The Official Washington Basketball Thread: Wizards, Mystics etc

[Destino]

I like the iguodala comparison. Not sure if MKG attacks the rim the same way or is as explosive an athlete. This concerns me from draft express:

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Michael-Kidd-Gilchrist-5707/

He's an average perimeter shooter at best, making 26% of the 51 3-pointers he attempted this season, showing highly unconventional mechanics (shooting the ball on his way down, with his elbow flailing out) that could hamper him from ever becoming anything more than that later in his career. He doesn't have much of a mid-range game either, struggling to pull-up off the dribble effectively due to his crude shooting mechanics.

Kidd-Gilchrist isn't a very fluid or polished shot-creator either, as he's not a very advanced ball-handler at this stage in terms of changing speeds and directions on his secondary moves. His first step is very effective, and he has extremely long strides and the ability to overpower defenders on his way to the lane, but if he can't simply blow by his man or get his shoulder past him, he struggles somewhat trying to create offense in isolation or pick and roll situations.

He does have toughness, which can't be taught, and work ethic. He's very young, younger than Drummond IIRC so he may be able to change his game a great deal.

I'd still have him firmly behind TRob and Drummond but in front of Beal, that impresses me less the more I look into him.

Edited June 2, 2012 by Destino

[RonArtest15]

I like the iguodala comparison. Not sure if MKG attacks the rim the same way or is as explosive an athlete. This concerns me from draft express:

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Michael-Kidd-Gilchrist-5707/

He does have toughness, which can't be taught, and work ethic. He's very young, younger than Drummond IIRC so he may be able to change his game a great deal.

What DX said is a very fair summary of him. What he lacks with jump shooting, he'll make up for with his quickness off the dribble and his ability to attack the rim. Not on Iggy's level, but he's pretty good at it in his own right. I like the fact that he can defend positions 1-4 and can bring the ball up the floor while in transition. He's a guy who would help us immensely.

[Destino]

What DX said is a very fair summary of him. What he lacks with jump shooting, he'll make up for with his quickness off the dribble and his ability to attack the rim. Not on Iggy's level, but he's pretty good at it in his own right. I like the fact that he can defend positions 1-4 and can bring the ball up the floor while in transition. He's a guy who would help us immensely.

I don't see how that makes any sense. We need LESS players looking to dribble the ball that can't shoot. Washington was in the bottom 3rd of the league in PPS, 3p%, 3pm, fg%, and points. This despite being in the top third of the league in Field Goals Attempted.

[RonArtest15]

I don't see how that makes any sense. We need LESS players looking to dribble the ball that can't shoot. Washington was in the bottom 3rd of the league in PPS, 3p%, 3pm, fg%, and points. This despite being in the top third of the league in Field Goals Attempted.

Having another guy on the floor who CAN handle the ball, helps. Unlike some other guys on the team, he'll be able to beat you OFF the dribble because of his quick first step. He shots a pretty high FG% for a 3 due to the fact he can get to the rim. He's efficient. This is why he'd help.

Now, if we get MKG (who I think is the best prospect between him, Robinson, and Beal) there would bee a need for a shooter. Either by way of FA or trade pick/player.

[Samuels]

He is nothing like Iggy at all except rebounding and defense. Iggy is a point forward that can handle and distribute.

MKG is a horrible fit for this team. And this is coming from a guy who told you guys months ago that Davis was the sure fire 1st pick got blasted by some. Got blasted for saying i'd trade Wall for him in a heartbeat. And I believe one of the only other guys who was touting MKG at that time was Steve. I've been on his bandwagon for awhile but its a horrible horrible fit blame it on Grunfeld. Just look at this roster and please tell me how in the world MKG is gonna help? You can't have a guy like Wall who can't shoot a lick surrounded by guys who can't shoot a lick its horrible.

To take advantage of Walls strenght as a passer we gotta have guy who can knockdown spot up jumpers, period.

PG- Wall- Mack

OG- Crawford

SF-MKG-Singleton-Vesely

PF-Booker

C-Nene-Seraphin

That would be a assembled pile of steaming elephant dung. Who on that team can shoot?

You got 40%fg shooters in the backcourt

You got 3 Sf's that can't shoot a lick but can play defense

You have no true PF on the roster

You have no true 2 guard on the roster

How in the world does that make sense at all?

[SuperBash]

Am I the only Team Beal guy on this board? Sure feels like it. I can see why other want Robinson, I just can see our backcourt set for years with Wall/Beal.

