the worst perimeter shooting in the league
thing is that not every team can keep beating us
at some point we will win, though I know we won’t win very often
Very disappointed in Wall today, while it did seem like he was more under control today, he still had 7 turnovers which is an indictment to his playing style.
Watching him in the halfcourt set is a disaster, and he made some questionable decisions when pushing the tempo.
http://twitter.com/Above_Legit
he's just like Javale (was?)
has no idea how to play his position past his ability to physically beat opponents, long way to go
I heard the Boston announcers saying the wizards org is asking too much of him
and I’m starting to agree. He is a franchise player DOWN the ROAD. He needs some help right now. Rose, Westbrook, Rondo, etc. all had much better supporting casts to start their careers
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 10:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think it has more to do with him expecting too much of himself.
The magazine covers stating this is his breakout year, the summer circuit that he dominated produced a lot of hype, and he constantly talked about taking the leap Rose took.
http://twitter.com/Above_Legit
also true. I just really hope Sam or one of the coaches is in his ear calming him down
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 10:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly
Maybe Wall would be able to keep Cousins manageable, but I can’t believe that it would be without considerable drama and dysfunction, especially since we’re not winning any more games than Sacramento is.
From the District of Columbia, home of the hyperbolic paraboloid transitional floating zone defense.
You can bet that Flip's outburst was calculated
The Wizards have been getting abused by the refs so far in the season. If Wall gets to the line, those drives to the basket may start counting for something.
Didn't look calculated at all to me.
Lewis got hammered, and refs swallowed their whistles. Incredibly bad missed call. Flip went berserk. I would’ve, too.
by YellaFella on Jan 2, 2012 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
exactly
There was no time for calculation there. How often does a rookies get to tackle a 12 year veteran in the act if shooting and get away with it?
Where do they teach you to talk like this? In some Panama City "Sailor wanna hump-hump" bar, or is it getaway day and your last shot at his whiskey? Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here.
by CJHutch on Jan 3, 2012 12:52 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Rapid reaction
Wall need to slow down and catch his breath. The losing is frustating him, frustration leads to forcing, and forcing leads to TOs, bad shots, and more frustration
Young is not a starter, but he’s defintely better than JC.
Crawford looks terrible. Can’t believe he was seriosly in consideration to start in preseason.
McGee looks like a keeper. Give him the game ball. Let’s see how he does next game.
Blatche had a decent game stat wise. But then again there is no stat for how you play defense. If there was he’d look a lot worse.
All of our young forwards are basically energy guys off the bench. Seraphin, Singleton, Booker can’t score, Lewis is old and probably shouldn’t be here. Vesely is super raw and won’t contribute for a while. Really upset that out of 4 rookies or sophomores not one has shown signs of becoming a consistent solid producer.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 10:18 PM EST reply actions
Player of the Game
Greg Steisma and Brandon Bass.
he better than
big baby? ainge might have helped the squad longer term, but baby is good, too.
Baby has regressed since 2 years ago.
Brandon Bass is a better player for half the price.
by Marine4Life51 on Jan 2, 2012 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
yeah he's a really useful 1st big off the bench
"hindsight is 50-50" - Steve Spurrier
by little stevie colter on Jan 2, 2012 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
Ohh thats been his game
Pretty sure I heard Van Gundy in Orlando say he had the best mid range shot in the league once.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 11:04 PM EST up reply actions
McGee's line
8-9, 17 points
14 rebounds
3 blocks
1 steal
0 turnovers
no boneheaded plays
no more than 1 or 2 blown defensive assignments, if that
Dwight Howard would be happy with that sort of performance.
by Izman on Jan 2, 2012 10:20 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
solid
if he can do that 8 out of 10 games, big payday coming
He's had a good season so far
He’ll be getting bank this summer.
From the District of Columbia, home of the hyperbolic paraboloid transitional floating zone defense.
he should have had 25pts
for some inexplicable reason he got almost no touches in the 4th after scoring easily all night
Best part of his game?
I saw multiple times when he wasn’t pump faked into a block attempt. Kept a hand up, but didn’t leave his feet. That’s a real measure of growth, imho.
hate to nitpick
but he flubbed an unnecessary one-handed rebound early in the game. Still, agree with your point.
He did, but
the next time he grabbed the board hard with both hands and held it high above his head. Stupid mistake, but he obviously knew what he did wrong and corrected it.
Getting buckets since 2003.
by Icantfeelmyface on Jan 3, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
the one where he felt really sorry after the ball went out of bound and held his head afterwards
and Crawford gave him a hug?
That was funny.
Glenn is offering another $50 gift certificate to Carmine's in DC
generous portions of pasta, each dish serves 4-6 people comfortably
you call in for the post game show
and if you give good pointers, Glenn may give it to you. They are doing it every game this year.
wondering
if nick is actually better suited as the 6th man—his numbers were better the 1st two games. take crawford’s minutes until he shoots better than 30% and give them to mack. or else pull up a dleaguer shooting guard. with the thousands of bball players out there you’d think eg could find a 2 who can shoot 50%…?
yes he is
had he been traded or signed to a contender he’d be a ben gordon like 6-th man.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
Thats why I'm convinced we need to draft a SG this year
Wall needs someone who can take pressure off him in the backcourt and we have no one currently. Mason is a fine shooter, Crawford can breakout some games and Young tamale can get hot as well. We need a consistent threat at SG, and there is one that should be coming out next year.
