Today's links:
- For those wondering about Ernie Grunfeld's future, Ken Berger of CBS Sports looks into it. He reports that while those around the league believe Grunfeld's days are numbers, he's seen "zero indication" that owner Ted Leonsis is "anything but on board" with the rebuilding plan Grunfeld is executing. It's worth noting that Grunfeld's contract is up after this year, so the Wizards would have to give him a new deal if they want to keep him beyond this season.
- Catching up with Caron Butler, who will be back in town tonight. [Washington Post]
- Jason Reid talks to Clippers' GM Neil Olshey and suggests the Wizards need to follow the Clippers' path. It's easy to scoff at this as "well, all they did was trade for Chris Paul with the commissioner's help, [snark]," but I think Reid's larger point is Olshey saw urgency in needing to keep Blake Griffin happy and acted right away instead of waiting for a plan to come into place. [Washington Post]
- In case you missed it, the latest rumor has the Wizards and Bobcats discussing a swap of Andray Blatche and Tyrus Thomas. [Marc Stein of ESPN, with analysis from us]
- JaVale McGee says "it's possible" he'll be in the Slam Dunk Contest again. Remember that Blake Griffin has already begged it off. [Wizards Insider]
- Recaps from last night. [Us | Randy Wittman himself via CSN Washington | Washington Post | SB Nation D.C. | Wiz of Awes | District Sports Page | Raptors Republic | National Post | Toronto Sun | RaptorBlog | TSN | Canada.com | Toronto Star | Raptors HQ (rapid, full recap) | Popcorn Machine | HoopData advanced box]
- Game previews for tonight's Clippers game. [Clips Nation | CSN Washington | SB Nation D.C.]
- Report cards from the first third of the season. John Wall gets a very unflattering grade. [WUSA9]
- A look at Harrison Barnes, who will certainly be one of the top picks in next year's NBA Draft. [Ben Standig, CSN Washington]
- A brief reminder here that Raptors coach Dwayne Casey was the man fired by the Timberwolves before Randy Wittman took over. [Winnipeg Free Press]