[StillUnknown]

Am I the only Team Beal guy on this board? Sure feels like it. I can see why other want Robinson, I just can see our backcourt set for years with Wall/Beal.

Beal is still my top choice

[Chachie]

I haven't seen enough of Beal, but if anyone here makes a good case for him being a reliable (that's all I ask- reliable) NBA perimeter shooter then I'm his new campaign manager. We need buckets, sons.

[Destino]

Am I the only Team Beal guy on this board? Sure feels like it. I can see why other want Robinson, I just can see our backcourt set for years with Wall/Beal.

Has a guard dominated team succeeded. Guards are high volume shooters when they are offensive minded.

[Going Commando]

Scottie Pippen couldn't shoot when he came into the NBA. By the time he was done he was a great shooter. Give MKG time. I see a lot of similarities between him and Pippen. Not quite the athlete Pippen was, but he's got that same intangible makeup. He's just a fantastic basketball player, particularly for being the youngest player in the class.

[RonArtest15]

Samuels - you make it seem like MKG would be the ONLY roster acquisition this team will make in the offseason. Ted has said we're going to be active. The lineup you posted isnt what's going to be out there on opening night even if we get MKG. Also, way to go out on a limb by saying Davis was going to be the #1 overall pick. It's not like he wasnt a 5* recruit and dominating very early in his career at UK. LOL. I think a lot of people saw that.

---------- Post added June-1st-2012 at 10:56 PM ----------

Scottie Pippen couldn't shoot when he came into the NBA. By the time he was done he was a great shooter. Give MKG time. I see a lot of similarities between him and Pippen. Not quite the athlete Pippen was, but he's got that same intangible makeup. He's just a fantastic basketball player, particularly for being the youngest player in the class.

Wont be 19 until Sept. His potential is ridiculous and we'd be idiots to pass him up, if he was sitting there at #3.

Edited June 2, 2012 by RonArtest15

[SuperBash]

Has a guard dominated team succeeded. Guards are high volume shooters when they are offensive minded.

Well we aren't getting a dominant wing or big man in the draft. We are going to get a piece to the puzzel in this draft, whether it's Beal, MKG, or Robinson, it's fine. But I prefer Beal because of his high IQ, passing, rebounding, and shooting ability. He isn't going to shoot 34 percent from 3 in the NBA, he'll be better. From all the reports I read, a lot of teams are really high on Beal, there has to be a reason for this.

[AsiaticSkinsFan]

Am I the only Team Beal guy on this board? Sure feels like it. I can see why other want Robinson, I just can see our backcourt set for years with Wall/Beal.

Id rather have Lamb.

and I get the MKG cant shoot stuff, but he improves our perimeter defense tenfold

Also, they really resigned Whitman for another year? I dont know why I bother with this organization some times. Leonsis is such a cheapskate.

[StillUnknown]

Id rather have Lamb.

and I get the MKG cant shoot stuff, but he improves our perimeter defense tenfold

Also, they really resigned Whitman for another year? I dont know why I bother with this organization some times. Leonsis is such a cheapskate.

Didn't even bother to interview any other candidates.

[No Excuses]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA

Y! Sources: Washington is finalizing a two-year head coaching contract with Randy Wittman. Announcement next week.

So in year 5 of John Wall, there is a great probability of us having a lame duck GM and coach.

Ted is as cheap as it gets. Let's hire a career loser to coach our #1 draft pick. Take that NBA!

[DallasBlowsBig]

As long as we don't pick Barnes at 3, Ill be ok, he is not top ten

[Destino]

http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft/2012/6/1/3043576/nba-draft-2012-gambles-andre-drummond-perry-jones

Article talks about the biggests risks in the draft including Drummond and PJIII. Also mentions mitigating factors.

Andre Drummond, Connecticut

The talent: There isn't a player in the NBA with Drummond's unreal physical tools: he's a 6'10, 270-pound big man with athleticism of a dunk contest winner. In a league where size is everything, he'll always be the biggest and fastest player on the court, even against Dwight Howard. Even more intriguingly, he's already far more natural and smooth with the ball in his hands than the robotic Howard.

The production: Drummond averaged 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game for a UConn team that stumbled badly after winning the 2011 championship, going 20-14 and losing in the first round.