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 think Nick will find his rhythm free a couple more games
This may be the NY fan in me talking but he did miss all of training camp and he might still be getting his legs back.
by oakhillswag on Jan 2, 2012 10:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
One glaring thing we need is a veteran back up pg
the Mack/Crawford deal isn’t working we need a vet that can get us in the offense and settle things down its just too scattered when wall is off the floor.
We need to really look into making a small trade to get one where is Telfair right now.
Mack isn;t ready and crawford is just Crawford.
You can't say the Mack deal isn't working
when he can’t even get on the floor.
by Marine4Life51 on Jan 2, 2012 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
He looked solid in pre-season play
We simply haven’t seen much of him since then. I’d chalk that up to terribly small sample size.
by Marine4Life51 on Jan 2, 2012 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
He, may not add much, but he hasn't so far seemed to take anything away
Like Crawford did tonight
Question to people
We’ve hit 1,000 comments on several game threads — what do we all think about doing second-half threads so its easier to track the conversation?
by Mike Prada on Jan 2, 2012 10:22 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
start winning games
that will drop the comments and gripping—then it will be celebratory and less comments.
Nah if they win more happy comments
by Mike Prada on Jan 2, 2012 10:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah more of these
WAALLLLLLLLLALLALLALLLLLL!!!!!!! !
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Would definitely make things easier
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
OK so mostly in agreement
We’ll do two threads on Wednesday
by Mike Prada on Jan 2, 2012 10:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
once the dubs start rolling in
its gonna be time for a thread for each quarter! haha…ooooone day. 2 threads is a great idea for sure Mike, doooit.
by Wizards Khalifa on Jan 3, 2012 1:32 AM EST up reply actions
I also agree, great idea. Would make it easier to track.
"Blake Griffin is the American Jan Vesely" - Jan Vesely
by PhenomenalSwag on Jan 2, 2012 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
I think we should do second half threads...
it makes think much easier imho…
I also have to say the Wizards are not making it easy on you from a traffic standpoint…imagine if we actually had a good team…
but it says something about the community that you created when we have 1000 comments a night and there are 0 on the WaPo open thread….
congrats
by DavidDunn on Jan 2, 2012 11:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Japers' does one per period
From the District of Columbia, home of the hyperbolic paraboloid transitional floating zone defense.
some of Wall's turnovers are his teammates fault
Wall doesn’t have vets who play within themselves and keep the risky plays from needing to be made.
Their 3-pt. shooting seemed to be the difference
10-20 vs. 3-11. Our front line was generally better.
I really think it is great that McGee is starting to turn the corner
Wall is making solid progress, I’m sure we would all like for him to be Rose by this point but it takes time. Didn’t they mention that Wall is the fastest to some number of assists, so clearly that is impressive.
by Kuruption on Jan 2, 2012 10:25 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
People are blowing up on Wall because of his TOs and some bad decisions
not looking at his MUCH improved D.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with the point about the D
In the past Wall would have fell for many of those moves late in the 4th quarter. The fact that he understood when those were coming showed a very positive sign of growth.
To me you can control offense much more than defense.
and offense is a much more pressing concern than defense to me
yeah the D is much better and that's great
but he really cant shoot at all, that is a huge impediment towards him becoming what we need him to be. remember everybody around here talked about how much clearly better than rondo he would be almost immediately, the truth is rondo is way, way ahead of him. I expected John to be able to score much more easily than he does and that that would propel the rest of his game. He needs to get that J fixed up!
Why did Wittman leave Blatche in...
Toward the end, when he was obviously limping around? He couldn’t guard anyone. Why didn’t he substitute a healthy player, who could at least play defense?
+1 at ?? why he left Blatche
Flip does the same thing. I really starting to think that our coaches are blind and can’t see when someone is having negative impact on the game.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
I think a sophomore slump for Wall was to be expected
Considering a surrounding cast that has shown 0 improvement (outside of Javale McGee) and a league that clearly figured him/us out ~30 games into last season.
He’s a long-term franchise guy. For those expecting him to be an all-star overnight. you only have yourself to blame. (and, perhaps, a sensationalist national media that is far less informed about our guys than you are)
by Max Zamphirescu on Jan 2, 2012 10:28 PM EST reply actions
Not mad at Wall
He’ll get there I think he needs to look for his offense more and go away from struggling shooters as much penetrate and dish it to the bigs. Young is in a funk go away from him some.
I think Wall is right about where he needs to be in his development
He does a lot of things well, plays hard on every play, and competes with some of the best PGs in the league. Few players look good against Rondo, but Wall’s performance was very respectable.
Subs
The sub timing is what killed us.
Leaving Crawford run the point was a disaster why let him in when he barely gets the ball cross 1/2 court and then shoots a fall away 20 footer under pressure.
He had too much trouble playing PG. Bring in Mack or a tired Wall is better than that.
Gotta give Blatche a rest when it’s obvious he is tired.
Agree with earlier poster that Lewis needed subbed out with Singleton for a few minutes too.
Booker plays with energy but has to improve his shot.
Kevin was a bright spot off the bench.
Good to see Vesley at least dressed.
