It happens Thursday, October 28, 2010...
Opening up against the Orlando Magic...
It's an away game, but pay attention!
The Rookie of the Year campaign begins!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Time to Play CATCH-UP
Bad news: I haven't updated this blog in over a month.
Good news: No one is really checking for it on a daily basis.
So here's my wrap-up:
John Wall averaged 24 PPG, 8 APG, 4 RPG, 3 SPG in 4 Summer League games.
Adjust his minutes and he averaged 13 free throws per 36 minutes. He shot 87% (41 of 47) from the free throw line. (This is a big deal... superstars get to the line at ease... it's a great way to control, and end, games)
He did average 5 turnovers per game. He'll have to work on his decision making. However, his blazing speed contributes to many of the turnovers. There aren't many players in the league that can stay in front of John Wall once he turns on his extra gear.
He missed one game due to tendinitis of the knees, but it's nothing too serious.
JaVale McGee played extremely well in Summer League, as well.
Most recently, he was added to TEAM USA.
Brook Lopez dropped out because he's suffering from mono.
JaVale McGee and Tyson Chandler are the only two centers on the roster.
Look for JaVale to get plenty of work with highly-talented, and mature NBA veterans.
This could be great for the development of the third-year center.
He compares favorably to Chandler.
Let's hope he proves to be more durable, and more offensively-capable than the new Dallas Maverick.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Washington, D.C.... Welcome Yi Jianlian!
The New Jersey (Or can we just call them Brooklyn?) Nets have traded Yi Jianlian and 'cash considerations' to the Washington Wizards for nothing, in exchange. The Wizards will use their trade exception (acquired when they traded Etan Thomas to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a year ago...).
This move dumps salary for the Nets (they now have $30 millie) and the Wizards add a scoring forward that doesn't play defense or do much of anything except spot up and shoot...
They are calling it a 'depth' move, but whatever...
The Wizards want to increase their market.
The Verizon Center is smack-dab in the middle of CHINATOWN.
I'm just sayin', baby... I'm just sayin'....
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Blatche to Miss Three Months...
of basketball activities. This news comes after Andray Blatche fractured a bone in his right foot.
He is expected to do his rehabilitation at either The Luxe Lounge, or The Park At Fourteenth ...
I kid.
I kid.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Last Pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, Selected by the Phoenix Suns...is...
DWAYNE COLLINS
and that wraps up the 2010 NBA Draft.
Tomorrow, your team will have probably completed a trade.
At 56 Overall, the Minnesota Timberwolves (selecting on behalf of the WSH Wizards) select...
Hamady Ndiaye
The 7-footer will immediately provide rebounding and defense (averaged 4.5 blocks per game last season).
He's still raw and won't provide much offense.
I'm disappointed that the Wizards didn't select Stanley Robinson, but there's hope...
BUY A PICK, GRUNFIELD...
The 2010 NBA Champion, Los Angeles Lakers select...
DEVIN EBANKS!
"Get 'em up!"
The Los Angeles Lakers have selected West Virginia forward, Devin Ebanks.
Ebanks is an extremely athletic player.
He's an aggressive rebounder and a versatile defender.
As pictured, he needs to add some bulk.
He'll need to add a jump shot to his game, as well.
However, he won't be expected to contribute immediately.
By the time the Lakers push Odom and Artest out of the door, Ebanks will hopefully be ready to be a significant contributor to the Los Angeles Lakers...
or he could be traded by the time I wake up.
That's how the NBA Draft works.
As I wait...
I wonder, how can the Knicks screw with their fanbase?
They have back-to-back selections in the 2nd round.
At first, they get it right.
They select the senior PG, Andy Rautins of Syracuse.
He's a hometown guy. He's a leader. He's a shooter. Great.
The next pick, fans are chanting "STEPH-EN-SON," begging the Knicks to select New York native, and former Cincinnati Bearcat, Lance Stephenson.
The guard is undeniably talented, but questions of his maturity and ability to play within a team concept are legitimate. However, in the 2nd round, it is worth the risk.
Well, as I type... the Pacers have just selected Lance "Born Ready" Stephenson.
We'll see how the ball-controlling shooting guard fairs in the NBA.
With Danny Granger and Brandon Rush on board, he won't have to rush his NBA development.
GREIVIS!!!
As a Maryland native, it's great to see Greivis Vazquez be selected in the 1st round of the 2010 NBA Draft.
The senior guard was selected at number 28 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Mike Conley hasn't been the answer at PG.
OJ Mayo has been taking reps at PG this offseason.
However, the New York Knicks are rumored to be buying the rights to Greivis Vazquez.
Stay tuned...
Washington Makes Another Trade...
The Washington Wizards have sent the #30 and #35 picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Clemson forward Trevor Booker (overall pick 23) and pick #56.
The Wizards add some front court depth.
Booker is an excellent finisher around the rim and will try to dunk EVERYTHING.
He's going to bring toughness and energy.
Wall-to-Booker alley oops will be frequent on ESPN's top plays.
I like the identity the Wizards are establishing.
