That three-way trade on espn.com is quite possibly the dumbest speculation I've ever heard. I was hoping you wouldn't post it on here; now people are going to go nuts about it.

AV, someone already mentioned it on the blog...and of course it did cause a ruckus.

Shocker that michael lee does not write a post about the wizards...How much does this guy hate the hometown team?

As I said earlier today, no reason for the Wizards to feel any pressure to get involved in a Kobe three way. Gilbert will get his best deal by resigning with us or doing a sign and trade involving us. No pressure to blow up a team that EG has been building pc. by pc.
Good news about Pecherov in the last Blog, people are forgetting that he's a key pc. to this puzzle. With him and our first rounder, plus I've gotten the impression that EG got something cooking on the trade front, we'll be adding to a solid core.
Even if Navarro and Vereemenko are another year getting here we've still got a young core that we're building around that will just be two more pcs. next year. Ernie's building this thing, he's not going to blow it up and start over.
Kobe, his agent, and Chad Ford can all frankly go to hell! Can Stern charge Kobe with tampering like he can team that talks about a player that's under contract with another team? This rumor sure didn't start from anything that came out of the Wizards organization.
This is just like the Randolph/Jamison rumors that were started by a Chicago sports writer a few weeks ago. With Blatch playing bigger role and Opec here Jamison could become the bench scoring option that we really need.
EG knows what he is doing and I don't think going any where near some of the deals that are getting circulated. There is always alot of disimformation that floats around this time of year, will be more than normal this yr with the 4 and out finals.

berg,
i think he's said it many other times before, but Lee is the post NBA writer and Ivan is the wizards beat reporter (correct me if i'm wrong fellow bloggers).

i don't think there's anything wrong with michael posting about other NBA stories. hell, it's the offseason.

I would hope the Wizards would not do anything dumb like package etan and gil for ben gordon? If that happens, sorry, but I am done because it is clear to me that the Wizards are only a piece or two away from real contention. That and the improvement of playing defense for the whole game and for every game. Gil included.But if anyone can mess the Wizards up, its the Wizards organization them self. It won't be the first time.

I would hope the Wizards would not do anything dumb like package etan and gil for ben gordon? If that happens, sorry, but I am done because it is clear to me that the Wizards are only a piece or two away from real contention. That and the improvement of playing defense for the whole game and for every game. Gil included.But if anyone can mess the Wizards up, its the Wizards organization them self. It won't be the first time.

The biggest question right now is whether Les BouleS will give into Gilby's demands and offer him a max contract even though he's nowhere near being a legitimate max player. If history speaks for itself, Gilby is not likely to get a max contract from Les BouleS.

If he acts like a good boy and accepts less than the max dollar value, then he may stay. If he acts up like a primma donna, then he may go. I don't think he will get traded this season, but if Les BouleS hold out and wait until next season to go to the negotiating table, then other teams would have more leverage over Les BouleS.

People need to get this fact into their head: LES BOULES WANT TO KEEP GILBY, BUT GILBY IS NOW DEMANDING MAX MONEY EVEN THOUGH HE DOES NOT DESERVE IT. HE IS FORCING LES BOULES' HAND, AND IF LES BOULES ARE FORCED TO TRADE HIM, IT'S BECAUSE OF GILBY'S UNREASONABLE DEMANDS, NOT BECAUSE LES BOULES DO NOT WANT HIM ON THE TEAM.

If Gilby wants to keep the young nucleus together, namely Caron, Blatche, Pech, etc. and have some room to bring in top free agents, then Gilby needs to cool it with his max demands.

DCwoman is secretly in love with Arenas...that's got be it. A hard jones for GA.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Another personal attack when someone can't debate the points. And to think people on this blog blame me for being offensive!

So sad, but funny!

Why would ESPN even try to pass that as a trade? Do they think Ernie Grunfeld is stupid?

Grunfeld would only be stupid if he didn't consider any and all options to make this team better. No player is untouchable. The last I checked, the 2nd half of the season was a sad story, and Les BouleS were eliminated the first round of the playoffs, after regressing the past 2 years. That is no formula for any player to be deemed untouchable.