No need for
Criticism for Wall tonight. He played much better defense tonight and McGee was doing very well against the pick and roll tonight. And honestly Wall, McGee and singleton are the only players who matter for our future.
agree that the game was lost when wall came out in 4th
Really wish he would have just played through….we would have won.
by arijordan on Jan 2, 2012 10:35 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
With Blatche making his Jumpers and McGee stroking it in the post tonight
Mack would’ve gave the ball to either of them, and we would’ve won as well imo
It was lost when Blatche stopped playing D late in the 4th
He was clearly tired, and I actually think he might have been hurt. Everyone knows that when Blatche is tired, he has a negative impact. Wittman should’ve benched him when he saw him running like an 80 y/o man.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
are they purposely limiting Mcgee's minutes to 28 or so he never really plays the typical 35-36 minutes other startes do
I know he has the asthma thing but they need him on the floor more.
I think it's the asthma
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
by DMVLeGenD on Jan 2, 2012 10:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You want him effective to though
He started to get winded. He played enough and well too, other players need to step up
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
by qthaballa on Jan 2, 2012 10:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i kkow i keep bringing this up
But gosh how good would this team have looked tonight If we had DMC tonight. He would’ve put kg in check. And he wouldn’t have taken the shots blatche was taking. Blatche had a hell of a game state wise but I still didn’t like the plays he was doing and shooting in the beginning. He played well but still I saw kg open under the rim way to many times. He has to fix that.
What I’m getting at is I think DMC would have put us over the edge and this is just my opinion speaking not my hatred towards blatche
by no more kwame's in dc on Jan 2, 2012 10:37 PM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
somewhat agreed but i really doubt SAC is gonna move him
unless he gets REALLY pissy
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
why do you doubt it?
I thought the coach and owner came into agreement that he has to go? I think they are in a no fix relationship. Ernie just has to put a good deal together and they will let him go
by no more kwame's in dc on Jan 2, 2012 10:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I doubt it cuz I dont think SAC will take any deal that DOESN'T involve a 2012 1st rounder
And giving that pick up would be cause for dismissal.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
i most likely wouldnt give up a 1st rounder for this year
But I would for 2013 in a heartbeat
by no more kwame's in dc on Jan 2, 2012 10:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
stop what?
I said blatche had a good game I just think he took bad shots? What’s wrong with that?
by no more kwame's in dc on Jan 2, 2012 10:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Cousins in DC would only be good for a reality show
I promise you, there is no upside.
by imperialme on Jan 2, 2012 10:50 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
but what upside is there to blatche?
DMC just needs some one on his ass and.that would be wall
by no more kwame's in dc on Jan 2, 2012 10:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I'm not opposed to getting rid of Dray
I am, however, vehemently opposed to aquiring Cousins. Have been from the get.
by imperialme on Jan 2, 2012 10:58 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
is it the worse thing to try
If it fails than he’s a free agent next year. Its a risk of course but so are a lot of things. Gotta take a shot
by no more kwame's in dc on Jan 2, 2012 11:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
bring back gil
And that will kill the team more than you could ever know. Why bring back a bad thing that you got rid of. We don’t know how DMC would behave here and I’m atleast will to try it out
by no more kwame's in dc on Jan 2, 2012 11:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Gil was crazy
But he was never malicious. There is a difference. And don’t get me wrong. I don’t want anything to do with either of them, but that’s exactly how much I don’t want to see Cousins here. I’d rather have Gil. Hell, I’d rather have Artest.
by imperialme on Jan 2, 2012 11:20 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Gil was never a "locker room cancer"
type of guy. He just went a little crazy. Attitude and coachabilility-wise, people loved Gil.
by Marine4Life51 on Jan 2, 2012 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
gil was the man
no one should ever speak ill of him…ever!
by Wizards Khalifa on Jan 3, 2012 1:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree if somehow SAC will take Blatche, Crawford and protected pick
then I’m ok with it… not crazy about his attitude but its high risk high reward with DMC and getting rid of Blatche and Crawford would make it worth it for me.
I also don't understand were this is coming from
the knock on DMC is that he’s a head case. So is half of the NBA. We know him and John have the king of bromances. They obviously have good chemistry from college. The Wizards desperately need a big who can reliabley score and rebound.
Plus you really think DMC would be WORSE than Blatche/Crawford combo at this point?
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 10:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Out of curiosity
How old are you? I can count on one hand the people I so much as talked to on a regular basis when I was 20 that I still had anything to say to by the time I was 25. Their one good year at Kentucky means nothing.
by imperialme on Jan 2, 2012 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But what if Wall and Cousins happen to be on that one hand with each other?
That’s the point.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 11:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It's also unlikely
Statistically speaking
This isn't really one of those things measurable by stats, ya know.
I’m not saying I agree either way. I would hope Ernie would come to Wall and say, “Hypothetically(of course), do we even want this guy in our locker room?”
Because for all we know, Wall would say straight up, that’s not an attitude this team can handle. And he does have as much insight as anybody…
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
I get what you're saying
But, again, I remember being 20. And I have a problem deferring to the average 20 year old’s judge of character amonst his friends.
Yeah
I would definitely think Wall’s word wouldn’t be final.
You’d ask him, not for an endorsement (even if that’s what Wall thinks), but just in case he did say hell no.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
And he's always, imo, seemed less than fond of JaVale.
So if he says, yeah, get rid of McGee and get me my bro, then what?
I don't get that vibe about Javale from him
Of course Javale gets frustrating… but that seems to be changing.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
I really didn’t meant to suggest that Wall should have say in him coming here. I just meant more that he should have some say in him not coming here.
Know what I mean?
