My Team Is Better Than Yours: Washington Wizards Edition
by BlaseE on Jul 26, 2009 2:45 AM CDT
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PrintWelcome to Episode 2. In case you missed Episode 1 on the Kings, click here.
via photos.upi.com
Dang, none of these guys wear the same jersey next season. This is going to be more difficult than expected.
FSN Season Stats Head to Head
As expected, we dominated them in almost every stat. They had more offensive rebounds but expect this sentence in every single preview. Like the last preview, we have another horrible team. Their best player was out the entire season, more or less. Really, its just a mess. 24th in assists on offense and giving up 103.5 pts on defense. They even gave up the most assists per game on defense. This team has a lot of room to improve going into next season.Game Recaps
General Notes: Both game dates are very close which is kind of sad in terms of general team head to head comparisons. Luckily both were later in the season. No Manu or Arenas in either game.
Sat, February 21 @ Washington We win 98-67. "Mason performs well against his former team as Spurs roll"
This was the last game of the rodeo road trip, and the 31 point win was our biggest road victory of the season and our second biggest victory. The Golden State episode is going to be interesting but I won't talk about those games yet. This game was an absolute beat down by Mason in his home town against his former team so as a tribute to him I won't mention another Spur in this recap.
"Oh, the humiliation! The player that got away, Roger Mason, comes back with the San Antonio Spurs and drops 25 points -- on a night the awful Washington Wizards post their lowest points total in six years."
Mason finished on 9 of 16 shooting for 25 points (5 of 9 from 3). He also added 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.
"Mason certainly could have been a fourth option on a night when Caron Butler (24 points), Jamison (16) and Darius Songaila (15) accounted for all but two points scored by the entire Wizards roster through the first three quarters." I lied. Udoka scored 9 points in 7 minutes off the bench almost beating the entire Wizards bench that scored 10 points in a combined 85 minutes of play. Ouch.
Everything in the Game notes is really interesting so here it is:
"The Spurs have won six straight over the Wizards by an average of 16.8 points. ... Popovich, who majored in Soviet Studies at Air Force, took the Spurs to visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington on Friday. ... Washington's Andray Blatche missed four consecutive free throws over a 12-second span in the second quarter during the Spurs' 10-0 run. ... Duncan on the road trip: "Every year, we seem to make something out of it. There's no way to deny it. Every year, we come out of this road trip a better team. We find a way to bond. We find a way to do something on the road. It works for us." ... Mason said he had requests for 50 tickets for the game. "I'm glad we only play these guys once" in Washington, he said."
Fri, March 6 Washington We win 100-78. "Parker, Spurs dominate helpless Wizards"
"Where did this one get away? It got away when we first started playing," Jamison said. "When you play an elite team like San Antonio, you've got to make it difficult for them." I could end the recap there but I feel like we need to relish in as many of these before I have to write and you have to read the Orlando recaps. This was a team effort. Duncan only played 18 minutes and finished with 5 points and 5 rebounds. Tony finished with 19 to lead the team. Tony also added 7 of our 27 assists and 2 steals. Our bench took 39 of our 75 shots making 22 of them for 56.4%. This was higher than our starters percentage due to Bonner and Mason 3 of 13 in their 39 minutes of play.
Deshawn Stevenson and Caron Butler sat out this game. The Wizards never had a chance. We finished +10 rebounds, +15 assists, and +5 blocks.
Wizards Roster Changes
They traded their pick. They add Mike Miller (PTR had a love post for him at one point) and Randy Foye (Simmons thought we should trade Parker to get him...wow, still wow). They have also added our very own Argentine giant Fabricio Oberto to their lineup keeping him in the NBA and not letting him leave to the Euroleague. Nice job, Wiz.
They lose Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila, and Oleksiy Pecherov. Not one of them played more than 20 minutes a game for the Wizards last year.
