Keys to The Palace: Looking at the First Four Games of the Randy Wittman Era
by Sean Fagan on Jan 31, 2012 11:16 AM EST
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'No I don't have a dog house, I have a Palace of Good Play.' I'm looking for someone who's playing well so I can put them in that palace."-Ed Tapscott
Today marks the return of our semi-regular feature, Keys to the Palace. In case anyone new to the blog finds themselves pondering why this feature was bequeathed its name, it comes from the above statement made by dearly departed Wizards interim coach Ed Tappscott, when asked why Nick Young wasn't getting more PT:
We have played around with this feature for a bit, using different metrics to judge whether a player gets a "key to the palace" or whether that player is "locked out." In honor of new head coach Randy Wittman, we are starting with a fresh slate for every player and only judging them based on the four games under his regime.
Note that players are graded on a sliding scale as regards their importance to the team. Thus, it easier for Shelvin Mack or Kevin Seraphin to get into the Palace bases on their roles on the team, while it is harder for John Wall or JaVale McGee. Heavy is the the head that wears the crown.
Each week, we'll be handing out golden keys to the players who have earned them the right to stay in the Palace of Good Play.
Likewise, those who do not play well enough to enter the Palace of Good Play will receiver their own logo. Their scarlet letter will come in the form of the Red Lock of Shame.
After the jump, we'll take a look at each player on the roster to see who gets to stay in the Palace, and who will be forced to sleep in the cold.
I'm not sure sure what to say about Blatche's play at this point. My initial thought was that moving Jan Vesely into the starting role was an attempt to light a fire under the mercurial forward. Instead, his confidence appeared to further erode, which was not helped in the least by the merciless blockfest that Tyrus Thomas laid upon him. His week ended with his left calf causing him to miss 3-5 weeks.
Final Verdict
Trevor must have run over someone's cat, because that is the only explanation I have as to why he has't received consistent playing time. However, with Vesely and Chris Singleton ahead of him on the playing chart, it appears that it is going to be feast or famine for the second-year player. He also seems to be picking up quite a few technicals as of late, which isn't a trend that is going to ingratiate him with Wittman. However, two strong performances against the Bobcats and Bulls got him through the gates before the portcullis closed.
Final Verdict
CRANG! CRAAAAAAAAANG! (Heat check) CRAAAANG! If only Crawford would improve his shot selection, he could easily be through the Palace gates. When he chooses to distribute, he demonstrates a deft passing touch, and offensively he has proven himself much more effective as a slasher rather than the long-range bomber that he envisions himself to be. Until Jordan realizes that he is not Gilbert Arenas reincarnate he remains....
Final Verdict
This signing continues to baffle me. Mo obviously isn't going to get much playing time with Vesely, Singleton et al in front of him, so why not get JaVale McGee a practice dummy? Mo was once again a no-show this week, which robbed us of the opportunity to shout "NO MO, NO!" after hoisting another long range shot attempt.
Final Verdict
I'm not sure what to make of Lewis' play as of late. The second Bobcats game saw the return Lewis' shooting ability, which now returns every Groundhog's Day. Like the Groundhog, if Lewis misses his first shot, it will be a cold bleak winter for the rest of the game. However, if that first shot whistles through the net, we are blessed with a game full of summer. Those blissful days are few and far between
Final Verdict
Mack has carved out a nice little niche for himself as the backup PG and executes that role to the best of his abilities. His issues (much like Wall) lie more the fact that he often doesn't have the offensive facilitators with him out on the floor in order for him to be able to excel.
Final Verdict
See Evans, Mo.
Final Verdict
Whither JaVale McGee? I can't possibly lock him out, because he has made strides to improve all facets of his game this season. His production on the offensive end has arguably become more efficient, he is still effects shots on the defensive end and appears to be working harder to stay down and play man to man defense rather than ball hawk.
The problem is that the things that McGee has been unable to approve upon are integral to the Wizards improving in the near future. He is still terrible on the pick and roll and makes at least two questionable decisions a game that leaves a coach with no decision but to bench him. And sometimes, he just doesn't show up. The Rockets game was McGee at his worse, as he disappeared against a much more aggressive Samuel Dalembert and appeared to be disinterested in the proceedings.