Thanks for the new article M Lee.

Sorry Skeeto - In case you haven't noticed
GM's got a bad jones for gilbert. Don't say ANYTHING about Arenas!! or GM will break into a RAGE and write 4 pages defending Arenas and his undying adoration and love for Gilbert. DC thought Lisa dug the dude naah its the dude GM man = even compares his "knee injuries" with Arenas
another 5 pages....If its covering your computer it GM.

I hadn't posted in long time = come back GM still 14 inch rambli postings. He must be Gil's uncle or something...

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Haven't you heard? DCMan is a homo! Don't call him a woman, that'll be a compliment.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Basketball people, this is what this blog is for, the personal attacks are so childish. And yes DcMan, I saw the personal attack on you that was unprovoked and uncalled for. And people posting under others names. Aren't we adults here? that take the time out of our day to talk about the subject of basketball, not one's "accused love affair."

THANKS TONETO. I'LL STOP CRYING ABOUT THESE PERSONAL ATTACKS FROM GILBY LOVING FOOLS. THEY'RE JUST PISSED OFF I ANTAGONIZE THEIR ALL STAR HERO.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

So you would take Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas for Gilbert?

Hey Ivan, do you know if there is any truth to the article printed in the New York post that the Wizards are trying to trade Jamison for Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns?

Peter Vecsey(sp?) is reporting the Marion trade. He is pretty well connected and is usually right.

Yes, tmac, that trade discussion just hit the news wire @ 12:30 today:

Shawn "The Matrix" Marion for Antwan Jamison; then there was also a more firm discussion again about Zach Randolph for Jaimison.

Formal article in Wash Times per Abe and Ernie - Arenas goes nowhere for anyone.

La's Mike Thompson(former coaching staff-now radio host - Lakers in discussions with Ron Artest - may nix deal over Jermaine O'Neal but two other teams are in discussion for Artest. Lakes trying to keep it quiet. Phil & Buss: Kobe goes nowhere for anyone - Laker for Life.

Kobe would not come to D.C. if Caron Butler was gone - Caron's one of his best friends. so much for the "nobody likes Kobe trash talk. Appears many players have been requesting to go to LA to play w/Kobe
GS's Davis is one.

Last: Celtic's Ainge brokering a deal with his 5th pick & Telfair plus 3 other players for K. Garnett. In serious discussion to date.

Poor Antwan - Appears he's on the shopping block. There goes leadership.

tone22722 - thats been going on off & on for a long time now. Its the same 3 folks and they appear to love it. Its usually"Its not me!!Its him!!!but THEY
NEVER stop the madness. They keep firing snide comments at him/he responds in kind. The rest of us try to respond around it best we can. Others leave.

I like basketball. How about you guys? Seems like all everyone likes on this comment board is flaming each other.

Lots of speculation out there, which is nice because it keeps the summer entertaining (what else is there to do? watch baseball??). My guess is that we'll get a lot of "what if's" between now and July 1. I'm going to predict a summer full of some pretty big moves in the NBA (not that others haven't said the same).

Arenas will stay put, but EG better be shopping for a legit big man, and we better not be seeing Haywood in a Wiz jersey next year. Our team is close to being an East contender (though that doesn't say much these days). Let's see if EG can seal the deal on our competitiveness.

Pesh in town is great, but after the Milicic experience in Detroit, I'll believe we have an effective Euro player when I see him on the court making an impact...

Personally, I do not believe any of those trade rumors.

Robin & ToneTo, for what it's worth, if the DCDude did not continually try and find something negative and cut and paste stuff about Gilbert (and if he would quite calling him "Gilby") the "back and forth" barbs would end. He loves to antagonize people.

Marion is only signed for two more years and Jamison one. Doesn't appear Jamison/Marion deal would offer the Suns alot of cap releif. Is the lockerroom breach that big in Pheonix that they are looking to move Marion to fix the breach.

