anonymous first !

Thanks Ivan! Love the behind the scenes info from the locker room.

Good Stuff Ivan.
NY is, no pun intended, young.
It will be nice to get all the starters back on the court at the same time. The East wide open if we have our full complement of players.

Hey Ivan,

Well good thing these last road trip games have come on too late for me to remember to watch them - they seem like some real heartbreakers.

Glad the All-Star break is coming up. Hopefully, that will give the Wiz time to heal & rest up!

Coming in second to Baby Jordan is definitely nothing to brag about. Now if he'd said Dwight Anderson.....

Great post!

I thought this was particularly interesting:

----I asked Jordan whether team president Ernie Grunfeld has said anything about adding a player via a 10-day and his answer was a quick: "No."----

Much respect goes to DeShawn for soldiering on last night.

Harold Miner? HA!

Good stuff, Ivan.

Back to the game last night... Why in the world is Songalia getting so many minutes. He has proven himself to be a liability on defense and now he can no longer put the ball in the bucket. I know there aren't many options, but c'mon, he's terrible right now.

Make no bones about it - Gilbert is "happy" because the Wizards are "losing" and need him. When the press spoke & wrote about the Wiz doing so well "minus Arenas" he hated it. Sadly - he's happy their losing without him.

As it appears - they should do well once he's back baring injuries to jamison or DeShawn.

I am sure you have gotten into this before, but why wouldn't the Wiz sign someone to a 10 day contract? Is it because of the salary cap implications and ownership handcuffs?

Saying that Gilbert is happy that the team is losing without him now is ridiculous. Did you even watch last night's game? Gilbert was up on the bench screaming at the refs for blowing calls last night. He was as into the game as you can be while not being on the floor.

GVP -- Don't let facts get in the way of a good rant.

I cant believe it has been 7 in a row. That is a big # to make up. I have to agree on DSong. He needs to sit and rest up or something. He is a liability on both offense and defense now. I say rest CB again tonight. I dont think we can beat this team without CB at 100% and AD back at the point at 100%.

I agree with oddjob. If the Wizards win one of the last two on this roadtrip, that would be good. Rest Caron, Daniels and anyone else whose wheels are about to fall off, and go at the Clips on Wednesday. Better yet, have Caron sit out AllStar weekend.

I've gotta say, I am really really impressed with how they played last night. Yes, it was a loss, but so close!!!! And this is Phoenix!! The guys should be VERY proud with how hard they fought. Almost everyone is injured! Even Deshawn! My goodness... and did you see that Cleveland got SPANKED by Denver with LeBron out for only part of the game???? They lost by 30 points, 113 to 83!! And they are losing 3 key players, boo hoo!!!! They still have LEBRON JAMES.

Interesting stat for the stats obsessed:

"Entering Sunday's game, the Wizards were 21-20 without Arenas this season, 3-5 without Daniels and 1-5 without Butler."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/10/AR2008021002712.html

When Gil was out both Butler and Jamison were playing and so was AD which explains why they have won so many more games. And we have a much stronger bench this year. When Butler was out last year, so was Arenas. So, I am not sure what that stat proves other than the Wiz won more games with Butler out. Also, we didn't play any defense during that time and our bench sucked. So.................what? I am not sure what relevance that stat has. Please enlighten me because I must be missing something.

ok songaila haters, who exactly do you want to play for him? mcguire? opec? we'd give up 140 a game with them logging heavy minutes. that's all we have right now. sitting someone who isn't playing well is simply not an option for this team right now.

Songalia (20 minutes last night)and Stevenson (34 minutes) are hurting yet Pecherov played only 4 and a half minutes and DMac 6; only Young and Blatche (a vet but he's younger than Pech, NY and DMac) had significant floor time.
If EJ is going to lend credence to Ivan's story about EJ dubbing the West coast swing "the rookie tour" how about sitting Songalia and Stevenson until they're healthy. They'll miss the last two games before the all star break but they heal up, with Arenas, Butler and Daniels out it's unfortunate but realistic to assume those games are L's. Let's get these young guys some serious game minutes and we'll have a mostly healthy team 8 days from now when the season resumes, not a bunch of guys playing banged up.

If Butler was smart, he should just sit out the All Star game as the idiot has said Gil should have last year.

