The Official Washington Basketball Thread: Wizards, Mystics etc

[SuperBash]

The interior defense is awful pre shot.

[Going Commando]

Beal is shooting way better from the FT line in the NBA than he did in college. That seems strange to me. Does this happen often? For rookies?

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

Beal is shooting way better from the FT line in the NBA than he did in college. That seems strange to me. Does this happen often? For rookies?

I think it happens as you get older and perfect your form.

[SuperBash]

Every time I see WIttman confused and upset...

[Going Commando]

I think it happens as you get older and perfect your form.

I'm hoping this is what his FT % is going to be like moving forward and not a fluke. I think it's over ten points higher than last year's.

[StillUnknown]

Earl Barron gets garbage time minutes, Vesely gets another healthy DNP.

After posting that McGee gif, I should also mention he went 9/9 from the floor tonight.

Edited December 8, 2012 by StillUnknown

[Going Commando]

Earl Barron gets garbage time minutes, Vesely gets another healthy DNP.

After posting that McGee gif, I should also mention he went 9/9 from the floor tonight.

Vesely has either quit on the team or Wittman is using him to prove a point. There's no other reason not to play him at all. I wouldn't be surprised if he did something ****ed up. This can't just be about his free throws can it?

---------- Post added December-7th-2012 at 10:17 PM ----------

I know Drummond plays only a few minutes per game but I think it's worth pointing out he has a 20.95 PER. If he played legit minutes, is it so crazy to think he could be a 15 PER player this year?

If you told me last year that Drummond would have that kind of efficiency and Harrison Barnes would have an 11.33 PER thus far, you would have blown my mind. Barnes looked NBA ready coming out of HS and Drummond was hanging on by a thread for his college team.

If guys with such polished scoring like Barnes and Waiters are struggling like they have been, it makes me feel a little better about Beal's struggles.

This rookie class took a huge hit when Davis got hurt.

[Destino]

People were dumb about Drummond. He was an above average defender and rebounder in college. That combined with his athleticism and size instantly made him quality depth in the nba where bigs on the bench are often not required to be to active offensively. His offense is still bad as is his horrible FT% but his bust potential was not nearly as high as people made it out to be.

Beal is effective when he's aggressive but he lacks confidence and ability with his dribbling. That is something that IMO is easier to improve than shooting. He should improve tremendously as his handling gets better... Assuming the wizards have someone working with him on it (doubt it)

Edited December 8, 2012 by Destino

[AsiaticSkinsFan]

If you told me last year that Drummond would have that kind of efficiency and Harrison Barnes would have an 11.33 PER thus far, you would have blown my mind. Barnes looked NBA ready coming out of HS and Drummond was hanging on by a thread for his college team.

or 6 months ago when I said it and you shot me down (altho I dont trust this organization with bigs)

Barnes aint gon be anything special in the NBA. You need to let that dream go.

If guys with such polished scoring like Barnes and Waiters are struggling like they have been, it makes me feel a little better about Beal's struggles.

I do not see the correlation.

[SuperBash]

Looking at the box scores, Blatche has been playing well lately with Lopez hurt.

[Going Commando]

People were dumb about Drummond. He was an above average defender and rebounder in college. That combined with his athleticism and size instantly made him quality depth in the nba where bigs on the bench are often not required to be to active offensively. His offense is still bad as is his horrible FT% but his bust potential was not nearly as high as people made it out to be.

Beal is effective when he's aggressive but he lacks confidence and ability with his dribbling. That is something that IMO is easier to improve than shooting. He should improve tremendously as his handling gets better... Assuming the wizards have someone working with him on it (doubt it)

Dribbling is definitely easier to improve than shooting. Shooting is total body control. Dribbling is just hand speed and off hand work. It's something that tons of repetition can drastically improve.

Then again, I can't think of any recent Wizards who notably improved their dribble skills. Given Ves is useless as a shooter and only effective around the rim and he's actually got a pretty nice first step, shouldn't priority #1 have been to teach him how to dribble?

