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First thing's first: I'm writing daily guides for what to watch for in the NBA Playoffs that night for SBNation.com. Here's my article for today. Check it out if you're following the NBA Playoffs.
Otherwise, here's some stuff to read today:
Blatche a Late Bloomer in MIP Race -- Michael Katz, NBA FanHouse
This is a couple days old, but I just noticed it. Fanhouse intern Michael Katz writes about Andray Blatche's hopes of winning the Most Improved Player Award. Katz writes that Blatche shouldn't get the award because of his limited body of work, but added that he's definitely made a jump. JaVale McGee apparently told Katz that it would be a crime if Blatche doesn't win.
There's also this tidbit from Blatche debunking the idea that he's only putting up big numbers because he's on a bad team.
"See that's the funny thing to me," Blatche said. He had just scored 26 points, to go with seven rebounds and four steals in 30 minutes during the Wizards' 98-97 win against Indiana in the final game of the regular season.
"A lot of people say it's easier doing that on a bad team," he continued. "Well, I don't think so. I think it's easier doing that on a good team, because therefore I wouldn't have that much attention."
He's definitely right, but he also did get a lot of shots by the end of the year, which made his counting stats look better. Nevertheless, I'm cool with the jump in efficiency that should come from him having better teammates.
CSNwashington.com: Mike Jones Grades the Wizards' Guards
Former Washington Times writer Mike Jones grades the Wizards' guards this season. He gives Shaun Livingston an A, Mike Miller a B, Randy Foye a B-, Nick Young a C+, Earl Boykins a C and Gilbert Arenas an F. I'm surprised Miller is so high, as is Boykins, but that's just me.
Haralabos Voulgaris names the NBA's worst defenders - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN
Somehow, Gilbert Arenas' name didn't show up on this list.
2010 NBA Draft: Washington Wizards | The Big Lead
TBL shows his lack of knowledge about the Wizards in his draft breakdown for them. You know it's a slow day when I'm linking TBL.
Chicago Bulls Blog: Noah Considered it and Decided Cleveland Still Sucks
I officially love Joakim Noah.