"If Butler was smart, he should just sit out the All Star game as the idiot has said Gil should have last year.

Posted by: | February 11, 2008 02:54 PM "

Agreeing with an idiot, so what does that make you?

So, the idiot responds and acknowledges who he is. Good to know you who you are.

Even a broken clock is correct twice a day, just like the idiot who responded.

"When Gil was out both Butler and Jamison were playing and so was AD which explains why they have won so many more games. And we have a much stronger bench this year. When Butler was out last year, so was Arenas. So, I am not sure what that stat proves other than the Wiz won more games with Butler out. Also, we didn't play any defense during that time and our bench sucked. So.................what? I am not sure what relevance that stat has. Please enlighten me because I must be missing something.

Posted by: | February 11, 2008 02:38 PM "

The most important and relevant conclusion from this data is that Les BouleS were doing very well, undermanned as they were and are, without their "max money" franchise player Gilby in the lineup.

How many franchises out there can lose their "franchise" player, be undermanned, and still have a record above .500 at that time? Can the Cavs survive without Lebron, LA withhout Kobe, Miami without Dwade, Clips without Elton, Spurs without Duncan, etc.? Probably not.

LOL!

You should be proud of yourself that you came to your senses and finally agree with me after the fact, that Gilby should have sat out last all star game. You can call me whatever you call me, but you are even worse by finally coming to your senses this late in the game.

The Celts are 5 and 1 with Garnett out of the lineup.

"The Celts are 5 and 1 with Garnett out of the lineup.

Posted by: Myshkin | February 11, 2008 03:32 PM "

LOL!

KG must not be that important to the Celtics either.

DC Man,
Maybe the Celts will go Arenas for Garnett.

Awwwwwwww, someone poked a hole in your theory and all you can say is that KG must not be that important to the Celtics either? Wow, you definitely don't have a clue about the game of basketball to say anything remotely like that. Leave while you still have 1 brain cell left...lol!

Ivan a bunch of us from Conn 2000 are heading to the game. Will we get to see Butler? Or is he sitting out until allstar break?

"Awwwwwwww, someone poked a hole in your theory and all you can say is that KG must not be that important to the Celtics either? Wow, you definitely don't have a clue about the game of basketball to say anything remotely like that. Leave while you still have 1 brain cell left...lol!

Posted by: | February 11, 2008 03:43 PM "

LOL!

What a joke. Nowhere did I say the Celts wouldn't be the same without KG. Check Kobe, Lebron, Duncan, Elton, and Dwade.

Go reread the comments before you prove even further what little you know about basketball.

The only fact you need to know is that Les BouleS were 21-20 without Gilby. Not surprised there though.

"The Celts are 5 and 1 with Garnett out of the lineup.

Posted by: Myshkin | February 11, 2008 03:32 PM "

LOL!

KG must not be that important to the Celtics either.

Posted by: DC Man88 | February 11, 2008 03:37 PM

NOWHERE? lol!

How many franchises out there can lose their "franchise" player, be undermanned, and still have a record above .500 at that time? Can the Cavs survive without Lebron, LA withhout Kobe, Miami without Dwade, Clips without Elton, Spurs without Duncan, etc.? Probably not.

Posted by: DC Man88 | February 11, 2008 03:26 PM

First, you're an idiot. Secondly, you're an idiot.

Now... Kobe hasnt been hurt, but Kobe is the best player in the NBA and makes almost 20million a year.

LeBron is regarded by some as the best player in basketball and has been out for maybe 8 games in his career.

D.Wade? He is healthy and they have won 9 games this season.

Brand? They were 40-42 last year with him.

Duncan? Has he been hurt in his career? Not for months at a time.

The Heat have lost 19 games out of 20 games with DWade. I'm not saying he is not a great player, but stats can be misleading. The Celtics have Pierce and Allen, along with great role players, that can hold it down while Garnett is out. Wade's team is so bad that they lose even when he plays. Garnett has already proved his worth by having infectious intensity. If anyone one watched the Celts vs Spurs games yesterday, you can't tell me that Garnett's attitude hasn't rubbed off on Big Baby Davis.

KG must not be that important to the Celtics either.
Posted by: DC Man88 | February 11, 2008 03:37 PM

Huh?