Same for Singleton and Booker. Singleton would be a legitimately quality offensive player if he could dribble and Booker would be able to get around his height disadvantage.

John has also not improved his advanced handles IMO. He can already get to the rim but if he was a better handler he could keep his head up on drives and turn the ball over less.

[Destino]

Looking at the box scores, Blatche has been playing well lately with Lopez hurt.

I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be much better than we expect. Not a star, but better. The Wizards have a poisonous culture and our players fail to improve their essential skills, including conditioning.

[Going Commando]

or 6 months ago when I said it and you shot me down (altho I dont trust this organization with bigs)

Barnes aint gon be anything special in the NBA. You need to let that dream go.

I wasn't in love with Barnes. Had him sixth I think, behind Davis, MKG, Beal, TRob, and Drummond. I thought he played a slow, deliberate game, had a horrible NCAA tourney, didn't defend as well as he should, didn't rebound as well as he should. But Barnes had an excellent NBA ready mid range game with all kinds of scoring tools and he was a very nifty finisher with some nice transition scoring tools. Plus he could catch and shoot threes. NBA ready body. Still think his realistic ceiling is Sean Elliot. Maybe Luol Deng. That wouldn't have been great at three but that's good around six.

I actually liked Drummond more than most people. Nobody predicted he was going to be this comfortable this early. I didn't think he made more sense for us than Beal and I would have taken TRob over him but those were the only two. I'm still not totally ready to buy into Drummond yet though. He hasn't played enough minutes yet. I also think Beal is going to drastically improve by the end of the season. He seems to figure out a little bit more each game and he's going to be substantially better when Wall gets back.

I do not see the correlation.

They were more NBA ready. Had go to scoring skills to carry them while they learn to play. Neither have really been less awful than Beal.

[AsiaticSkinsFan]

I wasn't in love with Barnes.

Had him sixth I think, behind Davis, MKG, Beal, TRob, and Drummond. I thought he played a slow, deliberate game, had a horrible NCAA tourney, didn't defend as well as he should, didn't rebound as well as he should. But Barnes had an excellent NBA ready mid range game with all kinds of scoring tools and he was a very nifty finisher with some nice transition scoring tools. Plus he could catch and shoot threes. NBA ready body. Still think his realistic ceiling is Sean Elliot. Maybe Luol Deng. That wouldn't have been great at three but that's good around six.

Barnes isnt a fluid athlete. He has the measurables with speed and leaping ability and the size, but he is very stiff. His handles arent the best, and he cant create for himself off the dribble. It was why his freshman year was a disaster until Larry Drew transferred and Kendall Marshall stepped into the starting line up.

Barnes could be a good catch and shoot guy, and could be a good defender with adequate work and focus tho. But "the next Kobe Bryant" stuff he had coming out of HS is never going to happen.

I recall me and you having a 'discussion' about Barnes, and you definitely came across as being a lot more than "I wasnt in love."

I actually liked Drummond more than most people. Nobody predicted he was going to be this comfortable this early. I didn't think he made more sense for us than Beal and I would have taken TRob over him but those were the only two. I'm still not totally ready to buy into Drummond yet though. He hasn't played enough minutes yet. I also think Beal is going to drastically improve by the end of the season. He seems to figure out a little bit more each game and he's going to be substantially better when Wall gets back.

Drummond should be starting in Detroit. I dont understand why he isnt considering how bad they are but I liked him more than all of our other realistic options except MKG. Young athletic bigs with actual strength>>>>

I kept saying the problem with him last year was Calhoun's illness letting him down, not his play.

They were more NBA ready. Had go to scoring skills to carry them while they learn to play. Neither have really been less awful than Beal.

there isnt any actual correlation tho. They are all in different situations.

[SiCkSoULjA]

Well guys two of the guys I supported here are starting too come along and get it! McGee and the guy everyone loves too hate Blatche both have quietly been having a solid season with a pers of 24 and rising. McGee has been pretty consistent all season putting up crazy numbers and limited minutes. Blatche started off slowly but has been balling as of late , playing defense getting rebounds and not just scoring like he was doing here at moments.