I'm just going to say it, the Wizards really took advantage of this offseason. They want to win now and they are going to look good next season. I expect them to be the 4th seed in the East. I know that is a bold prediction but Arenas was huge loss last season. They dump some guys they aren't using for two guys they can give heavy minutes to. They also don't have to waste any time on a rookie. It's about veterans and winning now. They might even be better than the Cavs. Actually, they are better than the Cavs if both teams are healthy. Their bench would throttle Boston's too. Washtington, please stay healthy and entertain me this season.
The Match-Up
Starters
PG: Tony Parker versus Javaris Crittenton: Advantage Spurs
SG: Roger Mason versus Gilbert Arenas: Advantage Wizards
SF: Richard Jefferson versus Caron Butler: I have to give this one to Butler. It's close but Wizards get my vote here. I'm open to arguments in the comments section though.
PF: Antonio McDyess versus Antawn Jamison: Advantage Wizards
C: Tim Duncan versus Brendan Haywood: Advantage Spurs
Bench: Manu, Hill, Blair, Mahinmi, Finley, Bonner, Haislip, Ratliff and Hairston over Miller, Foye (may get starting PG duties or starting SG if Arenas wants to run point), Andray Blatche, DeShawn Stevenson, Fabricio Oberto and Nick Young. It's close considering Blair, Mahinmi, Haislip, and even Ratliff all being speculative as to what they can contribute next year.
Coaching: Advantage Spurs.
Result: I am very excited about the two games against this team. They will have a HUGE turnaround this year. I like our odds because Duncan really doesn't have a match and RJ and McDyess aren't blown away by Butler and Jamison.
So that is the Spurs Wizards preview for next season. Next up is the Clippers.
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Comments
I’m really liking this series. This one was very informative, since I haven’t really thought of Washington’s offseason moves together before, only considering them separately. They may actually make a run at the playoffs.
I used to be a c+x kind of guy, but nowadays I just go nuts with my z. - LatinD
Retire Bowen's #12!
I feel like saying that they may actually make a run at the playoffs is cutting them real short. If Washington didn’t make the playoffs this year, it would be really really disappointing, both for fans, and the FO. They’re basically throwing all their chips on the table and hoping that they win it all before they start rebuilding again IMHO.
"He's Manu Ginobili"
by the little o on Jul 26, 2009 3:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Wouldn’t Foye start over Crittendon? Nice post, BTW.
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 26, 2009 3:25 AM CDT reply actions
Yeah, I wasn’t sure on that. I commented on that in their bench section but Foye wasn’t listed as Minnesota’s pg last year so I just stuck with him on the bench.
Foye has to start for them. I’d be surprised if he didn’t. Didn’t the Wiz have Mike James starting for them last year?
BLAIR FORCE ONE
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 26, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
We are gonna win every bench comparison. Seriously, which other team has Manu off the bench? Odom, Terry, Kirilenko, etc cant even smell manu’s shoes.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
Manu isn’t the only guy on the bench you know and we don’t know how all the new guys will play. Deep bench, yes, but not necessarily the best
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
I am expecting good things from Washington this year. Arenas, Butler, and Jamison are probably the third best trio in the East (behind Boston and Orlando, slightly ahead of Atlanta). Miller, Foye, Haywood, and Stevenson are solid, if unspectacular role players.
They have 5 guys who are better than average scorers. They have a new coach who can inject some enthusiasm into the team. I have them penciled in at #4 in the East as well, depending on what happens with Bulls (Boozer) and Heat (Odom).
I'm comfortable winning -- Emmanuel Ginobili
Unfortunately, Arenas, Butler, and Jamison are about the third worst defensive trio in the East.
I can’t see these guys being better than the Hawks. They’ll be a lower tier East team is my guess.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 26, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Assuming the Wizards stay healthy....
Wanna bet that they will be better than the Hawks and in the top four of the East?
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Define healthy.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 26, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
health⋅y [hel-thee]
–adjective, health⋅i⋅er, health⋅i⋅est.
1. possessing or enjoying good health or a sound and vigorous mentality: a healthy body; a healthy mind.
