Taking all recent luck and franchise history into account, i sure hope i'm not reading about Gilbert signing a max deal in Portland to join Greg Oden to from some type of Shaq/Kobe combo. And if he stays, hopefully Gil getting paid doesn't ruin the teams chances of improving because of salary cap issues

Go, Wiz

If he wants the Wizards to win a title, Gilbert might want to sign a little less than the max so the team has more flexibility.

I guess what is so surprising about this is that Gil said just last year he was willing to take a pay cut so the Wiz could bring in players to help them go all the way. But maybe getting hurt changed his attitude. Don't understand why he made the statement at this time, though.

Re-signing your own players does not count the same against the salary cap as bringing in free agents or making trades. However much the Wiz pay Gilbert, it really won't affect their ability to sign other talent. In fact it will be easier to sign other marquee players if the Wiz retain Gilbert - who wants to play here without him? So relax.

Anyone got Jerry Buss' number?

Signing a max deal does inhibit a team from signing other highly paid players just ask Kobe or KG.

Don't these stories get passed through an editor. There are quite a few errors in this one that make it harder to follow than it should be.

I kind of knew that Gilbert would opt out. I remeber reading an article somewhere in which Gil had said that he had land in VA and that if he was signed here for a length of time that he was going to build a home there. With that being said, he is pretty much doing as D-Wade and Lebron did, thus getting him a maximum contract in terms of money and guranteeing that he wuold be here for longer than 3 years. If he signs an extension it would only be good I think for 3 seasons and it is possible that he could be traded,by then he would be getting close to 30. So, I hear him. I don't take this as a sign that he wants to leave the Wizards, it's more a sign of him taking care of himself and I "ain't" mad at him.

"If he wants the Wizards to win a title, Gilbert might want to sign a little less than the max so the team has more flexibility."

This is no surprise to me, the NBA is a business and I would expect him to do no less. I mean it's the same thing with Jamison. If someone will give him a long term contract then I don't see him being here next year. Thing is no one is going to give him 20 mil either.

This is my concern going back to the pre-season.....

Eddie Jordan.

What do you think will happen if the Wiz tank it again and he gets fired at the end of the year?

I can just see it coming now. Then the Wiz go into the 08-09 season re-building yet again. That's why they should have canned his a$$ this year.

Don't tell me you don't see it coming George. :)

- Ray

$100 million over 6 years is a little more than what Antawn is making now, so it wouldn't kill our ability to sign free agents.

reason #1 he'll never sign in portland is the lack of limelight. portland is not primetime enough for your man, Gil

The biggest limiting factor to how much money the Wizards have to acquire talent won't be Gilbert's future contract, but Abe Pollin's willingness to acquire and pay for championship talent.

Is Gilbert a 6-year, max contract player? For a couple of months this season it definately looked like it, but I think he'll need to show he can carry a team this upcoming season to seal the deal.

Remember when everyone thought Steve Francis was awesome? And Stephon Marbury was awsome? I want to see Arenas dominate this season.

Comments from Ernie Gunfield pertaining to Gilbert is that the Wizards organization seemed to expect Gilbert to opt out next season and they understand his decision. I got the impression that they were going to make him a franchise player if that is what he wants. This is what was said on Comcast sportsnet today.

Oh no Ray I expected it, I can't think there are too many people on here who didn't see it coming.
In light of his comments last year that Lisa referenced, it would be nice if he practiced what he preached and took a little less. Although if one of the other posters are right it looks like he can't because he wouldn't make that much more than he does now.
It just addds to the importance of this summer. This might be the last time for awhile that Wizards have the flexibility to really improve the roster (outside of MLE and the draft) and they need to make this one count.

The Wiz we be sold shortly and the new onwer(s) should expect to have a payroll of least 75 million for the Wiz to complete with the elite teams.

That's hilarious. Gilby said last season that he didn't want to sign a Kevin Garnett or Allen Iverson contract which ends up hamstringing the team where they won't be able to sign other free agents and win championships. Now, he's potentially reneging on his words by saying he'll opt out.

The funniest thing is that he said his injury, the birth of his second child, and being 1 year older really woke him up. I guess making 50 mill more over 3 years vs. making 100 mill over 6 years is the deciding factor on whether or not his grand kids will eat caviar or bread and water. It's like a page out of the Latrell Sprewell book. "My kids gotta eat!!!"

Don't get me wrong. If I were him, I'd do the same thing too, but I sure as heck wouldn't have fed the fans a bunch of bull about "not wanting a KG or AI contract b/c I want to win." I hope these recent actions or words of potential actions will wake people up to realize that a professional athlete is a professional athlete. The money is the bottom line for most of these people.

Money is both line for most of us period! That would include DCWoman88 too.

Jordan has got to be thinking about moving Gilbert to the 2 guard position; and they will be drafting or offering a free agent contract to a point guard. I see Jared Jordan or an even higher selection.

EG has got to draft towards building a solid team, not making Gil happy...the objectives may be different for each

As george stated, it's hardly a ssurprise that he'll opt out. Pretty much any player of similar age and status would do the same thing.

As for the whole idea that signing him to a max deal would prevent the Wiz from buliding a title team... nonsens. It's management's job to put together a winning club and to properly manage the team's finances under the rules of the salary cap and. The idea that signing a guy to max contract somehow inhibits a team from building a winner around him would come as a surprise to the Lakers, Spurs, and Heat.

I love our star player..we really need to pay him more money right?

2 babies and a bruised knee and his life is flashing before his eyes? Or was it the thought of playing for Eddie Jordan again a bit too challenging?

Gosh, 26 yrs old and only make 12 million dollars a year. Have 2 kids, 10 cars, several homes all over the country - east coast/west coast. Could somebody plese help me...I'm destitute!! I've injured my knee at 26 yrs of age. What shall I do, where shall I go? My chauffered limo can't pick me up - to my next video signing. Who will pick up my latest tee shirts? Help me Lord!! I'm desperate and destitute.
hmmmmmmmmm

Ernie..get this team some help please. No more re-building again. At the end of the yr Eddie said those on the court in playoffs were an essentially new team..
Are we looking at same next yr. Say it ain't so.

I love our star player..we really need to pay him more money right?

2 babies and a bruised knee and his life is flashing before his eyes? Or was it the thought of playing for Eddie Jordan again a bit too challenging?

Gosh, 26 yrs old and only make 12 million dollars a year. Have 2 kids, 10 cars, several homes all over the country - east coast/west coast. Could somebody plese help me...I'm destitute!! I've injured my knee at 26 yrs of age. What shall I do, where shall I go? My chauffered limo can't pick me up - to my next video signing. Who will pick up my latest tee shirts? Help me Lord!! I'm desperate and destitute.
hmmmmmmmmm

Ernie..get this team some help please. No more re-building again. At the end of the yr Eddie said those on the court in playoffs were an essentially new team..
Are we looking at same next yr. Say it ain't so.

An interesting assessment of Jason Smith, who is often projected to be the Wizards pick and worked out with the team last week:
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2108

It's too bad that Gilby revealed his position this close to draft time. Otherwise, Grunfeld could have had more leverage in swinging a trade to get rid of Gilby.

Money is the bottom line for everyone, but too bad Gilby had to lie to the fans and get their hopes up that he wasn't going to hamstring the franchise by demanding a KG or AI pay day, but he's doing it now. I understand his two babies have to eat. I wonder when he came upon this revelation that he needed not 3 years, 50 mill, but 6 years, 100 mill? While driving around the beltway in one of his Ferraris? hahaha....Boo hoo...

Sure, if you have a general manager who knows his job, he can get the right pieces together even with someone like Gilby being maxed out, but you're talking about a perfect world, a perfect situation, perfect timing, and sure as heck, with Gilby's latest demands, it doesn't help the situation. Go talk to the Minnesota, Boston, and Sixers franchises. You need a front office staff that's world class and can get the diamonds in the rough (ie. Spurs, Utah, Chicago, etc.) Keep in mind people, this franchise is "on a tight budget," as quoted by EJ.

The funny thing is Les BouleS came out with a statement saying they expected Gilby to opt out and they are prepared to keep him as a Wizard for the rest of his career. Hmmm, where have we heard this popular phrase before? Surely here with Juwan and Larry, but also popular for most franchises out there.

I'm glad I wasn't duped by Gilby. I knew he was a fraud all along.

Gilbert is seriously helping the Wiz here, big time. He's giving them a one year advance notice on his plans so that Grunfeld can plan accordingly - whether they want to pay him the max, who they want to add around him, etc.

The Wizards are blowing smoke up our collective a... Gilbert has been in this organization long enough to see the plan for building a champion, and he's saying it's not for him, see ya. Larry, Jerrad and now Gilbert.This team's plan seem to be to generate just enough excitement to get butts in the seats and nothing more.The Wizards are "Perennial also rans" We all know when things will change, and Gilbert public declaration says it will not be soon enough at least not soon enough for him.

Could Gilbert's announcement work against him? What if (God forbid) he blows out the knee this upcoming season? Would any other team want to take the chance of signing him long term?

I love Gilbert and think he's brought something to this town that we've needed for a long time.

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

The Gilbert conundrum is this: 1. Gilbert wants to play on a legitimate title contender; 2. Gilbert wants to be the focal point of any team on which he plays; and 3. A team built around Gilbert will never be able to win a title.

The solution to the conundrum is this: Let Gilbert walk. And by the way, he's going to walk anyway, so may as well not worry about it.

Gilby's departure may be etched in stone already. He may actually take less money in contracts and go to a franchise that's got more limelight, starpower, and tv coverage (can anyway say LA?) which would result in more endorsements and exposure. I think Ivan/Mike should start a blog about where Gilby can be traded too and we get max benefits back.

Gilby is "smart" in that he won't tell management what and whom he wants to play with him because that would in essence, answer Les BouleS question on what it will take (besides money) to keep him here. If he wanted to be here, wanted to build something, he would tell management whom to surround him with. First to go may be EJ (Gilby don't do Princeton), but he won't do that, because it will make him seem like a bad guy. Bad guys don't get good endorsement$$$$.

In a heartbeat, he could get traded to LA to play with his idol and we get Odom and Bynum. Then Les BouleS could draft Taurean Green or Acie Law. Or, could he go to Chicago for Deng and Air Gordon (Chitown would be dumb to make this move). The bottom line is that there are so many better cities out there for Gilby which makes you wonder why would he want to stay in little ole' DC, despite him having a rabid following here. Here's why (a Mike Wise article):

"I asked Arenas last month what he thought the Wizards had to do to appease his wishes. He wouldn't campaign for the Wizards to acquire certain players, but he did say, "If you want a championship, you got to get a championship team."

He added: "I know this might not sound right, but the championship teams treat themselves like champions. You go into Miami's locker room, I'm like, 'Wow, what the hell is this?' Everything from their game-day meals for their players to every state-of-the-art thing you can imagine. As a player, why would you want to leave the locker room? I could sit there all day.

"We've been doing a better job, but it comes down to this: You treat your players like champions, they want to be champions," he added. "All the best teams in the league treat themselves first-class every day. Other players come over and think, 'They got this, they got that. Oh, I want to be here.' "

Whether Arenas was telling Abe Pollin and Ernie Grunfeld to upgrade the Wizards' facilities is up for debate. But he was clearly illustrating how the defending champions take care of their players. How the Wizards interpret Arenas's words gets to the issue of how much leverage stars have in this league."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/24/AR2007042402488.html

You know what? The only thing that can probably salvage Gilby's stay here is if Dishonest Abe sells the franchise to Leonsis right NOW!!! Then, Leonsis can step out of that shadow and do something aggressive with this team.

Otherwise, it's bye bye Gilby, we never knew ya..... Don't let the door hit your a$$$$$ on the way out.