For as long as Nash has been there and the Suns have been successful, Marion has been vocal about how he often feels under recognized and appreciated for what he does. Maybe it's all come to a head, or maybe the extra year of cap relief is something the Suns want because it'll help them dodge the luxury tax next summer, when other players' raises and extensions kick in.

Either way, as big a gamble as it would be to lose Jamison's stabilizing influence, if that deal's on the table, the Wiz have to look long and hard at it.

I agree Kalorama Jamison offers stability to Wiz. Things were quite ugly during later part of season in Phoenix esp btween Marion/Nash/Amare.

I'm with you there WIZ FAZ -Even if we don't get new articles - there's usually enough to speculate about

BTW This in from NY Post Re Rashard Lewis

A procedural error may cost Seattle SuperSonics forward Rashard Lewis an opportunity at free agency, according to a published report.

The New York Post, citing an unidentified attorney with knowledge of the contract language, reported on its website Tuesday that Lewis' agent, Tony Dutt, may have mishandled the paperwork that would have allowed his client to void the last two years of his current deal.

in order for Lewis to become a free agent, he had to declare his intentions in writing, delivering it personally or by registered mail on the later day of Seattle's last game or June 1, with a five-day window.

Dutt reportedly informed the SuperSonics of Lewis' decision on May 25 or 26. The team's season ended April 18.

The 6-10 Lewis averaged a career-high 22.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in 60 games last season, his ninth in the NBA. The 2005 All-Star has spent his entire career with Seattle since entering the league out of high school in 1998 and has increased his scoring average in every season but one.

It also was possible that Lewis would not re-sign with the SuperSonics, who have the second overall pick in next week's draft and are expected to select Texas forward Kevin Durant, who has similar size and skills to Lewis.

Lewis' current contract is a five-year deal that calls for him to make $10.1 million next season and $10.9 million in 2008-09.

Ivan - any truth the to the Jamison - Marion trade?

I think it would be a great trade for the wiz, a defensize minded player, holly s***, that could be the start of the wiz competing

Sounds like Lewis better call T.O. and get his lawyer on it. Wasn't that the same thing that happened when T.O. was with the 49'ers? They then traded his rights to Baltimore which was what he supposedly said he wanted, and he managed to go to an arbitrator and get himself declared a free agent bolted to Philly and well.. you know.
That will be bad news for the Bobcats in our Division, they were rumored to be targeting Lewis. If it would have to go to arbitration it might drag on for awhile.
I'd agree that the idea of Marion might appear tempting on the surface, but if he's not happy with the Suns I'd think Ernie would really want to think long and hard about giving up Jamison for the potential of a malcontent. I just think he offers so much more to the team than just what he does on the court.
The other factor there is Ernie seems to be building around having Pecherov and Blatch play growing roles. Jamison maybe the better mentor that could also adjust to becoming the scoring option off the bench as those guys mature.

glad to see that people are seeing agent zero for kobe as absurd. who wants this malcontent on their team? and the wiz give up gilbert for what? ben gordon? are you kidding? gilbert's better than tyrus and gordon squared. get that junk out of here!

Toneto2722,

I'm glad you noticed it. People on this blog are so one sided for Gilby that they can't handle anything that is written against their hero. A critique of Gilby is taken as a personal attack (ska antagonizing) against themselves. So pitiful.

The fact that Marion may not be terribly happy with his situation doesn't necessarily make him a malcontent. He's made comments in the past about how he was underrated on the Suns, but there never seemed to be any finger pointing or rancor behind them and it's never (A) stopped him from giving all on the court or (B) spilled out into any public animosity towards teammates or management.

I'm a Wizards fan. Been one as far back as I can remember...back when Jeff Ruland was rocking the short shorts at the Capital Centre. I've seen fan favorites and possible franchise players come and go like Webber and Howard and Rasheed and Rip and Mitch and Juan Dixon and heck even Jordan! But regardless of the wild trades and supposed cheapskate decisions by the front office which allowed guys to seek their fortune elsewhere I have remained a Wizards fan and will continue long after Agent Zero. Don't get me wrong, I love Gilbert Arenas, his play and persona has catapulted him into the upper echelon of NBA Stars but contrary to popular opinion Gilbert is not the "end-all" for the Wizards. Stay or go I'm gonna be in my seat at Verizon Center cheering the team - that's what real fans do.

that was kinda weird.