Come back soon Gil.

- Ray

The only fact you need to know is that Les BouleS were 21-20 without Gilby. Not surprised there though.

Posted by: DC Man88 | February 11, 2008 04:02 PM

What about some other facts?

Like:
When Gil was healthy last year, the Wizards were 1st in the Eastern Conference.

Before Gilbert Arenas arrived, the Wizards were not even considered a good D-League team, much less a Playoff team.

Before Gil's arrival, the Wizards were NEVER on national TV - and never got any national press.

The only fact you need to know is that Les BouleS were 21-20 without Gilby. Not surprised there though.

Posted by: DC Man88 | February 11, 2008 04:02 PM

I agree DC Man88 - the Wizards are only so-so (mediocre) without Gil. They need Gilbert Arenas to have any hope of becoming anything other than a middle-of-the-pack team.

Ivan, great stuff. Amazing that Stevenson is hurt too! Hopefully this team all gets healthy at the same time down the stretch. We *still* haven't seen what this squad can do with a full complement of healthy personnel.

DCMan88, can you start a blog? Every Post by Ivan quickly turns into a fight between you and other posters, instead of a discussion of the actual topic at hand. You're entitled to your opinions, but please consider that constant bickering clutters up the board for readers who are interested in Ivan's insights and a discussion thereof. Thanks!

Yo Ivan. Can you please tell me why the Wiz have not signed any point guards to any 10 day contracts? What is there excuse now? It is now after January, and they can now sign point guards to two 10 day contracts and then let them go.

Then find another guard and do the same thing for two 10 days and by that time Gil should be ready and AD healed up a little better.

Dang, is Abe that cheap where he won't spend on 10 day contracts?

However, I will give Abe his props on what he does for the community as a whole. Him and is wife doing the "score for schools" thing is great, so I don't want to rain on the man to bad........

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | February 10, 2008 04:15 PM

Thanks Ivan for answering my question about the 10 day contracts. Is Wilks still available? CB should sit this out until after the All Star break. I think he should sit the All Star game out too to make sure his leg and hip are well.

Random dude, I'm a card carrying Songaila hater. I'd rather have rookies with potential out there learning and improving than a vet who is never gonna get any better. At least the rooks give us hope for the immediate and far future. Have you watched Songaila's defense lately? He's a poor man's Don McLean (with a worse jumper). For every decent game he has, he has 3 or 4 below average games. To be fair, he's a decent passer and can hit a jumper when left open. If you stand in his face, that pretty much negates all of his skills because he can't drive to save his life. His defense is ridiculously poor and his rebounding is below average.
In all seriousness, he probably couldn't start on a lot of college teams. We're shorthanded and forced to p[lay him some but to suggest that he's a better option than McGuire or Pech is far fetched. Of course, this is just my opinion.

"DCMan88, can you start a blog? Every Post by Ivan quickly turns into a fight between you and other posters, instead of a discussion of the actual topic at hand. You're entitled to your opinions, but please consider that constant bickering clutters up the board for readers who are interested in Ivan's insights and a discussion thereof. Thanks!

Posted by: Slapdash McCorvey | February 11, 2008 06:13 PM "

So why are you just addressing your message to me? I've got a better idea. Why don't you go start a blog.

"I agree DC Man88 - the Wizards are only so-so (mediocre) without Gil. They need Gilbert Arenas to have any hope of becoming anything other than a middle-of-the-pack team.

Posted by: Rook | February 11, 2008 05:08 PM "

They were worse towards the end of last season with Gilby and AJ as the core, and for that matter, much better than anyone thought they would be without Gilby this season.

"When Gil was healthy last year, the Wizards were 1st in the Eastern Conference.

Before Gilbert Arenas arrived, the Wizards were not even considered a good D-League team, much less a Playoff team.

Before Gil's arrival, the Wizards were NEVER on national TV - and never got any national press.

Posted by: | February 11, 2008 05:06 PM "

How good were Les BouleS towards the end of last season? Was the first half of the season a fluke?

Who cares if Les BouleS are on national tv or national press? Games aren't blacked out. How does any of that translate to on court success? It doesn't.

"First, you're an idiot. Secondly, you're an idiot.