"The Gilbert conundrum is this: 1. Gilbert wants to play on a legitimate title contender; 2. Gilbert wants to be the focal point of any team on which he plays; and 3. A team built around Gilbert will never be able to win a title."

Mitch, all valid points. The irony in this is that as much as Gilby wants to "be the man," he openly admits that he's not a leader and wants no part in being considered a leader. He wants to do his own thing, but wants franchise money.

That in itself is the sad state of lower performing/poorer NBA teams out there. You still have to pay through your teeth to keep your "star," but you can't afford to surround him with top players and you can't afford to put max money into management and scouting.

First point - addressed to Brian...Gil is 25 NOT 26

Second point: When and where did management state they planned to make Larry Hughes a Wiz for life? I know they made a statement they wanted to keep him but certainly do not remember a "Wiz for life" statement.

Thirdly, to any of you who actually believe DC88's predictions...get this: he predicted on the ESPN Wizards board that Miami would handily SWEEP the Bulls...and we all know how that went down.

"Thirdly, to any of you who actually believe DC88's predictions...get this: he predicted on the ESPN Wizards board that Miami would handily SWEEP the Bulls...and we all know how that went down.

Posted by: | June 11, 2007 09:42 AM "

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

THIS IS SOOOO ABSURD. I have said this before, and I will say this again.

I DO NOT BLOG ON THE ESPN WIZARDS BOARD. I did not know there is one, and I do not care that there is one. I do not give a crap about the Heat. If anything, I like the Bulls more due to their youth!!!

I do not support ESPN. I only write on the Les BouleS blog on the Post website!!!!!! Get this fact into your thick skull!

This has got to be one of the funniest, but idiotic statements I've read recently from a basketball player. Enjoy:

""If you're ducking, teams see that," Noah said. "You don't want to be somebody who is ducking players. I think that's kind of corny, kind of lame. Eventually in the game of basketball, there's no lying when you step between those lines. Bring your game and not your name. I'm from New York. That's how we do it.""

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-070608bulls,1,3098884.story?coll=cs-

Mitch said, "A team built around Gilbert will never be able to win a title." Mitch, since you can see the future, which stocks should I be buying and selling right now?

Which players can you build a title team around? The evidence suggests that Duncan and Shaq (2001 version) are the only current players. (I didn't include Wade because Miami suffered this year without Shaq, so although an argument can be made that Wade should be on that list, it's not conclusive.) As for Detroit's championship in 2004, which player was that team built around? Billups? Ben Wallace? Rip?

So I stick with my list of Duncan and Shaq. If you can figure out a way we can trade Arenas for Duncan or for Shaq and a time machine, I'm all for letting Arenas go. Absent that, though, I'm willing to gamble on a 25 year old who is one of the 15 best players in the league and improves every year.

Players I would build a team around:

Steve Nash (obvious, but untouchable)
Lebron (obvious, but untouchable)
Deron Williams
Chris Paul
Baron Davis (he's got heart, and he's a leader)

The key is that these players actively make their teammates better.

If Gilbert were to leave, would that be bad? I love everything he's brought to the team and the city, but can he LEAD us to a championship? He has already laughed at being the leader.I believe given the chance Caron could be the SUPERSTAR to build the team around. He plays D,is vocal, leads by example and with Gil gone could easily get 30 a game.He is hardworking and unselfish.Gil seems to be setting the table for his departure. Life after him would not send this team on a downward spiral. Just ask Caron.

To me, Caron is the MVP and glue of this franchise. He can take them further. There was an article in the paper a few weeks ago about how Caron was invited to a neighbor's birthday party (a teen) and showed up and just hung out. Caron is a good guy. I'm glad Les BouleS have him on the team even if he never has the "star power," and the drama, that Gilby brings.

Given how Gilby has dazzled and romanced a lot of these fans in DC though, they'll feel left at the altar if he leaves.

WARNING, CONSPIRACY THEORY:

Is Gilbert Arenas a drama queen or what?

Not to be outdone by Lebron's heroics against the Pistons, the Finals going on, and last but not least, Kobe's huge headline announcement last week that he wanted to be traded, DC's own Diva, Gilby, revealed unsolicited that he's going to opt out, creating a frenzy here in DC.

As they say, timing is everything. I'm surprised he didn't throw a coming out party for his announcement.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

Back to the draft...it looks like there is certainly some good depth in this draft even into the mid 2nd round. A good big could be had even though we did take 2 big Euros last year, but you can never have enough quality bigs. And I agree w/ Gil that a good scorer off the bench at the wing positions would help tremendously. Here are my favorites (top down) that may be there at our draft positions.

Bigs:
Tiago Splitter (size, experience, solid rebounder & defender)
Sean Williams (ver quick, talented, best shotblocker but has some troublesome issues?)
DeVon Hardin (size, overall talent and athletic)
Jason Smith (good offensive skillset)
Nick Fazekas (similar to Smith above, but less athletic)

SG/SF/Wings:
Morris Almond (great shooter who also goes to the f/t line often)
Nick Young (great athlete with good overall skills)
Rodney Stuckey (great combo guard from small school)
Acie Law (similar game to Stuckey)
Demetris Nichols (great shooter also decent D skills)
Gabe Pruitt (PG with size and experience, quick)
Javaris Crittenton (good PG athlete and skills but very young)
Reyshawn Terry (very good athlete and shooter but drifts a lot)
Derrick Byars (good scorer and intangibles)
Wilson Chandler (developing outside game, major athlete)
Aaron Afflalo (solid shooter almost like an Allan Houston)
Coby Karl (very good basketball IQ and shooter, combo guard skills)

Looking at the list, there are plenty of good shooters or scorers to help the Wiz from the wings and maybe one that'll be good enough to take DS' starting position if EG picks the right one.

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

So what is the max contract Gilbert can get if he opts out? Someone on this board threw out 6 years, $100 mill. Is that what it is?

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

Yup. He can sign an extension for 3 more years at 50 mil, or opt out and increase his risk that could reward him with 6 years and 100 mil from Les BouleS if they try to resign him after he ops out. Another team could only sign him for 5 years for less.

That's why Les BouleS have an advantage at resigning him (one more guaranteed year), but in the long run, Gilby could make more money endorsements-wise if he goes to a bigger market. Also, his chances of winning a championship with a different team are probably greater.

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

Oh Lord!!!They played right into DC man's hands...by discussing GILBERT ARENAS....

WE HAVE NOW ENTERED "THE TWILIGHT ZONE"

No one else will need to post..its DC all night and day...Just diggin a ditch to bury Gilbert. LOL, LOL, LOL,LOL

Can't you just see him....dirt just flyinnnnnnnnnn "Die Gilbert die!!!!!!!

OOOH WEEEE

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

Robin,

I done did it already! Enjoy!

PS. Gilby fans dug their own ditch, and are the ones that will doing the crying when he leaves. Also, Gilby won't die. He will thrive elsewhere like the rest of the ex-bouleS. I for one wish him the best elsewhere.

Ben Wallace
Rasheed
Larry Hughes
Rip Hamilton
CWebb
Stevie Blake
Juan Dixon
etc.
etc.
etc.

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

Robin,

That was my thoughts exactly...why oh why do some things happen in this world?

Blame your boy Gilby, not me. He's creating news for himself even though he's not in the playoffs, gimpy, and busy running a video game team.

Although Gilbert deserves to be paid top dollar as a Wizard due to his performance and contribution to the team, it would mean another Juwan Howard-like situation in terms of salary cap for the Wizards all over again. They won't be able to sign any top talent to make the team better.

He didn't step as a leader in the locker room and has said he's better at clowning around with guys, rather than getting in teammates' faces.

You also have to factor where Jamison will be as well. I think he can opt out as well after next season and I don't know if he would even accept a $5 million a season or less contract offer from the Wizards.

The constant is Caron Butler. He signed at a good amount.

Maybe Grunfeld needs to think how he can build around Caron, rather than Gilbert.

Whoever the Wizards draft won't have an immediate impact.

At least, Grunfeld is around to sort this all out. That's the smartest move Pollin made after extending Eddie Jordan.

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

High Risk/High Reward if you pick Sean Williams. The guy is super quick and has unbelievable timing for shotblocking. If you watch him move and block shots, he definitely reminds you of a bigger Josh Smith, even more so cause he's a lefty too. Many compare him to a Theo Ratliff and that's quite apt, but I would say he's quicker and more athletic than Ratliff was even during his prime.

Splitter is definitely less talented but has lots of experience and knows how to be a great teammate w/ good defensive skills. He's definitely the safe pick amongst the bigs list the Wiz can draft.

As for the wing position, I put Almond at the top cause he's a deceptively good athlete who is a very crafty player going to the bucket when he's not killing you with his deadly outside shot.

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

Agree that maybe better to build around Caron....better stability than Arenas...EG should make the necessary changes/additions now to complement Caron now back to full health...unlike Arenas's full recovery not as certain..w/risks he'll be taking for the coming season that he makes full recovery and does not get seriously hurt again...

To the people who are suggesting that the Wizards should get rid of Arenas -- who should the Wizards get to replace him, and how specifically will the Wizards get him?

You guys should take all this wizard's talk to the 'zards fourm here http://www.ebsports.net/bbs/index.php. Trying to get all the fans all in one spot so we can get great discussions like these except we can control what we want to talk about. Sign up, give it a shot.

Not sure that Caron could be the #1 offensive option from watching him during the 2.5 seasons he was with the Wiz. When Gil wasn't on the floor, Caron wasn't that successful creating his own shots especially facing the basket. He is much better creating his shot by posting up and spinning toward the middle. Certainly he is a more complete overall player (especially rebounding and solid D) than Gil is but he doesn't quite command the attention or has the speed/quickness to challenge more than one defender repeatedly with success.

That's Gil's forte and not many in the league are better than him at it.

I would equate Caron to one of Detroit's starting five - very good players as a whole but taken individually without all the others, they aren't premier players. Very good indeed, but again none of those guys would be great #1 offensive options w/o the strength of the other starting 4. The Wiz's starting 3 are nowhere as solid overall. That's just my 2 cents.

Ivan, sorry for bustin your balls bro (to borrow a phrase from the Sopranos R.I.P) I'm just jonzin from the Wizards season bein done. Seriously, hope you had a blast in SA! Believe me, any of us would be at the Finals over the Wizards workouts if given the choice. Obviously, can't pass on a party like that!

The workouts have been lame anyway IMO. I don't know who's organizing these things (but I gotta good guess... name starts with B, wears alot of makeup). Maybe it's just I'm not too excited about any of the players available at our pick. Jason Smith reminds me of Kwame. And him and McRoberts both seem too similar to what we picked last year in Pecherov. Nick Young intrigues me somewhat. So does Rudy Fernandez, who seems too skinny, but so did Rip). Almond and Stuckey seem like they could possibly step in. But none of these guys seem like anything special. Role players more likely. Sean Williams is a headcase. If it was just smoking pot that's one thing, but seems there's more to it.

Seeing what's been going on with the workouts, and seeing what we have to chose from, I think we're going to deal the pick, or at least I hope so. With Pech and Blatche, I think we gotta enough young prospects right now. Plus Eddie never plays the rooks anyway!! Considering where our team is, trying to take the next step, I'd rather see us bring in someone proven who can help us do that now. Maybe package the pick with Haywood in a trade?

The good thing about all this, and seeing the Cavs in the Finals... I KNOW if we were healthy we could've beat them!

Peace

Lisa, I think they just sent DCman to Disney World!!! He couldn't be happier.

I bet he has read every major city's sports page, comments and analysis regarding Arenas' statements.

Stay tuned..............

BTW DC - who the heck do you propose they replace Arenas with? Its cool to "wish" somebody gone but who you gonna fill the void with?