Blatche, I know ran up his time here with his off the court activities and coming in out of shape and lazy. I think he can maintain his play and be a productive player in Brooklyn for years too come. I wonder was he right the team not having his back and giving him the help he desperately needed. Yes he's been in the league for 6-7 years but coming in he was a immature 19 year old and the team just let him run loose. Being on a team full of a bunch of young knuckle heads like Arenas, McGee, Nick Young and others he never learned and continued too live his life style of a young guy straight out of high school getting paid millions in a big city. I wonder if we had a real coach that didn't take his bull**** and a team with some real vets on there too help him along the way. In Brooklyn Joe Johnson, Williams, and The enforcer Reggie Evens too let him know he's not only destroying himself but this team is not going too let him bring them down. Here he ****s up and still get an extension with no stipulations too void his contract if his actions continue. Here he was allowed too **** up act good, or play good for a few weeks and we reward him a extension, Coach Avery Johnson has brought him under his wings and let him know one **** up and your done, but her let me make sure your in your off season conditioning programs and lead you in the right directio. It's your desison on what route you choose too take.

McGee another immature player with talent out of his world again was young and surrounded by a bunch of young douches. But yearly he continues too add or work on a element of his game. Potential out of this world but again he was allowed too party it up with no problem. Not really a trouble maker like Blatche but still in the clubs every week partying and not focusing on his game. In Denver he has been playing well but George Karl is making him earn his minutes and learn too be a professional if he wants too get starter minutes letting him know consistency is the key.

I hear stories from a friend of mine saying he is pretty sure too see wizards players constantly clubbing it up multiple times a week partying Last year like its 1999 including everyones favorite player John Wall. He clearly must be smarter too avoid trouble than the blatches Mcgees and Youngs but still when is enough enough? Yes this year we go out and get rid of all the trouble makers but we go out and get aging vets with a history of injuries and others who on clearly on the down stroke of there careers. NeNe, Okafur, and Ariza We needed those players years ago too help develope our younger core. Our GM robbed us of that earilier by extending Arenas too 100$ deal fresh off knee surgury or picking up vets that was just here too pick up the pay check Rasad Lewis and letting go one of the better leaders of this team in Caron Bulter.

Everyone may seem like I am making excuses for these guys but ask yourself if he was 19-20 year old talented athlete just handed millions on a team full of guys just like you will, What will you do continue on your path of being young and living the life.

Edited December 8, 2012 by SiCkSoULjA

[AsiaticSkinsFan]

Its been well known that John Wall is a club rat. He always tweets pics of himself in the club.

[SiCkSoULjA]

Its been well known that John Wall is a club rat. He always tweets pics of himself in the club.

Yeah my friend is a party animal and he says Wall, Blatche and company be partying and drinking until they get stupid drunk. This team has no direction it's a mess I don't see any hope until things radically change from the top down.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

Looking at the box scores, Blatche has been playing well lately with Lopez hurt.

I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be much better than we expect. Not a star, but better. The Wizards have a poisonous culture and our players fail to improve their essential skills, including conditioning.

Wait until he's not on a one year deal and then talk to me.

Its been well known that John Wall is a club rat. He always tweets pics of himself in the club.

Yeah my friend is a party animal and he says Wall, Blatche and company be partying and drinking until they get stupid drunk. This team has no direction it's a mess I don't see any hope until things radically change from the top down.

Is that really a problem? A player enjoying the club? If he puts in the work, I don't really care. I mean it's not like Magic got the HIV spending 24 hours in the gym everyday. Jordan gambling exploits in casinos are legendary. And I don't think I need to say anything more that Barkley name.

[SiCkSoULjA]

Wait until he's not on a one year deal and then talk to me.

Is that really a problem? A player enjoying the club? If he puts in the work, I don't really care. I mean it's not like Magic got the HIV spending 24 hours in the gym everyday. Jordan gambling exploits in casinos are legendary. And I don't think I need to say anything more that Barkley name.

