didn't see anything about the medical staff of the wiz in the article. Someone has to do a report on these guys. Why are we constantly injured? Why aren't we attempting to get people with the same philosophies as the Detroit and Phoenix medical staff? and is our currect medical team an "old friend" of the Pollins (I'd be very confident that they are)?

"Grunfeld is one of the most aggressive gm's in the business."

Then why hasn't made a single trade since the Caron deal three years ago?

Why did he not go after Gasol when he was readily available?

With EG's current roster, we are basically watching a re-incarnation of the Milwaukee Bucks of the late 90s with Ray Allen, Sam Cassell & Glenn Robinson.

I guess we can look forward to another 40+ win season and another 1st round exit via LeBron next year.

Interesting.

What player would we package with the pick? Songaila? Etan? Daniels? Stevenson??

There could be some players at 18 that could help us. Ty Lawson or Roy Hibbert for example.

Ty Lawson is too short. His game is all about pushing the rock and then deferring to teammates. He rarely goes to the basket and his J is suspect Other than Raymond Felton & the once serviceable Jeff McGinnis, name another UNC point that lasted in the league? Grunfeld's smart enough to stay away from him.

Moving the pick for a player of any value is going to be tough. A #18 pick isn't an attractive enough asset to make it worthwhile for another team to also take on Thomas' contract. Songaila and Stevenson both have fairly reasonable deals, but they could still be considered somewhat overpaid for what they provide.

Then why hasn't made a single trade since the Caron deal three years ago?

Why did he not go after Gasol when he was readily available?

The answer to both of those is the same ... he hasn't had anything (he was willing to part with) that anyone else wanted. Gasol was "readily available" to a team with a huge expiring contract. The only one of those the Wizards had was Jamison, and Grunfeld wasn't about to trade him. What else did the Wizards have to offer?

Daniels, Pecherov and the 18 pick for Wilcox.

The deal works money wise. Sonics get vet pg and a player their fans like, plus pecherov and talented young 7 footer. Wizards get the physical inside player they need.

Oklahoma City fans likes Daniels? Learn something new every day.

I just hope that a Jamison for Garnett deal was never a reality in the past, same for a Kobe for Gil. I love the guys we have but imagine what we would be like with one of those guys playing with tough juice and whoever is left.

Also keep the pick and draft a pass first strong sound defensive point guard we can develop plus who are we going to trade that the wiz would be willing to let go and another team would be willing to take?

You should have asked him what roster moves are going to be made specifically to deal with LeBron. We obviously can't stop him. Unlike the Celtics.

You should have asked him what roster moves are going to be made specifically to deal with LeBron.

"And with the 18th pick, the Washington Wizards select... Shalomar!"

"Then why hasn't made a single trade since the Caron deal three years ago?

Why did he not go after Gasol when he was readily available?"

The guy wasn't saying that Grunfeld goes after everyone, he was saying that he's aggressive when it comes to trades that he's actually pursuing.

Besides, we had a good enough team this year to beat anyone in the East. It's not Grunfeld's fault all the injuries happened. He's done a great job, IMO.

If "Grunfeld is one of the most aggressive gm's in the business," then why did we get such a minimal return for Navarro. We got a pick that will never have any value unless we can package it along with #18 for something. Basically we gave him away for nothing.

Grunfeld took an untested second round pick who had no intention of ever playing for the Wizards and traded him for a first round pick. The alternative was having him go back to Europe, signing a long-term deal there, and seeing no return on him. No team was going to give up anything of significant value for him.

Patrick, let's face it EJ will never develop any young point guard. He'll never play him, never trust him, and only give him garbage minutes. Another wasted draft.

Daydreamer, I don't know who picked Navarro, was it Grunfeld? Anyway, owning the Navarro pick was worth nothing, not with the way his contract was owned by his European team. I'm not sure even if the Grizzlies will sign him this year, and for how much. Maybe his good buddy Pau will get him a spot at summer camp in L.A. so he can audition there, but he's probably looking for $3M at least so he can pay off his contract.

Now that Memphis got the Lakers first round pick (which i believe is the 29th pick in the draft) wouldn't the Wizards now get that pick from Memphis. They have their pick protected if it is to 19 but now that they have 2 wouldn't we get the second pick because it is above the 19th spot???

I agree with Ernie. Just a few years ago, this team was so bad they probably shut down the Phone Booth as soon as the regular season was done. Now we are at a stage where making he playoffs is not even good enough. That's a good thing. We just have to stop losing to the same damn team in the first round!!!

This isn't like the Bucks. Milwaukee had their Big 3, but Ernie broke it up. He traded Robinson to Atlanta, and in the middle of the 2003 season, when they were smack dab in the middle of a playoff push, he dealt Allen (his best player) for Gary Payton.

That's pretty damn aggressive if you ask me.

Grunfeld has my full confidence.

After suffering through the years with Wes Unseld, John Nash, and Bob Ferry, I think Ernie is doing a greta job!!!!!!!

I trust Ernie to bring back Antawn and Gil and let us show what we're capable of doing when healthy. This team really doesn't to make any major roster moves. We have a solid group of veteran and young guys who battled through adversity with injuries and various lineups all season and still made the playoffs. I think next season with everybody healthy we're going to make some noise come playoff time and I just hope all the doubters who are screaming for change bring that energy and enthusiasm to the Phone Booth when make it happen in the postseason despite keeping the roster intact.

No we don't get the Laker's pick that was conveyed to Memphis. It has to be Memphis' pick. I'd take a 2nd at this point.

Ernie had to choose between paying his starting 2 guard in Stevenson and NBA rookie role player in JCN. He did the right thing. Navarro wound up signing for 500K because Gasol took care of him. Now he's a Restricted FA.

Stevenson got market rate and had a "good" year. His salary level and that of Songalia actually help Ernie make deals. Guys making nothing or 7M are terrible chips/contracts. Its nearly impossible to deal Etan's contract. AD is close to that level but at least he played this past year.

Stevenson could be dealt in a package and replaced with a cheaper option. Mo Evans comes to mind.

Can anyone explain to me why Gil plays 1? He does not set up anyone else and he has no D. Daniels is far superior to him at that position. Why not move him to 2? Is he too short?

Wow.

I'm amazed by the naysayers here... This team has a few holes that could stand to be filled, but this is a very, very good and young team. Here's the gameplan:

1. Sign Gil, sign Antawn
2. Let EJ do his thing to fill whatever he deems the most significant needs are on the team with the mid-level exception/a trade/etc. He has been stellar since he got here, give him the benefit of the doubt (to the person who said this is Milwaukee all over, that is utterly ridiculous).
3. MAKE EJ play the stars fewer minutes in the regular season so they will be less injury prone and more fresh for the playoffs
4. Watch this team kick butt (including Cleveland's a team that is really a one-man show, a team that has not played us at full strength the last two years).

It's that simple.

Signing Mason would be an absolute bonus (we need the instant offense off the bench from time to time), but I am guessing someone will throw more money at him than we can match...

Next year Blatche is better (he started the process of blossoming this year, watch out); NY is better; AD is a better off-the-bench PG than we had this year (when AD had to start) and Gil is better as a starter than AD was; We can play big, small, uptempo, half court. Butler and Deshawn's jump shot continue to improve.

We aren't just good, we are deep, and young. If we stay healthy, this team will be a dynamo next year. Just re-sign the guys and get creative to find one more big body (and perhaps a point guard to groom).

I have to question anyone who doesn't want a player based on the school. Thats dumb. Evaluate the player not the colors on the uni.

Kenny Smith's ring won't have any effect on whether Lawson is a good NBA player. 'All he does is push and dish,' sounds horrible for this team. Who would want a player liek that? Fact is his jumper is as least as good as Daniels right now. Its almost impossible to stay in front of the kid defensively. I'd love a PG with those skills on this. He'd be the only naturaly PG.

In a nutshell, EG's presser provided us no new news and was basically a waste of time.

It doesn't matter how "agressive" of a gm EG is....if you don't have what other people want, and if the numbers don't work out, you could keep calling, but then you get to a point where you're just wasting your own time.

LOL!

I think it's clear that the sources that Ivan talks to, namely some mystery scout who said that EJ is one of the best and most respected in the business and that bloggers don't know squat, coupled with some mystery agent who said EG is uber agressive, probably know just as much or guess just as much as most of the people here.

Speaking of AB and Vegas not mixing well, the Wiz clearly need to hire someone who can handle these young players and be the big brother. Abe's got to make sure his investments are protected.

I thought Harvey Grant was doing this until he got fired. Maybe Harvey focused too much on taking advantage of the benes instead of focusing on keeping the players out of trouble.

I love Ernie. I'm practically gay for him.

Daniels, Pecherov and the 18 pick for Wilcox.

The deal works money wise. Sonics get vet pg and a player their fans like, plus pecherov and talented young 7 footer. Wizards get the physical inside player they need.

Posted by: | May 9, 2008 4:17 PM

Seattle IS loaded at PF, with Wilcox, Collison, Donyell Marshall, and Jeff Green.. but they also have several good young PG's... They might be more interested in an established NBA Center, like Etan Thomas. That trade works as well. You could sweeten it even more, by adding the rights to Vladimir Veremeenko and the protected 1st Rounder the Wizards got from Memphis.