This team needs to learn how to "think" like champions and desire more than just making the playoffs. If its conceivable - its doable. They have to grow past nonsense and gain that championship like "focus"

"I know some of you are ticked off that I'm down here in San Antonio covering the Finals instead of being in Washington on top of the pre-draft workouts, and I understand. Don't worry, I'll be back for more workouts this week and I'll do my best to get you the best draft info possible. My man Mike Lee has some family responsibilities going on this weekend so he couldn't go to Games 1 and 2, but he will take over in Cleveland so I can get back to Wiz biz."

Ivan, no prob bro! It's the offseason man, you deserve a break. You've given us fans more inside and upclose coverage of the Wizards than we ever had in all the years before you came on the scene. I really appreciate you doin this blog, and we are all grateful. I'm just goin through the withdrawal of the end of the season. I didn't mean to take it out on you. Seriously man, have some fun and get some rest while you can!

Part of the problem is this team almost seems like family, like a favorite tv show watched religiously (like the Sopranos). And it's largely thanks to you sharing with us the behind the scene snapshots, the personality profiles and insightful offbeat stories we'd never know just watching them on the court.

It's like any great show that ends the season with a killer cliffhanger. Who will stay and who will go, what new characters will be added to the cast next season? What will become of Haywood, DeShawn, Etan, Roger, Bulletproof, Navarro, Pecherov, Hall, Arvis, etc. The draft, free agency, trades... all the subplots that could go in any direction!

And the biggest DAGGER of them all! Gilbert going down with knee surgery, and our nemesis and arch rival The Cavs, the team that stole Larry Hughes, and has knocked us out the past 2 seasons is in the Finals! It's like Rocky losing to Apollo Creed in Rocky I, or The Empire Strikes Back ending with Darth Vader hacking off Luke Skywalker's hand! Then we gotta wait for the sequel to see the hero (Agent Zero) get revenge. Instead of The Return of The Jedi, I'm waiting for The Return of Arenas!

Anyway Ivan, have a good time at the Finals, we'll be here when you get back! I don't think anything that happens in these workouts will give us any indication what Ernie is gonna do come draft day anyway. And we got the draft and summer league commin soon so we can get our fix!

Peace

Like everyone else has said, you can't blame Gilbert for wanting the max money. On another topic do you know if the Wizards will be getting rid of their awful uniforms? They are awful. I hope and pray that they go back to the red, white, and blue strips. The Wizards, next to the Celtics have the most bland uniforms in the NBA.

I agree Darnell. Don't think workout etc will make any difference to us. They move at their own pace & in shadows. Almost clandestine like. Besides Blatch, Ruffin Hall - Sorry guys but I wish they'd get rid of that bench. Especially after seeing Maxiell(Det) Brown(Utah) & "Boobie" Brown(Cavs) & other rookies come off the bench and put up as many points & handle defense as well as the starters - "goodbye." Those guys(wiz bench) been around league 4-6 yrs plus & still strugglin to find the basket or their handle. Sorry, move them to D-League. End of season was very telling. Without Jamison, we were dead in the water @ end of season. The bench provided no CPR.

We need some players on that bench that can breath new life into this team especially when a starter goes down. ala Boobie Brown to name one. Wiz don't have that.

Here's a little wild draft speculation for you, Darnell. One of the guys that must, at least, be on the Wizards radar is Rudy Fernandez. The Wizards haven't had him in yet for a workout, but get this -- according to Draftexpress, no team is scheduled to have him in for a workout. (And he wasn't in Orlando to get measured, etc.)
Where is he? Might he already have a promise somewhere? Might Washington be the promisee?

Gilbert saying that he is going to opt out really plays in the Wizards favor longterm. By Opting out at 26 if he signs a max 6 year deal then he will be 32 when it expires. If we'd have signed him to a 3 year extension and later a 6 year deal the Wiz would have commited to him until he was 35. On most of theses deals it's years 5 and 6 that the cap cost gets really stiff. I'd rather be paying that money to a 31 or 32 yr old than a guy pushing 35. As it is the Wiz should have gotten the prime years of his career out of that contract. They can make up their mind then if they want to commit to Gilbert well into his 30's.
Can't see any comparison now to Sprewell's situation, Spre was 36 or 37 looking for a multiyear deal instead of playing out the last year of his contract. It's one thing to pay a guy til he's 32 another when he's asking to be paid to he's nearly 40.
A Bruised knee? I've had that same surgery, it ain't no bruise! Degree of chance of recovery is very high. There was no reported ligament damage, so I don't think there should a hesitation to sign a longterm deal.
You can build a contender around a max figured player, look at the Spurs. It's just tough to do when people start throwing around names like lets get,Garnett or J. O'Neil. Two or more maxed out guys get hard to fit.
And I just can't see how to improve a team while letting one of the top 10 or 15 players in the league just walk. Somebody please explain who to get and how to do it. Can't see the logic in slamming EG for letting Jeffries go on one hand then insisting Arenas should be allowed to walk on the other. EG used the money saved by not signing Jeffries to sign Songalia and Stevenson.
Who would we get to replace Arenas?

Or not, Darnell. I just looked to see who Rudy Fernandez's agent is. Guess who? None other than Andy Miller, Haywood and Jeffries' agent.

Sean, LOL yeah that guy is a SOB! He kills us, he was also Chucky Atkins' agent! Guess we can forget about Rudy! The Wizards are bringin in another euro SG today though, Marco Belinelli.

Here's a scouting report on him:

http://draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=198&page=playerblog

As I've said, I don't get these workouts. Why are we working out so many guys projected late 1st round? Guys like Belinelli and Cook? Maybe we're hoping they drop to 47? Also I guess that DraftXpress report was wrong cause Belinelli wasn't at the workout today, unless he's coming in later.

Well, Darnell, just because some dorks with a website project a guy as a late first round pick doesn't mean he shouldn't be a mid first round pick.
I assume Ernie is trying to build his list of players from 1 to 60 so that he will be prepared come draft day. Ernie's worked out the following guys who are projected to be picked around 16: Byers, Crittendon, McRoberts, Jason Smith, and Nick Young. I'd like to see him bring in Fernandez, Stuckey, Acie Law, Thaddeus Young, Hawes, Thornton, Almond, Afflalo and Splitter. Then, if any of the guys projected above this group drops, you should know enough about them to pick them. If no one drops, you've seen every guy with the potential to be your pick.

Mr. GM your comparing yourself to a professionally trained 25 yr old athelete is foolish, Sir.(Not being rude) You can't begin to compare your body status with Gil's nor any profesionally trained and cared for athelete. You appear to be pretty sedentary just from viewing your very lengthy posts.

Now if you told me you too had attempted to outrun a stallion as Chad "da nut" Johnson! You might have a modicum of believability but since you haven't - nobody will. Please stop the personal comparisons. Just settle it in your mind..Gil had a bruise to his knee and be done with it. Considering its the NBA - @ end of a losing season - if you noticed - lots of players had bruises etc. enough to sit the remainder of season but keep their stats intact. Thats the reason why.

I don't believe Gil A. has any faith in Abe & Grunfeld building a champion calibre team. Just my opin. He has made these sublimnal sort of statements to M. Wise. "I can't tell them who to select but I only want to play for a champion calibre team" So..in essence Gil has seen over the mountain top and it aint pretty. He also viewed Eddies coaching from an objective view after his injury - not to mention his marketing is taking off. Just my view.

Heh - Just saw Emeke Okafor over on 7th accross st. from Verizon Ctr. @ Venable Law Firm. What a handsome very tall young man. Very distinquished.

Amazing, no one knew who he was but me. I was cool.(Too old to do anything else) Didn't do anything insane. How long is he tied to Bobcats? Is he here to speak w/ Ernie?

His limo was waiting next to him - so whatever business had transpired was completed. He simply stood talking a very long time.

Look at Robin, our own investigative reporter. Okafor is with Charlotte at least through the end of next season. So hopefully he wasn't here to speak to Ernie, 'cause that would be tampering. Don't need Ernie pulling a McHale.

There's no way Okafor would be coming here via a trade. MJ don't do business with Les BouleS.

Arenas = similar, but milder version of Latrell Sprewell

Sprewell:

"I told you I needed to feed my family," Sprewell said at a press conference yesterday. "They offered me 3 years at $21 million. That's not going to cut it. And I'm not going to sit here and continue to give my children food while this front office takes money out of my pocket. If [owner Glen] Taylor wants to see my family fed, he better cough up some money. Otherwise, you're going to see these kids in one of those Sally Struthers commercials soon."

http://www.thebrushback.com/lsprewell_full.htm

Gilby:

Arenas, who signed a six-year, $65 million deal with the team in 2003, has turned down the team's offer of a three-year extension with the idea that he can command a maximum contract worth more than $100 million over six years when the free agency period opens next summer.

Last summer, Arenas said he would consider taking less money on his next contract if it would help the team add high-caliber players to the roster in coming seasons.

However, Arenas said Saturday that the knee injury he suffered in April and the recent birth of his second child has led him to view his financial future in a different light.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/10/AR2007061001227.html

I guess 65 mill in the bank can only buy so much gerber baby food.

There's no way Okafor would be coming here via a trade. MJ don't do business with Les BouleS.

Arenas = similar, but milder version of Latrell Sprewell

Sprewell:

"I told you I needed to feed my family," Sprewell said at a press conference yesterday. "They offered me 3 years at $21 million. That's not going to cut it. And I'm not going to sit here and continue to give my children food while this front office takes money out of my pocket. If [owner Glen] Taylor wants to see my family fed, he better cough up some money. Otherwise, you're going to see these kids in one of those Sally Struthers commercials soon."

http://www.thebrushback.com/lsprewell_full.htm

Gilby:

Arenas, who signed a six-year, $65 million deal with the team in 2003, has turned down the team's offer of a three-year extension with the idea that he can command a maximum contract worth more than $100 million over six years when the free agency period opens next summer.

Last summer, Arenas said he would consider taking less money on his next contract if it would help the team add high-caliber players to the roster in coming seasons.

However, Arenas said Saturday that the knee injury he suffered in April and the recent birth of his second child has led him to view his financial future in a different light.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/10/AR2007061001227.html

I guess 115 mill (65 + 50) in the bank can only buy so much gerber baby food.

Please God, put us out of our misery!!!!

Okafor, he was in D.C. for a fund raiser:

http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/17359751.htm

Wow! When did they start operating on bruises? "Gilbert quit playing just to protect his stats", what a statement. And what is that based on?
Would still like to know the plan how to improve the team advocating allowing one of the best 15 players in the league to walk?

Try some sleeping pills to go with your grey goose martini.

Someone just wrote - Arenas and Eddie don't get along. Arenas has been pissed for a minute. He wasn't speaking to Eddie Jordan over the demand to play D etc.

Then after Gil's theatrical roll over on the court -Neiher was speaking. timberwolves coach knew garnetts arm wasn't "bruised" either. Its just what they do. cheez, Lets try being realistic here. Its the NBA.

It would be awesome to have Okafor here. Too bad thats not true.

Robin, update us on your next verizon spotting hopefully a good power forward or Ctr. a pg wouldn't be bad either.

Are you kidding me. Are you actually saying that Gilbert's injury was phony?!?!?! And are you comparing it to KG being sat out? The only reason KG sat was so the Timberwolves to get more ping pong balls in the lottery!
If you think the two situations are comparable (and maybe I misunderstand your point) then that is idiotic on your part.

Thank you George! Reading this site lately is like the old joke about what the psyhco-anylist said to the lady that had multi personalities; "Mam, if I'm going to hear your life story from seven different people, could at least one of them make it interesting."
90 percent of the garbage on this site is coming from one computor and none of it's very interesting.
Wondering with Rudy Fernandez, is he one of these guys that name is in the draft but is tied up in a long term deal. Doesn't sound like he's been working out any where. Or maybe he has a commitment and is laying low. Anybody read anything.

