SB Nation User Blog: Jheiser3

Wiz Need NOWside not UPside

Jheiser3 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:41:05 -0000

I've read comments regarding this last roster spot, or at least the last one Ernie intends to fill before training camp. I see repeated mentions of the need for more upside. I couldn't disagree more. The last way I want to judge an incoming player is on his potential.

The Wizards currently have JaVale, Blatche, Nick, Crit, Dom and Foye who are all 26 or younger. Most of them are in desperate need of development and attention. Case in point: NY going into his 3rd year in the NBA and just now begrudgingly learning how to come off screens. It continues with the rest of the crew. Now nearly half the roster will include players who were never taught how to play the right way. That means it has to be done here. 4-6 projects is plenty. No need for another, certainly no need for another when the concrete infrastructure for further development is still drying.

All that gets around to my point. This roster doesn't need any more upside (Ridiculous or not). It needs what I called NOWside, instant, veteran, playoff experienced impact. That's what guys like Joe Smith or Fabricio Oberto bring to this team. These aren't going to develop into playoff caliber reserves in 3 years. They are playoff quality reserves right now. There are enough eggs in the "future" basket. This last spot is about NOW, especially given the fact that this player will have to pick the pieces when Blatche and JaVale can't inside.

Varajeo re-signs for...

Jheiser3 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:39:37 -0000

Varajeo re-signs for...

"Media reports suggest the signing is worth $42.2 million over six years. In his 42 starts, he increased his averages to 9.9 points on .542 shooting and 7.7 rebounds in 32.3 minutes per game."

Hollinger Talks Wizards Fans off the Ledge (sorta)

Jheiser3 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:27:34 -0000

Hollinger Talks Wizards Fans off the Ledge (sorta)

Today the Wizards agreed to a deal that sends Mike Miller and Randy Foye from Minnesota to Washington for the No. 5 pick and the flotsam otherwise known as Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila and Oleksiy Pecherov.

But by adding these two players, the Wizards certainly have made themselves a fearsome offensive team. If Arenas is healthy, they could very well lead the league in offensive efficiency, and if that happens, new coach Flip Saunders just needs to coax an average defensive effort from them to win a ton of games.

DraftExpress breaks down PG crop

Jheiser3 — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:14:03 -0000

DraftExpress breaks down PG crop

Lawson does extremely well. I would say in combination with Holinger's breakdown but DX uses a few Hollinger formulas so its not a huge surprise.

Chad Ford mentions Wiz as possible home for Ray Allen

Jheiser3 — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:32:44 -0000

Chad Ford mentions Wiz as possible home for Ray Allen

broad strokes version of Insider:
Allen a fit in Washington.
Wiz looking for a veteran piece to make it a contender.
Allen in the last year of his contract, so Wiz get cap relief.
Ray Allen for Etan Thomas, Mike James, Darius Songaila and the No. 5?

same old 'interested teams' in Indy, Dallas and Houston.

DX; Athletic Testing Results

Jheiser3 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:14:23 -0000

DX; Athletic Testing Results

First impression was that James Harden tests out well in the sprint, standing vert, max vert, bench but middle of the pack in agility. Because he is one of the more polished players we tend to forget he is 19.

Also give Collison credit, he tested out better in the sprint and agility drills than the other PGs including Ty Lawson.

DX: Measurements

Jheiser3 — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:41:59 -0000

DX: Measurements

Blair 6'6.5 in shoes.

Hansborough doesn't have short arms, whoadathunkit.

Hollinger breaks down the top 5, including trades

Jheiser3 — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:56:41 -0000

Hollinger breaks down the top 5, including trades

"Suffice to say that I'd be stunned if Washington actually uses the pick."

Simmons/Gladwell on Pressing

Jheiser3 — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:41:51 -0000

Simmons/Gladwell on Pressing

An email exchange between Bill Simmons and author Malcolm Gladwell got me thinking about the Wizards roster and the ability of a group of reserves to be a "press team" as Simmons mentions. Gladwell's story on "the press" can be found here: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/05/11/090511fa_fact_gladwell?yrail

So how would a pressing unit of Crit, NY, McGuire, Blatche and McGee hold up? Do they fit the criteria?

Griffin fits Wizards Best

Jheiser3 — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:30:09 -0000

Griffin fits Wizards Best

"He's a great fit for Washington," the personnel man said. Includes the best fit for 4 other top draftables...