JaVale gets into the Palace this week, but the weaknesses bear scrutiny in this contract season.
Final Verdict
Not with the team for the first three games and a DNP after being recalled which means that he is.....
Final Verdict
Seraphin had six teeth pulled prior to the Rockets game, and then game came back to play a smattering of minutes against the Bobcats with a bit more burn during the Bulls game. In his second year, I'm not what to think of Seraphin as of yet. He does some things that the other Wizards bigs appear either unable or unwilling to do, such as set picks and be physical in the interior, yet his lack of vertical and lateral quickness often leaves him looking like a bystander in the activities. I feel terrible for a guy who had major oral surgery but he is...
Final Verdict
Singleton has basically disappeared after his productive first few weeks. Opponents are prepared for his reaching, and he has not yet learned how to adapt his game to the NBA. However, the new Wizards tempo seems to benefit Singleton's style, so one might hope to see improvement in the next few weeks.
Final Verdict
Hurry back Ronny...
Final Verdict
Do you judge Vesely on his limited statline, or the intangibles with how he effects the game? I believe that in his first evaluation, you have to judge the latter. You can't put put enough weight on sharing the ball, touch passes, and the willingness to be active on the defensive end of the court. The offense remains a questions mark, but for now Jan can bed down on silk sheets.
Final Verdict
I'm think we are all feeling a bit silly for thinking he was no better than D.J Augustin. Now, he just needs to prove himself to be better than Ricky Rubio.
Final Verdict
If you regress offensively, is it your fault, or the fault that you are the only person on your team who can score? Young has taken a step back this year, working a lot more of the 1 on 1 play which used to get him benched into his game along with the usual prolific shooting. His shot selection has also become more questionable as well, as he and Jordan Crawford seem to have a nightly contest to see who can shoot the most contested jumpers. The difference, however, is that Young makes a majority of his in comparison. Someone has to score, so for that reason Young earns..
Final Verdict
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In honor of our newest interim coach
I would like to propose that if you’re locked out, you’re sent to “The Smoking Section”.
Bullets Forever: Waiting for the Fat Lady to sing since 2006. | @jakewhitacre
by Jake Whitacre on Jan 31, 2012 11:19 AM EST reply actions 6 recs
We have a chance to send Stan Van Gundy home tomorrow
Orlando is truly struggling….
Either we are going to be chicken soup for the sick Magic….or we are going to end Van Gundy’s tenure….and create a hiring opportunity….big game tomorrow…
we will lose by 20
remember we are the remedy for a struggling team (see: redskins)
Wow, I would love him as our coach!
He is so demanding, he sees and hears everything and is a pure perfectionist. He also sets goals for players and holde them accountable.
I remember Gortat talking about those things and that he was surprises by the lack of attention to detail and personal goals when he came to the Suns. He thought it was standard NBA procedure. Just what our Wizzies need!
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 31, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He'd be perfect imo.
I can’t convince myself it could happen but . . . would be nice.
Because our colors are red white and blue
I think the keys should be red white and blue
and the locks should be in teal and gold (the colors that most Wizards fans hated)
we need to play trevor
every time he’s out there he’s doing something positive, and he’s had a fantastic last few games (off the bench, no less). who the hell cares at this point if he’s a 6 8 power forward, he plays good d and has an excellent BBIQ and nose for the ball. He’s just the man, and I hope that he can be our starting PF for the rest of the year (and beyond)
"Through your existence, become wealthy, knowledge is king"- Nasir Jones
"When you play for the Wizards, [Gilbert Arenas] is like Michael Jackson. He's playin with a lot of Tito Jacksons." - Charles Barkley
if it's true that no one's PT is guaranteed, Book will be playing more than Singleton and Vesely
for now. I really like the idea of treating those 3 as almost interchangeable depending on who plays best- the competition will make them all better.
by DCrez on Jan 31, 2012 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s 6’6.25 in socks, 6’7.5 in shoes, however his standing reach is higher than blake griffins (says more about griffin than booker)
by Llamaman on Jan 31, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He's very generously listed at 6'8"
I honestly have trouble distinguishing him from Wall on the court sometimes. He’s very athletic and not especially heavy (although he is very strong). I’d rather see him develop his SF game.