Harvey spent two summers with Pesh and Blatche shooting jumpers and playing one on one. Thats why he got fired.

Someone teaching them how to play with their back to the basket? Just too much to ask.

Can anyone explain to me why Gil plays 1? He does not set up anyone else and he has no D. Daniels is far superior to him at that position. Why not move him to 2? Is he too short?

Posted by: William | May 9, 2008 6:45 PM

Arenas = 25ppg, 6apg
Danleis = 8ppg, 5apg

THAT'S WHY!!!

I wonder if Ernie privately regrets not using Antawn's expiring contract to go after Gasol or Kirilenko. Certainly in Gasol's case that contract would've been good enough or pretty close to good enough to get him.

I wonder if Ernie privately regrets not using Antawn's expiring contract to go after Gasol or Kirilenko. Certainly in Gasol's case that contract would've been good enough or pretty close to good enough to get him.

Posted by: George Templeton | May 9, 2008 8:13 PM

man, i certainly agree with you trading jamison, 1st round pick (since he want to trade pick anyway this year) and one of our rookies, that would be certainly enough.....im soooooooooo dissapointed that we didn't make that trade cause it would make us soooooooooo much better.

pg arenas
sg stevenson
sf butler
pf gasol
c haywood

Seriously....

All these online ads for the Wiz blog are killing the speed of this site....from a termite ad to now an Air Force ad.....overkill.....

"pg arenas
sg stevenson
sf butler
pf gasol
c haywood

Posted by: ak47 | May 9, 2008 8:16 PM "

LOL. And Gasol's production would be cut in half b/c he'd get much fewer touches.

"Arenas = 25ppg, 6apg
Danleis = 8ppg, 5apg

THAT'S WHY!!!

Posted by: | May 9, 2008 8:06 PM "

Too bad your example doesn't reflect the fact that AD runs the team's offense much more efficiently and the team plays like a team when AD is at the point.

Gilby needs the ball in his hands. He would never give up the 1.

"Seattle IS loaded at PF, with Wilcox, Collison, Donyell Marshall, and Jeff Green.. but they also have several good young PG's... They might be more interested in an established NBA Center, like Etan Thomas. That trade works as well. You could sweeten it even more, by adding the rights to Vladimir Veremeenko and the protected 1st Rounder the Wizards got from Memphis.

Posted by: Rook | May 9, 2008 8:00 PM "

It seems clear in this league that it's always better to have more talented bigs than more talented smalls.

Durant could eventually be a 4 once he fills out and bulks up. Also, poor Seattle. They're going to get another lottery pick.

A better fit for the Wiz instead of Gasol would be AK-47, who's a good scorer, and a tough defender. Also, he can get up.

Salary wise, we could resign AJ and Mason and ship them both out there to match AK-47's salary.

Salary wise, we could resign AJ and Mason and ship them both out there to match AK-47's salary.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 9, 2008 8:39 PM

YOu're not LISTENING!!! -Kalorama has already explained that the Wizards cannot do a Sign-and-Trade with Mason - they don't own his "Bird" rights. If they sign him, they can't trade him until December.

Yeah - there are rules that GM's have to live by. Salary cap rules. Trade rules. Signing rules. It's a complicated business - which is why we're all here "talking" about trading this guy for that guy - but Ernie Grunfeld is getting PAID to make those decisions. Unlike most fans, he knows the rules.

If we're all so good at this stuff, why aren't we all working for an NBA team somewhere?............ [rhetorical question]

"YOu're not LISTENING!!! -Kalorama has already explained that the Wizards cannot do a Sign-and-Trade with Mason - they don't own his "Bird" rights. If they sign him, they can't trade him until December.

Posted by: | May 9, 2008 9:22 PM "

I get your point, but who cares specifically about Mason? I just care about his potential salary slot.

Sign AJ and send him and DS to Utah. We need NY starting anyway.

It is baffling how much time you backseat GMs spend on trading our players away. Ernie has ALREADY stated repeatedly that he wants to keep Jamison (and Arenas). Not to mention that Jamison kept us afloat the last 2 seasons while everyone else was hurt. Jamison is a free agent....Ernie is NOT going to resign him just to trade him away.

Quit dreaming and get a life.

Trade Arenas for E. Brand straight up; everything else stays more or less the same--we'd be pretty much set (if everyone stays healthy haha).

Daniels, Pecherov and the 18 pick for Wilcox.

That is a good and fair deal. It would be a very good move for the Wizards. But then we have to get another pg.

Posted by: ak47 | May 9, 2008 8:16 PM

are you etan or just using etan's handle on this board?

AD runs the team's offense much more efficiently and the team plays like a team when AD is at the point.

Gilby needs the ball in his hands. He would never give up the 1.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 9, 2008 8:33 PM

I suppose you weren't watching the playoff games with Gil passing off more than he shot? Admittedly he was slow, but heck are you blind or what?

As for the person who wants the wizards to get Wilcox. If they had wanted Wilcox, they would already have him. so forget it.

Sign AJ and send him and DS to Utah. We need NY starting anyway.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 9, 2008 10:26 PM

How about this: why don't YOU got to UTAH?

It's pretty clear that our team next year is going to be pretty much the same as our team this past year. We're going to lose Roger Mason, and maybe bring fill out the roster with some guys who will hopefully never have to set foot on the court in a real game.

So the question is, how do we make our guys better?

"How about this: why don't YOU got to UTAH?

Posted by: | May 10, 2008 7:42 AM "

Why don't YOU go?!?!

Mom! He's touching me!

She touched me first!

no I didn't

Yes, you did!

You're a dork!

No, you're one

"It is baffling how much time you backseat GMs spend on trading our players away. Ernie has ALREADY stated repeatedly that he wants to keep Jamison (and Arenas). Not to mention that Jamison kept us afloat the last 2 seasons while everyone else was hurt. Jamison is a free agent....Ernie is NOT going to resign him just to trade him away.

Quit dreaming and get a life.

Posted by: | May 10, 2008 12:12 AM "

If you think every word out of EG's mouth is the truth then you're almost as gullible as the Gilby lovers.

They have nothing until they have signed contracts with the Wiz.

A question that the reporters, including Ivan, forgot to ask EG.

"EG, how impressed were you with Gilby in how he didn't tell the coaching staff that he was playing until he decided to walk down the tunnel to the court, or that he informed the press that he was going to shut it down before he told Wiz management."

Of course, Ernie would respond by saying:

"You know what? That's great. There's a lot of uproar about what Gilby did and that shows that there's a lot of interest and passion in the team."

"I really enjoyed when 88 and Kal went at it earlier this year. It was kinda like watching the Cavs/Celt series. I didn't really care who won. I just read their insults to each other and chuckled to myself.

Posted by: mark | May 9, 2008 2:21 PM "

I actually had more than a chuckle, but a full blown LMAO when I read where you said you thought that the Wiz were a finals team this season. Sheer brilliance.

I still LMAO!

Based on the recent reporting, its seems that Ernie is content to play around .500 ball and go one and out in the playoffs, as long as their is some excitement and the possibility of more.

Personally, that's not what my goals would be, nor does it interest me as a fan.

Ready to rule? C'mon. Ernie will make the team better in the off-season, but the competition will improve even more.

When is Ground Hog's Day again....

If you think every word out of EG's mouth is the truth then you're almost as gullible as the Gilby lovers.

They have nothing until they have signed contracts with the Wiz.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 10, 2008 9:58 AM
-------------------------------------------
I actually had more than a chuckle, but a full blown LMAO when I read where you said you thought that the Wiz were a finals team this season. Sheer brilliance.

I still LMAO!

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 10, 2008 10:10 AM
-------------------------------------------

All of these posts from "DC Man88" are obviously a fake. Everyone knows that the real DC Man never refers to them as the Wiz, he calls them Les BouleS. Please stop posting as fake DC Man, it is not nice. Lets keep the postings to basketball related items please.

I will echo the DC Man posts a little bit in saying I think the organization seems to be kow towing to Arenas too much and should stop it.

I only hope that EG was sincere when he said it was his plan all along to try to sign AJ and that he and Arenas are really on the same page.

Moves for this offseason:

Sign Jamison, no more than 5 years, $50 mil
Resign Arenas for whatever it takes
Let Mason walk, he's good but NY needs to develop
Package 18th and Pech for pick in a future draft to give some wiggle room under the cap for next season.
Draft a 3rd string point with 2nd round pick

If he can't get rid of the pick he should draft Robin Lopez. He looks like he'll be able to protect the rim in the NBA. Hibbert might not be bad either. Unlike our current crop of centers, he at least has touch around the rim. Drafting a center will allow EJ to move Blatche to a backup forward position.

Daniels performed well this year, no doubt, but there is NOTHING special about AD when it comes to running the point. This offense is very basic, very team oriented, and it doesn't take a lot to be able to run this offense. Really, the only thing the point in EJ's offense is truly responsible for is bringing the ball up the court. Countless times this year we've seen Roger Mason, Deshawn Stevenson, and Nick Young step into the point with no drop-off in offensive production. Why? Because AD doesn't really do anything. He doesn't actively penetrate the defense (something he can do, just doesn't), he's not an above average passer (i'd say he's about average), he's a slightly above average ball-handler, he's certainly not a good jump shooter, and he's not particularly good at finishing when he does penetrate to the rim.

