Patience is okay to practice. If the Wizards are losing early, but LEARNing from their faults...I'll take it.

(Bulls are 0-4 now BTW)

Bullets Forever asks how long is Eddie Jordan's leash in terms of losing.
http://www.bulletsforever.com/story/2007/11/6/155212/265

My answer is to start thinking if the Wiz are sub-.300 after 30 games.

I "kinda" have the feeling that others aren't as patient. Really?

My NBA Predictions
http://www.truthaboutit.net/2007/11/truthful-07-08-nba-predictions.html

What are yours?

BTW...thanks for the update, as always, Ivan. I'll do my best to submit a tough question.

"The Wiz played three games in four nights to open the season and Arenas averaged 41 minutes. Also, they play three more in four days starting Thursday night at New Jersey so keeping him as fresh as possible is the obvious goal."

That's why it was silly to have Gilbert playing so many minutes in the Boston blowout.

"He slipped out before reporters could catch him."

Goodness, Gilbert passing up an open microphone? The man is clearly not well.

Thanks for the update Ivan.

The team's problem is simply lack of movement off the ball. They usually start the game running the offense. You will usually seem them play really well at the start, dribble handoffs, cutting and moving the ball. But it usually only lasts a couple minutes.

I'm not sure what causes what... either the lack of player movement (off the ball) causes lack of ball movement/quick shots OR lack of ball movement/quick shots causes lack of player movement (off the ball). The team is stagnant of offense. Either they come down and shoot quickly, or when they look to move the ball everyone is just standing still. Players make stationary passes to stationary players. The defender is there to defend the pass and/or in position to immediately defend the shooter. Every pass seems difficult. Another result of lack of movement is when they shoot they are defended, and taking stationary set shots, and long shots (the only shots open when your not moving). No drive and dish, no backdoors, no layups, no and-1s. Everyone standing around the perimeter.

This is evident in the lack of free throws, the poor shooting percentage, and the high turnovers.

Don't really see how Gilby's knee can get any better over the course of the season. He probably won't be fully healed until he gets another offseason of rest, but then pressure is on him to perform again like early last season, or look like a total fool for opting out, because the way he's playing now, there's no way he's a max anything.

Gilby will get hammered this year because of his knee. He's probably still quick enough off the dribble to beat his man, but without confidence with a healthy knee, he's not going to be able to elevate to get his shot off, and will be beaten like rag doll by the big men. For the most part, any guard in the NBA can beat their defender off the dribble.

Ivan,

Sorry I can't make the chat tomorrow, but is there any chance the Wiz go after Varejao? I know there isn't much money to throw at him, but might he accept a one-year contract just to be playing in the NBA? Would we have the right to do that or does Cleveland own his rights?

Just wondering because he seems like he could be a great defensive presence for us, especially with Etan out, Blatche looking shaky, and Jamison not being exactly a big factor on defense.

Truthaboutit, given the Wizards' expectations and the state of the East, I can't imagine EG will give EJ 30 games. If he does, it will be too late for a coaching change to make a difference. This team looks like a train wreck, I am worried it will go off the rails and stay there if the Wizards don't shake things up soon.

I'll be at work tomorrow at 2, IC. Hope you scan the blogs looking for questions. I got one. I know we're close to the luxury tax line, but is there any possibilites of adding another player this season? BTW, you can have your purple Jesus, but Darren McFadden is the "Best Back Alive" on any level!!! Yeah I said it. Best Back Alive.

My guess is that we're expending so much energy early trying to lock down on D that we wear ourselves out and hurt ourselves offensively. We have to learn how to pace ourselves since before this year, we spent all of our energy on the offensive side of the ball.
I was wondering why EJ kept Gil in the game against Boston, too. Even if he was 100%, he should have taken him out. This injury may be the best thing to happen to us this year (besides losing his crutches Booth, Ruffin, Thomas) because it should force EJ to start using subs.

It's funny how some people say that Les BouleS focus on D has taken away the energy level on the offensive end. I still see a lot of sloppy offensive play coupled with a lot of one on one and people jacking up shots.

Ask yourselves, if other teams like Chicago, Detroit, and San Antonio can bring it on both ends, why can't Les BouleS? We're not talking about old geezers running up and down the court.

We're talking about professional athletes in their 20's who are in the prime of their lives and who do this for a living. They may play 3 games a week max, and you're saying they're getting tired?