These guys are cut from a different cloth they were established ball players all stars and for sure hall of famers they earned there right. It's a completely different situation John Wall my fav player but there's nothing good hanging out at clubs daily. Magic, and Jordan where gym rats first they have put in work, playing in and 1 games I don't consider that putting in work there's legendary players in south east dc that's a beast in pick up and play ground games. I am talkin about hitting the gym and working on your weakness shooting jump shot after jumpsuit trying too improve your craft.

[RonArtest15]

Its been well known that John Wall is a club rat. He always tweets pics of himself in the club.

LOLOLOLOL

*edit* as long as his fondness for nightlife doesn't interfere w/ his play on the court (Blatche), I got no problem w him having fun. He's 22.

Edited December 8, 2012 by RonArtest15

[Going Commando]

Well ideally you'd prefer him to be a homebody like Durant, Duncan, or Rose because it ensures they stay off their feet and rest. But I'd guess most NBA players, especially the young ones, are not like that.

I don't really care much about the clubbing and the stuff that happens away from the team, it's the culture of the organization itself that needs fixing. The Ernie FO does not create accountability and professionalism for the entire organization.

[Destino]

Is he clubbing now or last year? I don't care about last year. If he's partying it up now that's problematic. Rehab and healing isn't aided by consuming vast amounts of booze and having a terrible sleep schedule. Perception is also something pros need to manage and getting smashed at the wee hours of the morning do not scream "working hard to get back".

[AsiaticSkinsFan]

Is that really a problem? A player enjoying the club? If he puts in the work, I don't really care. I mean it's not like Magic got the HIV spending 24 hours in the gym everyday. Jordan gambling exploits in casinos are legendary. And I don't think I need to say anything more that Barkley name.

you're upset at the wrong person. I legit do not care. He is 22 years old, in Atlanta and out with Keri Hilson and Tika Sumpter and Dania Ramirez

as long as homes is working on his form and studying tape, and not getting into trouble, let him live his life.

And Ive been in a club with Wall before, dude is usually chilled out in VIP. He isnt getting into trouble like Blatche did.

http://i.mediatakeout.com/photo/13549719131c770df3ef.jpg

LOLOLOLOL

*edit* as long as his fondness for nightlife doesn't interfere w/ his play on the court (Blatche), I got no problem w him having fun. He's 22.

yeah, I dont care at all. I feel the people who do care are a little green with envy that he doing it and they cant.

---------- Post added December-8th-2012 at 03:31 PM ----------

Is he clubbing now or last year? I don't care about last year. If he's partying it up now that's problematic. Rehab and healing isn't aided by consuming vast amounts of booze and having a terrible sleep schedule. Perception is also something pros need to manage and getting smashed at the wee hours of the morning do not scream "working hard to get back".

it was last night. Who says he is drinking?

And Wall has a fracture. Sleeping 10 hours a day is not going to heal a fractured bone.

---------- Post added December-8th-2012 at 03:34 PM ----------

I am talkin about hitting the gym and working on your weakness shooting jump shot after jumpsuit trying too improve your craft.

I agree with this, but the point I always make is how do we know he isnt?

Partying at a club for 2-3 hours is only 2-3 hours. How do we not know he isnt working on those things during the day? I know it was just a light shoot around, but his jumper looked a lot more improved in that video that was posted last week, than it had in the past. A lot better because he was missing jumpers in light workouts before as well.

[Destino]

it was last night. Who says he is drinking?

And Wall has a fracture. Sleeping 10 hours a day is not going to heal a fractured bone.

.

I don't know if he was drinking or even when this took place. What I said was that poor sleep schedules and drinking does not aid healing. If it does anything it sets healing back and detracts from overall health.

[AsiaticSkinsFan]

I don't know if he was drinking or even when this took place. What I said was that poor sleep schedules and drinking does not aid healing. If it does anything it sets healing back and detracts from overall health.

he has a stress fracture. There isnt much he can do except not strain himself physically.

It would be different if he had a muscle, joint, or ligament injury where he had to do actual rehab to build up that area of his body.

You cant do much about a bone except wait for it to heal.

Edited December 8, 2012 by AsiaticSkinsFan