On top of that, like i said before, this offense isn't even run by the point. The point isn't asked to create anything, the point isn't asked to set others up, the ball isn't even in the point's hand after the first second or two after crossing half-court. While certainly AD can be counted on to keep possession and not turn the ball over, HE ADDS NO CREATIVE OR ATTACKING INFLUENCE TO THE OFFENSE. None.

As it was shown during this series, it will take more than just Butler and Jamison for this system to be effective. Adding the offensive arsenal that Arenas brings to the court, even if it disrupts the "system" in a few possessions, is completely necessary for the consistent success of Butler and/or Jamison. Heck, his 3-point ability alone would work wonders for this system, not to mention his ability to attack the basket, create his own shot, and keep the focus of the defenders on him. Gil needs to be brought back into this offense at full health.

"Arenas = 25ppg, 6apg
Danleis = 8ppg, 5apg

THAT'S WHY!!!

Posted by: | May 9, 2008 8:06 PM "

Too bad your example doesn't reflect the fact that AD runs the team's offense much more efficiently and the team plays like a team when AD is at the point.

Gilby needs the ball in his hands. He would never give up the 1.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 9, 2008 8:33 PM

Oh - you're right. Gilbert Arenas didn't run PG for most of this year. Daniels was the PG for most of this year - with Butler and Jamison in the line up. They ended up around 500....

As a matter of fact, the last time that Gilbert Arenas was playing PG, WITH Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison for any length of time, they were IN FIRST PLACE IN THE EAST!

Moves for this offseason:

Sign Jamison, no more than 5 years, $50 mil
Resign Arenas for whatever it takes
Let Mason walk, he's good but NY needs to develop
Package 18th and Pech for pick in a future draft to give some wiggle room under the cap for next season.
Draft a 3rd string point with 2nd round pick

Posted by: MDBaller1 | May 10, 2008 12:44 PM

I like that strategy, except packaging the pick. I think the Wizards should pick Hibbert (if available) in the 1st round. You can't have too many big men.

Re: the Grizz trading Gasol here, Jamison would have been enough. Michael Lee quoted the Grizz GM saying that "Kwame Brown's salary was the largest expiring contract we could get" (paraphrasing Lee's post in February.

However, there was no way EG would trade away the team captain, who was the only healthy member of the "Big 3."

I'm looking forward to see how the off-season goes with the restricted free agents on the market (especially Josh Smith) and how/if they affect our team...

Jamison probably wants at least a 4-year deal, so maybe we can up the # of years and decrease the annual salary?

I don't see why any teams would want Pesh. I know Ivan's stated a number of times that he can handle the rock, shoot the J and "shows a willingness to rebound," the latter I have yet to see. However, he didn't do anything this year, injury or not. Unless he puts up 15 & 10 in the summer league, seems like it'll be difficult to trade him.

Assuming Arena's is resigned, we'll have 4 guard spots taken (AD, NY, Gil, DS), sans Mason, so a young pure point guard seems to be the obvious choice. If we don't see an appealing one in the draft, we could get the guy who performed well on our summer league, but went over to Europe for guaranteed money, instead of playing for an unguaranteed contract for us. Anyone remember his name, I can't recall it for the life of me...

Aaron Miles, from Kansas, who just turned 25, not too shabby, if he is a solid performer and our expectations aren't too high...

"Package 18th and Pech for pick in a future draft to give some wiggle room under the cap for next season."

That only works of some team that's under the cap takes Pecherov without the Wizards having to take back a player in return. That won't happen. Pecherov hasn't done anything to make a team think he's worth spending valuable empty cap space on. Now if there's a team that has a player on a rookie deal that they want to get rid of, either because they think he's a bust or because there's a logjam at his position, the Wiz might be able to swap. But the odds of them being able to give him away without taking anything back are close to zero.

performer and our expectations aren't too high...

Posted by: CN | May 10, 2008 1:17 PM

Sign me up for Aaron Miles, he was stolen last year. I wonder what kind of contract he is under in Europe.

Mason is the odd man out. Young should be ready for Mason's minutes after Summer League...or, we send Young to D-League.

We are wasting our time with Pech, dude missed badly on MOST of his shots, and couldn't do too-much else. Lets not make him the next PJR.

Robin Lopez or Roy Hibbert at 18, Sean Singletary at 47

wizards are the Denver nuggets of the east. Gilbert has talent but doesnt want to win. Just wants to play street ball and act like a immature kid. Look @ chris paul in his 2nd year, he looks like he wants to win some rings gilbert doesn't. How can he be the leader. Also ernie needs to hold him accountable when he does stupid stuff and not undercut the authority of eddie(missing meetings, not telling the coach he's playing)

washington wizards =denver nuggets

Chris Paul is in his 3rd year...not 2nd....

Aaron Miles signed a two year deal, so he will not be available this year.

here's my talking points:

1. No, it wasn't Ernie who drafted JCN. That would be MJ.

2. All this talk of a Jamison sign-and-trade is dumb. You're talking about a 20-and-10 player whom the Wizards probably will be able to resign for a few mil less than what they're paying him now. Also, no Jamison, no Arenas next year.

3. The Wizards didn't get out of the first round again this year, but that doesn't take away from the significant improvement that they showed during the regular season. How many other teams would have gone without their best player for 67 games and their second best player for 20, and still won 43 games and finished in the fifth seed in the East? They're a lot better on defense and they run the Princeton more adeptly than ever. If they can bring back the same key players and keep them healthy next year, there's no reason they can't win their division and possibly contend for the East.

4. As long as he brings back Jamison and Arenas, I don't think Ernie has to make significant additions to the roster. The key to improving the team is for the players they have to make themselves better. Arenas has the tools to be a great passer and facilitator as well as a scoring point, if he sets his mind to it. If Blatche could learn how to avoid cheap fouls and got more consistent with his jumper and generally more aggressive on offense, he could be huge. etc. etc.

5. Provided that he works hard this summer on the right things, the bench player who could make the most difference next year is Dominic McGuire. He's got the size and quickness (and desire, I think) to be a great perimeter defender, he's an exceptional leaper, and he's fierce on the glass. If he works on his jumper and learns how to make smarter decisions with the ball, I could see him turning into a real second-quarter momentum-changer, the sort who gets you those points off turnovers and second-chance points that trigger a run...the same kind of lift that the Pistons get from Jason Maxiell, except at the 3.

6. I'm wondering if the real DC Man88 got kidnapped by the North Koreans or something. This imposter just don't have the same nasty.

"6. I'm wondering if the real DC Man88 got kidnapped by the North Koreans or something."

We can only HOPE...

"Oh - you're right. Gilbert Arenas didn't run PG for most of this year. Daniels was the PG for most of this year - with Butler and Jamison in the line up. They ended up around 500....

As a matter of fact, the last time that Gilbert Arenas was playing PG, WITH Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison for any length of time, they were IN FIRST PLACE IN THE EAST!

Posted by: | May 10, 2008 1:00 PM "

You're a really simple person, aren't you?

First off, Caron missed 20 games this season with all sorts of injuries. This team was probably written off of most lists once Gilby went out, but guess what, they made it to the playoffs, with efforts minus the contributions of a 12 mil dollar player from their roster.

Secondly, please don't use the stupid comparison about the team being in first place when Gilby was on the team. When Gilby left with his injury, that resulted in a 12 million dollar hole in the team, but they persevered. Put a team oriented player worthy of 12 mil on the team, and the Wiz probably would have had an even better season.

Thirdly, you keep talking about two seasons ago where Gilby was on the team and the Wiz was in first place. Oh yeah, what happened to the team after the all star break? What happened when Caron went out with his injured hand? The team barely made 8th place in the playoffs and were on a downward spiral way before Gilby hurt his knee.

"Oh - you're right. Gilbert Arenas didn't run PG for most of this year. Daniels was the PG for most of this year - with Butler and Jamison in the line up. They ended up around 500....

As a matter of fact, the last time that Gilbert Arenas was playing PG, WITH Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison for any length of time, they were IN FIRST PLACE IN THE EAST!

Posted by: | May 10, 2008 1:00 PM "

You're a really simple person, aren't you?

First off, Caron missed 20 games this season with all sorts of injuries. This team was probably written off of most lists once Gilby went out, but guess what, they made it to the playoffs, with efforts minus the contributions of a 12 mil dollar player from their roster.

Secondly, please don't use the stupid comparison about the team being in first place when Gilby was on the team. When Gilby left with his injury, that resulted in a 12 million dollar hole in the team, but they persevered. Put a team oriented player worthy of 12 mil on the team, and the Wiz probably would have had an even better season.

Thirdly, you keep talking about two seasons ago where Gilby was on the team and the Wiz was in first place. Oh yeah, what happened to the team after the all star break? What happened when Caron went out with his injured hand? The team barely made 8th place in the playoffs and were on a downward spiral way before Gilby hurt his knee.

that comparison doesn't work, because the team as a whole has gotten better over the last 2 years. you can't point to a single person going out, and using that as evidence that the team is better without him when the team does better than it did 2 YEARS ago with him in the lineup. when caron went out last season, the team stunk...we had haywood/thomas, and who was on the bench? the team persevered this season because they focused on defense, and got increased production from everyone on the team (sans rookies). it's stupid to say the team needs caron more than they need gilbert based on last years play vs. this years, when there are so many other factors at work.