Now... Kobe hasnt been hurt, but Kobe is the best player in the NBA and makes almost 20million a year.

LeBron is regarded by some as the best player in basketball and has been out for maybe 8 games in his career.

D.Wade? He is healthy and they have won 9 games this season.

Brand? They were 40-42 last year with him.

Duncan? Has he been hurt in his career? Not for months at a time.

Posted by: JSchon | February 11, 2008 04:27 PM "

First, you're an idiot.
Second, you're a stupid idiot.
Third, see first two sentences above.

Ain't it great when teams have durable players on their team? Les BouleS wouldn't know, especially on this undermanned, overrated team who really have no one deserving anything near max money, except maybe Caron.

A few random thoughts from the Suns game:

1) The Wizards need more drives to the hoop. The contrast with Phoenix in this area was stark: every player on their team is constantly driving and kicking. Washington's offense seemed lethargic by comparison. To see Stevenson, Young or Mason drive to the paint was a rarity. It's like they forgot where the high percentage shots are.

2) Speaking of drives, Nick Young needs to stay aggressive and work on his finish. He demonstrated that he can split any double team and that he can get around defenders with ease, but when he got to the rim he just seemed lost. Maybe he just hasn't adjusted to getting hit and not getting the call. Maybe he's not using two hands enough. Maybe his timing is off. Once he gets his finish down, he can be very dangerous. It really does seem to be a confidence thing with him.

3) Darius Songaila is an underrated defender. He was closing people out really well, forcing them to pass.

4) Brendan Haywood needs more burn, and needs to have the ball more. He's hitting midrange jumpers like we've never seen before, he's making drives to the hoop.. even if half of them result in traveling calls, you have to like the effort. And he still does the little things well - good box outs (on the offensive end, no less), good defensive presence. This is his career year, but you'll never know it if he doesn't continue to get minutes.

5) They should run more iso plays for Andray Blatche. He looked great down on the baseline, had great moves. That kind of talent should be aggressively developed.

"5) They should run more iso plays for Andray Blatche. He looked great down on the baseline, had great moves. That kind of talent should be aggressively developed.

Posted by: satch | February 11, 2008 09:19 PM "

The nearest person who might realize this is the next head coach for this team, whoever he may be.

1. This goes out to DCMan. To suggest to Wiz are better without Gil is lunacy, and anyone associated with the NBA would laugh at your assertions. You claim the 1st half of last year was a fluke when the Wiz were the best....so couldnt you claim that they have been a fluke without Gil in the first half of this season? Your logic is dumbfounding. So because the Wiz didnt keep up their pace through the end of last season, that is somehow Gil's fault???? Do you remember all he did for this team last season, especially his ridiculous explosion in December and January? I learned not to give your opinion any credibility this summer when you suggested the Wiz sign Sun Ming Ming, the big Chinnesse guy who couldnt even cut it in the ABA. You would be the Matt Millen of basketball GM's if you ran a team....."lets dump our best player, and sign some stiff who wouldnt have a prayer in the NBA." Unreal.

2. Nick Young needs to grow up. I am sick of this kid already, and have been all season. He is way too immature, and doesnt have a clue of how to play the right way. He treats playing in the NBA as if it is a day at the park, which it is not. He needs to realize how tough the NBA is, and that you need to focus. He needs to get it together soon, or he will be nothing more than an end of the bench player.

3. This team has totally impressed me. DeShawn is a complete warrior, Caron is the same, and AJ is as steady as they come. The only other team that comes to my mind in being as tough is maybe the Pistons.

4. I just want to give Ivan his props here. By far the best beat writer this league has, and gives classic locker room stories such as the above entry. Keep it up man.

5. Once Gil is back, I can really see this team making a run in the East. Hell, I think the Wiz can knock of Boston even in the playoffs. The big 3 in Boston play way too many minutes, and I dont trust them yet come playoff time. With a healthy Gil and Caron, this team may stun some people. The Detroit Pistons are still the cream of the crop and will probably win it, but I could see the Wiz making it all the way to the Eastern finals before bowing out to the Pistons.

