Hey ivan thanks for the news well since you think they might keep the pick then what do they do with the pick they got from the grizz last year if they do keep it then they will have about six young guys on the bench with nick, dominc, andray, pesh, this years pick and the lottery protected pick so what do they do

Hey ivan thanks for the news well since you think they might keep the pick then what do they do with the pick they got from the grizz last year if they do keep it then they will have about six young guys on the bench with nick, dominc, andray, pesh, this years pick and the lottery protected pick so what do they do

Hey ivan thanks for the news well since you think they might keep the pick then what do they do with the pick they got from the grizz last year if they do keep it then they will have about six young guys on the bench with nick, dominc, andray, pesh, this years pick and the lottery protected pick so what do they do

"Though he has identified point guard and post players as the roster's biggest need, Bird said he will draft the best player available regardless of position. Rush apparently has been climbing draft boards around the league thanks to a series of impressive workouts, as has the 7-2 Hibbert, who appears to be a Bird favorite.

"He can play for us right now," Bird said of the Georgetown center. "He's skilled, he's big. He doesn't have the quickness that the other kids had but as far as knowing how to play, I thought he dominated that workout (with McGee and Jordan). He's lost some weight and he's moving quicker. Our concern was if you blitz the pick-and-roll can he get back? He proved to us that he could. He's a very dedicated worker and a very fine young man so he's obviously somebody we've got to look at.""

People are really starting to notice Hibbert

The 18th pick has alot of value this year so i hope we keep it ... at the 18th there is alot of talent at C and SF ... This is the order i hope we have our best player available at 18th listed

1)Marreese Speights - F/C
2)DeAndre Jordan - C
3)Nicolas Batum - SF
4)Javale McGee - C
5)Donte Greene - SF
6)Roy Hibbert - C
7)Brandon Rush - SF
8)Alexis Ajinca - C
9)Kosta Koufos - C
10)Robin Lopez - C

we should draft for best potential player avilable right now... so we could have the best bargining chips in the summer of 09 YEAHBABY!!

Kenny George in the 2nd round.

In other draft news:

Pacers trade J O'Neal to Toronto for TJ Ford, Nesterovic, and the #17 pick.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3461029

Given the trade and the Bird quote in babbtong's post, it certainly looks like there's a real possibility of Hibbert landing in Indy (they now hold the 11 and 17 picks).

Hollinger suggests they make take Brook Lopez and Hibbert:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=Onealtrade-080625

I thought the Wiz would be keeping the pick unless they got boldover with a deal. I believe they intend to take the best Center or point guard. Thus, I believe the Wiz have Hibbert, Robin Lopez, and Chalmers in their sights.

I LOVE SPEIGHTS!

EG said in a recent interview he reads your blog Ivan. PLEASE TELL EG to draft SPEIHTS!!!

draftexpress was impressed to the max
Check out this workout they had with him.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Marreese-Speights-1183/

We walked away from the first day shaking our head at what we witnessed--a 6-10, 20-year old power forward who is about as skilled a big man facing the basket as you will find in this draft. "He's really more skilled than anyone knows," Joe Abunassar told us. The first thing you notice is how fundamentally sound Speights' shooting mechanics are. He's got a natural, flawless stroke, showing small-forward like elevation creating separation from his defender, a high release point, excellent body control on his fade-aways, great technique squaring his shoulders and his hips simultaneously in perfect unison--and not surprisingly, getting unbelievable results in the process. He operates strictly on the balls of his feet as he catches and fires away, draining shot after shot from 16-18 feet with machine-like efficiency, and then proceeding to step-away and knock down college and even NBA 3-pointers with impressive accuracy as well.

In the post, he has a beautiful hook-shot and an even prettier turn-around jumper, to go along with great hands, length and size for his position and excellent agility finishing around the hoop. On top of that, there was nothing resembling any of the problems Speights had with his conditioning back at Florida, as he's looking to be in phenomenal shape and had no problem at all finishing up his workout in very strong fashion. "He has really has worked on his body and conditioning," Abunassar told us. Needless to say, we came away almost floored at what we saw--telling basically anyone that would listen that we're talking about a starting NBA power forward any day of the week.