Reread your own post George - you just listed a legal reason teams "sit" their players besides them sitting themselves.

KG's coach said: "KG "says" his arm - I'm not sure actually what the injury is. Could be same as last year." Various papers, etc. noted it was same area, same time last year. no biggy.

To name another? Tracey McGrady at Orlando.

He was clear - he wasn't injured - a bit banged up. Didn't want to wear himself out & keep losing. He then requested to be traded. It ain't pretty or nice but its done.

Let me just say this: I got no issue with Arenas. If he stays cool - if he goes thats fine too. He has made it clear - if mgmt doesn't get what "he" considers championship callibre players for him to complement him - he wants out. I got no problem with the brother.

The irony about this is - you call me "idiotic" but your post actually affirms what I wrote.

Consider thinking before you start your "name calling" and labeling posters "idiots." Seems so long as you "appear to "know" everything - you're happy campers. But if someone challenges you - you revert to immature - juvenile controlling behavior - "name calling"

Something as I recall - you All criticise this DCman person for. You need to check yourself before you put your fingers to the keys. Everyone is entitled to their opinion - whether "you" King George agree or not. First Amendment Rights.

Still got to get this striaght, you're saying that a team that was in the midst of the playoff hunt, when seating was very much up in the air, approved of and assisted in a player tanking the balance of the season AND the first round of the playoffs?
And that the team assisted him by having their team doctor perform a fake surgery? Or at least announce he had did one.And this was all done to"protect his stats"?
I really want to be clear on what you are saying, because I don't want to jump to any conclusions and label you anything.
Are you really saying what I think you're saying?

Still got to get this striaght, you're saying that a team that was in the midst of the playoff hunt, when seating was very much up in the air, approved of and assisted in a player tanking the balance of the season AND the first round of the playoffs?
And that the team assisted him by having their team doctor perform a fake surgery? Or at least announce he had did one.And this was all done to"protect his stats"?
I really want to be clear on what you are saying, because I don't want to jump to any conclusions and label you anything.
Are you really saying what I think you're saying?

WizfanIII I said your post if you were implying what you are implying is idiotic. Not that you are. I don't need to tell you that smart people can make idiotic statements (I know I have done it). Now how does my post affirm what you say? KG was sat because the T-Wolves didn't mind losing to get more chances at Oden/Durant because they couldn't make the playoffs.
That is nowhere near the same as the Wizards, IN THE MIDDLE OF A PLAYOFF RACE, having a player fall into Arenas' knee and hurt him. The idea that Gilbert would fake an injury when the team at the time STILL HAD A CHANCE TO WIN ITS DIVISION much less finish fifth or sixth (which would have been the best case scenario) is utterly ludicrous on every level. And you are right you are entitled to your opinion, just as I am entitled to call you out when I think it is totally off base. And for the record I do not serially call people names on these posts.
I mean what is next, are you going to say that Butler's injury was phony too. I mean why are we talking about Gilbert's knee injury in the first place, yes he referenced it in his opt out, but folks the knee injury is spilt milk that has been cried over enough.
And another thing Gilbert opting out is not a huge story because LeBron and Dwayne Wade have the same opt out clauses in their deals and if you think they won't exercise that option and at least take a look around and see if something better is out there then you are whistling past the dark.

GM and George, to a lesser extent:
Why don't you focus on responding to the legitimate posts on this board and furthering the discussion rather than responding to the crackpots? When you respond to one dumb posting, you've doubled the posts on dumb topics.

Well said Sean. The two of them are actually "the problem know it all crackpots of whom they speak."
The proverbial pot calling the kettle black. Control issues.

Lets get back to something of substance.

You maybe right Sean but some things I just can't let go by. And by the way WizfanIII, did I misunderstand your earlier point or not and since I posted a substantive response to your claim, do you have a substantive response to mine? GM and I don't pass ourselves as know-it-alls we are just Wizards fans like you.
And I have never called anyone a "problem know it all crackpot" so get your facts straight please.

And one more thing, I am happy to talk about substantive issues, I am not the one who brought up "Gil's theatrical roll over on the court."

Wo Nelly!! The train has run complety off the track...What are we discussing now?

What happened to the draft, trade and workout issues? Ok Any comments on the Cavs - loss?

Sean, We had two days of posts saying to let Gilbert walk. I've asked how to do that and improve the team. I'm not responding to the crap just trying to steer conversation back to basketball and how you build a team and let your best player walk.
This is about the 4th time the Gilbert bruise story has gotten posted. I'd just like to know if I'm reading it clearly and what it's based on.
I've also asked if anybody knows what Rudy Fernandez's contract in Europe is. Is he availble to come over, or is he a guy like Navarro that might be a late second rounder because he's tied up long term?
Since you brought him up as a draft target, do you know? I haven't been able to come up with what his status is. My quess is he's either a 22 year old with a longterm deal who's name has to be in the draft this year, or somebody's made him a promise and his agent has him laying low.

I haven't read anything about Fernandez have any contractual impediments to coming to the NBA next year. That's why the fact he isn't scheduled for any workouts (publicly) is puzzling. That Andy Miller is so crazy!!

I also haven't seen his name popping up for individual workouts for any teams. Maybe he's planning an agent controlled workout like Yi. It's my understanding his agent only plans to invite select teams to his workout.
I'm wandering if this isn't something that Stern is going to have to get a handle on sooner or later. Remember a few years back the big Russian, that ended up with the Mavs, worked out on a limited size court and his agent ran everything. Turned out they were covering up the fact that he was a real stiff. Not sure if he was ever active for a game.

I think Rudy Fernandez is free to come over and play this year and I think that is why he is projected as a first round pick this season. Wasn't he in the draft lsat year and then pulled his name out?

I think he was, but I think he's 22 this year and has to stay in.
Splitter's name has also been floating around the draft for long a long time but he's only 22 this year and can't pull out this year.
Our name has been linked to several of the Euro guys since Grunfeld went to Spain himself this winter. I guess the general feeling is that he didn't go over for the paella. He must of had someone that he wanted to look at personally.
Could have been he wanted to get a face to face with Navarro and get to see him play himself. But we won't know from asking Ernie.
Oh, and Robin, Cleveland is toast. Guess LaBron will have to wait to get his throne. The Spurs are really tough right now, if Cleveland can't hit the three ball this is over in 4. I thought they really might win one or two at home, doesn't look good right now.

Thanks, Sean. Its always ugly issues when the name of G.A. comes up. Always.

Never seen anything like it. None of us knows the man nor even the slightest personal thing about him but as you can see it creates huge confusion. The media is amazing.

I've not heard or read anything further about about Fernandez. I do get the impression they will prob go after a euro.

Mike Lee - please write a new article, please.

What day is the draft?

Robin, the draft is June 28th....

Thanks Lisa. It seems miles away. Maybe its because the finals are so boring and we have no idea who we are actually working out or thinking about.

Hopefully, they keep at least the starting 5? GA, CB, ET, AJ AD. Then Blatche, Hall Eddie loves Ruffin and not too sure what they will decide about "Everybody Loves Jarvis"

This reminds me of Christmas: Will we get switches & Ashes - a lump of coal? or

The X-Box we've been dreamin about all year?
What will be under our tree June 28th?

The Cavs are done. Last night was a perfect chance to win one at home, and they blew it. Duncan only scored 14 pts and Ginobili had 3 pts and shot an 0-fer from the floor. If they couldn't find a way to win that one that didn't require a last second 3-pt heave and a foul call, they deserve to get swept.

I think it was Darnell that first brought up the idea of the Wizards trading back in the draft. He suggested the Suns as a possible trade partner to pickup their two picks.
Got to wonder is EG is targeting a late 1st round pick or an early second round in a trade. Judging by the guys he's working out 16 seems high for some of them but most would seem to be off the board by 47.
Philly is another team that has two late 1st rounders and is rumored to be shopping one or both of those picks. If Ernie has targeted Splitter as some draft watchers think many draft boards have him dropping back into the 20's now. Could Grunfeld be targeting him and looking to pickup another late first rounder as well?

"Consider thinking before you start your "name calling" and labeling posters "idiots." Seems so long as you "appear to "know" everything - you're happy campers. But if someone challenges you - you revert to immature - juvenile controlling behavior - "name calling"

Something as I recall - you All criticise this DCman person for. You need to check yourself before you put your fingers to the keys. Everyone is entitled to their opinion - whether "you" King George agree or not. First Amendment Rights.

Posted by: wizfanIII | June 13, 2007 10:59 AM "

AMEN to that! There are a lot of hypocrites on this blog who condemn me while doing the same d@mn thing themselves.

Whos got my rusty trombone?

Because I love giving a good blow once in awhile.

Jelly Doughnut

I've set limits to the amount of guff I will take. Ain't like theres a mandate assigning GM & Geo as blog CEO's. Even if they were - they should respect folks with the respect they want to receive. I'll admit - you take em to the brink sometimes especially about Arenas because you do have like 10 posts or more.
And I'm sure you're aware, we've all gotten you point and then some.
We're witnesses!!!

Once you speak the truth about a matter - you don't have to watch over it to say "I told you so" If its the truth - it will come forth - you won't have to say it.

You're pretty sharp w/your research. why not see what you can dig up on some draft stuff for wizards. I just saw the Juwan Howard trade for Mike James. what else is happening in NBA?

forgot - Lrr, just saw your post...we agree man.

dc brother, quit with the vulgarity man. ya gotta show some respect if for nobody but yourself. Take it back to basketball.

IVAN....IVAN....IVAN

Pecherov's Ukraine team website says he's due in DC this Saturday and will be training (with team trainers) for the rest of the month.

ESPN Insider says his buy-out is completed and his measurements are up to 245 lbs and a hair over 7' in shoes. (!)

Can we get a look-see into his work with the trainers over the next month. A mini-feature on his season with the Wolves or something?

QUESTION:

The Wiz had no workouts for much of this week. Did Ernie et al travel to Treviso to watch the Eurocamp?

Let's get some news back on here. Keep it poppin'. Maybe just a quick phone call or two. Find out what everybody's summer plans are in the offseason so we can track them ourselves and you don't have to.

Just a couple thoughts.

Click Here:

http://www.dontdatehimgirl.com/search/cheater.asp?ddh_id=55487&return_url=index%2Easp%3F

"This dude is Anthony Lamar Nunley, Renee A.' s brother (Philadelphia), Linda's son (Maryland) and singer Tabi Bonney's cousin. He worked as a manager in Samsung (Dallas TX) and in Motorola (Chicago). He was born in Washington, Columbia District, United States, the 25th of December 1969. He studied electric engineering at Howard University...

..We met each other on Match.com (December 2005) and the funny thing was that since the beginning he swore for God's sake that he was gonna love me over all, get marry, have kids and live together until death do us part. I'm kind of naive and believed all what he told me, plus he came to my country (Cartagena, Colombia) and popped the question and told my parents he wanted to marry me, in a certain way he was asking for permission. In 2006 he visited me 3 times and the last time he came, he stayed over my place with me and my 3 years old daughter in my flat...."

More...http://www.dontdatehimgirl.com/search/cheater.asp?ddh_id=55487&return_url=index%2Easp%3F

Why is there a link to Don't Date Him.com on this site?

Andrea, are there some Wizards on this site that you are trying to tell us about?

LOL, LOL, LOL!! What is that about?

Good news about Petcherov tho.

pop pop fizz fizz

Andrea also posted the same thing on the Redskins blog.....you know what they say about a woman scorned....

Why did she or whoever post that crap here?

We got enough stuff we have to wade through already.