Check out some Trevor Booker highlights here:
#17 Overall Selection...
The Chicago Bulls have selected PF, Kevin Seraphin. This pick will be traded to the Washington Wizards after July 1.
He's French.
He's 6'9 and 265 lbs.
He is said to be a good rebounder, shot blocker and an overall rugged player.
His offense needs polish and he does have the option to stay in France.
However, with only 6 players under contract (Wall would make 7) the Wizards may have him playing this season.
I suspect the Wizards will stash Seraphin and re-sign PF James Singleton to be the primary back-up to Andray Blatche.
But... but... I wanted Gordon Hayward...
Elliot Williams at 17?
At 6'4" and 175lbs, Williams played the point guard and shooting positions at Duke, before transferring to the Memphis Tigers.
He's a prolific scorer and slashes to the basket with aggression.
He gets to the free throw line at a high rate, as well.
Nick Young and Gilbert Arenas better look over their respective shoulders...
Kirk Hinrich and Pick # 17 on the Way to Washington...
Terms have not been disclosed, but it is believe that the this is a salary move on behalf of the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls hope to sign two max free agents (LeBron and Bosh? LeBron and Wade? LeBron and Stoudemire? Wade and Boozer? Who knows...) and Wizards owner, Ted Leonsis wanted to receive additional first round selections.
Kirk Hinrich will make $9 million dollars next season.
In 3 years, Kirk Hinrich has average 13 PPG, 6 APG, 3 RPG and 1 SPG.
He brings toughness, defense and can play both guard positions.
Sheesh.
Are they trying to get rid of Gilbert?
I don't think that's the case, but their chances of re-signing Shaun Livingston are getting a lot slimmer.
I really like Shaun Livingston.
I hope he signs with a Championship contender (Lakers, anyone?).
Afro in the Building?
Comcast SportsNet (and NBC Sports) is reporting that the Washington Wizards are expected to make an offer to SG/SF, Josh Childress.
Josh Childress has spent the past two seasons in Greece as part of the Olympiakos.
He can't officially sign an offer sheet until July 8th, but Childress brings excellent perimeter shooting and defending.
The Atlanta Hawks hold his contract rights, and would be able to match any offer given to Childress.
The Wizards are expected to offer a 3-year deal, worth as much as $18 million dollars.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The NBA Mock Draft is Here...
WIN, WIZARDS, WIN! 2010 NBA MOCK DRAFT
The first 14 selections (The NBA Lottery) are given best and worst case comparison scenarios. Some slides. Some surprises. Be sure to watch the NBA Draft presented Thursday, June 24, 2010 on ESPN at 7PM EST!
ROUND ONE
1. Washington Wizards – John Wall, PG, Kentucky
He’s something like… Derrick Rose
Worst case, he’s… Rajon Rondo
2. Philadelphia 76’ERs- DeMarcus Cousins, PF/C, Kentucky
He’s something like… Zach Randolph
Worst case, he’s… Zach Randolph
3. New Jersey Nets – Evan Turner, G/F, THE Ohio State
He’s something like… Brandon Roy
Worst case, he’s… Maurice Ager
4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Derrick Favors, PF/C, Georgia Tech
He’s something like… Amare Stoudemire w/ Defense
Worst case, he’s… Antonio McDyess
5. Sacramento Kings – Greg Monroe, PF/C, Georgetown
He’s something like… Vlade Divac
Worst case, he’s… Boris Diaw
6. Golden State Warriors – Luke Babbitt, F, Nevada
He’s something like… Chris Mullin
Worst case, he’s… Luke Jackson
7. Detroit Pistons - Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse
He’s something like… Shawn Marion
Worst case, he’s… Nicolas Batum
8. Los Angeles Clippers – Paul George, SF, Fresno State
He’s something like… Tracy McGrady
Worst case, he’s… Gerald Green
9. Utah Jazz- Xavier Henry, G/F, Kansas
He’s something like… Ray Allen
Worst case, he’s… Anthony Parker
10. Indiana Pacers – Gordon Hayward, F, Butler
He’s something like… Luol Deng
Worst case, he’s… Jared Dudley
11. New Orleans Hornets- Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina
He’s something like… Al Horford
Worst case, he’s… Kurt Thomas
12. Memphis Grizzlies- Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest
He’s something like… Josh Smith
Worst case, he’s… Marvin Williams
13. Toronto Raptors- Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor
He’s something like… Carl Landry
Worst case, he’s… Darrell Arthur
14. Houston Rockets – Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
He’s something like… Brendan Haywood
Worst case, he’s… Nenad Kristic
15. Milwaukee Bucks- Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky
16. Minnesota Timberwolves- Avery Bradley, G, Texas
17. Chicago Bulls- Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall
18. Oklahoma City Thunder- Daniel Orton, C, Kentucky
19. Boston Celtics- James Anderson, SG/SF, Oklahoma State
20. San Antonio Spurs- Eric Bledsoe, G, Kentucky
21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Elliot Williams, G, Memphis
22. Portland Trailblazers- Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia
23. Minnesota Timberwolves-Greivis Vazquez, G, Maryland
24. Atlanta Hawks- Larry Sanders, PF/C, Virginia Commonwealth