Marion gives them another dynamic scorer who can get boards! Jamison maybe a great leader but at one end of the floor he is a terrible liability. Marion is not a liability at either end, even if he is a bit of streak shooter on the offensive end. Can you imagine having the Matrix and Blatche on the same team with Pech to go with it! That is a really athletic front line. As for the leadership situation, I think Caron Butler can step up and be the leader for this team.

The difficulties Marian and Amare had was wanting more touches. But as their coach explained - their style of play is structured so the ball always rolls back to Nash then out..lots of pick & pop or pick n roll. Apparently they felt it provided nash with all the stats and not they. Apparently, Amare bulked a bit - wasn't following floor plans. He got out of sinc - team suffered - his scoring suffered. It was written - Amare was in coaches ofc discussing his lack of scoring.
He only scored 19 pts in sev games.amazing huh?

Its a bit of different run team because of their style of play. That said tho, I can't see Jaimson with all his various injuries "running & gunning with the Suns. Nash is unusual for his age prob cuz he's a former soccer player but I can't imagine Jamison running like Diaw & Barbosa. Before the ball gets thru the net good - they're at the opposite end of court rebounding and on their way back down again. Maybe its me and don't get me wrong - I thought he did fabulously in playoffs. He shines without Arenas.

Question for you:

Those bloggers unnaturally obscessed with Arenas need not answer.

Is all the discussion about Jamison because Arenas would like to shine 100%?
Wouldn't mind seeing him gone?

I understand the contract dollars etc. but quite frankly I thought the premise was keeping the core group. Aj is supposed to be part of the core group of 5. Or is it they have nothing else to barter with?

I just wonder why anyone really believes these rumors....that is all they are....rumors.

The Jamison one has already been shot down.

Jamison's name will get connected with every team that has a high dollar player that they'd like to move to get under the Luxury Tax cap. His 16m expiring contract, the fact that he's always been a good guy in the lockerroom and he's still an effective offensive player make him desirable.
I think some of what's going on this week is the guys at ESPN are trying to keep NBA interest up since there was a sweep in the finals and it's a little early to start purely hiping the draft. I don't think either of these big trade rumors being circulated came from any of the teams involved. If you go back and read Chad Ford's articale about the Kobe/Arenas three way where he left us crumbs,he says that he was speculating, not that he was reporting from his sources.
I think Jamison's name will keep coming up all the way to the trade deadline, that doesn't mean that he's being shopped. And it's possible that there could be a deal offered that is too good to turn down. I hope that Jamison and the rest of the team can not let it become a distraction.
With Marion it's an interesting deal, I didn't say he's been a malcontent on the Suns. I said there could be the potential of it in the next two years. He's at the point of his contract he wants to start talking about an extension or thinking about free agentry. If the Suns deal him any where, not just here, most likely he'll make a play for an extension for max length and dollars. Can we do it and have money to do the same with Arenas next year?
Marion has already been unhappy playing with Nash who averages 10+ assists per game, says he doesn't get enough touches. And I don't follow the Suns enough to know what's going on with him and Amare off the court, Robin might be able to offer something on that.
I'm just saying those are all things Grunfeld should think long and hard about before pulling the trigger on that deal. If Salary cap/Luxury Tax management over the next 5 years had no bearing at all, in the end I think it would be a good deal for the Wiz because of the defensive improvement. But I'd still hate to see Jamison go

Agreed GM. I would really hate to see him go. And thanks for explaining a lot of the hype the sports talk folks keep promoting.

One thing tho - the Celtics deal was actually in the Boston papers w/team personnel confirming they're trying to make the deal. I am in agreement with you though - it remains to be seen whether they'll make it. If I run accross the article again - I'll paste it. I didn't think it significant to us - at least not now.