I seriously think he may be the best big man in this draft!!

RealGM loves Speights as well.

http://www.realgm.com/src_fromtherafters/175/20080606/draft_report_marreese_speights_of_florida/

NOt to mention in college how ridiculously good his per 40 minutes stats were.

Freshman year: 28 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks, 68% FG (played 6 mpg)

Sophomore year: 25.5 points, 14.2 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 64% FG (played 22 mpg)

can we get rid of etan thomas and get like a dj mbenga?

Speights would be one helluva choice. Certainly better IMO than any of the ones Ivan mentioned as possibilities.

I wouldn't mind Hibbert either but the rest don't excite me.

"I'm convinced that Wizards president Ernie Grunfield is either going to stay at 18 and take the best player on his board or move up or down."

Wow, that's hard hitting, fact finding reporting there, Ivan. I'm glad you told me that. I don't think I could have figured that one out by myself.

LOL well anyways EG is pretty secretive and at least it ruled out trading the pick altogether for future picks or rotational players

Anyways let me just push my agenda again. :-)

SPEIGHTS! SPEIGHTS! SPEIGHTS! SPEIGHTS!

GOOOO SPEIGHTS!!!

you guys are doing a good last minute sell on Speights... If Hibbert goes to Indiana at 17 (or earlier) and Speights is still on the board, I could go along with that... Better to choose a big than a PG, Daniels has a few miles left in him in any case.

I can't see them getting rid of the 1st rounder either. If we lose Mason and resign Arenas and Jamison that would give us 12 players on the roster I believe, with one of them coming off heart surgery. There is plenty of room on the roster for another pick or two, although that leaves us with a logjam of young guys. (trade?)

EG has someone that he likes or he'd consider making a move. Speights was here and worked out for us from what I remember. Based on what I've read about him, he's a good a prospect as there is. Hardin and McGee have bigger flaws. 6'10, 245 with long arms works for me.
That boob Hollinger has Speights listed as a potential lottery pick based on a PER rating over 15. This is what he says about him...

"Speights has only one full college season under his belt, but he's a huge post player who might be more of a factor in the NBA game than he was in college."

Since Hibbert will be gone by 18, we may as well take a chance on Speights. Just remember that he's only 20 and we may not see him on the court til 2011 thanks to Abe and EJ's "win now and develop later" plan

more on Speights from his espn draft bio...

Huge body with good athleticism and strength. Good low-post scorer. Efficient. Quick in the paint. Impressive low-post moves for a sophomore. Good defender and shot-blocker. Excellent rebounder. Tough.

Damn. Somebody get this kid a contract.

LOL well anyways EG is pretty secretive and at least it ruled out trading the pick altogether for future picks or rotational players

Anyways let me just push my agenda again. :-)

SPEIGHTS! SPEIGHTS! SPEIGHTS! SPEIGHTS!

GOOOO SPEIGHTS!!!

Posted by: arenasmvp4ever | June 26, 2008 3:26 AM

Dumbest post of the year. I run this place youngin'....and I say we trade the pick, along with Gilby.

Take Mareese Speights and we will hear no end complaints from this forum about "why did the Wizards take another undersized 6'8" C/F who is a face up shooter just like Jamison?"

DC man/girl go straight to the bowels of h..l. Maybe then we won't have to sift through your foolisheness. You are a cancer to this blog and won't go away!

I am still in therapy from pre and post natal rejection syndrome. I need the attention my mother deprived me of. Please, somebody give me a hug.

JJ Hickson has similar size to Speights and produced in the ACC. Until this thing ends, we'll find things to like (and dislike) about every big guy out there. Let's just hope Ernie doesn't reach and finds someone...anyone that can produce for us in the near future. One mock on cnnsi has Speights going to Philly and Rush falling to us.

I am still in therapy from pre and post natal rejection syndrome. I need the attention my mother deprived me of. Please, somebody give me a hug.