I had read the same thing awhile back about Pecherov's growth, Grunfeld said that he now considers him a center. Good to hear that the buyout is complete, but is it too much to ask for a little info here on the Post's official Wizards site?
And it sounds like Andrea has an APB out on this guy, I may have missed it, but did I need to get some kind of certification to log on here? Because some days it seems like there's some posters on here that are definitly Certifiable.
Still wondering, does the thought occur to anyone else that Ernie may be thinking about moving back in the draft. The players that have been announced at workouts don't seem to fit the 16th pick when you view different mock drafts. More seem to be of the later first round early 2nd round variety.
Andrea, would you mind posting a picture of youself, I've been married for nearly 30 yrs. and most definetly am not in the market myself. But it may be of service to some of our other posters to know what you look like if they're still dating. They just might want to know in advance what a woman looks like that would plaster their face all over the internet if things didn't work out. Might save you both some trouble.

Damn last year Pech was listed as 6'10 232. The year away paid off.

Well, Well, Now thats the way you have a happy marriage!

Your husband sitting on the computer everyday - day & nite - wearing his Wiz T Shirt & undies 24/7 writing about the wizards?? Reminescing about old knee surgeries - comparing his injuries to his secret lover, Gilbert's. Now he's asking some "girl" to float her photo..oh nooooooo
not for him...not in the sunlite anyway. But somebody else?

where'd you say you live Mr. Gm?
Powhatan Va?

Dunno 'bout moving back in the draft. Seems like people want to move into the top 10 or drop down late.

But I can see us flipflopping our #16 for a late-first pick in a trade that nets us something for 'Wood.

I was all excited about the Okafor concept...

...
(I was dreaming: tarheels Haywood+ Jamison+ #16+ future pick?--for--- Meka+filler plus the 22nd)

(EG loves Big east/UConn products; MJ might have gotten tired with the injuries--Mek had back issues even in college-- and the fact that good as he is, they're still a losing franchise might want to go in a different direction. Will have to re-sign a few players in short order. Plus the RobCats need size. Plus May, meka, Wallace all sorta man the PF slot.)

(And Abe would likely only trade AJ to a team he agreed to. Tawn lives in NC in the offseason, does philanthropic work there. Has said he'll retire there. And his value will never be higher than it is right now, post playoffs -- where he played defense even-- and with his 16 million dollars of expiring cap space to windex somebody's books and clear room for a Big Ticket...)

(Ya don't think MJ could make a play for KG? Bring him back to his Carolina roots?)

(and no it wouldn't have been tampering to talk to 'Meka if MJ agreed to the deal in principle and gave permission)

.. but then had the bubble burst re-learning what a quality cat Okafor is. Oh well. Africa benefits, the Wiz will have to make do. (But just thing Mek, you'd have access to all the politicians you want. Keep it in mind for the 08 season. Ah nevermind. We got GA to re-sign).
...

But yeah, alot of the guys the Wiz are bringng in look more like something in the late 20's early 2nd round.

(Daequan Cook? I like him alot actually, good defender, athletic, the top defensive rebounding guard in the NCAA, on a team that has a rebounding presense like Greg Oden no less. --But at 30-40, not 16...)

So. I'm looking at other trade partners later. Yeah I liked the PHX swap-down too.

And Philly has a flotilla of picks. Plus if they had our 16 plus their 12 that could be enough to trade up for a guy they really like...

But yeah. There's hella angles possible in this draft. More movement than usual, good players all up and down this piece this year.

Oh, and Just cause everyone else is doing it:

DCMan88 can't play tennis at all. And his dog smells like fritos. And once he ate a egg salad sandwich that he found on a park bench. And every pair of socks he owns gots holes in the toes. And Gilbert Arenas, wow jeeze, he's a really really good player, you, buddy, you're just jealous that's what. Because Gilbert is rich and also I am probably smarter than you.

...Hmmn, nope, it's as stupid as I thought it would be.

DFTT.

>>>>>>>Damn last year Pech was listed as 6'10 232. The year away paid off.

Posted by: College Educated>>>>>>>

No way he was 6'10". Footage and stills in in Summerleague training camp showed him about an inch taller than Blatche. Bulletproof is a legit 6'11", standing on court next to Haywood.

But Pech has been playing as a jumpshooting Forward in the Ukraine league, nothing liek a Center. He has no real low-post skills other than a dunk, and energy/hustle. He'll develop, he's smart and hard-working, and can learn from the russian speaking Songaila any nuances he's missing. But it'll take a little bit.

This year I got better hope for 'Proof as a center, than Pesh. As a small forward or PF he's a little limited and footslow, but as a true Princeton-style Pivot center, he's phenomenally skilled.

He just needs to spend every offseason in the weight room, and the buffet line-- stacking plates both places. His handle, decent set-shot, developign ball IQ, shot-blocking instincts, hustle for boards... Ideal. He's just a little light in the diaper right now. And needs a tug-on shirt of muscle, too.

I sincerely want to send 'Proof to Olajuwan's Big Man camp in Houston, though. That would be a 'Dream' for reals.

Ivan, I don't know if you'll read all these 111 posts, but I seriously got a question about Gil.

In his blog where he talks about he "knows his history", and if the Heat had signed Howard 1st, then Alonzo they would have been set.

Isn't that what they did? If my memory serves, didn't they do that, but then the league ruled that they essentially had an agreement already with Zo, had him wait and signed Howard, then signed Zo. Then they were penalized for that, and the deal was terminated. (Which really screwed the Wizards, who then signed Howard to the same rediculous deal that the Heat weren't allowed to sign him to and also had to surrender a 1st round pick as a penalty for getting Howard back which I never understood, but that's another story).

I think it's also basically what the Twolves did with Joe Smith, agreeing to an unsigned deal with him, so they could sign others first.

If he does what the Heat tried to do, and especially now that he's written about it on the NBA website, won't the league penalize the Wizards like they did the Heat back then?? If Gil knows his history, doesn't he know what happened??

The Wizards and Gil would essentially have a prearranged agreement that he will get a max contract if he does not sign with another team during the time he is an unrestricted FA, and waits to sign while the Wizards sign other free agents first. Isn't that exactly what the Heat did in the deal he is referring to when they signed Howard then Zo, and weren't allowed to do it??

Gil did not say that they he and the Wizards had a prearranged deal. He said if they want him then it would have to be at a max and no dollar amount was mentioned, so I don't see how him saying what he is trying to do is going to harm the Wizards organization. If I recall correctly, Ben Wallace did do the same thing. Plus, the Wizards organizatin(EG) has already said it is their intent to make Gil a part of the Wizards organization for years to come. Besides, he did not say how much his max amount was, he was looking at longevity (six years) with the team. He has never said he wanted to sign with another team. He is opting out purely to get maximum number of years and more money then he could make with a three year extension. I say we should just sit back, wait and see what happens.

Darnell, That's part of the reason that the league imposed the luxury tax cap. The old salary cap had more holes than swiss cheese, some teams got up near 100m payroll and were supposedly within the cap which was only about 40m. So in what ever order players are signed now it won't matter because a team won't be able to skirt the luxury tax like they did the salary cap. And I still don't understand why the Wizards had to give up a first round draft choice and pay the outlandish contract that Riley gave Howard, with that move Stern punished us for Riley breaking the rules. But that's history.
Doclinkin, the Wiz released the list of the guys they are working out today, another group of guys that seem to be of the late first to early 2nd variety. Gray from Pittsburgh is the name that stood out to me, he's just not a guy that you'd project up to 16, but he's sure not going to be around at 47.
I've never been dumb enough to compare myself to a pro athelete. 30 years ago I was fortunate enough to have played in some pickup games with John Lucas and Brad Davis from Maryland that went on and played in the NBA. Plus alot of really fine players that never smelled the NBA, I, to use the old Larry Holmes line,wasn't even good enough to carry their jockstraps! But I played well enough and knew enough fundamentals that the let me on the court when there were more talented guys that could have played. A coach once told me, "you've got the footspeed of a 7 footer and the height and court awareness of a point gaurd. If you want to stay in this game, consider coaching." I didn't, well except for kids.
But when some came on here saying what Arenas should have been doing 2 days after surgery, I think that I had something relevant to say because I went through the same surgery years ago. The good news is Arenas seems to be working out and rehabbing and according to one of his blogs seems ready to kill his trainer, so they've been pushing it pretty good.
I'm wondering if Ernie isn't working on some kind of deal to move back when you look at the guys he's working out. Interesting thing is the Bobcats are a team that is also rumored to be shopping their late first round pick. Another thing is MJ picked Jarvis and traded for Haywood, some front office types always love "their guys" and will trade for them again and again. Kind of like Marty's guys in football that have followed him from team to team. The Bobcats have cap room and might be willing to pickup Jarvis in a sign and trade or maybe Haywood in some kind of deal involving their late first pick.
I agree Philly could be another team that might want to package their two late first rounders for our #16 pick to and then package the #12 with our pick to try in move up again.
It just smells like Ernie's up to something. Oh, by the way I don't even own a Wizards Tee shirt.

MJ didn't draft Jarvis. That pick came right after he left. That was the year that the Bucks took TJ Ford because MJ wanted him and they thought MJ was coming in as a part owner.

Doclinkin - interesting point. Wish Emeka was free too. Are we totally positive he was only here for a charity thing?

I read somebody saw him by verizon..I hope he stopped to see Ernie & Eddie.

Since they need size - how about a trade involving Haywood?

Sir mr. gm poster pleeeez

Wish I woulda - coulda - washed up - wanna be - has been - still dreamin -man Sir, can ya quit the mile long posts and keep it to basketball and the draft. Whats up with you? You're always scrapin with somebody...its pretty childish

We just want to STICK TO BASKETBALL AND THE DRAFT!!!!!kapesch?

IVAN

Gil is wrong.

If he opts out and becomes a free agent his Max Contract will instantly count against the Salary Cap completely restricting the team's ability to sign new prospects.

(For Cap Hold purposes, Free agents count as 300% of their current salary, or Max for their years of service--whichever is greater)

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap99.htm#28

Max salary:
http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap99.htm#9

If he thinks the Wiz can sign a bunch of players first and then deal with him afterwards-- the answer is 'no'. Used to be true, but they closed that loophole.

Now-- the instant he becomes a free agent, the salary cap hold comes into effect. The team has to act like they already have a max guy under contract.

I have to assume Ernie will let him know this. But if he wants the Wiz to have the most flexibility to sign other pieces and then take care of him-- opting out ain't the way.

Yes it keeps him here long-term, but does restrict the team's ability to improve beyond this offseason.

He's got a year to figure out how he wants to do it, but he might start here,
http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap99.htm

then hire a lawyer to talk it out.

Good point Doclinkin, and the Luxury tax is cast in stone, there are no loop holes to exceed it. If you go over you pay a dollar for every dollar you're over, there's no exception or Larry Bird rights with the Luxury Cap like teams have exploited under the cap.
It's not just Abe Pollin, most owners a a trying to get their teams under. The Suns are apparently trying to find a way to shed 8 to 10m right now, and the Nuggets are in about the same boat. There are just very few teams willing to take on contract dollars this offseason.
Ted Leonias gutted the Capitals a year early because he anticipated the same thing in hockey. So I don't think a change in ownership would suddenly allow the Wiz to go 10's millions over the luxury tax.
On another note, I read yesterday where Gasol is back in Spain getting ready to play for their National team and he's put up on his site that the Grizzlies need to get him help or trade him. If they want him back he wants a commitment to winning now.

docklinkin, thats smart. You do know he fired his agent. Didn't feel they promoted him enough. He & his dad Manage his affairs lat I've read. Per Times Mag. Starting Advertising/Marketing Agency. Thats how he was seen NY two days after his surgery org deal.(Sorry - not starting any conspiracy theory. Pic in Ny paper)

Well, Ernie seems to be pretty sharp guy - lets see what he does.

