Always A Commander Never A Captain

Dwight is still the best center in the league by a good margin, one of few franchise big men out there. That fan should direct his anger and frustration at the Lakers FO. It wasn't a mistake to trade for Dwight because they didn't really lose anything in the deal. The mistake was in creating such a toxic environment that resulted in Dwight actually waling away from 30 million dollars just to get away from them. From the day he arrived, they couldn't possibly have done more to screw things up.I think the Lakers FO and fans have a false sense of the draw their franchise has for stars and FAs now. They've gone from the organization that uses the rest of the league as a farm system to the only organization that's ever had a player turn down 30 million dollars to get away. They're dysfunctional. I'd argue something a little different. For the 2012/2013 season, there were no bigs playing at a franchise level. Maybe Dwight could improve enough to become that in Houston, but he definitely wasn't going to ever be that in LA. Last season was so bad for bigs, that the two teams who made it to the Finals did so because of small ball.

When Dwight tries to pull **** like this, they can talk negatively about him all they want. http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9468452/dwight-howard-wanted-end-kobe-bryant-era-los-angeles-lakers He tried to get the Lakers management to amnesty Kobe, Dwight said it was either him or Kobe.

The NBA hates tankers though. Except for the 2002 Cavs, I think every deliberate tank job has failed to get the #1 overall pick. The 2007 Celtics tanked like crazy, had the most ping pong balls for a shot at either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant and only got the 5th pick.

At least he's not Billy King in New Jersey/Brooklyn. King was god awful in Philly, and then somehow gets another GM job. That team is paper thin, one injury and it's over. The window is also basically shut. It's not even open.

I really like his speed/agility for his height, he can contest corner 3's as well as Bosh. He shows a really good foundation for footwork in the post, he could develop some nice moves down there. Defensively though...I kinda hesitate with his help D on drives. Or his Dwight Howard-esque lack of offensive moves down low without Dwight's frame.

Wizards should still re-sign Martell Webster. Perimeter depth is a must. Also curious if a small ball line with Porter/Webster at the 4 could catch teams off guard.

It makes complete sense. Look how the one way players have faired. Tony Allen was getting less and less playing time in the playoffs because the Grizzlies can't afford to play 4v5 on offense. Monta Ellis has never been on a good team. OJ Mayo had to sign a 1 year deal this past offseason. Bargnani sucks despite being good on offense and an underrated Man defender, it's because he just doesn't understand help D and positioning. Otto can wind up being a very good player on the Wizards. He's got two things that puts him over the top compared to other D&3 players. He's a very good passer, and he's developing a post up game. The last bit would be crucial against small ball lineups.

What if Len and Porter are gone, do you take Noel?

Two points: 1- I don't think there is such a thing as a guard that is elite that plays almost entirely without the ball. There are great shooters but in order for guards to be elite they have to be able to shoot and attack the rim. Beal needs to improve his handles to go from good to elite. Only bigs can reach elite status by playing without the ball if they can consistently pick n roll or establish deep post and score off a few quick moves. 2- I agree that given a choice between Porter and Deng, you go with Porter. Clarification, when I said he could work at an elite level in the offense without the ball in his hands. I don't mean that makes him an elite player, I mean he's capable of performing that part of the offense at an elite level. Off ball movement is crucial. If you look at Wade and Lebron when they first teamed up, they were clueless without the ball in their hands. Lebron eventually figured it out, but Wade's still struggling.

The goal is to ultimately win a championship with pieces that may not do it now, but could do it a few years from now. While Deng is young enough to have a large window of competitiveness, the 3rd overall pick could produce someone who can grow with the team in a better manner. The Wizards drafted a terrific complimentary player to Wall in Bradley Beal. Beal can work at an elite level in the offense without the ball in his hands. That's what you want. Honestly, Deng is so close to being worth every dollar of his contract. He can shoot the 3 well from the left corner and decently from the right elbow. If he can improve a bit more at the elbow and at both corners, he would really open up the offense for Beal and super-awesome-screen-shenanigans. But he's not there yet, and there's the question of if he'll actually develop that. As much as I like Deng, and realize all the little things he does so superbly, if someone like Otto Porter was available at #3, I'd have to go with Porter. The potential to have someone like Porter be able to develop into a system that features a premier creator (Wall) and a premier shooter (Beal) is a very very good situation.

I follow the Bulls a lot. Deng is a very good player, elite defender and rebounder, knows his role and works his ass off in games. That said, the guy needs to get better at 3's. If you're a 1, 2, or 3...you have to be able to shoot from outside or be the superstar creator for your team. Look at the Heat with Lebron and Wade. Wade doesn't quite fit on that team. The offense bogs down a bit with him and Lebron on the court at the same time, and it will only get worse as Wade continues to age. Now Deng was a bit better from 3 the previous year with Rose drawing more attention, and maybe that'll happen again if he joins up with Wall. But it's an issue. It is REALLY difficult to be a contender when you have 2 players that can not force the defense to spread out. If I were the Wizards I'd do the Chicago trade only if the two guys we really want at #3, are gone.

Yeah, they need a pretty big update. Seems unrealistic.

Really hoping we stick with the gold pants.

I also hate that hat, but for different reasons. I don't want Washington covering up the logo. And that color isn't Burgandy, I don't know what it is, but it's not Burgandy. It just does not look like a Redskins hat.

What about the Packers old retros? I think they look ugly as hell but they win regardless.

Eh, RG3 is enough of a franchise facelift as it is. I think our uni's are great as is.

God. Eli has become so good this season. This thread was entirely justified every other season of his, but this one he's suddenly become more talented.

I know! You never see knees like that in that situation, people are too scared of getting a point deduction if they hit too high. But man, it was devestating.

Bill Simmons take on Vesely: http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/6685883/the-nba-draft-lottery-player-guide Sounds like a potential fan favorite.

...is it possible to do an investigation into FIFA? I'm serious, we need a new organizational body if this is the **** they pull.

2003 Grand Caravan. Never had any problems in the past besides a flat tire. But the warning/malfunction light came on over the weekend. I looked in the manual and it said if there's a steady light, then it means something's probably a little loose and could be as simple as the gas cap. If it's a blinking malfunction light...then it needs to get serviced right away. Do you guys know anything about this? I was wondering if it was just an automatic service thing, like hit 'X' miles and the light goes on to get it serviced. Car seems to run fine, no smells or emissions from just sitting in the car.

Wait...hows the quality on this stuff? Anyone know? That's another reason to cancel cable TV if I don't even need to order a PPV and I can just hook up a computer to the TV.

I wouldn't say Swick is championship material. But he's deserving of a title shot. If he beats Kampmann, I can't think of anyone more deserving.