Could someone please explain why the Wizards didn't get invovled with the Jermanie O'Neal trade? 18th pick plus 2 of their young players what is Ernie thinking about? The only reason I see him not doing it is because of the salary of O'Neal and how they have to re-sign Jamison and Arenas but if money isn't the issue what is??

I'm not looking for to the draft because the Wizards have enough young developing talent how much more do they need? What they need is a vet who can play defense and grab rebounds the 2 things that hurt them in the playoffs.

O'Neal is done in the league, not only is he injury prone, but he has lost a step. He can still be effective in a slow, grind-it-out pace, but thats not what the Wizards play at. It still remains to be seen if he will even by 1/2 of what he was three years ago, I wouldn't trade Haywood for him at this point.

I'm not looking for to the draft because the Wizards have enough young developing talent how much more do they need?"

EXACTLY!

Good post Rob C. :)

Whomever they draft will not be able to contribute for a couple years at least and if they go "big" then they are going to have to deal someone because of the log jam.

Since there will not a be PG at 18 worth taking, they are going to have to take yet another big man.

Jason Thompson would be a nice fit here, but again EG would have to move someone for him to see any playing time.

Why would Jamison re-sign here knowing that the team is still a few years out from winning anything when he could go to SA (maybe) and be an immediate impact on a championship caliber team?

Trade those picks EG and a body or two and get a vet in here who can play now.

**cough**Baron Davis**cough**Elton Brand**cough**

;)

- Ray

We need to be making a move to climb up the ladder in the 2nd round and grab Joey Dorsey. There is no reason Dorsey shouldn't be on our team by the end of the night, he is exactly what the Wizards need, a rugged PF who will get in your face, play defense, rebound, block shots. He has questionable character, but at this point, we need a guy with questionable character, not because he might pull a prank on you, but because he might but an elbow in your eye socket. Nothing wrong with that!

My first post today.

Wiz should go get Darrell Arthur or Chalmers.

EG should do whatever he needs to do in order to get either of those guys.

If we get Chalmers, we should sign and trade Gilby.

If we get DA, we should sign and trade AJ if he's not willing to come off the bench.

Maybe EG can impress us and do a sign and trade with AJ for Okafor (+ bodies).

Could someone please explain why the Wizards didn't get invovled with the Jermanie O'Neal trade? 18th pick plus 2 of their young players what is Ernie thinking about? The only reason I see him not doing it is because of the salary of O'Neal and how they have to re-sign Jamison and Arenas but if money isn't the issue what is??

I'm not looking for to the draft because the Wizards have enough young developing talent how much more do they need? What they need is a vet who can play defense and grab rebounds the 2 things that hurt them in the playoffs.

Posted by: Robert C. | June 26, 2008 8:24 AM
------------

We don't have a young PG (Ford) to offer Indiana. Plus Rasho has an expiring contract after the 08-09 season. We could have offered AD & Etan (both at '09-10 exp @ $7M/yr), but they're both 30 yrs old or older, and they have longer contracts. We could have thrown in Blatche & the 18th pick, which would be a dead-on match of salaries for O'Neal, but that's giving up a lot, considering O'Neal's injury-riddled past, his declining game, and his $44M over the next 2 years.

The Bobcats obtaining the 20th pick for a future lottery-protected pick could have obviously been our 18th pick instead. So to the idiot to questioned Ivan, the point of this latest post by Ivan was that EG will be picking in the first round/early second round this year, simple as that...

Plain and simple, I'm a douchebag.

From Draftexpress:

"At #18, it looks like the Wizards are trying to decide between JaVale McGee and Darrell Arthur. It appears like both players will be there."

"O'Neal is done in the league, not only is he injury prone, but he has lost a step. He can still be effective in a slow, grind-it-out pace, but thats not what the Wizards play at. It still remains to be seen if he will even by 1/2 of what he was three years ago, I wouldn't trade Haywood for him at this point."

dude, the only thing haywood has going for him over o'neal is that he costs about a 4th of the price. even during o'neal's recent injury troubles, he still produced more on the court than haywood. but more importantly, he is one of the best defensive big man in the game.

for us to trade for just him though would be difficult. his salary is so high, we'd either have to include either jamison or arenas along with another player, or give the pacers 3 players. that would leave us with an 11 man roster at best, and still probably put us over the luxury tax.

it's a great move for toronto though. they had a very good player to "spare," filled a huge hole at center, and really, don't even need o'neal to produce real big offensively.