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
I think the point is
If you ask the kid and then don’t do what he wants, he could potentially feel ignored. Any man that’s ever had a girlfriend should understand that one.
Well you guys twisted words up like crazy tonight
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 3, 2012 2:14 AM EST up reply actions
I disagree
I’m not saying it doesn’t make sense to ask the guy about him. I’m saying that his opinion is likely to be biased by his friendship and, in general, trusting a 20 year old kid’s opinion of his iffy friend is beyond rolling the dice. The girlfriend thing was a joke. And I still don’t want Cousins anywhere near this place.
by imperialme on Jan 3, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wall's in no place to call shots like that... not even close
by koop1122 on Jan 2, 2012 11:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly why you shouldn't ask his opinion.
Why ask for trouble?
The point is
He knows better than anybody, “Is this personality manageable?” Nobody said ask John Wall if we should trade for Demarcus Cousins. That’s not what I meant. People started making that up. Read the comments before clicking reply people.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 3, 2012 2:16 AM EST up reply actions
Chemistry from a basketball sense.
They played well and Cousins seemed to listen to and respect Wall on and off the court.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Maybe he did
Two years ago. And maybe he was a great Robin while on campus. But deep down inside, I’m pretty sure DMC thinks he’s Batman. You can’t have two Batmans. Ask Westbrook how that’s working out for him.
Thats a good point. Last thing anyone wants is a Lebron/Wade, Stringer/Avon, Shaq/Kobe scenario
But remember Wall is not really a scorer. He’s a facilitator. He likes dishing assists. Westbrook and Durant, like Shaq and Kobe are scorers that need 20+ a game to feed their egos.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM
Give me Lebron/Wade (actually I hate LeBron), Shaq/Kobe OR Stringer/Avon over what we have now!
by Unselds on Jan 3, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
he needs to respect his Coach.
imagine how Cousins would respond to being treated the way Flip has treated Mcgee? Yanking him all the time and scapegoating him for so much of the team’s ills (last season). I cant imagine that would go over well with a guy trying to force his way out in his soph season and who all his teamates apparently cant stand
by DCrez on Jan 2, 2012 11:07 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Why does he need to respect Westphal?
That due is a failure of a coach. His offensive “system” is a disaster that has no sets or run offenses, and many players have criticized him for it. I don’t blame him for wanting out of that failure of a team in the Kings.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
That's your coach
and he sees and knows things that you don’t.
by isum on Jan 2, 2012 11:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This ain't highschool buddy. They are all millionaires and adults
In the real world, respect is earned.
And a 20 year old can often be clueless, but so can grown ass men
Do you at least feign respect for your boss?
It’s the same concept. I don’t respect any man’s title, but I can pretend if need be.
by imperialme on Jan 2, 2012 11:26 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I understand the importance of a chain of command within any organization
But the whole shut your mouth and do as youre told smacks of an owner/property dynamic. Just because you are a professional doesn’t mean you aren’t still 20 years old. I am not a Cousins apologist, but much of what Cousins gets criticized for are things Westphal is guilty of too. You cant on one hand preach the virtue of being a respectful employee, and not also demand the same respect be given back
Anyways, coaches shouldn’t be bosses, they should be leaders
by spotless on Jan 3, 2012 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Cousins has shown the same behavior, regardless of the authority figure in question
Including Calipari, even though some want to overlook that.
by imperialme on Jan 3, 2012 12:23 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm far far from sold on him
But of he comes cheap
Like Blatche,.Crawford, Seraphin and a top 10 protected 2012 pick, or top 5 2013, i’d seriously consider it
Well since most want to cut Blatche
That means JC, a back up big man in Seraphin, and a non top 10 pick next year is what we actually “lose”
Nope. But I don't have potential millions riding on how people view my personality, either.
And, like I said before, it’s not like Westphal is the first guy he’s had a problem with.
Too bad no one on the Kings respects the coach. 'Reke doesn't like him either.
You dont think that has something to do with it? Get real.
Wall is not yet the reliable leader on and off the court
it means if Wall goes out of control, the team would have to deal with Wall+Cousins at the same time. Dangerous.
true. LAST THING we want is DMC bringing down JW.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
but the brain trust can't stand pat with Dray especially if the losing continues.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
It's not like Cousins is the only option out there
It’s not a Dray or DMC dilemma. We can work on one without the other.
Agreed.
And it’s not like Blatche is the only reason we lose (although he’s our favorite whipping boy).
True, but ultra talented 20 year old big men aren't regularly available on the relative cheap
And who that talented is going to sign here as a free agent?
That's a fair point
I still don’t want him.
because of that, the only talented guys with very good upside we can get here
are from trade or the draft….
Drafts are crap shoots, winning in the lottery and hoping a player pans out
We don’t have many trade assets either
really can't wait for wall to tool whatever fools the Magic and Knicks throw at him
not to mention Rubio and whatever fool is playing PG for the hapless Raps.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 10:38 PM EST reply actions
So yeah...
- Crawford not as good as I thought he was. As I said the other day though and the recap says tonight… He can be a playmaker. But he shouldn’t be playing PG at this point. He shouldn’t be the primamry ball handler on the court and obviously can’t be asked to run a set offense. I don’t want to see a Nick-Jordan backcourt again any time soon. That just won’t work. And that’s why we drafted Mack anyway, let him play.
- Dray was a lot better. I’ll take the progress. He rebounded(more early than late, but hey). He put forth some effort on D. He definitely put the ball in the hoop.