Who said the team is better without him?

I've said many times that if you take a 12 mil dollar player off a roster, it's going to affect the team, but surprise, surprise, the team did pretty well without Gilby this season even though Caron missed 20 games.

It was great that Gilby's absence allowed the other players to step up their games.

Many, including Gilby, said last season that Gilby on the team made Caron and AJ into all stars.

Well, well....Gilby missed most of the games this season and both Caron and AJ made the all star game without him, made the playoffs, and had a great season. Surprise, they even won 2 playoff games!

mark is probably disappointed though, b/c he predicted that they were finals bound.

LMAO!

All of these posts from "DC Man88" are obviously a fake. Everyone knows that the real DC Man never refers to them as the Wiz, he calls them Les BouleS. Please stop posting as fake DC Man, it is not nice. Lets keep the postings to basketball related items please.

Posted by: | May 10, 2008 11:56 AM

Sorry you're wrong. I gained some respect for the organization after Caron's and AJ's heroics and outspokenness after they lashed out and told DS and Gilby to STFU.

Therefore, I've retired "Les BouleS" for now and have started referring to them as the "Wiz." This team can go far as long as they have quality guys like Caron.

All of these posts from "DC Man88" are obviously a fake. Everyone knows that the real DC Man never refers to them as the Wiz, he calls them Les BouleS. Please stop posting as fake DC Man, it is not nice. Lets keep the postings to basketball related items please.

Posted by: | May 10, 2008 11:56 AM

Sorry you're wrong. I gained some respect for the organization after Caron's and AJ's heroics and outspokenness after they lashed out and told DS and Gilby to STFU.

Therefore, I've retired "Les BouleS" for now and have started referring to them as the "Wiz." This team can go far as long as they have quality guys like Caron.

All of these posts from "DC Man88" are obviously a fake. Everyone knows that the real DC Man never refers to them as the Wiz, he calls them Les BouleS. Please stop posting as fake DC Man, it is not nice. Lets keep the postings to basketball related items please.

Posted by: | May 10, 2008 11:56 AM

Sorry you're wrong. I gained some respect for the organization after Caron's and AJ's heroics and outspokenness after they lashed out and told DS and Gilby to STFU.

Therefore, I've retired "Les BouleS" for now and have started referring to them as the "Wiz." This team can go far as long as they have quality guys like Caron.

With our pick we should draft a "Dwight Howard" type player.

With our pick we should draft a "Dwight Howard" type player.

With our pick we should draft a "Dwight Howard" type player.

At 18 we gotta take Roy Hibbert!! Come on if he is there, that is an absolute steal! And could it possibly be a better fit? Center has been a weakness for a long time. This guy is 7-2, has the size and strength to be a force in the NBA. He has excellent touch, good hands and passing skills, is a very effective scorer in the low post which we need, and can play the high post, has developed under an excellent coach in the princeton offense, playing for GTown at Verizon, and lead them to 2 NCAA finals. And he's a local kid from Adelphi. Taking Hibbert is just a complete no-brainer IMO.

Mason will most likely be gone for a more lucrative offer, plus to open PT for Nick Young.

I would like to see us use that roster spot on a PG with the mid-level exception.

That's all we need to do. If we do that this offseason I will be very happy.

At 18 we gotta take Roy Hibbert!! Come on if he is there, that is an absolute steal! And could it possibly be a better fit? Center has been a weakness for a long time. This guy is 7-2, has the size and strength to be a force in the NBA. He has excellent touch, good hands and passing skills, is a very effective scorer in the low post which we need, and can play the high post, has developed under an excellent coach in the princeton offense, playing for GTown at Verizon, and lead them to 2 NCAA finals. And he's a local kid from Adelphi. Taking Hibbert is just a complete no-brainer IMO.

Mason will most likely be gone for a more lucrative offer, plus to open PT for Nick Young.

I would like to see us use that roster spot on a PG with the mid-level exception.

That's all we need to do. If we do that this offseason I will be very happy.

At 18, the Wiz should take the best big man or point guard available. If that's Hibbert, then so be it, but the Wiz better have done their homework.

Dude we won't get a "Dwight Howard" type of player at 18! What planet are you from!!?

At 18 if we can get Hibbert we should consider ourselves lucky! I hope we get him!!!

At 18, the Wiz should take the best big man or point guard available. If that's Hibbert, then so be it, but the Wiz better have done their homework.

At 18, the Wiz should take the best big man or point guard available. If that's Hibbert, then so be it, but the Wiz better have done their homework.

Hibbert will be available at 18. As a matter of fact, www.draftexress.com has CLEVELAND??!!!! chosing Roy Hibbert at 20. We can't let Cleveland get Roy Hibbert. He's perfect fit for the Wizards.

Over the years, I've learned to trust Ernie Grunfeld and believe that he KNOWS what he's doing.

This is the same man that ensembled the New York Knicks roster from 1989-1999, with the exception of Patrick Ewing and they've gone on to be dominant in the 90's with 1 finals trip.

Same man that got rid of Kwame Brown for Caron Butler.

He hasn't been exactly a god in drafting rookies, but only Peter John Ramos has been proven garbage.

I can't see the Wizards not drafting Hibbert if he's on the board. Aside from their history of taking local guys in the draft (White, Dixon, Blake), he does, theoretically, fill a major need for the team: low post scoring. Plus, he's a very good passer, something that the offense needs. I really think he'll be a better player in the pros than in college.

DCMAN, Darnell,

Both http://www.draftexpress.com/ and http://www.nbadraft.net/ have Roy Hibbert available at 18. As a matter of fact, draftexpress has Hibbert going to CLEVELAND at 20 and utah at 23 respectively. Can you imagine Hibbert going to Cleveland at 20??!!!! The wizards shouldn't pass up on Hibbert. He has a polish inside game, can passout of a double team, knows the princeton system making the offense run more efficiently, plays within himself, already carries a professional work ethic unlike Blatche, and wouldn't be start struck or partying with his Homey's because He already lives in DC. He's also graduated from Georgetown, He's smart enough to know what to do with his money once he gets it. He won't be sleeping on the floor on the Verizon Summer or looking for a hooker in the middle of the summer unlike blatche.

DCMAN, Darnell,

Both http://www.draftexpress.com/ and http://www.nbadraft.net/ have Roy Hibbert available at 18. As a matter of fact, draftexpress has Hibbert going to CLEVELAND at 20 and utah at 23 respectively. Can you imagine Hibbert going to Cleveland at 20??!!!! The wizards shouldn't pass up on Hibbert. He has a polish inside game, can passout of a double team, knows the princeton system making the offense run more efficiently, plays within himself, already carries a professional work ethic unlike Blatche, and wouldn't be start struck or partying with his Homey's because He already lives in DC. He's also graduated from Georgetown, He's smart enough to know what to do with his money once he gets it. He won't be sleeping on the floor on the Verizon Summer or looking for a hooker in the middle of the summer unlike blatche.

DCMAN, Darnell,

Both http://www.draftexpress.com/ and http://www.nbadraft.net/ have Roy Hibbert available at 18. As a matter of fact, draftexpress has Hibbert going to CLEVELAND at 20 and utah at 23 respectively. Can you imagine Hibbert going to Cleveland at 20??!!!! The wizards shouldn't pass up on Hibbert. He has a polish inside game, can passout of a double team, knows the princeton system making the offense run more efficiently, plays within himself, already carries a professional work ethic unlike Blatche, and wouldn't be start struck or partying with his Homey's because He already lives in DC. He's also graduated from Georgetown, He's smart enough to know what to do with his money once he gets it. He won't be sleeping on the floor on the Verizon Summer or looking for a hooker in the middle of the summer unlike blatche.

At 18, the Wiz should take the best big man or point guard available. If that's Hibbert, then so be it, but the Wiz better have done their homework.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 11, 2008 12:09 AM

I agree with picking the "best" available big man or PG.

You never know with the draft, but I think Hibbert (or Robin Lopez) will be available at the 18th spot. But if Russell Westbrook falls, the Wizards should snap him up. I don't think Westbrook will make it to 18.

I'd prefer Hibbert over Lopez.

And for those that want to take DJ Augustin, he's fast, and super quick.... but too small.

DCMAN, Darnell,

Both http://www.draftexpress.com/ and http://www.nbadraft.net/ have Roy Hibbert available at 18. As a matter of fact, draftexpress has Hibbert going to CLEVELAND at 20 and utah at 23 respectively. Can you imagine Hibbert going to Cleveland at 20??!!!! The wizards shouldn't pass up on Hibbert. He has a polish inside game, can passout of a double team, knows the princeton system making the offense run more efficiently, plays within himself, already carries a professional work ethic....

Posted by: flinstone | May 11, 2008 2:44 AM

It seems that the only real negatives about Hibbart are that he's:

1. not very "athletic"
2. Lacks speed in the "open floor"
3. Has trouble against big, athletic perimeter centers

So, let's examine those.