Ivan.....So basically you have absolutely no clue what is going on as usual? I thought this was supposed to be a wizards insider...you are just taking shots in the dark just like anyone else.

Baron Davis is the same player as Arenas. Baron came off an injury and everyone thought he was done. He played great the last two seasons since said injury.......you can finish the rest of my thought.

GO WIZARDS!!!!!!!!

So in Chad Ford's latest mock, he still has us taking Arthur. However, he has Chalmers (I like Chalmers, Hickson, then Hibbert) going #17 to Indiana. Indiana will already have TJ Ford (25 y/o) & Jamaal Tinsley (30 y/o), so I can't see them taking Chalmers, even though Tinsley & Ford have issues staying healthy.

I know the cons on Chalmers is that he's not uber-athletic and his dribbling ability is not on par with the And-1 mix crew, but the fact that he's a steady shooter (over 50% FG), doesn't dominate the ball, and plays great perimeter defense (not just the passing lanes), and fills a need, he just seems like the right pick. I think Arthur is too much of a finesse guy to pick. If we go front court with our pick, we need a guy who'll take up space and plays inside more, a la Hickson, Hibbert, or O-Lo (Other Lopez)...

I heard someone posing this question before and it merits consideration...If Chalmers doesn't hit the big shot in the big game, is he even a first rounder? Probably not. He may just be Keith Smart. If we're gonna reach for a guy and potentially miss, let's miss with a big guy.

Rumors have Washington trading its 18th pick to Houston for Luther Head and Houston's 25th pick. All I can say is another short shooting guard with terribly unimpressive numbers EEEEEYUUUCKKKKK!!

Latest rumor:

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9216

The only way that trade works is if the Wizards give up Pecherov.... Here's the logistics:

Wizards get Luthur Head + pick #25 (Ernie selects BPA)

Houston gets Pecherov + pick #18 (Houston selects Courtney Lee)

I hate to keep relying on drafexpress, but these comments about Chalmers are alarming...

Chalmers' biggest weaknesses as an NBA prospect revolve around his average athleticism and ball-handling skills, which makes him fairly ineffective as a shot-creator at the point guard position. He struggles going right, doesn't have much of a mid-range game, and often looks out of control on his way to the basket, not being much of a finisher at the hoop due to his clear lack of explosiveness at the rim. This, combined with his underdeveloped playmaking instincts are a pretty big knock against his pro potential, but he should still be able to overcome his deficiencies and develop into a quality backup considering how many other things he brings to the table.

So he can't go right, he can't dribble and can't finish at the rim? What is it that he does well, again? He sounds kinda one dimensional like Roger Mason to me. I know that draftexpress are not the definitive experts but ...whew. Lots of question marks here. Go big. Speights, Rider, Hickson, Batum?

"So he can't go right, he can't dribble and can't finish at the rim? What is it that he does well, again? He sounds kinda one dimensional like Roger Mason to me. I know that draftexpress are not the definitive experts but ...whew. Lots of question marks here. Go big. Speights, Rider, Hickson, Batum?

Posted by: mark | June 26, 2008 10:15 AM "

Dude, uhhhh, that's probably what you're going to get if you are content at sitting on your pick and getting "best available."

"Baron Davis is the same player as Arenas. Baron came off an injury and everyone thought he was done. He played great the last two seasons since said injury.......you can finish the rest of my thought.

GO WIZARDS!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Burg w/ a U | June 26, 2008 9:46 AM "

If you're trying to link Baron's success this past two years post injury and project it to Gilby and what Gilby will be able to do in the next two years, then you are not half empty or half full.

You're just full (of it).

"Plain and simple, I'm a douchebag.

Posted by: DC Man88 | June 26, 2008 9:17 AM "

Sign and trade Gilby. That's the key to getting rid of the Curse of Les BouleS.