Mitigating factors: The Huskies entire program imploded last season, with Ryan Boatright dealing with NCAA investigations and suspensions, Jim Calhoun missing more than a month with health issues and the school ultimately banned from the 2013 postseason for subpar academics. Combine that with shaky point guard play (Shabazz Napier) and a returning big man (Alex Oriakhi) whose strengths and weaknesses mirrored Drummond's, and it was a perfect storm few freshmen could overcome.

Edited June 2, 2012 by Destino

[Going Commando]

I don't see how that makes any sense. We need LESS players looking to dribble the ball that can't shoot. Washington was in the bottom 3rd of the league in PPS, 3p%, 3pm, fg%, and points. This despite being in the top third of the league in Field Goals Attempted.

We need guys who can generate offense off the dribble but won't shot jack and disrupt the offense. The only shot creators on the roster are crawford and wall.

Shooting can be taught and spot up shooters are a dime a dozen. Cartier Martin can shoot. We need creators. MKG can create. He can pass and dribble and finish at the rim. He'll be fine on offense. There is so much that he brings to the table that'd help us. Don't lose sight of the forest through the trees.

The draft is about finding a good player, not finding the perfect man who fits in like a jigsaw puzzle piece to your current roster. It's hard to find good players at any point in the NBA draft. You've also got an array of team building tools at your disposal beyond that third pick to fill in the cracks. The pick shouldn't necessarily be a shooting specialist if you're seeking the greatest team improvement net net. He should be the guy who brings the most to the table long term.

---------- Post added June-2nd-2012 at 01:19 AM ----------

Well we aren't getting a dominant wing or big man in the draft.

The bigs are actually a lot better than the back court players this year.

[Going Commando]

If the 2010 draft were held over again, would John Wall still be the top pick?

I think so. His body of work over two seasons is far and away better than anyone else's from that class.

But DeMarcus Cousins would certainly get some burn for first overall. And Cousins would certainly go second. Could be a similar dynamic with Andre Drummond in several years. Taken lower than he should have been, but ends up being better than several of the guys in front.

Anyway, this class lacks go to style scorers who were super productive in college.

Damian Lillard scored 26 PPG, but unfortunately for us he's really a PG and probably shouldn't receive heavy consideration even if we trade down.

After him, the only qualifying prospects who scored at least 17 PPG last year are Jeremy Lamb, Harrison Barnes, Thomas Robinson, and Jared Sullinger.

It wouldn't surprise me if there are only five NBA ready scorers in the entire class--Lillard, Lamb, Sullinger, Barnes, and Austin Rivers.

---------- Post added June-2nd-2012 at 10:40 AM ----------

From last year:

Jimmer - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/brigham-young/jimmer-fredette?season=2010-2011

Alec Burks - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/colorado/alec-burks?season=2010-2011

Derrick Williams - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/arizona/3-derrick-williams?season=2010-2011

Marshon Brooks - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/providence/marshon-brooks?season=2010-2011

From Wall's year:

Evan Turner - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/ohio-state/evan-turner?season=2009-2010

Jordan Crawford - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/xavier/jordan-crawford?season=2009-2010

Derrick Favors - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/georgia-tech/derrick-favors

Wall - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/kentucky/john-wall?season=2009-2010

Aminu - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/wake-forest/al-farouq-aminu?season=2009-2010

Cousins - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/kentucky/demarcus-cousins

From the year before Wall's year:

Steph Curry - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/davidson/stephen-curry?season=2008-2009

Blake Griffin - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/oklahoma/blake-griffin?season=2008-2009

Marcus Thornton - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/lsu/marcus-thornton?season=2008-2009

James Harden - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/arizona-state/13-james-harden?season=2008-2009

Johnny Flynn - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/syracuse/jonny-flynn

Tyreke Evans - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/memphis/tyreke-evans?season=2008-2009

From the year before that (Derrick Rose's class):

Derrick Rose - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/memphis/derrick-rose

Michael Beasley - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/kansas-state/michael-beasley?season=2007-2008

Eric Gordon - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/indiana/23-eric-gordon?season=2007-2008

OJ Mayo - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/southern-california/oj-mayo?season=2007-2008

Kevin Love - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/ucla/kevin-love?season=2007-2008

Jason Thompson - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/rider/jason-thompson?season=2007-2008

Ryan Anderson - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/california/ryan-anderson?season=2007-2008

Other notables:

Carmelo - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/syracuse/carmelo-anthony

D Wade - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/marquette/dwyane-wade