2. pertaining to or characteristic of good health, or a sound and vigorous mind: a healthy appearance; healthy attitudes.
3. conducive to good health; healthful: healthy recreations.
4. prosperous or sound: a healthy business.
5. Informal. fairly large: I bought a healthy number of books.
Origin:
1545–55; health + -y 1
Related forms:
health⋅i⋅ly, adverb
health⋅i⋅ness, noun
That was easy. Gimme another one!
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. --Andy Dufresne
I’d scratch Stevenson off of the solid list.
Foye still has that potential.
It took Miller almost 3/4 of the season to find his rhythm last year, he should get a ton of touches on the second unit if Young gives up the ball.
Haywood, when healthy is a very solid 5 in this league.
BLAIR FORCE ONE
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 26, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Btw, that second game was the PtR road trip game.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 26, 2009 9:28 AM CDT reply actions
Here's a link to my awesome recap
http://www.poundingtherock.com/2009/3/17/801654/pounding-the-rock-road-tri
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. --Andy Dufresne
I’m thinking it will be heavily dependent on LatinD’s schedule.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 26, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, guys, sorry for the inconvenience but it’d be nice to see your ugly mugs in person. :)
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Try to make it a decent game, will ya? I can stay with my family in SA anytime.
I used to be a c+x kind of guy, but nowadays I just go nuts with my z. - LatinD
Retire Bowen's #12!
I want to watch several games, maybe during the tail end of the rodeo trip. I’ll figure it out once the schedule is published.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Rodeo trip? You mean you’re going to away games? I think we may have a few members willing to do Phoenix, Denver or LA(Clips, plz).
PS – If you come to a game in Phx, wear a Manu jersey – the reaction of their fans is soooo worth it.
I used to be a c+x kind of guy, but nowadays I just go nuts with my z. - LatinD
Retire Bowen's #12!
I was thinking of going to some away games and some home games. Depends on where they go during the rodeo trip this year.
I don’t have a Manu jersey, but I plan on buying one when I get there. How much is it?
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Dunkin' Cheerleaders
$45 at the NBA store.
I used to be a c+x kind of guy, but nowadays I just go nuts with my z. - LatinD
Retire Bowen's #12!
It varies on the quality of the jersey. They had a Michael Finley that was $200 or so.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 26, 2009 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice, well I’m definitely waiting for the schedule to come out because I’m going to both Phoenix games this year. They usually have one near the end of January and I’ve made the it last two years. I’ve now planned on meeting a couple of friends up there as well, but last couple of times it’s been 8 and 4 people respectively.
From The Wizards Blogger
Yea … as someone alluded to, Crittenton will not start. He’ll likely be the third string PG.
Contrary to what people think, Arenas will not be shifting to the 2-guard. Saunders believes he can lead the offense from the point … and people were somewhat encouraged by the 20 assists he dropped to only one turnover in the two games he played last season.
Although the starting SG position is open right now, look for Mike Miller to eventually be the guy.
Personally, I really like what the Wizards have done this offseason … also note that in trying to improve, they have not taken on any long term/bad contracts (aside from those given to Jamison and Arenas before last season …. in the opinion of some, not necessary me).
Overall, the Wizards could be one of the best offensive teams in the league … but still, there’s a TON to be desired on defense.
We will see.
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
Thanks for the insight. Miller is definitely a better 2 guard than Mason. Arenas and Parker is an interesting matchup. I’m biased to Parker but Arenas is a great player. I feel like I’d have to give Arenas the advantage but I’d expect both players to go off.
ATS, was right earlier though which made the matchups difficult. Dice and RJ are far better defenders than their opposing starters. Like I said though, these could be two good games.
Our bench is better in any configuration of your starters that I have seen mentioned in the comments so far.