I'd jump at the Luther Head deal. Always said his game reminds me of Rod Strickland.

Last comment on O'Neal....$22 million/yr. for 2 more years for a guy who hasn't played a full season in 3 years and has chronic knee problems? No way EG would have considered a move like that and Toronto will regret it as well .

If the No. 18 pick turns out to be Hibbert, we may get some immediate help based on his experience. Rest of mock draft guys like Arthur, Speights, Greene, and Hickson all are 2-3 years from being ready to help at all. EG may trade the pick for a No. 1 next year to have some better trade leverage....next year we'll have some attractive expiring contracts like Etan Thomas and AD to trade with two No. 1 picks.

88,
We can still get value at 18 rather than drafting a pg who some say can't dribble or drive. I know you want to pursue a trade to get rid of Gil but even if we stay at 18, we should be able to get a big man that has, if nothing else, a physical presence. A guy like Maxiell isn't putting up big numbers in Detroit but you know when he's in the game. Sometimes a big body in the lane is all you need as a deterrent.

Etan is not the answer just in case someone wants to bring him up. He's had a chance and hasn't capitalized.

Damn DCman/girl 88, can we please have one day, one blog without you injecting your hatred for Gilbert on everyone. Jeeze! Damn! Can you not even control yourself for one day. Just one day! I find all of the other posts interesting and was just wondering why would the Wiz do Hoopsworld is projecting they would do. That doesn't make sense to me? Could someone please explain the merits of this move. I don't see where the Wiz even needs someone else to groom. We already have four players who are still being groomed unless EG is not looking to win in the near futre. Thanks.

"I'm convinced that Wizards president Ernie Grunfield is either going to stay at 18 and take the best player on his board or move up or down."

Wow, that's hard hitting, fact finding reporting there, Ivan. I'm glad you told me that. I don't think I could have figured that one out by myself.

Posted by: | June 26, 2008 3:17 AM

LOL i was thinking the same thing.

wizfan, good point about our position with Etan and picks. With some luck, we could move up and get into the lottery or trade for a vet that can put us over the top.

...next year

I'm hoping for Chalmers. I like his defense.

"88,
We can still get value at 18 rather than drafting a pg who some say can't dribble or drive. I know you want to pursue a trade to get rid of Gil but even if we stay at 18, we should be able to get a big man that has, if nothing else, a physical presence. A guy like Maxiell isn't putting up big numbers in Detroit but you know when he's in the game. Sometimes a big body in the lane is all you need as a deterrent.

Etan is not the answer just in case someone wants to bring him up. He's had a chance and hasn't capitalized.

Posted by: mark | June 26, 2008 10:35 AM "

I don't think adding another benchwarmer to the roster that doesn't have much starter material to begin with is going to take the Wiz far next season or into the future.

Give up the picks as incentive to another team to make a trade for someone who can help us now.

"I'd jump at the Luther Head deal. Always said his game reminds me of Rod Strickland.

Posted by: EmmPee | June 26, 2008 10:32 AM "

I'm not surprised you'd jump all over that...

LMAO!

"Could someone please explain why the Wizards didn't get invovled with the Jermanie O'Neal trade?"

Why would you want a bad attitude guy going in the wrong direction who hasn't won anything???

hmmmmm

I'll answer that question. He is a over price BUM who is not healty and going in the wrong direction.

2007-08 13.6 PPG 6.7 REB FG% 44.0
2006-07 19.4 PPG 9.9 REB FG% 43.7

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080626

Wow, is Hibbert that bad? He's projected to drop to 20 and get drafted after both Lopez stiffs!

"Why would you want a bad attitude guy going in the wrong direction who hasn't won anything???

hmmmmm

I'll answer that question. He is a over price BUM who is not healty and going in the wrong direction.

2007-08 13.6 PPG 6.7 REB FG% 44.0
2006-07 19.4 PPG 9.9 REB FG% 43.7

Posted by: pg posse | June 26, 2008 11:13 AM "

Gee, that sounds familiar...like some 6-4 PG that just opted out.

BREAKING NEWS!!