- John Wall did have a solid game. Defense didn’t stand out negatively, despite some lapses. He made some good plays. And he had some lapses. He missed his jumpers too though, which sucks.
- Javale McGee. I love it. He is making strides. He shot well, his only miss was kind of ugly but that was only one. You obviously don’t want to run the offense through him, but on a night like tonight, at least reward the big guy and feed him in the post a couple of times. Good things do happen for him down there sometimes. And most of all Javale, MAINTAIN!
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 10:38 PM EST reply actions
I feel like Blatche, Crawford, and Vesely's trade value are the highest now than it'll be for a while
— Crawford showing his true colors; he faces long-term development to get his mindset right, to cultivate a jumper, learn the game
- Blatche is still coming off that 17/8 season; “he’s improved statistically every year!” It can still be said that he’s just starting off the season cold/needs a change of scenery/whathaveyou. But I think we all know that he’s not getting any better - he is who he is
- Vesely is still the unknown high first round pick. As soon as he steps on the floor, he’ll very likely also show his true colors - an exceedingly athletic prospect who’s nowhere near helping a team win.
A package of those three for DMC would be a dream at this point
by Max Zamphirescu on Jan 2, 2012 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
huh?
— Crawford showing his true colors; he faces long-term development to get his mindset right, to cultivate a jumper, learn the game
- Blatche is still coming off that 17/8 season; "he’s improved statistically every year!" It can still be said that he’s just starting off the season cold/needs a change of scenery/whathaveyou. But I think we all know that he’s not getting any better - he is who he is
- Vesely is still the unknown high first round pick. As soon as he steps on the floor, he’ll very likely also show his true colors - an exceedingly athletic prospect who’s nowhere near helping a team win.
A package of those three for DMC would be a dream at this poin
by Max Zamphirescu on Jan 2, 2012 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
dammit. I give up.
clearly, the board figures the comment isn’t worthwhile
by Max Zamphirescu on Jan 2, 2012 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah you lost me lol :)
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
must get a real point guard
To backup wall…or play Mack. Crawford can’t play pg.
by arijordan on Jan 2, 2012 10:44 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
crawford is so awful
and its not even that he’s that bad, but the gap between how good he thinks he is and how good he actually is just catalyzes disastrous results
by Wizards Khalifa on Jan 3, 2012 1:37 AM EST up reply actions
We don't need another veteran. Let the kids play!
If JC is still this bad at the point (or the 2 for that matter) as he is now, we atleast know we have a turd. If we play Mason at the 2 and sign a Boykins type we won’t.
I’d rather have 3 young studs (Wall, Cousins, McGee sounds awesome) and a bunch of good vets too but we have a lot of mediocre talent. Ernie has done a so-so to poor job of drafting imho, especially if say the future of this franchise completely depends on drafting.
One or two of those, however, could turn out to be studs, but if we don’t play them we’ll never find out. Besides, more vets may give us 5-8 more wins but it really does’t matter if it means we win 21 games instead of 15. In both scenarios we’re not making the play offs.
Let’s find out what we have in our youngsters and if it all fails, we at least have a shot the #1
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jan 3, 2012 6:40 AM EST up reply actions
I just can't help but feel concerned for Wall's development when
he goes 4-13 with 7 turnovers and I’m reading how he played well for us tonight…
I sorta agree
There is no cerebralness (that’s probably not a word, but you get what i’m trying to say) to his game. He still likes to go full speed, he likes to drive into traffic without out plan, and this results in turnovers. He still doesn’t understand how he needs to slow the game down and refine his decision-making.
by Marine4Life51 on Jan 2, 2012 10:46 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
rec'd
He is supremely gifted athletically but has a low Bball IQ right now. He showed some hesitation this game on a couple of occasions but not enough. He’s never going to get calls the way he is playing.
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
The thing is
If you ever listen to John in interviews, he comes across as intelligent and insightful. He knows (or at least says he knows) what he needs to do to get better. However, the on-court product is still a huge work in progress.
by Marine4Life51 on Jan 2, 2012 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
Confidence!!
He seems psyched out about his shot.
Give the young man a little time for gods sake
I come across as intelligent and insightful in interviews too
But I can’t make any decent split-second decisions on the court. IQ and b-ball IQ are totally different.
by ReturnofBillyJOe on Jan 3, 2012 6:09 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
he has no J, that's a big problem.
next summer the Wiz have to have a shooting coach make him take 1,500 a day, screw the summer leagues. His J was suspect last year and it’s arguably worse now.
I just think
He’s a young guy that still doesn’t have a ton of help. Andray Blatche sure as hell doesn’t make Wall’s life much easier, like a PF should for his PG in the NBA. Doesn’t help that the only shooter on the team couldn’t buy a shot tonight. And this is Boston we’re playing. We’d love to see him leading us to wins against a top team in the East, but if he was THAT good, then we’d be looking at an elite player at 21 years old.