Per Mike Thompson formally of Lakers - says Kobe's deal is - trying to force the owner's hand because they didn't plan to do anything re improving the team. Sounds the same in Arenas' matter as well. The franchise guy has to sort of use strong arm tactics to get them to "do something"
because its easy to "fat off the cash" and not care.

I also agree with another poster that EJ HAS to get it going in terms of defense for Wiz. His "saying" play d - can't keep happening. He might consider a little camp himself. Like down in San Antonio. "The Capital of Defense" We have to keep improving a little at a time - year after year. No more matadour defense.

I really don't see the Kobe and Arenas situations as comparable. Gilbert announced he would opt out of his deal, a revelation that should have surprised no one. Since then, he hasn't really said or done much. Kobe is basically demanding out, cursing the Lakers at every turn in front of every open mike he encounters. At worst, Gilbert's made his concerns known and stepped back to see what happens, while Kobe is on a rampage trying to force the Lakers' hand.

"Is all the discussion about Jamison because Arenas would like to shine 100%?
Wouldn't mind seeing him gone?"

Of course, there's nothing (other than random fannish vitriol) to support this theory, and plenty to debunk it.

Gilbert was an all-star three times, midway through in the season (when the Wiz were in first place) he was being discussed as a dark horse MVP candidate, he was all over Sportscenter for his buzzer-beaters, and had all kinds of endorsement deals come his way. Clearly he has no problem shining with Jamison around.

Kalorama, Hope statement didn't come accross as accusatory - not meant to be. As stated: I noted it "Sounds the same" merely from the stand point both want more support and do verbalize it to the media Each has his own way. Kobe gets outrageous but at same time - Gilbert let them know via Mike Wise subliminally - He intends to play for a championship. How will the franchise go about it? They need to get championship quality players. He noted he can't tell them who to select, etc.
Its putting your franchise on notice. loudly or quiety.

I recall McGrady simply stopped playing for Orl. He was clear - he was sick of losing. Felt the org failed him. He demanded out. He got what he wanted.

Not sure who the 100% statement belongs to.

Robin,

I agree that they're both looking for the same result, but the difference (and it's a significant one) is how they're going about trying to achieve it. Gilbert is handling it, more or less, the right way. He's sent the message now he's calmly waiting for a response. Kobe is behaving like a petulant child.

DCMAN88- DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM HE USES INAPPROPIATE LANGAUGE ON THIS FORUM

I'm really looking forward to the potential help from this quality draft but honestly unless we're getting a standout 4 or 5 that REALLLY REALLY protects the paint, the Wiz aren't going to get to the finals with the present coaching.

If you watched Cleveland during the playoffs and especially the ECF and finals, the only thing allowing them to compete (relatively loosely) was their defense. It certainly wasn't their offense. Everyone says their team talent level beyond LeBron, Gooden, and Gibson is almost nonexistent is correct but it didn't really matter because their defense was good enough to beat the Wiz, Nets, and Pistons. It was just a year or two that LeBron and Cleveland was blasted for not playing enough defense. And this year, they come back with almost the exact same players and play much better defense. What's the difference? Coaching.

It's bad enough we have weak defensive players in Tawn and Gil, it's even worse that the team defensive concept/scheme really is not emphasized. Weak defensive players can be helped or hidden with the right defensive team concept/scheme. Without that, the Wiz's big men (or man since AJ is usually at the 4) is the lone guy trying to help close the lane or block a shot from either Gil or Tawn's man wreaking havoc. That's just too much to ask of Haywood or Thomas no matter how well they play or motivated they are.

If EJ did a half credible job of coaching good team defense, the Wiz would definitely be better than Cleveland was this year. The Wiz's offensive talents definitely outweigh Cleveland's by far, but without that defense, they can't win consistently and in tough playoff contests where almost every team plays good defense.

Isn't it funny that the same offense EJ is credited for running in NJ with Byron Scott, the Nets at that time had a great stingy defense? Some of that is certainly attributed to the solid cast of defense played by NJ's big 3 - Kidd, Jefferson, and KMart. The other part, again, is coaching.