25. Memphis Grizzlies- Kevin Seraphin, PF/C, France
26. Oklahoma City Thunder- Damion James, F, Texas
27. New Jersey Nets- Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State
28. Memphis Grizzlies- Armon Johnson, PG, Nevada
29. Orlando Magic- Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier
30. Washington Wizards- Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State
ROUND TWO
31. New Jersey Nets- Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech
32. Miami Heat- Quincy Pondexter, SF, Washington
33. Sacramento Kings- Jarvis Varnardo, PF/C, Mississippi State
34. Portland Trailblazers- Terrico White, G, Mississippi
35. Washington Wizards- Stanley Robinson, F, UCONN
36. Detroit Pistons- Tibor Pleiss, C, Germany
37. Milwaukee Bucks- Tiny Gallon, PF, Oklahoma
38. New York Knicks- Samardo Samuels, PF, Louisville
39. New York Knicks- Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma
40. Indiana Pacers- Sherron Collins, PG, Kansas
41. Miami Heat- Mikhail Torrance, PG, Alabama
42. Miami Heat- Dominique Jones, G, South Florida
43. Los Angeles Lakers- Art Parahouski, C, Radford
44. Milwaukee Bucks- Trevor Booker, PF, Clemson
45. Minnesota Timberwolves- Brian Zoubek, C, Duke
46. Phoenix Suns- Lance Stephenson, SG, Cincinnati
47. Milwaukee Bucks- Lazar Hayward, F, Marquette
48. Miami Heat- Jerome Jordan, C, Tulsa
49. San Antonio Spurs- Nemanji Bjelica, G/F, Serbia
50. Dallas Mavericks- Derrick Caracter, PF, UTEP
51. Oklahoma City Thunder- Dexter Pittman, C, Texas
52. Boston Celtics-Latavious Williams, G/F, NBADL
53. Atlanta Hawks- Jon Scheyer, G, Duke
54. Los Angeles Clippers- Hamady N’Diaye, C, Rutgers
55. Utah Jazz- Luke Harangody, PF, Notre Dame
56. Minnesota Timberwolves- Dwayne Collins, PF/C, University of Miami (Florida)
57. Indiana Pacers- Jerome Randle, PG, California
58. Los Angeles Lakers- Da’Sean Butler, G, West Virginia
59. Orlando Magic- Mac Koshwal, PF, DePaul
60. Phoenix Suns- Alexey Shved, PG, Russia
Friday, May 28, 2010
Can I get some REAL help?
The Boston Celtics have eliminated the Orlando Magic from the 2010 NBA Playoffs.
*sigh*
I have no problem with Boston.
In fact, I'm a supporter of Rajon Rondo.
Paul Pierce remains one of the NBA's elite.
Kevin Garnett is a cerebral mastermind.
Ray Allen is a deadly shooter.
Kendrick "Tell 'Em Why You Mad, SON!" Perkins is vastly underrated.
Congratulations to Boston!
My problem is with the managerial decisions of the Orlando Magic.
Without much question, Dwight Howard is the most dominant center in the NBA.
In an era where teams lack true 7 foot centers, one would think the Orlando Magic could successfully build around the league's best.
However, they have failed to do it.
The Orlando Magic spent about thirty-five million...
That's $35,000,000.00 for 23 total points and 15 rebounds tonight.
Dwight Howard (making a little under $15 millie) alone poured in 28 points, while collecting 12 rebounds, in a losing effort.
The $35 Million dollars and mediocre statistics represent Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter.
Lewis scored 7 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.
Carter scored 17 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
These two shy away from making the big play.
Neither players have been deadly from long range.
In fact, Mickael Pietrus and JJ Redick are better three point shooters and combine to make less than nine million dollars combined.
More than the money, it's about managerial decisions causing players to waste their efforts and energy. During Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame induction speech, he took a shot at owners/general managers and stated that players win championships.
With the Orlando Magic's current roster, Dwight Howard will never win a championship.
In retrospect, they should have NEVER traded for Vince Carter.
He has never proven to be more than a high-scoring, glorified loser.
Don't get me wrong.
In his prime, he was an amazing scorer and dunker.
However, he's always been a tad too timid and a tad too soft to be considered amongst the elite.
A hungry, defending, slashing and aggressive Courtney Lee would have caused much more match-up problems for Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.
Keeping Hedo Turkoglu would have been ideal.
He struggled to make an impact in his first season as a Toronto Raptor.
He's never afraid to take the last shot (or ANY shot; he loves shooting) and he's a match-up nightmare, as a 6'9" forward with the handles of a point guard.
Jameer Nelson is a soldier.
He has all the heart in the world.
It's too bad that he and Dwight Howard are likely stuck with Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter for the next few (3 more years on the contract of Lewis; 2 years, with a team option on the 2nd year of Carter's deal) seasons.
I'm sure Howard and Nelson don't even want to consider the fact they could be playing alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, or Carlos Boozer next season... had their organizatoin not used so much salary cap space on two underwhelming players...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)