Basically it means we really have to look hard at trading Jamison and getting value for him.

Because otherwise his 16 million dollar expiring contract just gets swallowed up by Gilbert's deal. And we get nothing.

Okay, I'm done posting on here for a bit.

The signal-to-noise ratio is pretty poor, though it's nice that Ivan reads and responds. Seems like he's taking a well-deserved vacation thought, so, it's back to the RealGM.com/boards I go.

Anyway I'm on vacation next week. later.
=====

And just to add something basketball related...

Navarro's team beat Splitters int eh ACB playoffs. Rudy's team got eliminated as well. So JCN is in the Finals again. I bet if he wins and makes an impassioned plea his team will feel some pressure to release their star. he's done everything he can for them and is ready to move on.

Whether or not he fits well here is hard to say. If we didn't need bench scoring I'd wonder what we could get from Memphis for his rights.

Or Toronto.

Later 'Post'als. Remember kids:

DFTmfT

Don't feed the trolls...

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

"In the latest installment of his popular blog on NBA.com, Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas comments on his decision to opt out of his contract next summer. Arenas explained: "It will be a six-year deal instead of a four-year deal and instead of starting at 12.5 or 13 million, I'll be starting at 14 or 15 million and I'll be a max player. This has nothing to do with me leaving or trying to look for other teams. I have to do it: 1. To get more years and 2. To increase my pay." Arenas also said that he is writing a book and contemplating a reality television series."

HILARIOUS!!!!!

Gilby, what have you done to assume that you are a max player? I sincerely hope Grunfeld pulls a Larry Hughes on Gilby, and see how badly Gilby cries and threatens to leave.

If I were Grunfeld, I would offer him the same 5 year deal that any other team out there can offer him. No penny more. And put the onus on him to see if he will leave since he declares that he has no intention of leaving and it's a business decision.

Sure, it's easy to say you want to stay here if Les BouleS is the only team that can offer you the most money.

"DCMan88 can't play tennis at all. And his dog smells like fritos. And once he ate a egg salad sandwich that he found on a park bench. And every pair of socks he owns gots holes in the toes. And Gilbert Arenas, wow jeeze, he's a really really good player, you, buddy, you're just jealous that's what. Because Gilbert is rich and also I am probably smarter than you.

...Hmmn, nope, it's as stupid as I thought it would be.

DFTT.

Posted by: doclinkin | June 15, 2007 01:18 AM "

nurselinkin. Once again you harass me like others here, totally unprovoked. Then you blurb "Don't feed the trolls..." You just proved there that you are a total moronic hypocrite.

Stick to basketball and stop being a troll yourself. It's your mom's crotch that smells like fritos, and it's not finger linkin' good, as rumored.

DC MAN88 - DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE USES INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ON THIS FORUM.

BTW.

Not sure if I posted before. Draft Express has a decent breakdown of the wiz salary cap and expiring deals:

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2072

And Draftwise remember Monday is the last Day the NCAA players can pull out. Thad Young and Jeff Green are the two key players. If they drop out, the wiz pickings at 16 get slimmer, and any trade to move down is less likely because:

1. Fewer good prospects available late. Why would you want to drop down to get extra garbage.

2. Fewer tempting players to entice late round teams to move off their spots. Late round teams tend to be more successful teams anyway. They can afford to wait on an overseas prospect since they're already winning. Tiago to the Spurs?

If they stay: Jeff Green impressed the 6ers. If they can't move up to catch Hawes (rumored to be snatched by Minnesota) they might take him and call it a good draft.

But if not maybe his 'tweener' aspect gets him overlooked enough to slip...
--

Enjoy y'alls week

Feed linkin's mom the goo...

buttlickin

gack's mom likes her tonsils tickled

Yo momma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gack's mom...yeah, she shoh doezzzz.....

Ivan:
Could you please better explain what you meant by the following in today's piece:

The Wizards "worked [Gray] out last summer and were considering taking him with the 18th pick before Gray withdrew his name and returned to Pittsburgh."

What does that mean? That the Wizards had decided to take Gray last year, but then he pulled out? That the Wizards worked him out and were considering him among many other candidates for the 18th pick? That he was in their top 5 for that pick? Etc.

That the Wizards were seriously considering him for the 18th pick is a bit surprising, since (1) he is projected as a career backup (though with the 18th pick, maybe you are happy choosing someone who will at least stick in the league, and Gray will very likely do so); (2) he is essentially a poor man's Brendan Haywood; and (3) his skill set doesn't seem to match what the Wizards do or need.

Thanks.

Sean, desperate times call for desperate measures. Gray is clearly a stiff, and doesn't deserve that high of pick, but the #1 rule in the nba is you can't teach height, and you never have enough bangers, so that's probably why they considered him. Les BouleS, if they keep the pick this year, should draft the best available, not need.

If I were Grunfeld though, I would do the following:

a. Try to package Gilby to Atlanta for Shelden Williams and their 11th pick. With the 11th pick, choose Acie Law or Al Thornton. Use the 2nd pick on the best available PG.

b. Once Gilby opts out, offer him a comparable 5 year contract that any other team out there can offer him. Gilby is not a max player and does not deserve a max contract.

Put the onus on him to prove his words that he wants to stay here. If Dishonest Abe fears a backlash, then he could tell Grunfeld to structure the deal for a 6th year option which would kick in if he meets certain individual and team performance goals. Les BouleS would be stupid to give Gilby max dollars.

The Atlanta trade idea is a good one except there is no way Atlanta is trading out of that spot since they are going to take a PG then. I hope Al Thornton makes it to the Wizards at 16, he is one of the most NBA ready players in this draft.

George,

Good point, but keep in mind that Atlanta is one of the worst franchises in the NBA with regard to attendance. I think they'd be better off bringing in a veteran guard who can add some excitement like Gilby, rather than bring in two rookies to go with their rookie class of last year, Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams. They most definitely could put more butts in more seats with Gilby down there. Heck, I'd do a Gilby/Haywood for their pick, Shelden, and Zaza.

Grunfeld's only fear would be trading within the division. He'd have to deal with Gilby's goofy mug at least 4 times per season, and hear bold claims on how he's going to drop 50 on Grunfeld's face.

I think Gilby would like hotlanta. It's a great area to be young and black (Chocolate City is overrated), it's got warmer weather, and Gilby would probably take over for Vick as the primma donna athlete down there, especially with Vick's recent bad press.

Al Thornton is a sexy pick, but if they get him, he sure as heck wouldn't be for need (we need big guys inside or a PG). But, he'd surely help in getting Les BouleS more athletic.

Have you ever lived in ATL, 88? Because I'm originally from the Deep South and unless you are in Miami the weather is not that much warmer than here. They definitely have winter and even ice storms.....anyone remember the Super Bowl when sheets of ice were on the ground?

thank you lisa!

Did someone say something? I heard some annoying buzzing.....

George,

Take a look at these links. During the winter months, Atlanta averages at least 7-10 deg higher in temperature than Chocolate City. I guess that means it is warmer down south, which Gilby might enjoy since he's from south Florida and LA.

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USGA0028?from=search

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USDC0001?from=search

I'm sure Gilby wouldn't mind an ice storm once in awhile, since it's an uncommon occurrence just like he is.

Thank you George!

DcGuy, when did you start speaking for Gil and what he likes, dislikes, or minds?

Did I speak for Gilby? I said Gilby "MIGHT ENJOY" and "I think he might like..." Do you know what "might" means? It means "MAYBE," especially since he's from the southeast and southwest.

In case you didn't notice, this is a blog where people make a lot of informed and uninformed (no backing from quotes) opinions. What a novelty. A lot of people even play pretend GM with their draft and trade ideas. Wow whee!!!

Duh.

Oh I have noticed that YOU like to make a lot of "quotes" and cut and paste everything....even the darn weather link. Which means nothing.

I'm still not with you on the dealing Gilbert idea, but if this little trade scenario involving Kobe, the Bulls and Gilbert might interest everyone . . .

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&id=2906327

What does the Wizards' congregation think of that?

I'm still not with you on the dealing Gilbert idea, but if this little trade scenario involving Kobe, the Bulls and Gilbert might interest everyone . . .

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&id=2906327

What does the Wizards' congregation think of that?

What means nothing? You jabbing me with toothpics about stupid weather or me on a Wizards blog talking about the Wizards? If you don't like the weather links, that's your problem, but the data refutes someone's proclamation that atlanta's weather is no different from DC's weather. Like it or not, those are the facts. Too bad.

George, are you an insider? If so, you might want to copy and paste the article. Gotta pay to read the whole article.

As one who has lived in ATL you don't know what the heck you are talking about....no matter what data you can find online.

if Gilbert decides to opt out and goes someplace where the coaches are defensive minded he's in trouble unless he can adjust bottom line is this if Gilbert wants this team to be a champioship caliber team then what he needs to do is decide since defense wins titles do i want to wine a lot or improve my defense and ask for players who play strong defense so we can contend in the playoffs and go further than semis.

Alright here is the article:

More than two weeks after Kobe Bryant made his trade request to the Lakers, he still wants out, says his agent.

"Kobe's position remains unchanged," Bryant's agent Rob Pelinka told ESPN.com on Friday. "Kobe would like to be moved."

In fact, Kobe met with owner Jerry Buss on Friday and once again voiced his desire to be traded.

The question remains, will the Lakers move him? The head says no. But the scuttlebutt suggests otherwise. A number of GMs and agents around the league seem convinced that he's going to be traded.

The Lakers had strong interest in trading for Jermaine O'Neal before Kobe's trade request. But that interest has cooled since then. Why? The Lakers have been saying that the Pacers' asking price (Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum and the No. 19 pick) is too high. But maybe it's because there's no need to bring in a big-money player like O'Neal and gut the team if Kobe isn't going to be around.

From what I can gather, the Lakers would have two conditions to meet in any Kobe Bryant trade:

1. They want to send him to the Eastern Conference.
2. They need a star player back in return.

The Eastern Conference preference would potentially rule out such places as Phoenix and Golden State, both of which have significant assets and interest.

And, of course, the lack of available stars would rule out just about every team in the East, including the Knicks.

Some East teams lack the star power to bid directly for Bryant. Others have stars that aren't going anywhere.

For instance, the Cavs and Heat have superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, but both are untouchable. Ditto, apparently, for Dwight Howard in Orlando.

Chicago, from what I hear, is Bryant's first preference, and he might be willing to waive his no-trade clause to play there. While the Bulls have lots of assets, such as Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and the No. 9 pick in the draft, that package lacks true star power.

Based on my conversations with various sources around the league, I see two intriguing possibilities if the Lakers are looking for an Eastern Conference star -- the Wizards' Gilbert Arenas and the Celtics' Paul Pierce.

Scenario 1

Arenas isn't Kobe, in talent or stardom. But he is from Los Angeles, he's more than three years younger, he has great magnetism and, like Bryant, he can fill the seats.

With Arenas saying he'll opt out of his contract with Washington next summer, the Wizards might want to start looking at ways to move him now before running the risk of losing him for nothing.

Here's one potential trade, with Bryant headed to Chicago and Arenas to L.A.

The Bulls would send Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and P.J. Brown (sign-and-trade) to Washington, and the No. 9 pick to L.A.

The Lakers would send Bryant to Chicago.

The Wizards would send Arenas and Etan Thomas to L.A.

Under that scenario, which couldn't be completed until mid-July, the Lakers would get a star player (Arenas) and a high draft pick (No. 9) which, I'm told, they'd use to get Yi Jianlian if he's still on the board.

The Bulls would be paying a very high price for Kobe -- two high lottery picks and this year's No. 9. But the Bulls would keep Deng, something they desperately want to do. On the other hand, they still wouldn't have a low-post scorer.