I just got confirmation that Ernie Grunfeld will likely be in the Wizards' draft room tonight.

I'll keep you posted as I learn more.

Hibbert looks like a complete stiff. Good guy probably, but barely a back up center in the NBA. We need Chalmers. Backup PG is a huge priority.

88,
You advocate trades but trades are not always the answer. Besides the obvious Caron for Kwame, which Wiz trades have you liked so far in the past 10 years? Here they are...

Richard Hamilton, Hubert Davis, and Bobby Simmons for Jerry Stackhouse, Brian Cardinal, and Ratko Varda?

Ben Wallace for Ike Austin?
Webber for Richmond & Thorpe?
2nd round pick for Laron profit?
Tracy Murray for Popeye Jones and a pick?
Ike Austin for Felipe Lopez, Dennis Scott, Obinna Ekezie, and Cherokee Parks ?
Cherokee Parks and Obinna Ekezie for Tyrone Nesby?
Juwan Howard and Calvin Booth for Loy Vaught, Christian Laettner, Hubert Davis, Etan Thomas & Courtney Alexander?
Laron Profit and a conditional 1st round pick for Brendan Haywood? (I like this one)
Courtney Alexander to the Charlotte Hornets for the #17 pick (Juan Dixon)?
Chris Whitney for George McCloud and $500,000?
Jerry Stackhouse, Christian Laettner, and the draft rights to Devin Harris (5th overall) to the Dallas Mavericks for Antawn Jamison and cash? (not bad)

AlthoughI know that Eg is a more accomplished GM than Wes and MJ, I'm just trying to show that trades don't always work out. If we have a proven commodity, why trade it?

I am less concerned with the draft than whether the Wizards will do what it take to keep Mason. He has proven he is really good, has the potential to be great, and is a great teamate. He is better now than any player in the draft. If we keep him I don't care who we draft. If we let him go, nobody we draft will be as good.

I am less concerned with the draft than whether the Wizards will do what it take to keep Mason. He has proven he is really good, has the potential to be great, and is a great teamate. He is better now than any player in the draft. If we keep him I don't care who we draft. If we let him go, nobody we draft will be as good.

The more I think about it, the more I am convinced the Wizards play at the Verizon Center.

Please do not select Speights. The guy is slow and sluggish. And Robin Lopez is equally bad.
Just please pick Arthur, thats the safe and smart pick

I want Hibbert, but it will probably be Greene.

I also really like Speights. I'd also be happy with Chalmers, Arthur or Hickson.

I am less concerned with the draft than whether the Wizards will do what it take to keep Mason. He has proven he is really good, has the potential to be great, and is a great teamate. He is better now than any player in the draft. If we keep him I don't care who we draft. If we let him go, nobody we draft will be as good.

Posted by: Michael | June 26, 2008 11:28 AM

Michael, the Wiz can use a split Mid Level Exception. If they think Mason is worth $2.5 or $3M a year they can give that to him, and use the rest of the MLE for another free agent signing.
I think their problem is they want to settle the Arenas & Jamison salaries first (about $28-30M), then see if they have anything left before going over the luxury tax line. My feeling is that they will have to pay it anyway, what with 1st and 2nd rd draft picks to pay.

Any chance Greg Oden falls to us? He has pretty good game with decent size. His defense seems to be his best aspect right now. if he is available, i say we jump all over the opportunity

I want Hibbert.

It will probably be Greene.

I'd also really like Speights. I'd also be happy with Chalmers, Arthur, or Hickson.

As a big Pacers fan I think the O'neal trade is a great trade. O'neal has been done for a couple of years. Losing his salary and getting another pick in the draft would have been enough, but getting two of Toronto's players as well?? What in the world were the Raptors thinking?
The Pacers may just be back in the playoff hunt next year if they draft well.

what the hell will luther head do for us? is he a 1 or 2? what a dumb move that would be

2nd round I like Sean Singletary ,Pat Calathes or Dorsey, depending how we draft in the 1st.

or Nathan Jawai

"If we have a proven commodity, why trade it?