Uhhhh, the last I checked, even though we are "focusing on D," Les BouleS still got burned on the defensive end. The only people who are stepping up on D are Caron and BTH. I see little to no change coupled with ineffective results from Gilby, DS, and AJ on the defensive end.

You here all summer how the focus was on defense, yet there were obvious lapses in all three games, as if nothing but HAYWOOD had changed. And once again Jamison stay down court after he thought he was fouled and left a 5 on 4 at the other end. This as I said before is a regular occurence with wizards players. The talent level as risen a little this year in the NBA which spells bad news for the wiz.

"Ask yourselves....As I said before...last time I checked" Yada, yada, yada....DCJerk.

Thanks!

They could be tired physically. Exert hard enough, and even a top athlete can get wiped out quickly. I've heard that sprinters are sore the day after a meet, even though their total exertion time is measured in seconds.

But my guess is that there's a mental component to our guys' "tiredness", too. Being "on" for the entire time you're in the game is a lot harder than just focusing in at one end of the floor.

There will be growing pains, but I think they'll get the hang of it eventually, as long as they stay with the program.

EJ should give the bench a chance to play. Give AB at least 24 minutes and DMac at least 10 and if they don't repond and then I'll shut up. AB and DMac together on the floor will help us in defense. Songalia is willing but he has slow feet and an inch or two short. I know it still too early but if we lose to NJ, Denver and Atlanta (which I believe has a better chance of making the playoffs than we do) then we just have to kiss our playoff hopes goodbye.

Ball/player movement is a big problem with this team, which also contributes mightily to their lacking defense.

Here is a question, is the Wiz the only team in the league who cannot play defense and offense during the same game as some on this blog suggest? It sounds silly on its face, but I raise only because of the shear silliness of the inference.

Here is another question for you IC, what does GA and the team knee have to do with his desire to pass that ball consistently within the parameters of the Princeton?

Come on, people. The Wizards can't run the offense because they are too tired from playing defense? Get real. Maybe Abe should buy 5 golf carts so the players don't have to run up and down the court.

If they were too tired to run the offense, then Jordan presumably would put in subs. But instead he's been riding the Big 3 for major minutes.

The real problem is one that we've seen in previous seasons. They get lazy on offense, and instead of running the offense, making strong cuts and extra passes, they jack up the first semi-good shot they see. What we've seen this season is no different than what we saw last season, so the greater emphasis on D has nothing to do with it.

haven't been on in long time..seems nothing's changed. Sean, I agree w/you totally. Sat & watched a no. NBA games past few nights. Watched Josh Howard injure his ankle & keep playing right through it. They won by the way because of Howards contributions. Last nites games no different..players are exhausted, injured - play right thru it..Whats with the Wiz getting tired from "playing defense?"
Did I read that correctly? It makes no sense.

The Temptations said it best:

"Its just the same ol song...Eddie gives it a diferent meaning since "last years excuses" Oh I!! can't bear to hear it!!!

I wonder why no one has used the word "hibachi" on this blog yet.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

Just to echo what others have said (and thanks for the link, truthaboutit), the whole theory that they aren't scoring as much because of a new emphasis on defense is really silly.

Think about it. The more stops you get, the more chances you get to push the ball up the court and get easy shots before the other team's defense is set up. MJ's Bulls used to make a living scoring easy baskets off defensive stops. Good defense helps you score more.

Why is Eddie not playing Nick Young? I thought was brought to help reduce the minutes Gil plays? I know it's early in the season but Eddie can't be running Gilbert this much so soon.

Because Nick Young looks totally lost and in a daze when he's out there.
Its going to be a while before we see any meaningful contribution from him.

A question to all of my Wiz Insider website associates. I'm Curious.

How many games into the season before they consider moving Eddie Jordan out?

0-10? Please share your thoughts.

When your defensive skills are not good to begin with, and you have to exert extra effort just to do the bare minimum, and don't see results, that's where the frustration starts. Defense is just as much about heart as it is about ability.

Problem is that there is little glamor in playing tough D. A guy like Gilby wants glamor, which is why all he talks about is scoring, so that is his ticket to superstardom in his mind.

DCIdiot can't even spell glamour....

Why should we care about playing defense anyway? Our best defense is our offense. Stop trying to stop other teams and just focus on blowing them out the water. That's how we were able to have the best record in the league during December and January. The Swag back then was phenomonal! Worry about defense when the playoffs start. Plus, BTH is doing just fine on the defensive end. And one more thing, HIBACHI B***H!! (That's for You DCMAN. You my homey no matter what the rest of the blog says.)