The Wizards would avoid having to break the bank for Arenas next summer, would bring in two very talented young players and would get some serious cap relief down the road.

Scenario 2

A similar trade could work if the Lakers were willing to substitute Boston and Paul Pierce. While Pierce is almost 30 years old, I'm told the Lakers like him -- and he's from L.A. too.

The Bulls would send Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and P.J. Brown (sign-and-trade) to Boston, and the No. 9 pick to L.A.

The Lakers would send Bryant to Chicago.

The Celtics would send Pierce to L.A.

That deal would make the Celtics even younger than they already are, but it would also give them plenty of assets to continue making deals.

I have to say, it's a pretty good deal for the Wizards. Ty Thomas and P.J. Brown would really help them with rebounding and defense. You get a good scorer like Ben Gordon and if Navarro comes over (or the Wizards draft a good PG) then you can really run Eddie Jordan's princeton offense and be almost as good offensively as a year ago.
I still think the Wizards would look at dealing Jamison in another deal, but maybe for the sake of having some continuity they would keep him. Haywood would still have to go in my opinion, even though Etan is gone in this scenario.

"

As one who has lived in ATL you don't know what the heck you are talking about....no matter what data you can find online.

Posted by: ? | June 16, 2007 07:01 PM "

You are such a worthless piece of crap Lisa. If you're going to ignore the data and nitpick me over your opinion that Atlanta, in the south, has identical weather as DC, then good for you.

It absolutely does not change the fact that I think Gilby needs to be shipped elsewhere, up to and including Atlanta, whether he likes it OR NOT.

"if Gilbert decides to opt out and goes someplace where the coaches are defensive minded he's in trouble unless he can adjust bottom line is this if Gilbert wants this team to be a champioship caliber team then what he needs to do is decide since defense wins titles do i want to wine a lot or improve my defense and ask for players who play strong defense so we can contend in the playoffs and go further than semis.

Posted by: armen | June 17, 2007 12:03 AM "

Armen, Gilby has no intentions of leaving Les BouleS because Les BouleS is the only team out there that can give him the most money. He is only opting out in hopes of getting a max offer from Les BouleS, which is 6 years and up to about 100 mil (vice 3 years and about 55 mil). Other teams out there can only give him a 5 year contract.

Given that, if Grunfeld is as savvy as his rep says he is, Grunfeld should offer Gilby the IDENTICAL amount that any team out there can give him, which is way below max. Gilby is not a max player and does not deserve max money. Gilby would need to do something drastic next season to become a max player. He would need the offensive skills of Kobe, the passing skills of Nash/Kidd, and the defensive skills of Kobe. Not gonna happen.

Why would he want to go anywhere else and risk having a coach who would make him play defense, have other players on the team that may not cater to his primma donna ways, and have to share some of the limelight? Not gonna happen.

Gordon, Ty Thomas and PJ brown for arenas........are you f'n kidding me. that is just pathetic. I would want three times that for our star, arenas.

When I first heard Gilbert was opting out, I wasn't worried about him leaving -- he can make more money here than anywhere else. But then I just read what G. Solomon wrote for Sunday's paper about Abe Pollin not appreciating salary demands, and that the Wizards may want him to prove himself again, coming off a serious knee injury. On the surface, it may not sound like anything. BUT GEORGE SOLOMON AND ABE POLLIN ARE OLD BUDDIES. If George wrote that, then he got it or surmised it from Abe, which means: Be very worried, very worried after all.

As reported, Antawn Jamison is Abe's favorite player. Why? Because he shuts his mouth and gives it all on the court. That's why he won't get traded and might even get an extension after the final year on his contract.

Gilby, probably not as crazy about. Good for DC. If Abe's got the cajones to give MJ the royal boot out of DC, and withstood the PR backlash, don't think Grunfeld won't get the mandate from above to rid DC of Gilby.

Abe likes loyalty, and loyalty isn't opting out of your contract while telling the fans that you want to stay here, but for more money to feed your kids. Why does Abe care if he's going to sell the team anyway?

Come on, George. You don't trade the best player the franchise has had for years for Ben Gordon, a guy in Thomas with a bad attitude who might work out and become a better version of Bo Outlaw, and cap relief. And you'd need to resign Gordon next summer, so there's no real relief there. So you are trading Arenas and Etan for Ben Gordon and Ty Thomas. Why on earth would you do that?
Look, these articles about proposed trades are just some writer filling column inches with random ideas that don't make sense (this trade makes sense for two out of the three teams).

George, I think you're right. We'd be giving up Gilby and Etan, but since we're keeping our pick, we can use that on Acie Law. I like Ben Gordon, b/c he can provide the needed scoring punch, and I like Tyrus, b/c he adds athleticism and youth. Just don't ask him to do the dunk contest. PJ Brown would add some veteran savvy, but I don't care for him as much.

I'd do the deal in a heartbeat, but based on the names being thrown around in the article, without numbers, I wonder if the deals would really work dollar-wise.

I assume Chad Ford ran the numbers already and it worked (part of that deal is P.J. Brown in a sign-and-trade).
As for Tyrus Thomas I think he has the capability to be a lot more than just a better version of Bo Outlaw. Sure he has to work on his offensive game, but he is young and can get better at that. Now I don't know about the bad attitude part of your contention, but if he had one, you know Skiles wouldn't play him. He averaged 13 minutes per game during the season and 12 minutes per game during the playoffs. Take that for what you will.
As for Ben Gordon, you are right they will have to resign him but even the max for him is lot less than it would be for Arenas (because Gordon is only in his third year in the league) and I think it's likely you could get Gordon for less than the max he could be due anyway. Everyone here knows how difficult it is to trade a superstar, is there another deal out there that is feasible where the Wizards could get that as much value as they would get in this one.

Worthless piece of crap? No that would be you, DCDude....take a look in the mirror. I was not the person that posted that I have lived in ATL (look at the name of the person before you make accusations), I posted that I'm am originally from the Deep South. However, I stand by my convictions about the Deep South in general. It does get cold there. And for you to wildly suggest that it would be a good place for Gil because of the "weather" simply because you don't like him is absolutely ludricous - especially seeing that ATL appears to be cursed (far more than the Wiz).

Lisa, you're a worthless piece of homer garbage.

"I think Gilby would like hotlanta. It's a great area to be young and black (Chocolate City is overrated), it's got warmer weather, and Gilby would probably take over for Vick as the primma donna athlete down there, especially with Vick's recent bad press."

Did I say it was just for the weather? Did I say it doesn't get cold in Atlanta? I wouldn't expect you to know the details of any argument/debate. Otherwise, you'd realize that you were wrong.

All of you all posting here talking about trading Gilbert are crazy. Lest I remind everyone what the Wizards were before he came. How soon we forget. It sounds like a bunch of hating to me. Never have I seen a website supposedly for a team against their players like this. Especially this DCMan88. Sounds like a bunch of hating to me. It also appears that no matter who is on the the team, they will never be good enough. I have been with this team for years and I for one, am happy Gilbert is a part of the Wizards. I came here hoping I could find out what is going on with the team and all I see is Gilbert hate. What has this guy done other than play his tail off to deserve some of the comments towards him. If he does leave, I guess that would make you all happy. What a load of crap printed here. Gil is doing no more than any other player in this league and that is getting what he can while he can still play. By the way DCMan88, did you have a run in with him or something? I have never seen such hate from a person before.

I response to this Gilfan, you need to realize that no real Wizards fans want to trade Gilbert. The people that write that either aren't Wizards fans or idiots. Keep in mind this is a public site and people can come here from Atlanta or wherever they may live and they aren't even fans of the Wizards, they just want to argue. But it's a free country or whatever.

Us actual Wizards fans are PATIENTLY waiting for Ivan to update this thing, and get us some info on the draft, and any actual realistic trade rumors not involving Gil. Like maybe a package with Haywood to get us Camby? Or have we worked out guys like Sean Williams, Rudy Fernandez, Belinelli, or Almond?? What's the deal with Navarro, is he coming over or what? Are we gonna pursue any free agents, like Joe Smith, or Pietrus? Are we gonna trade Etan for someone like Turkoglu? Are we gonna draft Aaron Gray? Are we gonna invite DJ Strawberry and Ekene Ibekwe to summer league? Are we keeping Stevenson and Hayes? Whatever happened to James Lang?

These are the things we are waiting to talk about. There has been no news, or updates, so the board gets taken over by a bunch of 14 year olds that don't have anything to do but try to argue with people over a bunch of made up nonsense.

I response to this Gilfan, you need to realize that no real Wizards fans want to trade Gilbert. The people that write that either aren't Wizards fans or idiots. Keep in mind this is a public site and people can come here from Atlanta or wherever they may live and they aren't even fans of the Wizards, they just want to argue. But it's a free country or whatever.

Us actual Wizards fans are PATIENTLY waiting for Ivan to update this thing, and get us some info on the draft, and any actual realistic trade rumors not involving Gil. Like maybe a package with Haywood to get us Camby? Or have we worked out guys like Sean Williams, Rudy Fernandez, Belinelli, or Almond?? What's the deal with Navarro, is he coming over or what? Are we gonna pursue any free agents, like Joe Smith, or Pietrus? Are we gonna trade Etan for someone like Turkoglu? Are we gonna draft Aaron Gray? Are we gonna invite DJ Strawberry and Ekene Ibekwe to summer league? Are we keeping Stevenson and Hayes? Whatever happened to James Lang?

These are the things we are waiting to talk about. There has been no news, or updates, so the board gets taken over by a bunch of 14 year olds that don't have anything to do but try to argue with people over a bunch of made up nonsense.

No blog in 7 days? Typical.

These guys need to take a lesson from JLC over on Redskins Insider... at least he seems to take his job seriously.

Carter and Lee stink!

Tenzig & other posters. You need to chill folks. Ivan and Michael have provided us with very good coverage including great insights into team dynamics. They also have been responsive to posters on this board (at least the ones who talk basketball as opposed to name calling and foul language) in answering questions and following up on story ideas. Let's remeber that it is te off-season. I'm sure that Ivan is working on a draft story and if he dollows usual practice he will also post a similar story on the blog. Until then, just chill a bit....

Darnell, I posted the trade thing and I am as big a Wizards fan as anybody and have defended Gilbert as much as anyone here. I am not coming from the same perspective as DCMan88.
The reason I think this trade scenario is worth considering is the depth this deal creates plus the potential cap room and all the while still fielding a team that can be a factor at the top of the East.

I don't understand why you all bother talking about trading Gil away -Kobe or no Kobe.

The fans here love him - note I said FANS -and Grunfield has already stated they will do whatever it takes to keep him.

Why keep harping on crazy trade scenarios?

Addendum to my last post....

Especially because we are only a player of two away from being a strong contender....why the heck throw what we have away and start over yet again?

Makes no sense....

Great.

The people who "hate" Gilby are drinking the haterade.

The people who love Gilby are drinking the Kool-Aid.

Anyone content with status quo should hope that there will be no changes on this team, especially not Gilby getting shipped out. Anybody content with regressing 3 years in a row during the playoffs should be happy with the same team.

Anybody who is happy with a one dimensional quasi point guard who can't run an offense and who does not want to be a leader, and wants nothing to do with leadership, but wants a max contract, should hope that Gilby stays. You are entitled to that argument, and others are entitled to another argument. Either way, stick to talking about basketball and not posters on this forum. If you don't focus on the posters, you don't have to worry about being blasted back. Easy as pie.

"The reason I think this trade scenario is worth considering is the depth this deal creates plus the potential cap room and all the while still fielding a team that can be a factor at the top of the East."