"1. This goes out to DCMan. To suggest to Wiz are better without Gil is lunacy, and anyone associated with the NBA would laugh at your assertions. You claim the 1st half of last year was a fluke when the Wiz were the best....so couldnt you claim that they have been a fluke without Gil in the first half of this season? Your logic is dumbfounding. So because the Wiz didnt keep up their pace through the end of last season, that is somehow Gil's fault???? Do you remember all he did for this team last season, especially his ridiculous explosion in December and January? I learned not to give your opinion any credibility this summer when you suggested the Wiz sign Sun Ming Ming, the big Chinnesse guy who couldnt even cut it in the ABA. You would be the Matt Millen of basketball GM's if you ran a team....."lets dump our best player, and sign some stiff who wouldnt have a prayer in the NBA." Unreal.

Posted by: Roman | February 11, 2008 09:57 PM "

Roman should be a fiction writer because he likes to create his own truths, but then blame others for it.

I'd like to see where you find a quote where I said Les BouleS should dump Gilby and sign Sun Ming Ming instead. Roman is talking out of his @ss.

1) The Wizards need more drives to the hoop. The contrast with Phoenix in this area was stark: every player on their team is constantly driving and kicking.

The Wiz have three players who go really well to the hoop: Arenas, Butler, Daniels. All three are out. I believe that should answer your question.

Keithinator...

CB doesnt go to the hoop very well at all... AD can, but he normally only does it to get fouled...

GA is the only person who can do it and finish, NY can, but he isnt too terribly reliable at the moment...

"1) The Wizards need more drives to the hoop. The contrast with Phoenix in this area was stark: every player on their team is constantly driving and kicking."

AB has that ability and showed flashes last night. Many times, it seemed like his teammates were just a step behind what he sees on the court.

If AB was 5 inches shorter and spent a little time in college, he'd be a heckuva PG. I think if AB was on a team like the Suns, Nets, Jazz, or Hornets, he'd thrive.

DC, comprehend what I write. I wasnt using the quote meaning that is what you said, I was using the quote to paraphrase you general beliefs.

Lets keep this straight. You think the Wiz are better off without Gil, right? You also suggested that the Wiz sign Sun Ming Ming this summer, right?

And do you remember what Gil did for this team last year, especially in Dec and Jan? Your logic is messed up, and have no idea of how to build a team. Anyone in this Wiz organization or NBA would laugh you out their office for your outlandish suggestions that the Wiz are better off without Gil, yet would be aided by an addition of Ming Ming.

I think Blatche (among others) has been reading too many of his own press clippings when it comes to the value of his ballhandling. Let's see him go two games in a row without committing a wildly predictable charging foul by jumping into the chest of a stationary defender in the lane while pushing the ball on the break before talking about his PG potential.

I'd like to see where you find a quote where I said Les BouleS should dump Gilby and sign Sun Ming Ming instead. Roman is talking out of his @ss.

Posted by: DC Man88 | February 11, 2008 10:01 PM

I didn't see the word "instead" in Rodman's post ANYWHERE.

He simply stated the FACT that you have, on numerous occasions, suggested that the Wizards should dump Gilbert Arenas...

AND

You also made the preposterous suggestion that they should sign Sun Ming Ming

"DC, comprehend what I write. I wasnt using the quote meaning that is what you said, I was using the quote to paraphrase you general beliefs.

Lets keep this straight. You think the Wiz are better off without Gil, right? You also suggested that the Wiz sign Sun Ming Ming this summer, right?

And do you remember what Gil did for this team last year, especially in Dec and Jan? Your logic is messed up, and have no idea of how to build a team. Anyone in this Wiz organization or NBA would laugh you out their office for your outlandish suggestions that the Wiz are better off without Gil, yet would be aided by an addition of Ming Ming."

It's no use. He just ignores whatever part of your argument he feels like and does that stupid laugh thing to make it seem like he knows something you don't. All he has are asinine comments that people mostly shoot down, but he ignores that, too.

Sniff, sniff......

WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

whatevah!!!!

Thanks for very interesting article. btw. I really enjoyed reading all of your posts. It's interesting to read ideas, and observations from someone else's point of view... makes you think more.
So please keep up the great work. Greetings.

Hi,

earlier in the discussion someone mentioned the Wizard's media guide. Is this available somewhere online? I went to the nba.com link, but the link appears busted. Is this guide available online anywhere? If so, please, post a URL.

Thank You.