Posted by: mark | June 26, 2008 11:27 AM "

The only thing the Wiz have proven is that they've been one and done the past 3 playoffs.

On a lighter note, Michael Lee's article today was pretty interesting. Two points:

1. Beasley wants to play for the Wiz (where's Jose). What can you do EG?

2. Beasley's stock is dropping b/c he's acting too quirky. And you wonder why Gilby dropped to the second round.

Shaun Livingston will be a free agent on July 1, the Clippers didn't pick up his option. Kid is not even 22 y/o; just saying...

what is wrong with u people the luther head deal would be good for us i am not sure why ya think he doesent play defense becuase he really can and he brings the energy and 3 point shooting ability two years ago he hit 177 of them and he will be a good replacement for roger mason jr so get ur facts straight.

People keep saying that this is a deep draft for big men, but what seems clear is that there are no franchise players.

"I am less concerned with the draft than whether the Wizards will do what it take to keep Mason. He has proven he is really good, has the potential to be great, and is a great teamate. He is better now than any player in the draft. If we keep him I don't care who we draft. If we let him go, nobody we draft will be as good."

HAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAH

"He is better now than any player in the draft"

Greatest quote ever...just priceless.

You obviously know absolutely nothing about basketball or have never watched a college game in ur life. If Mason at his current ability was in the draft...he would be a possible 1st rounder at best

What's the status on resigning Roger Mason? He looks to have earned his $3~5mil/year so we'd be lucky to keep him in that price range providing his work ethic stays the same.

The only guys on the roster that are not expendible are Caron, Haywood, Blatche, and Antawn (for his leadership and work ethic for the young guys). Maybe Miami will take Gilby and Pecherov for their pick? We could add 5 more wins this season plus a 1st round playoff series.

Maybe Pech is working like crazy and can finally contribute as a classic Euro shooter and rebounder. Being on the bubble should make you work (same with Mcquire & Young).

Ernie - design some out-of-bounds plays that work!!! We were the worst in the league from what I saw, with every play nearly a turnover. Kansas beat Memphis with a motion offense and I seldom saw Boston and LA standing still either.

BTW, Douglas-Roberts was a player who often did his scoring damage in the tightest parts of the game. Consider trading Young & Gilby to Miami and get him and Beasley and we shouldn't miss a beat.

Chris Douglas-Roberts: Shot 54 percent from the field and improved his 3-point shooting to 41 percent, which led the team. Can score in a variety of ways and has a good mid-range game. Averaged 23.3 points during this past NCAA Tournament, including a 28-point performance against UCLA in the national semifinals. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=tx2201817cap&prov=st&type=lgns

Anything other than a make good 1-year deal would be too much of a roll of the dice on Livingston. His knee was flat out destroyed, worse than Jay William's in his motorcycle accident, and Williams never got back.

Don't see much sense to the Luther Head deal. Head's a decent player, but he doesn't do anything the Wiz can't get from someone they already have. The only real advantage would be if they include Pecherov the Wiz would be saving themselves 1-2 years of salary obligations.

don't see the reasoning behind that luther head trade. he's a great outside shooter, but not a whole lot else. and certainly not a backup pg. heck, we could've offered the hornets some cash and gotten their 27th pick if we wanted 2 players. we could've gotten 2 better players with 18 and 27 then with head and 25.

As a backup SG, Roger Mason has slightly better numbers than Luther Head last year. But Luther Head's also earning less than half of what Roger Mason will end up getting. It's going to be important to massage the total salaries under the luxury tax line. I think EG is going for some flexibility so as to resign Arenas & Jamison. And is not too concerned with who Wizards get in the 1st rd. If this deal goes through, he may even try to deal away the 25th 1st rd pick for another 2nd rd pick.

Mason is 6'5" with better length for getting his shot off and playing defense. Luther Head is 6'3" but dissapeared in the playoffs with Utah, while Roger had some pretty good games.

One thing is clear about the draft: Nobody knows how any player is going to turn out, which team is going to draft which player, and what trades might occur.

So how about everybody (reporters, readers, talking heads, etc) just stop pretending that they know what will happen and actually WAIT to see what actually does happen.