We really need a big 4/5 player or !TWO! (unlikely) that is a huge team defender in the Zo/Mutombo/Ratliff mold if EJ's coaching remains less wanting. Otherwise, I really hate to say it, but EJ (3 year playoff running and all) must go...

Somewhat of a revisited topic here on the blog, but brought to light more by what Cleveland showed (and not showed) in the playoffs. Any thoughts?

DCMAN88- DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM HE USES INAPPROPIATE LANGAUGE ON THIS FORUM

Kalorama, that was an excellent and succint response on that issue.

It is simply you analysis' emphasis. I believe, the main defensive problem is bad defensive players. Arenas simply plays very little defense, and Jamison cannot given hieght and lateral quickness deficiencies. If you argue that EJ has not done a good job of motivating them to play good defense, then I agree. However, if you are saying that it is his lack of a good defensive scheme then I must disagree. San Antonio is not playing a special defensive scheme, they are simply staying in front of their men and helping out when one guy gets beat...simple as that. It is the players!

What you write is the same as I.
Its simply editing not contributing.
An edited version to which you and George are welcome. I'm all about choice. Thanks for making my points more succinct. Perhaps not intended but sounds like an agreement with my point in there.

Wizzin by ya, LOL,

I say send EJ to San Antonio to preview their training camp or watch some film.
I'm not sure if watching film will help him but I will defer to GM, George or others who might have more indepth knowledge about the mechanics of instructing defense. Once upon a time, the Pistons had a fair understanding of Defense
however it appears to have gone the way of the New Orleans levies.

Thanks Kal.

I've got to agree with Wizzin on the defensive problems. It comes down to coaching. Can you remember any time in the last couple of seasons when Arenas, Butler or Jamison missed a defensive assignment, Jordan jumped up, called a timeout, ripped into them, and subbed them out for a guy who would play better defense? I can't. I can remember EJ doing that on many occasions with Haywood especially and Daniels, but no one else. (There also was the time he pulled Jamison and Haywood from the starting lineup for a couple of games, but that's the only other instance like that.) And of course we all remember all the small ball lineups where defense was an afterthought.

Recall Arenas' comments after the Portland game, I believe, about how EJ suddenly was pushing defense and telling his players they will get pulled if they make a mistake? Now of course Arenas should have kept that statement out of the press, because it made him look foolish. But I strongly suspect it was accurate -- EJ was suddenly telling guys he will pull them if they make a defensive mistake, and Arenas' reaction was essentially, "Now?? You're suddenly doing this now? We're all about offense and smallball and now you want us to be a defensive team? You have no credibility."

EJ is an offensive coach. Coaches either go into games thinking, "How are we going to defend?," or "How are we going to score?" EJ clearly has the latter thought. If he is to grow as a coach, he needs to place emphasis on both.

"Its simply editing not contributing.

Well, on that (as well on other things) we disagree. Such is life.

Moving on now.

Robin, Agreed the improvement from within on defense is as important as all they players names that keep getting kicked around via the draft or trade.
With Tom Young retiring I wonder if the Wizards are considering any new assistants or if Harter's role will increase? The emphasis on solid D needs to be stressed from day one, but not using Larry Brown's approach that a good defense is a really slow offense.
You can get out and run and be high scoring, the Celtics did it for years, the Showtime Lakers and Jordan's first three Bulls Championship Teams could all run you into the ground. But all of those teams could lock you down on D and force turnovers and get out and score on the break turning defense into instant offense. That's what the Wiz should concentrate on becoming.

Wow....after 20 years Susan O'Malley is leaving the Wiz.....