If the Wiz is healthy, they could possibly sneak into a lower playoff seed, providing nobody else has gotten better. After the 4th seed, I think it’s kind of up for grabs. Obviously, Boston, Cleveland, Orlando, and most likely again Atlanta will be the first 4. After that it’s up for grabs. Chicago hasn’t really gotten any better, and since Detroit scooped up both Ben Gordon and Charlie V (from the Bucks, who’ll be no better either), they could be worse. (Oh yea, they handed us RJ too.)
Hi, my name is Ed, and I despise the Lakers.
And excellent post as always. I really like this series too!
Hi, my name is Ed, and I despise the Lakers.
by Ed (dfjmed) on Jul 26, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
How healthy is Arenas? Has he completely recovered?
Good post, BlaseE. Keep ’em coming.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
In other news, my ankle is hideously swollen. It’d be worse than ATS’s – if it were yellow and purple, that is.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
Wow, you’re right. ATS’s ankle is Lakers-colored.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
What’s his agenda?…
I used to be a c+x kind of guy, but nowadays I just go nuts with my z. - LatinD
Retire Bowen's #12!
BlaseE I agree with your bold prediction. Miller coming off the bench is going to be Manu of the east for them. Lets hope Fab is healthy so he can contribute too.
Just call me The Profit
Hold on, did you just say Mike Miller is as good as Manu?
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jul 26, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions
“Cocaine is a helluva drug.”
"Give me chonchon."
by Slowpoke Rodriguez on Jul 26, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice post, BlaseE, but I cannot agree that Washington is as good or better than Cleveland “if healthy”. This is a team with no, none, zero inside presence. Haywood is a non-starter for 20 NBA teams and Jamison is a nice scorer and help defender, but he’s undersized (and “understengthed”) to play the 4. Sadly, Oberto might be their best post defender now.
I even thought their offseason moves were weird. Their 5 most talented players (Arenas, Foye, Miller, Butler, and Jamison) can’t play at the same time because of size and position. Who does that (besides the Clippers)?
Basically, it’s a jump-shooting version of the Suns without a great passer to spread the rock. 45 wins and a 6th seed (with the requisite first-round ouster to the Celtics) sounds about right to me.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain
For what its worth Butler is better than Jefferson. Butler is a two time All-Star. Advantage Wizards.
Wizards aren’t perfect but they were first in the East, for a time being, the last time their roster was healthy. I think that was like three years ago?
I think you’re forgetting that they lost the best player on that team… Roger Mason.
Also, I have some oceanfront property near my apartment that I need to sell, if you’re interested.
I used to be a c+x kind of guy, but nowadays I just go nuts with my z. - LatinD
Retire Bowen's #12!
Are you saying Mason was better than Butler, Jamison and Arenas? Or were there Big three all injured then? Or is my sarcasmo-meter way off? ….There is no way Mason is better than Arenas or Butler, I guess you could argue against Jamison but that’s a huge stretch.
Just call me The Profit
As for the PTR away game....
I am sure I am not the only SA fan in Dallas……..people here won’t even root for the Spurs when Dallas chokes (as all Dallas teams do recently) – were as I at least root for a fellow Texas team….oh well
"It's the ten-thousandth and one hammer blow that makes the team"
Native Washingtonian....Spurs Fan
To say the least…this is one funny blog. Spurs fans sure do have alot of confidence when the Wizs are one of the only teams that beat the best teams and lose to the rest. The last couple seasons they sucked hugely but beat the Lakers Boston even Cleveland last April. Being a Spurs fan reminds me that we always kick their butt but if Manu doesnt get that foot right we are going to be a walking target even with the additions. PS I was playing with Ginobili on NBA Live 2003 when they said his name like a Italian. Gino BeEE lEEE
Considering the Line-up difference, how do you rate the match-ups now?
PG: Gilbert vs Tony: push, except Gil is recuperating, advantage Mr Longoria
SG: Mike Millions vs the Maser: Miller
SF: CButt vs RJeff: slightly Butler
PF: Tawn vs Dice: offense Gentleman Jamison/ defense, Dyce.
C: Big Wood vs Big FundaMental: Timmy, natch’rally.