Still, I agree. He’s better than the current PF alternatives…
Keys to the Palace Feature -- Final Verdict: Red Lock of Shame
My vote is we let this feature die with our memories of the Ed Tapscott era.
Funny
I was going to say just the opposite – I’m excited the feature got brought back!
by jakenbake on Jan 31, 2012 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Yeah, I think it's great to have it back again
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 31, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
You sir earn the
The artist formerly known as ledellforlife.
by Sean Fagan on Jan 31, 2012 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I will be hoping....
for a big performance out of John Wall vs Orlando. Maybe, if he shreds them, Dwight Howard could make a statement saying he wouldn’t mind playing for the Wizards…
nevermind…we are hopeless
i would like to see Javale get more offensive chances vs Dwight
and our guards collapse on Dwight defensively the way teams like Boston do. For ONCE it would be nice if he didnt have a huge game vs us….and if we manage to miraculously win it, I hope our players clown around on the sidelines doing pushups and laughing at the Magic just like he does to us.
Did you miss the last Orlando game?
Dwight vs Javale looked like a grown man playing against a tall 12-year old. It was really disheartening to watch them go head-to-head on both ends.
Mcgee was pretty physical in that game
but notice I said our guards should collapse more and Javale should get more offensive opportunities- it’s not like Howard never gets in foul trouble.
Obvious Javale is no DHoward, not what I’m saying at all, just talking about getting us a fighting chance in the game.
Flip’s MO with opposing scoring Cs was to make Mcgee check them one-on-one and then not go at them on the other end. That’s a shitty position to put your player in when he has some offensive skills and the length/size to draw fouls. Wittman’s first game was a win vs Indy last year where Javale went right at Hibbert and got him in foul trouble. Far superior coaching to the crap Flip was throwing out there imho
Hurray!
I’ve been wondering what ever happened to this feature.
Skins, Bullets/Wizards, Nats, Caps.
All Washington Everything.
by BM22 on Jan 31, 2012 12:18 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
a couple things
Last season this droove me crazy Sean I was new here didn’t really get the flavor for what was happening with this whole thing here but now I get it and see the fun in it. I still think you are super heavy on Mcgee I sense some personal animous but I enjoy this quite a bit now nonetheless.
I watched Rubio play the other night against the Lakers. He’s a godawful shooter but he does that something that makes the game fun for teammates and that he indiscriminantly passes the ball to whomever gets open.
Wall seems to pick and choose his favorites at times thus deflates the energy level of guys who run hard to get open.
But Wall is a better player than Rubio Rubio has shooters and scorers that can be relied on on his team big and small.
Wall has Mcgee who can dunk and thats all Rubio on the Wizards would be a total mess.
so I give Wall the edge on Rubio until he gets better teammates and doesn’t always have to make the best of a bad situation.
Less animus
I’m just not sure how he fits. I think with Blatche out, this is his opportunity to demonstrate why the team needs to invest longterm. If we see the same old, same old, I am at a lost as to why the Wizards should retain him
The artist formerly known as ledellforlife.
by Sean Fagan on Jan 31, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
the houston game had me wavering on the entire team, trade'em all stuff.
but javale is a clearly a keeper imo. He played well last night vs Noah (whom so many said he could never match) after dominating him in their 1st matchup and he made Asik (possible replacement) look slow and marginal. Mcgee has come a long way since he was a rail thin rookie, he was drafted as a project, I dont see how we could let him go just as he’s really starting to bear fruits.
I mean what improvement would it take for everyone to be happy with him? Basically better decision making and defensive awareness. That type of mental stuff comes more and more easily with experience and is a far better bet to happen than assumptions about other players developing solid Js etc imho
Honestly
I just want him to run a pick and roll with 30% efficiency and learn to commit to his picks.
I can live with the either stuff. In fact, if JaVale would just put his body into his man solidly for one entire game, I would allow him to take off twice.
Its those basic fundamentals that I think need to be developed. And unfortunately, I think they will take a long time to develop since we have essentially an SG in a C body.
