During the lockout we will be posting our thoughts on a mythical season that was supposed to be. In our alternative universe, tonight was the night that the Wizards were supposed to be taking on the Orlando Magic.
Okay, this is certainly a strange way to return to the fold. Its made stranger by Flip Saunder's crazy roster decisions.....
Flip Saunders was especially forthright in his pre-game address. The discussion, as it always does, centered around JaVale McGee. 'Well, Saunders started, it all depends on whether we get the good JaVale or the the bad JaVale tonight. Obviously, Dwight (Howard) is a tough match for any center, but JaVale needs to learn to build on his performance in New Jersey."
Conversation also centered around the return of Gilbert Arenas. Saunders mostly dodged Gilbert discussion, but spoke fairly forthrightly as to Arenas' role on the current Wizards team. "If you look at where we are right now, where would we put him? Could I start Gil in front of Nick right now? Or Jordan? We have a lot of young players fighting for time out there. Its a nice place to be (as a coach) to know that everyone is fighting for a spot."
Three Things to Look for Tonight:
1. Good JaVale or Bad JaVale? He is going to get in foul trouble tonight, the question is how quickly. The Wizards need to keep McGee on the floor for as long as possible, because Lewis will feast on the Booker/Blatche/Lewis/Seraphin pu pu platter.
2. Crawford's shot selection. It was terrible. Full stop. He needs to stop hoisting it up when he gets into trouble. If this continues. if might force Saunders to put Young back int the starting SG slot.
3. Rookie Burn. Vesely looked very Euro to me. The concerns about his range appear to be justified. I remain calm by repeating to myself "smallest of small sample sizes." But at the moment, he looks a touch slow for the NBA game. If it continues at this rate, I wouldn't be surprised to see Singleton getting more time, with Vesely being placed firmly in the Seraphin project doghouse.
Starting lineups after the break.
GO WIZARDS!!!
PG: John Wall
SG: Jordan Crawford
SF: Nick Young
PF: Andray Blatche
C: JaVale McGee
Orlando Magic
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Jason Richardson
SF: Hedo Turkoglu
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Dwight Howard