6th Manu vs Randy Foye = Manu
George Hill vs Nick Young aka N1-on-5 = Hill
Mahinmi vs Bulletproof Blatche = push. Maybe Vegasleague-for-Lyfe Blatche takes it.
Ratliff vs Oberto = probable push, though Oberto gets fewer minutes.
Blair vs JaVale McGee = Push. Both are remarkable physical specimens, one in density the other in length. Ours makes the flashier highlight, yours the actual basketball play. BigDaddyWookie figures to feature large though, earning real minutes.
Finley vs DeShawn = Finley
Hairston, Bonner vs Crittenton, Mike James = any team not carrying supernanny Mike James. And any team carrying a few extra quality Bigs not a billion guards.
Gilbert lost a step, will he ever get it back? I don’t know.
Mike Millions? needs to come off the bench. Let Foye start.
Is CButt really his nickname? ouch.
Mcgee was so raw last year. He looked decent in summer league (although it was just 1 game vs the Knicks). I like his potential more than Oden’s.
BLAIR FORCE ONE
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 27, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Nah I'm just clowning with the nicknames.
Butler = Tough Juice.
Miller has no useful nickname yet. Maybe Monkeyboy since he used to have a little minimonkey. I like Millions just because he’s money from outside.
Foye is a combo guard, Miller passes better. I expect Foye as the primary back-up to Gil, and playing 2-guard next to him occasionally depending on match-up.
Gilbert came back posting a 10-1 asst/to ratio in his limited games. Who knows where he’ll settle down, but we’re committed to him long-term large-dollar so you have to hope he’s back even 80%.
The reason why I think Miller should be their sixth man is because in ‘sota he was too passive when he should’ve been taking more shots, but deferred too much to Big AL and Foye. I agree his jumper is money, which is why he’ll get more freedom/touches in the second unit. His passing ability will help balance the second unit as well.
BLAIR FORCE ONE
by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 27, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Thing is..
On a starting unit with three heavy usage scorers, having a guy who doesn’t need the ball but can hit the open shot and make the right pass (and rebound as needed) may be a better fit than a guy who, to some extent duplicates what Gilbert does. Foye does hit a nice catch and shoot three though, so he can play next to Gil without heavy usage. He’ll just get more touches when he’s on court without Gil.
In any case. Match-up wise, Mike Miller has an offensive mismatch over Mason (and Mase isn’t so quick as to nullify that at the other end). Though that leaves a recovering Gil trying to slow down quick Tony, so. May be a wash there, unless the Wiz Bigs can clog the paint. And they’ll have their hands full with Duncan, as usual. So,Spurs win. Whenever Duncan is healthy that tends to be the answer.
But it’s not as foregone a conclusion as in years past. Wiz are better, in more positions, than they have been. Should be fun. I’m interested to see how Blair looks.
Does Jack McClinton have a chance to make the team or was he terrible in SummerLeague?
Yes, Jack was simply awful in Summer League. However, sometimes it’s hard to tell with Spurs players, as the coaching staff will often ask players to take on a different role (Hill last year) or work on specific skills (Duncan). Most of us think he’s probably headed for the Toros for some seasoning. I’d like to see him succeed, just to see him launch one of those 30-footers at the end of a quarter/half/game.
My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri
He’s gonna be in Europe, IMO.
I used to be a c+x kind of guy, but nowadays I just go nuts with my z. - LatinD
Retire Bowen's #12!
I would prefer to see him with the Toros. Europe is a very different game, I dont see players improving much by going there.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
No, but my understanding in that the Spurs would have to waive his rights for him to play with the Toros. Then he’s fair game for any team with an open roster spot. If he goes to Europe, he’ll make more money and won’t have to be waived.
I used to be a c+x kind of guy, but nowadays I just go nuts with my z. - LatinD
Retire Bowen's #12!
I like “Tough Juice” as a nickname. Reminds me of the inverse of weak sauce.
5 in 10
I want my Manu o;—-)
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