When we start playing the Philadelphia’s and Charlotte’s of the league, John Wall is going to look very legit again. In the meantime, rebuilding and development and growing pains.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 10:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I've been very hard on wall too
but he is SO damn young! He should be learning from teammates, not teaching them. He should be following their guidance instead of leading them. This would allow him to develop into the player he has the talent to be. But he can’t do that with this team because its so bad and young that he needs to be something he is nowhere near ready for. Who would be at that age? Who could be? Not even derrick rose was ready FOR THIS at johns age. I just hope it doesn’t completely stunt his development, like Gilbert is saying
by Wizards Khalifa on Jan 3, 2012 1:41 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Ha, Gilbert did indeed say that.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jan 3, 2012 6:44 AM EST up reply actions
Wall's development
To develop John Wall’s offensive game, we need to surround him with guys who can and will do the right things up until the ball leaves John’s hands. They need to be able to spread the floor and need to know where to be. Anything that happens after Wall gives the ball up is not nearly as important for Wall’s development. Obviously, for the team’s sake, we wish our guys would make all the right passes and make all their shots after Wall gives the ball up, but as far as Wall’s development is concerned that’s not as important as what our guys do while the ball is still in Wall’s hands. So, even when guys like Nick, Shard, and Dray are missing shots and making stupid passes, I’m sort of OK with keeping them in the game, because their positioning and ability to spread the floor is good for Wall. Conversely, if JaVale (or whoever) is screwing things up with positioning mistakes, he needs to sit, even if he’s making shots. We should try to keep Wall surrounded by some combination of Nick, Shard, Dray, Booker, Mason, Turiaf, and Singleton. Hopefully, we can add other players to the list as they learn (relearn) the playbook, especially JaVale and Vesely.
by yop32 on Jan 3, 2012 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'd get Mcgee more shots
he takes good shots no one else can consistetly get paint shots tha have a shot at going in.
question I keep asking myself
its a lack of awareness by Wall and a selfish mindset by Blatche and Nick Young, Mcgee is actually one of our better scorers. Blatche and Young have bee woefully ineffective this season yet tie up the possesions.
Mcgee has improved it began late last season when they started giving him the ball.
by jazzy1 on Jan 2, 2012 10:57 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
well thats the thing Flip might screw Mcgee up
I think Mcgee is receptive to coaching so he can be coached out of bad things and developed to kick the ball back out when he’s not in the right positions.
problem is the team seems so preoccupied with getting Young and Blatche going they don’t really see whats working.
I don't know. He was 17/14 tonight and he probably can't play any better
at this point in his career. Expecting performances like this every night is probably asking too much
by Max Zamphirescu on Jan 2, 2012 11:40 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
he took one shot in the 4th quarter after going 7-8 in the first 3
should have had 5 more attempts. I dont expect that he can miss only one shot every night (like tonight) but I do expect he can shoot 50% on 15FGAs/night
Wall played under control today.
Not sure why people keep saying he needs to slow down. He was pretty slow today.
He played much better than the stat line suggest, if he made like 3 more shots it would have been a great game even despite the TO’s.
I wouldn't say under control
He puts himself in so many situations where his options are turnover, reckless shot attempt that requires lots of luck to go in, or turnover. He just has those plays where he’s way to aggressive and gets stuck.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
Hard to really do too much more than chuckle [at Saunders’ ejection].
It is nothing to laugh at. It was a rallying cry and we need our coaches to show some more fire anyway. Ted will praise Flip’s ejection tomorrow in the blog.
Well.... despite Wall's turn overs...
And despite some people questioning the rotations…
The Wizards would have won this game had their Shooting Guards been able to hit shots. Neither Nick Young nor Jordan Crawford could hit a shot tonight.
Crawford took awful shots –
Young took two real bad shots, the rest were in the Offense, but he couldn’t hit them… In 3 games as the starter, Young is shooting 28%… that sucks.
What is encouraging about tonight’s game is that McGee had a terrific game, and Blatche had a good game as well. If they can keep that going, and add a semblance of good SG play, the Wizards should start winning some games.
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
by Rook6980 on Jan 2, 2012 11:09 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Yep
Playing against the C’s D, and in a game where Nick was more off than I’ve seen in ages, It’s amazing that we were in the game and he had 8 assists.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 2, 2012 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
He's going back to his old freelancing ways
They need to run more sets for him.
by Marine4Life51 on Jan 2, 2012 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
We undoubtebly need to draft a SG
As important as it could be for JaVale’s development for his PF to play well beside him, its maybe just as important for Wall to have a competent, consistent threat in the backcourt beside him. Crawford was never the answer and Young (regardless of whether he stays) doesn’t look to be much more of a 6th man with the team.
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
The Jordan Crawford stretch in the 4th
while evidently an asenine move by Randy Wittman, did not cost hte Wizards the game. Andray Blatche had several jumpers which kept us in the game at this point. It was really after Wall got in that things fell apart. They really need to give those mintues to Shelvin Mack though, Jordan Crawford might be the worst point guard ive ever seen.
cosign. where is mack? It's like there's a sabotage-shelvin plan or soemthing
by Wizards Khalifa on Jan 3, 2012 1:42 AM EST up reply actions
Chill out, he's a second round pick
Most second rounders don’t see the floor in like, ever. He isn’t that important for our rebuild, just like Hamady isn’t. If Mack turns out to be an career NBA backup, fine. But I won’t lose sleep over him.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jan 3, 2012 6:48 AM EST up reply actions
Blatche just needs to get off the team
I don’t know if anyone else saw it, but we could’ve won this game if he wasn’t in in the 4th. He made most of his jumpers throughout the game, but late in the 4th, he just stopped trying on D and stopped contesting the Celtic’s 3’s.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
Blatche had a pretty good game.
He got tired, sure, but overall did pretty well. I certainly don’t think we can say that he alone was the margin of defeat/victory.