The artist formerly known as ledellforlife.
by Sean Fagan on Jan 31, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I hear the pick thing but I tend to think those are coaching things ,
I saw mcgee set a few good screens last night and something I noticed was when wall set the play up better it worked better he and Mcgee appear to set the pick and roll up poorly. Its really not a hard think to fix nor takes long to fix.
BUT do not see the value in the shot blocking intimidation you see players I mean good players literally turn away from the paint when he’s anchored there thats not sg in a C body stuff thats bigman get that outta here stuff.
His hands, ability to finish his rebounding are all a plus.
I watched DeAndre Jordan last night surrounded by good talent have a huge impact on the game and mcgee is better at it then he is boards alittle better scores better and shot bloks alittle better.
thats what Mcgee could be as the Wizards become a good team with better talent.
I enjoy the feature now good stuff its funny its brillant.
the wiz will learn the pick and roll when we get a pick and roll head coach
In the list of deficiencies McGee had last season, I’m happy to tick off ‘lack of rebounding, bad choice on block attempts and lack of offensive go-to move’ this season and leave ‘horrendous pick and roll’ for the beginning of next season.
by BballBrit on Feb 1, 2012 4:27 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Jan Vesely/Joakim Noah comparison?
Agree with all of your choices this week.
I was at the game last night and reading about the Noah vs. McGee argument when it hit me that Joakim Noah is the guy that Jan Vesely should be patterning his game after. I see a lot of similarities. Both are tall, skinny guys with lots of energy who seem to enjoy contact, as well as being a pest to the opposition. Neither is a good shooter although Noah has improved to where he is actually hitting free throws and some of his jumpers, despite incredibly ugly form. If Jan can work toward being a Noah like player, then I will probably be won over about using the 6th pick for him.
I like this comparison a LOT
Especially when you think about Noah coming out of college and how Chicago got ragged on about how Noah was the worst of the UF products that year and how his game wouldn’t translate. Give Jan a few years in a weight room, get him beasting on the boards… Man, this comp actually is getting me excited.
do you think that's what EG had in mind when he drafted him as a SF?
maybe Jan could both be the straw that gets EG fired AND eventually be a Noah type player….win-win
I don't think that's necessarily what EG had in mind, no
But if we end up with that win-win scenario, I’d be happy. I had floated the idea of Jan turning into a Pau-type player in a FanPost a while back based on some old video I saw of Pau when Pau was a young’un, and I still think either Pau or Noah would be the “pie-in-the-sky” result, but nonetheless within the universe of possible outcomes for Jan. Time will tell, but I really think that is the best way for Jan to turn into an impact NBA player
Noah is one of those guys
That turned being an energy guy into also being able to make an allstar game or two. Not many energy guys known for their hustle and energy more than their talent can do that. It’d be awesome if Ves can.
I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
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by returnofswagger on Jan 31, 2012 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
Excuse me guys, but Noah has 3 very essential qualities Jan does not
1. Strength (granted, that’s easily fixable)
2. A consistant jumpshot out to 12ft (it’s ugly but effective. If he’s left alone, it’s money and he shoots 70%+ from the FT line
3. Rebounding (Jan has been a poor rebounder during his 4yr pro career in Europe and has’t shown he is getting better at it, at all)
Basically, they’re just two 6’11 energy guys with a weird kind of swagger….(imho)
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 31, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This is assessment of them now, not rookie year comps
“Noah’s Rookie year:”http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/noahjo01.html
20 mins, 5.6 rebs, 1.1 assists, .9 steals, .9 blocks, 6.6 points on 48.2% fg shooting and 69.1% ft shooting
If Jan got 20 minutes per, I’d think he could match those. Give him some time and he’ll bulk up more (we hope).
When Joakim entered the league, he couldn’t hit the broad side of the barn. Time, hopefully, will also improve Jan’s J.
I really think it’s a fair comparison, the more I ponder it.
by jakenbake on Jan 31, 2012 7:54 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah
Noah was not supposed to be the player he is now. He is a really good passer for a big. He is obviously a dominant rebounder, which is the one thing Jan won’t be able to match. His jumper should not work at all but it has. They’re not the same player, and never will be. But I like the comparison because they both came in as energy guys
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 Feb 1, 2012 5:29 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Jan gets a key?