1. Not very athletic - So, how "athletic" does your 7'2" Center need to be? If he could run like a deer and jump out of the gym, he wouldn't fall to # 18. I think the Wizards can live with him, after all, Haywood is not the most "athletic" center out there. Neither is Ilgauskas, or most of the other centers in the East (except Dwight Howard)...

2. Lacks speed in the "open floor" - see # 1 above.

3. Has trouble against big, athletic perimeter centers - Centers like??? In the NBA, I wonder who they are talking about... especially in the east. On the other hand, if Hibbert can hold his own in the paint; he'll have a nice NBA career.

Some other points about Hibbart.
1. He played in the Princeton Offense at Georgetown.
2. He's a "young" senior. (only 21)
3. He's a very hard worker
4. He's apparently very coachable
5. He's got a lot of college experience and may be able to step in right away as a back-up center. (Most of the other Centers in the draft are projects, with a bigger "upside")

If we do draft Hibbert, Blatche would still be the youngest guy on the team (subject to our 2nd round pick).

Blatche shouldn't be able to hide behind the excuse that he's the young one, since he's completed 3 years in the league. Thank goodness he only counts $3-4M against the cap, but I'd hate for him to have a fully developed game elsewhere. If anything we can just sit him on the bench until he gets his act together. A $4M seven-foot (rounding up a tad) bench warmer isn't that bad, we could be stuck with Damon Jones, Penny Hardaway (circa 2002), Allan Houston (circa 2002), Stevie Franchise, etc.

Speaking of Blatche and Hibbert, I think those two have the potential to really complement each other. Blatche's mobility and size at the PF position could really help cover up Hibbert's limited mobility.

I wouldn't take Hibbert unless I really believed in Blatche's ability to become a great PF.

I'd agree that if Hibbert's there at 18 he becomes a very hard player to pass on. I tend to think he'll take awhile as an NBA player to develop, but he'll end up being very a solid.

Court awareness and passing skills from a 5 are just hard to teach. He's got decent hands and is a willing worker. And as we all saw from the Big Georghe era here and going up agianst Big Z in Cleveland, that kind of length is disruptive even if the guy looks alkward at times.

I'm not as ready to give up on Pecherov and ship him out as many on this board. The kid got off to a slow start with the stress fracture. I've been watching the NBA a longtime, no he's not going to be a big star in this league. But he sure reminds me alot of Big Z when he first came over years ago.

He's a project, but apparently a really willing worker, I'd really tend to want to see what improvement he can make with a full year here after experiencing the NBA game for a season.

If Ernie leans toward trading the first round pick and packaging a player with it I'd tend to think Nick Young could be the guy that teams want included in a package. The Wizards got a complete steal to pick him up where they did last year.He'll be on the second year of his rookie deal, so for a rebuilding team he's a cheap scorer locked in for a couple of years.

Ernie could replace Young by resigning Mason, and for a playoff team Mason is actually more flexible option as a 4th guard. If Gilbert's back and healthy Young's scoring won't be hard to replace.

I really like Young and I think he's got a future as a starter in this league, that's why I think teams will insist on trying to get him if Ernie's putting together a package.

The interesting thing about Ernie's news conference is what he didn't say. The old poker player never seems to give a hint of where he's headed. He did say, I've got young improving players, a first round draft pick and I'm willing to improve my team.

He also reminded every other team he has no orders to stay under the luxury tax level. He's commited to resigning his two Allstar caliber players that are free agents to be, and he thinks he's got a team that can compete when healthy.

But the guy didn't give even the slightest hint of what he would look for to improve the team. Not even a flicker, Ernie's at the table and he's starting to play out his offseason game and he isn't telling Anybody what he's thinking.

I hope I never, ever, ever see Hibbert and Antawn anchoring our defense together.

Hibbert would be a very good pick IF he is there at 18 which I doubt!

Hibbert, Blatche, McGuire, and YOung form a very good bench and eventual develop to our future team.

Hibbert is also good because Etan is not reliable at this point as our backup center. Even if he comes back from his missing a season for heart surgery, he has always been injury prone. He's missed seasons before due to broken foot and ab muscle pull.

As far as need, potential, skill, experience, and work ethic Hibbert would be a great pick for us. But unfortunately he won't be there at 18 so you call all stop DREAMING! Once he starts working out and teams see up close his skill, and realize he is more athletic and talented than they realized he will be gone way before we pick.

Speaking of Blatche and Hibbert, I think those two have the potential to really complement each other. Blatche's mobility and size at the PF position could really help cover up Hibbert's limited mobility.

I wouldn't take Hibbert unless I really believed in Blatche's ability to become a great PF.

Posted by: | May 11, 2008 10:40 AM

That's a good point about matching Hibbert's inside presence with Blatche's quickness and footspeed on the outside.

Blatche could chase around the "quicker perimeter" players (Garnett, Nowitski, Bosh, Rasheed Wallace, etc)

Hibbert could roam the paint, defending the other team's physical bigs (Ilgauskas, Horford, Kendrick Perkins , etc.)

Wizards second unit could be:
Daniels
Young
Songaila (or McGuire depending on match up)
Blatche
Hibbert

Speaking of Blatche and Hibbert, I think those two have the potential to really complement each other. Blatche's mobility and size at the PF position could really help cover up Hibbert's limited mobility.

I wouldn't take Hibbert unless I really believed in Blatche's ability to become a great PF.

Posted by: | May 11, 2008 10:40 AM

That's a good point about matching Hibbert's inside presence with Blatche's quickness and footspeed on the outside.

Blatche could chase around the "quicker perimeter" players (Garnett, Nowitski, Bosh, Rasheed Wallace, etc)

Hibbert could roam the paint, defending the other team's physical bigs (Ilgauskas, Horford, Kendrick Perkins , etc.)

Wizards second unit could be:
Daniels
Young
Songaila (or McGuire depending on match up)
Blatche
Hibbert

Hibbert would come in handy against teams with big front courts like Cleveland and Boston and NY, teams that always kill us inside.

Hibbert would come in handy against teams with big front courts like Cleveland and Boston and NY, teams that always kill us inside.

His attitude and work ethic in a young player would be an added benefit, and provide a good example for guys like McGuire, Young, and Blatche.

Hibbert's attitude and work ethic in a young player would be an added benefit, and provide a good example for guys like McGuire, Young, and Blatche.

I hope we don't trade the pick! But I think we will. We will trade it probably for some bum like Reggie Evans.

As far as need, potential, skill, experience, and work ethic Hibbert would be a great pick for us. But unfortunately he won't be there at 18 so you call all stop DREAMING! Once he starts working out and teams see up close his skill, and realize he is more athletic and talented than they realized he will be gone way before we pick.

Posted by: | May 11, 2008 11:39 AM

Except, if you look at team need, and player fit... the only other team that needs a Center after the other top centers, rated higher than Hibbert are taken, is Cleveland.

Lopez, JaVale McGee, and DeAndre Jordan are ALL ranked significantly higher than Hibbert - and all of those players have decidedly bigger upsides - which is what most GM's use to decide. Even after work-outs, Hibbert won't crack the top 10 - which means he could easily fall to 18th

Cleveland need someone to eventually replace Ilgauskas. Hibbert would fit nicely, except the Wizards pick before them...!!

"Hibbert's attitude and work ethic in a young player would be an added benefit, and provide a good example for guys like McGuire, Young, and Blatche.

I hope we don't trade the pick! But I think we will. We will trade it probably for some bum like Reggie Evans.

Posted by: | May 11, 2008 12:20 PM "

Unfortunately, Hibbert's inability to step up during this year's March Madness really hurt his stock and he seemed to regress since his standout performance against Oden during the previous year's March Madness.

My only concern about Hibbert would be this: can he win the physical battles for boards underneath. I worry that some of the other big men will be able to push him out of the lane for rebounding and scoring position.

If the Wiz resign Gilby and AJ, you can pretty much close the book on Opech. He's never going to get on the court and even if he does, won't ever get enough touches to improve his game.

If the Wiz resign Gilby and AJ, you can pretty much close the book on Opech. He's never going to get on the court and even if he does, won't ever get enough touches to improve his game.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 11, 2008 1:45 PM

what! pech shouldn't even make the NBA anyway, he suck!!

If the Wiz resign Gilby and AJ, you can pretty much close the book on Opech. He's never going to get on the court and even if he does, won't ever get enough touches to improve his game.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 11, 2008 1:45 PM

what! pech shouldn't even make the NBA anyway, he suck!!

If the Wiz resign Gilby and AJ, you can pretty much close the book on Opech. He's never going to get on the court and even if he does, won't ever get enough touches to improve his game.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 11, 2008 1:45 PM

what! pech shouldn't even make the NBA anyway, he suck!!

If the Wiz resign Gilby and AJ, you can pretty much close the book on Opech. He's never going to get on the court and even if he does, won't ever get enough touches to improve his game.

If the Wiz resign Gilby and AJ, you can pretty much close the book on Opech. He's never going to get on the court and even if he does, won't ever get enough touches to improve his game.

"But the guy didn't give even the slightest hint of what he would look for to improve the team. Not even a flicker, Ernie's at the table and he's starting to play out his offseason game and he isn't telling Anybody what he's thinking.

Posted by: GM | May 11, 2008 10:55 AM "

Dude, you are impressed easily aren't you?

The way you described EG is probably the way one would describe about 95% of the GMs not only in this league, not only in professional sports, but in the entertainment business and beyond.