Yeah
I didn’t hate Dray this game and, these days, that’s usually pretty much a given.
You just can't count on him for long periods of time
For one stretch, he might be playing with good effort on D and hustling for boards, but once he gets tired, he completely dogs it. This is the main reason why I want this coaching staff fired. Dray had no business being in the game late in the 4th when he wasn’t trying on D. This coaching staff pampers the starters too much, and I’m pretty sure if we hired a different coach, he would bench Dray when he’s not playing with effort since he wouldn’t have an attachment to our players yet. Sometimes, I just wonder if Flipper cares about defense.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
You would think that
Blatche by now would have learned how important it is to be in shape. I mean, you are right, he can be good, very good even, but than regress because of conditioning… After 7 yrs he hasn’t figured it that out yet?
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jan 3, 2012 6:52 AM EST up reply actions
he's a fraud, and believe me I was one of his biggest supporters at one point.
He’s in such pathetic shape I guarantee it bothers other players he gets so many minutes, honestly it’s an embarrassment and reflects horribly on flip imho. Dray is not in professional basketball shape and cannot produce other than the rare night where he manages to fill the stat sheet (like tonight) but still not play well enough when it matters
Dray goes for 28/9, rebounds well, has active hands for deflections, and plays much better help D than on Friday but all sorts of people start killing him. Criticize him all you want, much of it is warranted but knee jerk hate on Blatche from fans, even when he plays well, is out of control.
"You taught me a lesson, I was going to give someone the benefit of doubt, and I almost did, then something said, no don't, don't, its not for you, its not my thing" Larry David,
by Mac G on Jan 3, 2012 1:54 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I agree on this instance
Main point is though that he really should be hindered to do anything because of a lack of stamina. He is a 25yr old professional athlete. God’s given talent made him a multi-millionaire playing basketball professionally. He might not be the bodybuilding type and he does’t have to be, but the least he could do is practice cardio till he’s in game shape.
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jan 3, 2012 6:58 AM EST up reply actions
*shouldn’t be hindered
Who won? Who lost? Who cares?! The NBA is Back! - David Aldridge
What seems to be the officer, problem? - Randy Marsh
by Dutch Hoopfan on Jan 3, 2012 6:59 AM EST up reply actions
to be fair
He was hurt last night. I saw it and said it in the game thread. But Phil and Steve never mentioned it
by DavidDunn on Jan 3, 2012 7:47 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
tough crowd
I am no “the captain” supporter. But he had a real good game tonight against a very good d on the second night of a back to back.
He is out of shape, and was tired. But a very good game.
by arijordan on Jan 2, 2012 11:31 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions 1 recs
I'm not being tough or biased
I’m just analyzing the game, and have no attachment with any of the players. McGee has bad games, but I respect him more than Dray because he usually plays with more effort than Dray.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
Again, if he was subbed out for Booker late in the 4th
I bet we win this game.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
It's just frustrating that an average fan can see things the HEAD COACH can't
And the thing is I’m so frustrated, because I can’t do anything about it.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
I try telling myself that they are just playing him to increase trade value
in hopes that he has decent games and pads his stats… been doing that for a while now though and it is frustrating because I start to really wonder if we think he is a part of our future…
I think the Blatche and Wiz fan relationship is fractured
It is not going to be repaired at this point. I think Blatche wants more support which may be justifiable and we want more consistency which is definitely justifiable. A change may do wonders for Blatche.
agreed. Dude definitely has talent but there is too much history here.
Even on good-ish days he’ll get blasted by media/fans. A change would be best for all parties involved.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
yes indeed
feels that way to me too
"hindsight is 50-50" - Steve Spurrier
by little stevie colter on Jan 2, 2012 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
You will have to mention that to grunfeld
because he stated that Blatche is one of the few 4s in the league that can give you 16-8 every night and can make the kind of passes he makes. He wants consistency from Blatche. So from Grunfelds point of view, Blatche had a good night.
by hambonejackson on Jan 2, 2012 11:40 PM EST up reply actions
I suspect a change might indeed do wonders for Blatche.
I’m less certain that it would do wonders for the Wizards.
by MeToo on Jan 2, 2012 11:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
yes in the short term the team would probably be worse off
he does tend to score points and we do have a lack of players who can do that. But if he’s flipped for a pick or a younger player it’ll pay off. I just don’t see Blatche ever reaching his potential here.
by Ron Carlos Jeines on Jan 2, 2012 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
if he got off his butt and actually got into the kind of shape Javale (an asthmatic) is in, all would be forgiven
because suddenly Dray’s FG% would go up and he’d actually produce after the 2nd quarter. Blatche is a horrible excuse for a professional athlete, sorry to say, but you just cant eat/drink whatever you want and expect to be a dominant player. Just does not work anymore, it’s not 1978
FYI
“I want to address my missing the New Orleans game Sunday,” Cousins said. “I have not demanded or requested a trade. I don’t agree with the actions taken but will give my sincere effort to put it behind me and compete the best I can for my team.”