Ivan, please explain exactly what is "the plan" that you and Caron reference.

Specifics, please. Not just: win or make shots or some statement regarding output rather than input/strategy/execution.

Rob, I'd say it might be shorter than 10 games. We got some (allegedly) winnable games coming up and if he gets anywhere near 10, someone should search MySpace for Lenny Wilkens number. But on the flip side, Ernie might take a step back and look at himself and say that he overestimated the team he built and give Eddie a break

Skeef, I'm not trying to suggest we can't play both offense and defense. My opinion is that we need to establish ourselves as primarily offensive or primarily defensive. When I suggested that we need to choose an identity this summer, ppl told me I was stupid. While that may be true (and that's another topic), I still believe it. If you look at all of the good teams, they are all really good in one area and ok in the other. We seem to be vacillating between O and D without picking a specialty. Last year it was offense but now we seem to be trying to shift that focus. Spurs, D. Mavs, O. Suns, O. Pistons, D. Wizards, ?. We're trying to be jacks of all trades, masters of none. Unfortunately, that will make us an average team. I think we should pick a side and master it. I happen to think that this team is made up of offense oriented players, so that's the side we should specialize in. The focus this summer should have been on integrating the new bench players into the mix, not switching up the team philosophy. We should only change when we have to change and what we did last year was working til injuries.

CBell, I'm with you. If it ain't broke, don't screw it up !

Pradamaster, I have to respectfully disagree with you about our D not being one of the causes of the O being out of sync. Asking our guys to play defense is like asking a good wide receiver to block. Only the best can do both well. Otherwise, 90% of the time they spend on the practice field is spent catching the ball. Of course, Gil's injury could be the cause of every thing that's gone bad. If he'd hit just his average from last year, we'd probably be 2-1 right now. Everything we're theorizing about could be wrong.

"DCIdiot can't even spell glamour....

Posted by: | November 7, 2007 11:32 AM"

I can't spell "glamor:"

http://www.answers.com/topic/glamour
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/glamour

Notice it can be spelled both ways, idiot.

"

Why should we care about playing defense anyway? Our best defense is our offense. Stop trying to stop other teams and just focus on blowing them out the water. That's how we were able to have the best record in the league during December and January. The Swag back then was phenomonal! Worry about defense when the playoffs start. Plus, BTH is doing just fine on the defensive end. And one more thing, HIBACHI B***H!! (That's for You DCMAN. You my homey no matter what the rest of the blog says.)

Posted by: C.Bell | November 7, 2007 12:09 PM "

If you don't play D, and just shoot for the moon, what happens? The first 3 games is what happens.

BTW, is anyone here an animal lover or a follower of PETA? If you are, you should check out today's Steinberg column in the Post.

He's got some disturbing pictures of what Gilby spends his money on. Gilby's gonna need that max contract if he wants to keep his family financially secure, or, he might have to sell some of these prized possessions.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2007/11/wiz_rookies_wear_fur.html

I think we should give EJ until December if he can fix the problem. I just don't think the Princeton offense is right for the team as we have players who are not very savvy in passing and ball movement.

I hope he realize sooner than later that he needs to play his bench more.

I ask the question becus - Last year: Ga & EJ had no love.EJ would refer questions about GA to EG. Especially during mid season end. GA didn't speak to Jordan at all especially following the injury. Entered Verizon Ctr & bypassed EJ. etc. Now, from reading Stein, Simmons etc. they have reported Jordan has an "unhappy" super star on his hands..needs to try to work things out.

Do you think GA might be sick of Jordan & this is his way of getting a new coach lined up? Besides the PR stuff - most things he does is subliminal..Wouldn't want to be seen as calling his coach out AGAIN! as last yr about the D.
But it sure okks intersting.

If the Wiz lose enough games..does Eddie J walk?

Cuz if Ga doesn't get it together & EJ can't figure how to play someone else in his place & get the rest together - somethings gotta give..

No, 3 games a season does not make but the other teams certainly seem to feel getting as many W's in the win column is important.

Does Phoenix play D? No. They force teams to play their game. That's what i'm saying. Force teams to keep up. When we win, we force teams to play our game. Right now, we're trying to beat teams at their game. Trying to defend the pick n roll shouldn't be a concern. Getting to the basket and not taking as many jumpers should be our primary focus. And as much as people kill Gilbert, why the hell is no one sayin jack about Deshawn "I got my money so y'all can kiss my ass" Stevenson? Can you say, QUITTER?