* Protect your boss, the owner.

* Maintain a positive outlook. Tickets don't get sold if the GM is not optimistic.

* Praise your current players, b/c they have delicate egoes.

* Stress continuity. Few people like change.

* etc.

As I said, EG said nothing new, as expected.

My only concern about Hibbert would be this: can he win the physical battles for boards underneath. I worry that some of the other big men will be able to push him out of the lane for rebounding and scoring position.

Posted by: George Templeton | May 11, 2008 1:35 PM

His rebounding has never been what you would call "great". He only averaged about 7 rpg this year - and his per 40 number is not very good. But if you watch him play, it's not a problem with desire, or effort -but all about positioning.

A good coach that teaches fundamental rebounding techniques (Mike O'Koren for example), could make a world of difference. Hibbart's problem is that he doesn't establish good rebounding position, especially on the defensive end.

As for other big men being able to "push him out of the lane", he's 7'2" 275 lbs.. I doubt there are many Centers in the league that would be able to just push him around.

But, I guess you could say that he's not a dominant rebounder, especially considering his size. . . So, I'd have to agree with your assessment that he needs work in that area.

In college, Hibbert rarely faced up against guys near his own size. On the rare occasions he did, he usually fared pretty well. That's one of the reasons he'll probably be a more productive pro. In college, teams tended to play a lot of zones and pack the lane to try an foil the Hoyas from throwing him the ball, which is one of the reasons for his relatively low number of shot attempts. In the NBA he's going to be seeing mostly man coverage by other big guys, with maybe an occasional double team once he establishes himself. That'll give him a better opportunity to use his post skills to his advantage. He's not going to be a dominant player, but he can be very effective in a role the Wiz really need to fill.

With regard to Hibbert, is he even a shotblocking threat? He's got length, but hardly any ups.

Could he even be better than BTH? BTH is only 28, and could possibly anchor the middle for the Wiz for the next 5-7 years.

At the center spot, the Wiz don't necessarily need a Shaq O'Neal, especially given the monies invested in the smalls on the team. What the Wiz need is a serviceable big man, like BTH.

BTH made huge leaps this season, and I expect him to get better next season, as long as EJ doesn't resort to mind and time games again when ET returns.

"Hibbert would come in handy against teams with big front courts like Cleveland and Boston and NY, teams that always kill us inside."

Actually, we rarely get killed from the inside. Our defense collapses on the paint really quickly, so we usually get killed by open jumpers from the outside instead.

The ball goes into the middle, our defense collapses. Then when the ball gets kicked back outside, we get killed with threes, especially by tall marksmen like Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, and Szczerbiak who easily shoot over our shorter perimeter players who recover too late to contest outside shots.

In college, Hibbert rarely faced up against guys near his own size. On the rare occasions he did, he usually fared pretty well. That's one of the reasons he'll probably be a more productive pro. In college, teams tended to play a lot of zones and pack the lane to try an foil the Hoyas from throwing him the ball, which is one of the reasons for his relatively low number of shot attempts. It also partly explains his rebounding numbers. If you watched a lot of Hoya games you'd see he actually spent a lot of time out on the floor away from the basket, either screening or holding the ball looking for cutters to pass to. He wasn't just stationed down low, which he likely would be in the NBA. In the NBA he's going to be seeing mostly man coverage by other big guys, with maybe an occasional double team once he establishes himself. That'll give him a better opportunity to use his post skills and size to his advantage. He's not going to be a dominant player, but he can be very effective in a role the Wiz really need to fill.

In college, Hibbert rarely faced up against guys near his own size. On the rare occasions he did, he usually fared pretty well. That's one of the reasons he'll probably be a more productive pro. In college, teams tended to play a lot of zones and pack the lane to try an foil the Hoyas from throwing him the ball, which is one of the reasons for his relatively low number of shot attempts. It also partly explains his rebounding numbers. If you watched a lot of Hoya games you'd see he actually spent a lot of time out on the floor away from the basket, either screening or holding the ball looking for cutters to pass to. He wasn't just stationed down low, which he likely would be in the NBA. In the NBA he's going to be seeing mostly man coverage by other big guys, with maybe an occasional double team once he establishes himself. That'll give him a better opportunity to use his post skills and size to his advantage. He's not going to be a dominant player, but he can be very effective in a role the Wiz really need to fill.

With regard to Hibbert, is he even a shotblocking threat? He's got length, but hardly any ups.

Could he even be better than BTH? BTH is only 28, and could possibly anchor the middle for the Wiz for the next 5-7 years.

At the center spot, the Wiz don't necessarily need a Shaq O'Neal, especially given the monies invested in the smalls on the team. What the Wiz need is a serviceable big man, like BTH.

BTH made huge leaps this season, and I expect him to get better next season, as long as EJ doesn't resort to mind and time games again when ET returns.

The question isn't whether Hibbert will be better than Haywood (and I think he's already a more polished, skilled offensive player). The real question is whether he's better than any of the other options the Wizards have at C behind Haywood. Neither of them is going to be a 40 mpg player in the NBA, but they could make a solid 2-headed C combo. Bringing in Hibbert provides the added benefit of moving Blatche back to his natural forward spot, where he's more productive and comfortable.

The question isn't whether Hibbert will be better than Haywood (and I think he's already a more polished, skilled offensive player). The real question is whether he's better than any of the other options the Wizards have at C behind Haywood. Neither of them is going to be a 40 mpg player in the NBA, but they could make a solid 2-headed C combo. Bringing in Hibbert provides the added benefit of moving Blatche back to his natural forward spot, where he's more productive and comfortable.

"Hibbert would come in handy against teams with big front courts like Cleveland and Boston and NY, teams that always kill us inside."

Actually, we rarely get killed from the inside. Our defense collapses on the paint really quickly, so we usually get killed by open jumpers from the outside instead.

The ball goes into the middle, our defense collapses. Then when the ball gets kicked back outside, we get killed with threes, especially by tall marksmen like Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, and Szczerbiak who easily shoot over our shorter perimeter players who recover too late to contest outside shots.

With regard to Hibbert, is he even a shotblocking threat? He's got length, but hardly any ups.

Could he even be better than BTH? BTH is only 28, and could possibly anchor the middle for the Wiz for the next 5-7 years.

At the center spot, the Wiz don't necessarily need a Shaq O'Neal, especially given the monies invested in the smalls on the team. What the Wiz need is a serviceable big man, like BTH.

BTH made huge leaps this season, and I expect him to get better next season, as long as EJ doesn't resort to mind and time games again when ET returns.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 11, 2008 2:22 PM

He's 7'2" - and yes, he blocks shots. Not an athletic shot blocker, like Josh Smith, but more like Haywood and Ilgauskas. As for "ups", guys like Haywood and Ilgauskas don't have tremendous leaping ability either, but they block their fair share of shots.

Matter of fact, if you compare skills, size, etc.., Hibbert could become the next Haywood or Ilgauskas. In terms of his potential, I think that's his "upside".

And I don't see Hibbert taking over for Haywood any time soon - but I do think he would be an upgrade over Etan Thomas.... and will give the second unit some much needed size and bulk.

He's perfect for the Princeton. Good passing big man. Sets very good high screens.

"He's perfect for the Princeton. Good passing big man. Sets very good high screens.

Posted by: Rook | May 11, 2008 3:16 PM "

Hibbert has been labeled as a guy with slow foot speed. He's made some improvements, but he's still a lumbering giant.

Although EJ runs the "Princeton," it's really run only about 50% of the time. The other 50% is what Gilby wants to run when the ball is in his hands, and we all know that Gilby likes to get up and down the court. Not sure if Hibbert will be able to keep up.

"Hibbert would come in handy against teams with big front courts like Cleveland and Boston and NY, teams that always kill us inside."

Actually, we rarely get killed from the inside. Our defense collapses on the paint really quickly, so we usually get killed by open jumpers from the outside instead.

The ball goes into the middle, our defense collapses. Then when the ball gets kicked back outside, we get killed with threes, especially by tall marksmen like Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, and Szczerbiak who easily shoot over our shorter perimeter players who recover too late to contest outside shots.

Posted by: | May 11, 2008 2:59 PM

That's not a personnel problem, but more a defensive scheme problem. If you have competent interior defenders, when the ball goes into the middle the other defenders don't NEED to collapse.

Certainly drafting Hibbert will keep other teams from firing away from the 3-point line, but if the Wizards change their defensive scheme to have the perimeter players stay put, at least they'll be shooting with a hand in their face.

I feel confident that Washington's interior defenders can hold their own against MOST other teams... Haywood, Blatche, Songaila (at the 4 !!), Jamison, et al.. are not stellar defenders, but certainly willing and able interior defenders. Add Hibbert, and the interior defense only gets bigger and better; reducing the need for the other defenders to collapse.

Now... keeping quick PG's from penetrating... that's another matter altogether...

Pesh should have spent the entire year in the D-Leagues. The only reason why he didn't was because of all the injuries. I'd have to think he'll be in the D-Leagues for a majority of the 08-09 season (Teams can place players in the D-Leagues who are in their first two years in the NBA). Veremeeko (sp) will stay in Europe to develop his game.