DCMAN88- DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM HE USES INAPPROPIATE LANGAUGE ON THIS FORUM

Skeefo,

San Antonio indeed does have their basic defensive scheme that they and other good teams around the league have done for years. Typically wing defenders shade the offensive player towards the baseline because:

1. penetration down the middle of the court opens up many more options for passes to cutters and more havoc, containment being much more difficult

2. a big (4 or 5) will be there to help close that baseline down for blocks or charges (perfectly illustrated by Duncan for so many years) or if the offensive player passes after he's realized that the big is there for help, the pass is much more predictable for steals

3. offensive wings always see the baseline as the quickest way to the basket; so in a way, it's setting a trap for them

If you watched the 3 years during EJ's tenure, when did you actually see this scheme or ANY defensive scheme emphasized besides the do-whatever-the-hell-looks-good? Nothing is ever consistent. Last year with DS playing good positional defense directing an offensive player to the baseline, post players reacted to it like they didn't know it was coming and it resulted in slow rotations, players looking at each other all confused while the offensive player got a layup down the baseline, sometimes with an and 1. This is coaching! Even with bad defensive players, the rotation is there just a tad slower due to lateral quickness, etc... but the recognition should be there because it should be drilled into them! It's total chaos out there on the defensive end, EJ can talk all he wants but THERE IS NO DEFENSE on this team. It is obviously easier to play good defense with better defensive players but the coaching has to be there to make it as good as possible. It starts with him as a coach and it then becomes the players' job to go out there and do it. EJ hasn't put forth the defensive effort as a coach, why the hell should the players? They see it, they feel it; one man on the court can't do it. But one man off the court can get it started.

Henry, as always, makes the valid connection where EJ rarely ever calls a timeout for defensive lapses. He calls them for lack of offensive execution, ball movement, smart shot selections, etc... There is no repercussions as a player not doing their part in the defense except for Mr. Anti-EJ (Haywood). There isn't enough of Haywood or Thomas to help contain all the leaks EJ's bad defensive plans have (or lack there of).

DCMAN88- DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM HE USES INAPPROPIATE LANGAUGE ON THIS FORUM

Gil deserves and will get everything he wants. With time comes maturity, and as he matures even more, he will delegate (pass)more and demand respect from teammates more. Stop complaining about last year. We caught the injury bug plain and simple. Sure, if we played a little more D then things would look even better for us, but for now and next season I see the Starters: Gil, Caron, Jamison (I don't know about the 2 and 5...it'll most likely be dealt with the draft, except the 5. Thats a question mark for me and everyone most likely) Bench: Songaila, Blatche, Pecherov.

These are the core guys for next year and not to shabby if you ask me. EG will make the other pieces fit, its been working so far.

Predictions:
45-37
Secound Round at least

Thank you

Kalorama, no sparing here. Think you're a great writer, editor etc.lots of thought provoking ideas. Apprecite having any and all input from you and the others. I am truly a novice. In keeping with your last post in moving on:

What's the status with Brendan?

Has any word surfaced about his request to be traded?

Ivan thinks hes on the cusp of being traded whenever EG does something

Suze O'Malley leaving reasons:

1. Abe is probably going to sell soon, so instead of Leonsis firing her, she's going to save face and retire.

or

2. Time to get married and pregnant, although at 45, it's going to be tough.

If O'Malley is gone can we send the name Wizards with her? I'm old school I grew up a Bullets Fan I still refuse to buy Wizard's stuff, that move was all about selling Webber's jersy and nothing else.
Did you guys hear that the Suns organization laughed off the idea that they were talking a Marion/Jamison deal? Another rumor from the great minds at ESPN, do they have meetings where they make this stuff up, or does it just happen around the water cooler?

Good to again see these reminders that the key to our moving forward is not just Ernie's moves but Eddie's philosophy. I hope that they are both on the same page and that we make moves that will make us more defensive. I hope Jordan has learned to put more emphasis on defense and keep on it. To me, as Wizzin says, this is the missing link in our team.

Also, the Blatche/Hayes/Stevenson issue to me does not mean that we go on a draft another tweener. We already have Jamison. Lets get some quality big men in here. Sounds like Pech is the real deal but don't stop there. We should be looking to draft a quality rebounder/defensive presence and then a point guard.

I like what I see in Williams, the guy people are afraid will be an off court problem, Gray and Thornton. They could be around when we pick. I really, though, expect Ernie to use the draft to package Haywood with our pick.