Mark, your contention that good teams focus on one side of the floor as their "identity" is simply false. To be a great team, you play both sides of the floor.

Here are the 2006/07 offensive rating (points scored or allowed per 100 possessions, which is better than points scored/allowed per game because it regulates for pace) of the teams you alluded to.

Spurs: 4th in offense, 2nd in defense. (The per game offensive numbers are low because they play at the fourth-slowest pace in the league.)

Mavericks: 2nd in offense, 5th in defense. Oh, and they played at a slower pace than even the Spurs last season.

Suns: 1st in offense, 13th in defense (they play at the fastest pace, which affects their defensive point per game numbers).

Pistons: 6th in offense, 6th in defense.

(In "Basketball on Paper," Dean Oliver suggests that 95 percent of wins can be explained by a team's difference between their offensive and defensive ratings. Just FYI).

Of those teams, only Phoenix has a drastic difference between their offense and defense, and yet, they still remain in the top half of the league in defensive rating. Their offense is so good that they only need to be average defensively to succeed.

Otherwise, all the best teams in the league play both ends of the court equally well. Until the Wizards do that, they aren't going to be a legitimate contender. Since the offense is very good (5th last year), the logical thing is to improve the defense (28th last year). I'm not sure how focusing only on offense does anything to improve the defense as well.

Identity, shmidentity. In the end, that stuff really doesn't matter.

Plus Rob, I think Chicago struggling is also helping keep Eddie's seat cool. How can we fire him when they're a more talented team (on paper) and their 0-4?

Pradamaster, since you have facts to back up your assertion, I have to say 'uncle'. However, there is one line in your argument that leads me to believe that there is some merit in what I propose.
"Their offense is so good that they only need to be average defensively to succeed."
This could also be used to describe the Wiz last year. I contend that we are not equipped physically or mentally to excel on D and subsequently should go with O.

Pradamaster, how did Chicago do in the rankings last year? I had two from your list to refute Mark's assessment also, namely San Antonio and Detroit.

Rob,

I don't see much chance of Jordan getting fired before the season is over. What would be the point? If their struggles reach the point where a change becomes necessary (and they aren't anywhere close to that yet) bringing in a new coach in midstream isn't likely to have an immediate impact. If they're struggling running the same system they've been using for 5 years, how much more would they struggle with learning an an entirely new one on the fly?

The only way I see n in-season coaching change happening is if it reaches the point in the second half where it legitimately looks like the team is in danger of missing the playoffs. But that's a long way off.

Now, if they do make the playoffs but get knocked out early and fail to make it to the mythical "next level" then I would probably expect Jordan to be replaced in the offseason.

"If the Wiz lose enough games..does Eddie J walk?"

I can all but guarantee you this won't happen. If he walks, he forfeits the remainder of his contract and would be prohibited from coaching another team until the term of his contract expires. Don't see much sense in that, esp. since he knows that if he doesn't get the job done, odds are he's going to get canned.

Mark, against the east it might work but the west? We are not phoenix offesively their farily stacked. And yes we just don't have any defensive players. Phoenix has one at least. I just can't compare us to the suns. We do need defense but like you've said without the offense what good is it.

Mark, yes, you're correct, but the Wizards defense has never been anywhere near average. In the three playoff years, their defensive rating ranked 19th, 23rd, and 28th respectively. If they were as high as Phoenix, sure, they would be better.

DC Man, Chicago was 20th in offensive rating, but first in defensive rating. Their defense was so good last season that they still had an expected record (based on point differential, which, remember, explains 95 percent of a team's success) 57-25, despite winning only 49 games.

I think with what you're saying, Mark, it depends on the goal. Clearly, if you want to be a championship-caliber team, you have to rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating. You don't necessarily have to (Detroit's offense in 04 was down in the teens, while the Lakers' defense in 01 was right where Phoenix's was last year), but it certainly helps.

But to be a 50-win team? Sure, if you're average on one end and very good on another, you can get there.

Take Utah for example, a team with an expected winning percentage of 49-33. They were superb offensively, finishing third in the league in offensive rating, but were only so-so defensively, finishing 19th (mostly because they foul so much...they allowed the most free throws per field goal attempt in the league last year). Even then, though, Utah's defense beats out 11 teams.

For the Wizards to get to 50 wins, they have to improve that defense from 28th in the league, and the only way to do that is to do so directly, rather than "changing the emphasis" to offense only. Hell, that's what they've done the last two years (certainly last season).