I hope Pesh beasts on the likes of Billy Thomas, Damone Brown and other ex-Wiz who signed 10-day contracts earlier this decade...

I could be wrong, but it seems to me that unless a euro or south american player can come to the NBA immediately after being drafted, then it's probably not worth using a pick on that individual. The only exception was probably Sabonis.

Although EJ runs the "Princeton," it's really run only about 50% of the time. The other 50% is what Gilby wants to run when the ball is in his hands, and we all know that Gilby likes to get up and down the court. Not sure if Hibbert will be able to keep up.

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 11, 2008 3:40 PM

He'll keep up as well as Haywood, Thomas and Songaila...

Just because a team has some players that like to run (GA, Caron, Blatche, Young), doesn't mean that they can't use some size as well...

One of the benefits of drafting an international player is that the team can leave him overseas to develop w/o impact on the salary cap and current roster. Worked out for Scola (though the Spurs had to trade him), Oberto, Ginobli (sp), and the Spurs have Tiago Spitter brewing in Spain...

Besides - the question is: what do the Wizards need - and how can they fulfill that need, either through the Draft, or by trade...

The Wizards need a back-up Center, and a 3rd point guard.

At #18, all the big, fast, athletic centers with "jump out of the gym" hops and unlimited potential will all be gone (DeAndre Jordan, JaVale McGee)... At #18, all the game changing, big, fast, quick, athletic PG's will be gone (Derrick Rose, Jerryd Bayless, Russell Westbrook).

So the Wizards will be left with players that have "holes" in their game... or limited "upside" - like slowfooted Hibbert, undersized PG D.J. Augustin may be still available, and offensively challenged big man Robin Lopez.

Unless EG makes a trade, or moves up in the draft - Hibbert looks like the best fit.

Of course he has limitations. Of course he's not the most athletic guy. He's not fast. He's not a monster on the boards... But at #18, in my opinion, he's the best player available that would help the Wizards.

Wizards offseason
#1.Resign Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison
#2.Trade #18 pick and Darius Songaila to 76ers for Reggie Evans and there next years pick 1st round pick.
#3.Draft PG.Sean Singletary with second round pick(local product).
#4.Sign Devean George SF
PG.Arenas/Daniels/Singletary
SG.Stevenson/Young
SF.Butler/George/McGuire
PF.Jamison/Evans/Pecherov
C.Haywood/Blatche/Thomas

The more I think about it, the more excited I am at the possibility of getting Hibbert. We would not of had a chance at him last year at 18. IMO the fact he stayed another year at GTown, we would actually get a better player then we would have last year, even though he won't be picked as high. The fact he stayed to try for a championship says alot about him and his character, even if it didn't work out.

Losing to the Cavs who killed us on the boards with BigZ, Big Ben, Joe Smith, Varejo, etc, showed our weakness and need for more size. And Hibbert would fill that need. He is a very good scorer in the paint, and would be nice to have surrounded by our perimeter scorers Arenas, Butler, Jamison, Stevenson, Young, etc. With the defense spread we'll be able to throw it in to the big fella with a 1 on 1 in the paint where he's virtually undefensible and automatic with the dunk or hook.

I don't see him replacing Haywood as the starter, at least not off the bat. But he would give us an added weapon off the bench, a matchup problem for the opponent to deal with, and much needed depth at center. Etan just is not reliable coming back from heart surgery, and has always been injury prone.

With Haywood, Hibbert and Etan at center we can move Blatche to PF where he is most effective. We would still use Blatche at C on occasion when matchups dictate or we want to go small. But we would not rely on Blatche so often there. It also solidifies our PF spot with Jamison, Blatche and Songaila. As Blatche develops his game, we can then use Jamison more at the 3 when we want to rest Caron, or go with a big lineup with Blatche at 4, Jamison at 3 and Caron at 2.

We would have a rotation at C of Haywood, Hibbert and Etan. PF with Jamison, Blatche and Songaila. SF with Caron, Jamison and McGuire. SG with Stevenson, Young (in an increased role), and Caron/Gil. And PG of course with Gil and Daniels.

The next move would be to add another backup PG though free agency (mid-level) which is the other position we really need to add some depth which hurt us this season. A couple more wins this year we would of had home court vs the Cavs.

The more I think about it, the more excited I am at the possibility of getting Hibbert. We would not of had a chance at him last year at 18. IMO the fact he stayed another year at GTown, we would actually get a better player then we would have last year, even though he won't be picked as high. The fact he stayed to try for a championship says alot about him and his character, even if it didn't work out.

Losing to the Cavs who killed us on the boards with BigZ, Big Ben, Joe Smith, Varejo, etc, showed our weakness and need for more size. And Hibbert would fill that need. He is a very good scorer in the paint, and would be nice to have surrounded by our perimeter scorers Arenas, Butler, Jamison, Stevenson, Young, etc. With the defense spread we'll be able to throw it in to the big fella with a 1 on 1 in the paint where he's virtually undefensible and automatic with the dunk or hook.

I don't see him replacing Haywood as the starter, at least not off the bat. But he would give us an added weapon off the bench, a matchup problem for the opponent to deal with, and much needed depth at center. Etan just is not reliable coming back from heart surgery, and has always been injury prone.

With Haywood, Hibbert and Etan at center we can move Blatche to PF where he is most effective. We would still use Blatche at C on occasion when matchups dictate or we want to go small. But we would not rely on Blatche so often there. It also solidifies our PF spot with Jamison, Blatche and Songaila. As Blatche develops his game, we can then use Jamison more at the 3 when we want to rest Caron, or go with a big lineup with Blatche at 4, Jamison at 3 and Caron at 2.

We would have a rotation at C of Haywood, Hibbert and Etan. PF with Jamison, Blatche and Songaila. SF with Caron, Jamison and McGuire. SG with Stevenson, Young (in an increased role), and Caron/Gil. And PG of course with Gil and Daniels.

The next move would be to add another backup PG though free agency (mid-level) which is the other position we really need to add some depth which hurt us this season. A couple more wins this year we would of had home court vs the Cavs. Alot of good backup PGs are free agents such as Boykins, Duhon, Lue, Arroyo.

The more I think about it, the more excited I am at the possibility of getting Hibbert. We would not of had a chance at him last year at 18. IMO the fact he stayed another year at GTown, we would actually get a better player then we would have last year, even though he won't be picked as high. The fact he stayed to try for a championship says alot about him and his character, even if it didn't work out.

Losing to the Cavs who killed us on the boards with BigZ, Big Ben, Joe Smith, Varejo, etc, showed our weakness and need for more size. And Hibbert would fill that need. He is a very good scorer in the paint, and would be nice to have surrounded by our perimeter scorers Arenas, Butler, Jamison, Stevenson, Young, etc. With the defense spread we'll be able to throw it in to the big fella with a 1 on 1 in the paint where he's virtually undefensible and automatic with the dunk or hook.

I don't see him replacing Haywood as the starter, at least not off the bat. But he would give us an added weapon off the bench, a matchup problem for the opponent to deal with, and much needed depth at center. Etan just is not reliable coming back from heart surgery, and has always been injury prone.

With Haywood, Hibbert and Etan at center we can move Blatche to PF where he is most effective. We would still use Blatche at C on occasion when matchups dictate or we want to go small. But we would not rely on Blatche so often there. It also solidifies our PF spot with Jamison, Blatche and Songaila. As Blatche develops his game, we can then use Jamison more at the 3 when we want to rest Caron, or go with a big lineup with Blatche at 4, Jamison at 3 and Caron at 2.

We would have a rotation at C of Haywood, Hibbert and Etan. PF with Jamison, Blatche and Songaila. SF with Caron, Jamison and McGuire. SG with Stevenson, Young (in an increased role), and Caron/Gil. And PG of course with Gil and Daniels.

The next move would be to add another backup PG though free agency (mid-level) which is the other position we really need to add some depth which hurt us this season. A couple more wins this year we would of had home court vs the Cavs. Alot of good backup PGs are free agents such as Boykins, Duhon, Lue, Arroyo.

If we get Hibbert he would be on our summer league team with Blatch, McGuire, Pecherov and Young. That would be fun to see!

Hibbert is a true center with awesome size (7-2, 275) and a developed low post game. He has a soft touch on his shot and a very reliable hook. He has nice passing skills for a big man. He is slow, but pretty fluid and coordinated for his size. Conditioning is an issue. But he has demonstrated solid work ethic and coachability.

I think drafting Hibbert makes alot of sense. IF HE IS THERE AT 18 WHICH YOU ALL ASSUME BUT I STRONGLY DOUBT!!!!

If we get Hibbert he would be on our summer league team with Blatch, McGuire, Pecherov and Young. That would be fun to see!

Hibbert is a true center with awesome size (7-2, 275) and a developed low post game. He has a soft touch on his shot and a very reliable hook. He has nice passing skills for a big man. He is slow, but pretty fluid and coordinated for his size. Conditioning is an issue. But he has demonstrated solid work ethic and coachability.