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7417304/demarcus-cousins-says-request-trade-sacramento-kings
Just a PR ploy
"Blake Griffin is the American Jan Vesely" - Jan Vesely
by PhenomenalSwag on Jan 2, 2012 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
That will last 1 game
I know Cousins didn’t write that.
by hambonejackson on Jan 2, 2012 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
it will last longer than one game
but it will not last that long. Cousins gets traded this season or next, and/or westphal is given the can this season.
by thewiz06 on Jan 3, 2012 1:22 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
DMC is a sophomore in the league
This is the Kings saying “go have a timeout in the corner, we’re not trading you just because you’re an immature baby.”
by Marine4Life51 on Jan 2, 2012 11:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Or its Cousins agent
responding to Cousins telling him to get him out of Sacramento. I think it could read," I am working on it ".
by hambonejackson on Jan 2, 2012 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
Substitution patterns played a huge role this game
As with most of the year. The coaches have the propensity for leaving clearly tired players in the game and I’m not sure why. Blatche had those key plays (3 FTs and dunk) but otherwise should have been subbed out for Booker or Seraphin because he didn’t have much left
Nick Young was an entirely different and more frustrating story. Not only was he evidently tired, which I hope was the cause of his poor play, he was terrible. Allen ran him ragged through screens and Young was the worst offensive player on the floor tonight. Not because he missed shots, just his questionable decision making.
Roger Mason should have had his place and was actually doing a decent job staying with Allen off the screens.
Coaching staff takes another L tonight.
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
+1 on everything
The coaches suck dookie balls and need to be fired. If they can’t see the stuff that are going wrong that the average fan can, you know there is something wrong.
I give them credit for being great tank commanders though lol.
Formerly know as iNFamous SWaGG
We average fans are just so amazing
it’s a shame that we can’t just replace all those blind coaches, incompetent GMs, clueless owners, and biased refs.
Did I leave anyone out?
Yay for us average fans!
by MeToo on Jan 3, 2012 12:12 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You know, as frustrated as I am with our third 0-5 start in the last five seasons
who would rather talk about how to improve the Washington Wizards, rather than talk about the salary cap hardness, how high max salaries should be, the revenue sharing cliff, and of course, the word of Fall 2011, BRI?
I think you guys are being a bit tough on Blatche tonight
Not a huge fan of him, but he played well tonight…
McGee was a straight BEAST although he seems to get winded. I dont know if it’s the asthma or what
Wall played better than the stat sheet indicates…Love his dunk and stare down on Frankenstein’s assistant
by AFM on Jan 3, 2012 1:19 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
2 McGee based suggestions - Missed the game thread so I'm letting it all out
I think Javale needs more offensive involvement in these 2 facets:
First of all, I would like to see more pick and rolls between him and J-Woww (I went for it, already regret it) which in my opinion have worked really well so far. It’s nice and simple yet leaves a lot of options open and forces the defense to react.
Second of all, I would like to see Javale getting the ball in the post more. He’s been deadly so far inside this season, our best offensive threat (in the halfcourt).
But for these two things to truly be successful, John and Javale need to develop some additional skills. For John, its obviously the jumpshot, which would make the pick and roll between him and Javale a TRUE killer. And generally just put defenses in much tougher situations against us.
For Javale, its 2 things. The main thing is his stamina, I see him being too tired out there way too often. I understand that he has asthma, and since I’m not sure how debilitating it is for him I can’t be too hard on him, but if he can up his stamina it will work wonders for this team. Other than that, I would love to see him develop a passing game out of the post. It seems like he makes up his mind when he gets the ball that hes just gonna go for the hoop. But he’s been drawing two defenders a lot, and if he can make good passes the offense will have yet another option.
If these things happen, I think the wizards will be in a pretty good place as far as their two best pieces go. Fingers-Crossed. Sorry to turn this post into an essay and I doubt anyone will actually read it – i hope you do – but I had to speak my mind …much love to everyone at BF.
read it
And agreed 100% with it. Vale is putting in work and jw is starting to come around very nicely. Just a couple more pieces and we may have our selves a… team AND a core to be excited about for years.
by no more kwame's in dc on Jan 3, 2012 2:56 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
If we add a legit wing player in this draft
And Crawford reaches his full potential within his role, then we are on a very good track. And Vesely is a huge wild card in there to top it off. For all we know, he is pretty good.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V
by returnofswagger on Jan 3, 2012 3:49 AM EST up reply actions
after Colin Coward called Wall J-Wow
I totally think it’s an insult to call him that.
And yes, his name is Coward!
I want to extend my sincerest apologies to everyone at BF
don’t know what got into me…sorry guys, i’ll do my best to make it up to you.
by Wizards Khalifa on Jan 3, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Signs of life from Flip...
The frightening thought is that the team played better in his absence. When the coach’s best motivational technique to date is getting tossed two minutes into a game, you gotta wonder.
McGee is doing fine. Keveen did well with extended minutes. Blatche did well, too, but needed to be sat down once he was clearly winded.
Who is the real Jordan Crawford? Does he get any special coaching from Sam Cassell? Yikes.
The shoe is surely about to drop.
didn't see the game
but i like that blatche had 10 free throw attempts.
by DarrellWalkerFan on Jan 3, 2012 12:06 PM EST reply actions
68 66 gtown
big comeback complete…. if our wizards can do the same.. two min left
by thewiz06 on Jan 4, 2012 8:57 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
Related FanPosts on Bullets Forever
Related FanShots on Bullets Forever
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- David West hilariously denies each and every one of his young fans a high-five (VIDEO)
- Behind the Box Score, where the Miami Heat are moving on to the conference finals
- Kevin Durant is tired of hearing about the Spurs
- The 10-man rotation, starring your Indiana Pacers
- Blake Griffin highlights, ‘NBA Jam’-style (VIDEO)