Except the team won't be a factor in the east. Thomas is a great athlete who, at this point, has very little actual game. Gordon is an undersized gunner with negligible ball skills and no defensive ability. The reason the Wiz (when healthy) have been successful is because Gilbert gives them a presence who requires so much defensive attention that it opens things up for the others. Gordon doesn't do that. Moreover, Gordon doesn't create shots and needs someone to get him the ball. With no Gilbert, who does that? The number nine pick would be nice, but will it yield a franchise player? And if it does, how many years will we have to wait for him to ripen? And the cap space won't mean much because if Gilbert's gone, FAs won't be flocking to play here.

This deal would essentially be putting the Wizards back to rebuilding square one.

Despite all the knocks on Abe Pollin, he's got one thing going for him. He's got a lot of pride and won't be bullied by these young, spoiled professional athletes. Given that, Gilby is an integral part of this franchise and its future, but for sure, he is in no f'n way a max player. Why give more money to a guy with a bum knee who is only getting older, will get slower, and relies strictly on his quickness and scoring ability for success?

Right now, he basically assumes that he's going to get a max contract. That's why it's easy for him to say he wants to stay here, because Les BouleS is the only team that can give him a 6 year max deal.

Why should this franchise abide by his whims? If and when Gilby gets traded, it's because of Gilby and his exorbitant demands and ego where he thinks he's a max player. He's no Kobe or Lebron. He's no Duncan or Shaq. He's sure as heck not Steve Nash.

Look at Duncan. He spurned max cash from Orlando and decided to stick with the Spurs and now has 4 rings. Now, the spurs will reward him with a 2 year, 50 mil extension. This is a guy you cheer for, not someone like Gilby. Duncan didn't say he had to take the Magic offer because he had to feed his kids. Duncan has 4 rings, twice NBA MVP, 3 times Finals MVP, voted 10 times all NBA, and 10 times all defensive. Gilby is a joke.

So, Gilby needs his wakeup call and fast. If he leaves Les BouleS, it'll be because Les BouleS hand was forced, not because Les BouleS don't want him, but want Gordon, Tyrus Thomas, or any of these others people that bloggers are nitpicking. As I said many times, I think Grunfeld should offer Gilby what every other franchise out there can offer him, and that's the 5 year option. He may sweaten it with a 6th year option if he meets certain objectives, like take Les BouleS to the finals. Otherwise, all bets are off. Nice to have known you Gilby, and don't let the door hit your quirky butt on the way out.

I'm glad, Sean was it(?), that pointed out that George Solomon wrote that Abe does not like to be pushed and be disrespected. If Abe has the cajones to kick MJ out of town, Abe won't break a sweat doing the same thing to Gilby. Good for him.

Tenzing Norway-

You stink for not understanding that after the long NBA season&Finals writers need a break from dopes like you in their blogs!

Why do you guys even respond to DCWoman. Ignore him...she clearly has a problem with Arenas and is pretty rude. When she comments inappropriately simply do not reply...trust me, she will go pufff!

Wizards fans in the know don't want to lose Gilbert Arenas. The only way Ernie should listen to any deals involving Arenas and Kobe is if we somehow get Kobe back in return. This 3 way stuff where we get several very good Bulls players and lose our potential top 5 franchise player is totally absurd. Look at Gilbert's progression since high school and where he has come from. We don't know when and where he will level off. He could keep soaring and become at the D Wade of Kobe level. I do not think we have seen the best of him. Unless a Kobe or D Wade type franchise player is involved you dare not trade him. I am tired of watching June basektbal played by Rip and Rashid and Webber and Ben Wallace and other guys who were here but were traded before they reached their potential.

Thanks to whoever it was that linked to that yahoo site that has the videos of the draft talent.

By the way, let Ivan and Mike take their time off. It is obvious that they are on vacation. I have a feeling they'll be back before the draft.

Reading Chad Ford's ESPN pc. and all of the posts here I think it is important to remember that rumor is being generated by Kobe's agent and Ford just because he needs something to talk about.
There hasn't been even a hint of a reaction out of the Wizards that the are shopping Gil or involved in a major three way deal since he stated that he might opt out so he can seek a 6 yr deal.
The deal stated and discussed here doesn't give the Wizards enough in return for one of the top 15 players in the league. When the Wizards are effective it's because of Gilbert's ability to force and break down the double team and either score or create an open shot for his teammates.
P.J. Brown is at the end of the line and his only use would be to package him in another deal to a team looking to dump a longterm contract such as Memphis with Gasol. I'm with Kalorama in that Gordon is really only effective when running with another player that can attract enough attention for him to get his open threes.
I'd think the only way the Wiz would get involved in the deal would be if they would get the number 9 pick and maybe another player to use in a package deal to get another Allstar quality guy. As the deal is now it would leave the Wizards with a group of side kicks that would be ok to surround an Allstar with but no Allstar.
But if we get the #9 pick LA would seem to be coming up short, getting Gilbert and Etan for Kobe. I don't think they'd pull the trigger on that unless Kobe really holds a gun to their head to force a deal. And I don't think Chicago has alot more of value to offer that they don't consider off limits add to a deal.
Chad Ford and Kobe's agent may have been able to use the trade machine to construct this deal, but it just doesn't work out in the Wizard's favor(Surprise,Surprise).
Remember for Gilbert to get the Maxium 6 years he either has to resign with the Wiz or get involved in a sign and trade where the Wizards will get something in return. There is no pressure for the Wizards to panic and deal him now.
What is more realistic and seems to be a possibility that the Wizards are thinking about some kind of deal that picks them up a late first round or early second round pick. Look at the guys they are working out again today, they have been looking at lots of players that seem to project into a range between their first and second round picks.
What I can't see right now is that Ernie is going to blow up the team that he's been building this off season. Next year could be another matter if they go out early in the playoffs again.

And I'd like to add an Amen to Bmore Rev's post. We need to quit trading players when they are still ascending!

And I'd like to add an Amen to Bmore Rev's post. We need to quit trading players when they are still ascending!

Reportedly, one of the reasons Duncan did not go to Orlando had to do with his wife. The Spurs allow the wives to travel on the plane with the players to many of the games and the Magic will not do that. Ms. Duncan liked the situation with the Spurs.

I posted a comment above wondering why Rudy Fernandez hadn't worked out with any teams. His team may have still been involved in the playoffs in Europe, and if he is still under contract with his team (even if he has a manageable buyout, which I believe he does), according to draftexpress, the team can prevent him from working out with NBA teams.

Him and Navarro have both been involved in the playoffs. Question, Would the Wiz have to wait until July 1st to sign Navarro? Or can they sign him as soon as his Euro season is over if he can get a buyout?
I'm not sure of the status of past year's draft picks that are playing in other pro leagues. I know that you can't sign them in the middle of their season. It would sure be nice if EG knew what his status next year would be before the draft. It might have a bearing on who we would pick.
I read some where that Pecherov would be signing July 1st. I was wondering is that the first day foriegn players are available.

Just because a foreign player can't sign until July 1st doesn't mean that Ernie isn't in contact with a guy's agent, and hasn't already worked out a deal. It isn't final, but I'm sure he knows what can and will happen.

I would seriously consider working a trade for Kobe Bryant. Yes, trade Gilbert. I know that sounds crazy but you could put Kobe on this team with Caron and Antawn and instantly become a finals contender. Gilbert is from LA, and Kobe and Caron are good friends. You would still need to get a true point guard to run things (which the Wiz don't have). May be you could draft one, and make a trade for Jason Kidd. Sounds crazy, but don't think for one second that Ernie isn't mulling this.

Well I guess I am on the wrong side on this one. I do think Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas will get a lot better, but I think the tribe has spoken. And can we stop with the Gilbert has a bum knee rap. We have no idea how Gilbert will come back from this injury.

Hey, here's a question.......if the NBA draft is 10 days away, why hasn't the "Wizards Insider" blog been updated in over a week?

Just curious.

Joe, I would assume that a face to face with Navarro and his agent could have been a reason for Ernie's trip to Spain. We've been linked to some of the Euro prospects in the draft because many feel that Ernie went over to do some personal scouting, but I doubt he was in Spain without making a call on Navarro while he was there.
I hope you're right, he could give us some scoring punch if he was used as a 6th man. In Europe he has swung back and forth between point and the two, and he has a nice midrange game, some range on his three ball, and is decent going to the hole. And he's just a plain winner, he does what's needed to get the job done.

Haven't been around for a bit. Just noticed Jakes post referencing G Solomon - Wash Po. Thats interesting information.

I recall After Shaq first went to Miami they made it to playoffs. At the end of one of the final games - Shaq went on record he was demanding $100 thousand, or some outrageous sal. cuz he was worth it. When they spoke to the owner - who was at courtside - he said: "Uh I don't know about that. We haven't disscussed dollars yet. He has some things to show us. There are conditions he has to meet for that amount to be considered." Certainly, he's a special player but they're some things required before signing a contract of that magnitude. We'll talk."

It is my understand(always room for error)
Miami put a weight, workout, practice demand/clause in Shaq's contract.
Thats why he's looking in such good shape since being in Miami. Announcers constantly stating: best shape since early yrs. etc. (The getting in shape part doesn't pertain to GA but the owner's mentality is what I'm writing about.)

Riley & Miami knew - In LA - Shaq was lazy, constantly refused to practice, showed up late,out of shape always way over weight, complaining about one health prob after the other - not showing up. Could barely move about. Then the last yr they lost - He hadn't worked out, practiced, overwt then waited til the season to have toe surgery. they lost -
he looked shocked sitting on sidelines. Still refusing to lose wt, practice, etc. he went to Buss demanding more than 27 mil. LA times reported that at their training camp in hawaii Shaq repeatedly
"screamed" at Buss & Kupschak - "give me my money" etc. threatening them

Well, Poker player, Dr. Buss didn't take it too well, threw in his cards and we know the rest.

I have no idea what will happen in the Arenas situation but hopefully not that scenario. The old guy owners hate "aggressive & critical people" don't tell them they "don't" know what they're doing. That was Abe's beef w/MJ.

He might have alzheimers but he remembered the remark MJ made years before - and made him pay for it. I gather G. Arenas spoke with Abe & Ernie before paper because they said they were aware. lets hope so.

The rest of the trade scenarios - I haven't a clue. Will wait & see since they provide absolutely no information on the team. You would think this was NASA or the CIA. Sure Ernie is't the former CIA director in disguise?

I also agree - Lee & Carter are on vaction.

From yesterday's Phil. Inquirer:

"Eddie Jordan is also on notice that he has to improve the team's woeful defense. With Jordan's close friend and former college coach Tom Young retiring last week, we hear Washington might be interested in former Raptors head coach and longtime Rick Carlisle confidant Kevin O'Neill as a potential assistant coach/defensive czar. . . ."

George,

I think Thomas will get better. The question is how much and how soon? He'll be a solid supporting big, but I don't see leading man/go-to status in his future.

I really don't see Gordon ever being much more than he is right now, a streak scorer who can't create his own shot and doesn't bring much else to the table. He's good to have on the floor when he's got open looks and his shot is falling, but pretty much useless otherwise. He's really a bigger, better version of Earl Boykins.

The Wiz can't trade Arenas unless they get a certified go-to guy in his place. Even with the #9 pick, that proposed deal doesn't answer the call.

And you would trade Arenas only if (1) you were getting someone in return as good as or better than he is; or (2) you don't think you can resign him. Neither is true in this case.

kind of interesting that "other papers" are reporting or commenting on Wiz staff and status but nothing coming out of D.C.

Kalorama, I said the number 9 pick and another player that could used in a package. Even then I see no reason for us to get involved unless we'd get a "go to" guy out of that deal or a second deal.
As I said, as it is we'd end up with alot of complimentry players with no real Allstar to build around.

*SIGH*

GM, I know what you said. I wasn't responding to you. I was responding to George, who posted the original proposed trade idea.