That’s silly. What is he being measured against, Hamady N’Daiye? He literally doesn’t even attempt to pose a threat on offense. His favorite move appears to be catching the ball near the elbow, turning his back to the basket and just standing there looking for someone to pass to. He’s giving the defense a free pass on defending him almost the entire time the Wiz are on the offensive end of the floor. I’m glad he does the little things, but you can’t ONLY do little things…
I think Seraphin should get a key for progressing from an NBDL player to an NBA player (I know he was in the NBA last year, but he shouldn’t have been).
by steadyhand on Jan 31, 2012 2:08 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
opposing teams ignore Vesely, he should be taking advantage of that now until they adjust.
imho a player is not exhibiting “high bball iq” when they won’t even look at the basket. If he had just turned his head last night he’d have seen about 5’ of space between him and the Bulls defender.
I dont think you can fault the kid for playing the same way he always has, but Wittman needs to call some plays for him regularly. Who cares if he misses shots or has some javale-esque misadventures in the post? Get him comfortable attempting to score.
I agree with this
Like the thought of calling a couple of plays for him, or at least telling him to shoot it. Matter of time before he stops thinking about it and just does it.
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 31, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
I think he is trying to play to his strengths
Which are passing, off ball movement, setting screens and dunk.
If he gets a bit more comfortable (remember, it’s not just adjusting to a the best league in the world, he also moved to a culturally different universe), then he can expand his role a little. I think it’s a matter of time before we’ll will see his 1 dribble-power-move to the rim and some low post posessions that he somehow converts dispite lacking postmoves.
I think it’s a mature way of adjusting. Still, he will not be a core piece imho, just an energy role player who could be the 5th best starter one day on a good team.
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 31, 2012 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
Stats give a cause for concern as well
Veseley’s simple rating from 82games.com is negative 4.9 and his PER is 7.3. For those who prefer gazing to stats, his defense against Scola was troubling, given that he has limited offensive skills.
Anyway, he should be given a chance to see what he can do.
Oh and one more thing
You can’t excuse Nick Young man come on. Crawford and Young are inseperable and at least crawford does pass occasionally getting 3 dimes a game and is equal on boards with Young despite being smaller.
My problem with Young is simple he does nothing valuable but shoot okay and play solid defense this season. But his activity level is so low relative to being just a basketball player he’s become this gunning specialist.
I see too many bad shots taken with other players wide open it was funny in a game last week he curled to the free throw line had 2 guys on him Booker was wide open Nick got fouled and was going to the line and Booker was still signaling with his hands that I’m open as Nick stepped to the line. He was visibly frustrated.
that sorta stuff builds frustrations with teammates. I just wish they had paid Nick or let him go. But Nick in limbo is bad for all involved.
I agree that Nick's main value is scoring, but he does bring other stuff to the table
Case in point, last night Nick had 5 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks to only 1 turnover. He does take bad shots, and he does shoot a lot, but honestly I’d rather Nick be taking contested jumpers than have John shooting open jumpers. He’s just that much better a shooter than the rest of the roster. It’s pathetic, but that’s the reality of the roster.
by jakenbake on Jan 31, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with all except Young...
29-70 (41%) from the field in the four games under Whitman isn’t going to cut it…
I can excuse his paltry 2 rebounds and 1 assist per game over the last four – IF he were knocking down his shots… but he’s not.
I might even give him a pass if he were shooting 41%, and all the shots were coming as a direct result of the offense – but they’re not… He’s reverted back to the one-on-one play we saw way too much from him his first two years under Eddie Jordan….
Young did not deserve a Key….
I used to have super powers until my psychiatrist took them away.
I was wondering when you would join the rest of the haters, been along time, but you came around.
Tina Gary
Meh
I always thought Rook was fairly objective. He’s always been very upfront about Nick Young’s shots being acceptable as they came within the flow of the offense.
by Bullet Nation in Exile on Feb 1, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
are we worried about Singleton?
Personally I’m not, as I was always expecting a defensive specialist to be kinda absent on the boxscore, and he’s thoroughly past the rookie honeymoon of the first few games and into the grind. But I was hoping for something a little more encouraging, his stint as a starter didn’t last long.
by BballBrit on Feb 1, 2012 4:34 AM EST via mobile reply actions
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