I think drafting Hibbert makes alot of sense. IF HE IS THERE AT 18 WHICH YOU ALL ASSUME BUT I STRONGLY DOUBT!!!! HIBBERT WILL NEVER BE A WIZARD SO KEEP ON DREAMING!!!!!!!!!!!!! EVERYONE ON HERE LAST YEAR WANTED JEFF GREEN AND HE WAS LONG GONE BY OUR PICK!!!!!!!!! FACE IT, WE WILL END UP WITH A PLAYER NO ONE HAS EVER HEARD OF (LIKE PECHEROV) OR WE WILL TRADE THE PICK FOR SOME AVERAGE BUM ROLE PLAYER!!!!!!!!!

Roy Hibbert is like Aaron Gray except he is alittle taller. Otherwise they are basically the exact same player. At best he will be another Ilgauskas.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Roy-Hibbert-585/

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Roy-Hibbert-585/

I fail to understand the infatuation with Hibbert. It's not just that he's slow and can't jump. When you're 7'2", you can compensate for those flaws if you know how to use your sheer size (Z is a prime example of that). When I saw him this year, he seemed very passive, and he didn't make plays at either end. I'm trying to figure out what happened to him, because he didn't seem to be anywhere near the player who went toe to toe with Greg Oden in the 2007 Final Four. If I were Ernie, I'd want to see him show something a lot different in a workout before I would consider taking him.

"Hibbert is an incredibly smart basketball player and it is visible in the way that he plays. That being said, an area of his game that is underrated is his passing and decision-making ability. He passes well out of double teams and does not make pointless turnovers because of stubbornness. Per 40 minutes, he ranks third amongst players on our mock draft in terms of least amount of turnovers committed.

On defense, Hibbert utilizes his length extremely well in challenging shots. He is a good shot blocker and as the season went on, became a formidable defensive presence. In a string of games in which he played against Aaron Gray, Tyler Hansbrough, and Greg Oden, Hibbert was able to assert himself on the defensive end and prevent these elite college post players from getting easy baskets."

Wizards offseason
#1.Resign Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison
#2.Trade #18 pick and Darius Songaila to 76ers for Reggie Evans and there next years pick 1st round pick.
#3.Draft PG.Sean Singletary with second round pick(local product).
#4.Sign Devean George SF
PG.Arenas/Daniels/Singletary
SG.Stevenson/Young
SF.Butler/George/McGuire
PF.Jamison/Evans/Pecherov
C.Haywood/Blatche/Thomas

Posted by: domo | May 11, 2008 6:36 PM

domo, what planet r u coming from??

Wizards offseason
#1.Resign Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison
#2.Trade #18 pick and Darius Songaila to 76ers for Reggie Evans and there next years pick 1st round pick.
#3.Draft PG.Sean Singletary with second round pick(local product).
#4.Sign Devean George SF
PG.Arenas/Daniels/Singletary
SG.Stevenson/Young
SF.Butler/George/McGuire
PF.Jamison/Evans/Pecherov
C.Haywood/Blatche/Thomas

Posted by: domo | May 11, 2008 6:36 PM

domo, what planet r u coming from??

"Hibbert is an incredibly smart basketball player and it is visible in the way that he plays. That being said, an area of his game that is underrated is his passing and decision-making ability. He passes well out of double teams and does not make pointless turnovers because of stubbornness. Per 40 minutes, he ranks third amongst players on our mock draft in terms of least amount of turnovers committed.

On defense, Hibbert utilizes his length extremely well in challenging shots. He is a good shot blocker and as the season went on, became a formidable defensive presence. In a string of games in which he played against Aaron Gray, Tyler Hansbrough, and Greg Oden, Hibbert was able to assert himself on the defensive end and prevent these elite college post players from getting easy baskets."

"Hibbert is an incredibly smart basketball player and it is visible in the way that he plays. That being said, an area of his game that is underrated is his passing and decision-making ability. He passes well out of double teams and does not make pointless turnovers because of stubbornness. Per 40 minutes, he ranks third amongst players on our mock draft in terms of least amount of turnovers committed.

On defense, Hibbert utilizes his length extremely well in challenging shots. He is a good shot blocker and as the season went on, became a formidable defensive presence. In a string of games in which he played against Aaron Gray, Tyler Hansbrough, and Greg Oden, Hibbert was able to assert himself on the defensive end and prevent these elite college post players from getting easy baskets."

"In a string of games in which he played against Aaron Gray, Tyler Hansbrough, and Greg Oden, Hibbert was able to assert himself on the defensive end and prevent these elite college post players from getting easy baskets."

Posted by: | May 11, 2008 7:51 PM "

Uhh, that was so two seasons ago. That's why they said Hibbert would have been a lottery pick had he left two seasons ago.

I think he regressed this past season. He didn't step up and lead the team.

In fact, he had 6 pts and 1 reb in the final game of his career.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=284000013

I'd really like to get Carlos Arroyo. He's an unrestricted FA. He's just a solid pg IMO, I've always liked his game.

08-09 Wizards (??)

Roy Hibbert
Brendan Haywood
Etan Thomas
Andray Blatche
Darius Songaila
Oleskiy Pecherov
Antawn Jamison
Dominic McGuire
Caron Butler
Nick Young
DeShawn Stevenson
Gilbert Arenas
Carlos Arroyo
Antonio Daniels

I'd be real happy going into the season with this roster! It's 14 which leaves a spot for our 2nd round pick or another FA or camp invite, or just leave it open as we did this year to possibly pick up someone during the season if needed.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=uXqVThYIbDU

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GVUJ4-uy1dk

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hH5_Z8Ae3K8&feature=related

DC Man,

you mentioned concern over Hibbert not being able to keep up with Gilby is running. I don't think that is an issue. Wes Unseld was Not mobile at all after he injured both knees. He relied on starting the fast break with his outlet passes and set backbreaking picks on the opponent to free up his guards which included some of the best like Earl Monroe, Kevin Porter, and Tom Henderson.

Hibbert can set bone crushing picks at his size and does have a pretty good outlet pass like Unseld.

HIBBERT WILL NEVER BE A WIZARD!!!! KEEP DREAMING!!!!! NETS WILL DRAFT HIM #10!!!!!

"At best he will be another Ilgauskas."

You say that like it's a bad thing.

think he regressed this past season. He didn't step up and lead the team.

In fact, he had 6 pts and 1 reb in the final game of his career.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=284000013

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 11, 2008 9:50 PM

And THAT's why he may be available at #18. The perception that he "regressed" this year. That, and the fact that most "experts" don't think he has much of an "upside". (what you see now, is what you're gonna get in the pro's)

but the point I've been trying to make is that he is the most polished big man available in the mid-late 1st round. He has holes and limitations in his game - but he's an extremely hard worker and very coachable - so some of those limitations can be mitigated or improved upon.

One of the biggest positives is probably his size. I, for one, am tired of seeing the Wizards continually matched up with bigger, stronger front courts. Expecially when the 2nd team comes in.

And, again, I think he would be a huge upgrade over Etan Thomas.

think he regressed this past season. He didn't step up and lead the team.

In fact, he had 6 pts and 1 reb in the final game of his career.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=284000013

Posted by: DC Man88 | May 11, 2008 9:50 PM

And THAT's why he may be available at #18. The perception that he "regressed" this year. That, and the fact that most "experts" don't think he has much of an "upside". (what you see now, is what you're gonna get in the pro's)

but the point I've been trying to make is that he is the most polished big man available in the mid-late 1st round. He has holes and limitations in his game - but he's an extremely hard worker and very coachable - so some of those limitations can be mitigated or improved upon.

One of the biggest positives is probably his size. I, for one, am tired of seeing the Wizards continually matched up with bigger, stronger front courts. Expecially when the 2nd team comes in.

And, again, I think he would be a huge upgrade over Etan Thomas.

if we stay at the 18 spot, i like javale mcgee, jj hickson or robin lopez. mcgee and hickson would probably be lottery picks in another year or 2, but are coming out a little too early, we'd be getting a good "deal" on them because of that. lopez, is known as a defensive beast. hard on the boards, shot-blocker, active, physical.

i still think that unless we love one of those players, we should consider trading down and getting a first rounder in a later draft. maybe the sonics or portland would like to add a second pick in the first round, since they are so young. or minnesota, who has 2 high second round picks might be willing to talk. or there's the grizzlies at 28 who could trade up to get 2 guys in the top 20 this year.

Roy Hibbert is like Aaron Gray except he is alittle taller. Otherwise they are basically the exact same player. At best he will be another Ilgauskas.

Posted by: | May 11, 2008 7:31 PM

As #18 pick - I'd take that!

Hibbert would be my choice if available, and he may even be worth trading up a few slots to get. I cannot think of too many teams who couldn't use another "Z" in any case.

if we stay at the 18 spot, i like javale mcgee, jj hickson or robin lopez. mcgee and hickson would probably be lottery picks in another year or 2, but are coming out a little too early,

Posted by: JC | May 12, 2008 9:22 AM

Javale McGee has tremendous upside, but is really raw. He should have stayed in College where he could play and get experience. Sitting on the Bench in the NBA will NOT help his game. The only real knock I have against McGee is that he doesn't seem to be a very hard worker - and he's not a very "active" guy as far as hustle, etc... Big potential to be GREAT - but just as big a potential to be a BUST.

I already talked about Robin Lopez in an earlier post. Very good defensively and an active rebounder, especially on the offensive end. Not as good rebounding on the Defensive side. High intensity player with a very energetic motor. Offensively challenged. Would also benefit from another