Bosh - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/georgia-tech/chris-bosh

Durant - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/texas/kevin-durant?season=2006-2007

Brandon Roy - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/washington/brandon-roy?season=2005-2006

Bogut - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/utah/andrew-bogut?season=2004-2005

LaMarcus Aldridge - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/texas/lamarcus-aldridge

CP3 - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/wake-forest/chris-paul

Deron Williams - http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/illinois/deron-williams

---------- Post added June-2nd-2012 at 11:00 AM ----------

One thing I drew from that is that a PG's college stats are almost no indicator of what he'll be capable of in the NBA scoring wise. DWill and Derrick Rose are two of the best scoring PGs in the league and their stats look pedestrian. DWill's look crappy actually.

Another thing I drew is that the shooting splits for the shooting specialists don't change a whole lot from college to the NBA. Steph Curry and Ryan Anderson for example. FT shooting ability in college seems to be a good indicator of general shooting ability.

Rebounding seems to hold true for the bigs from their final year to their NBA career. If you're a 9 RPG guy in college like Aldridge, Bosh, etc., then that's probably what you'll be in the NBA. If you're a double digit rebounding monster in college, then you'll probably be that in the NBA (Love, Griffin, Cousins). There are a few exceptions though. Guys who play on loaded teams and one and done bigs tend to have much lower averages then they go on to have in the NBA if they're successful.

- Blake Griffin's final season in college is statistically amazing.

- Ditto for Durant's

But Michael Beasley's stat line is absolutely baffling. He's the owner of arguably the greatest one and done season in recent history. It absolutely blows Griffin's and Durant's out of the water. The guy was an amazing all around force in college. But his NBA career might have been utterly ruined in part by his position change and the situation he was drafted into.

To go from 12 RPG at KState as a freshman PF to 5.6 RPG as a combo forward. Dude is damaged goods I suppose. But he might also be a lot better than anyone realizes. I bet he draws almost no interest when he hits free agency and can be had for cheap. He could be a minimal risk/high reward signing if you have him play as a Bosh style perimeter power forward. Not sure he fits on our team since we'll have a lot of SF/PF types assuming we draft MKG or TRob. But I bet someone out there could make something of him.

Edited June 2, 2012 by stevemcqueen1

[DallasBlowsBig]

I think John Wall is definately a top pick an untradable. Think about Rondo...imagine if Wall had KG, Pierce, and Ray Allen to work with, wow. Imagine if Wall had Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, and Rudy Gay to work with. Imagine if John Wall had Kevin Durant to work with. While Wall needs to get better, so does the talent around him. We need a consistent go to guy, hopefully its Nene and Seraphin next year.

[Going Commando]

Also hampering Wall's progression (and almost all of the sophomores) was the lockout. A lot of these guys didn't change from rookie to sophomore year. I think a stable, normal year could cause a lot of guys starting to shine in their third season. Wouldn't surprise me if Wall, Cousins, and Turner all made big leaps next season. Also wouldn't surprise me if someone like Derrick Favors really started to show some value.

[Chachie]

Also hampering Wall's progression (and almost all of the sophomores) was the lockout. A lot of these guys didn't change from rookie to sophomore year. I think a stable, normal year could cause a lot of guys starting to shine in their third season.

I saw a big improvement in the last 20 games. Whether the Wiz were winning or losing, they were simply playing better ball on both sides of the court. Seraphin and Vesely in particular but I also thought Wall started to look more comfortable and confident.

[RonArtest15]

Just read that Eric Gordon plans to test free agency. Imagine a lineupmof wall, gordon, mkg, seraphin, and Nene? There is no way this team wouldnt be in contention for a playoff spot next year.

[Destino]

I saw a big improvement in the last 20 games. Whether the Wiz were winning or losing, they were simply playing better ball on both sides of the court. Seraphin and Vesely in particular but I also thought Wall started to look more comfortable and confident.

April was his worst in terms of fg% (.402), scoring (14.5ppg), and rebounding (3.8rpg) of the year. His assists went through the roof however reaching 9.1 a game. January was his best month statistically.

[StillUnknown]

Just read that Eric Gordon plans to test free agency. Imagine a lineupmof wall, gordon, mkg, seraphin, and Nene? There is no way this team wouldnt be in contention for a playoff spot next year.

A little concerned about Gordon's injury history, but I would love to sign him. If we go MKG in the draft, I do everything possible to get Gordon here.