The wiz, like a lot of the NBA team were decimated by injuries. Lost Gil, Caron, Twan, songalia , and etan for significant stretches. Also had to integrate a new starter in DS, and find a role for Songalia. They are also a young team, with Gil, Caron, Blatche, DS all improving, and Twan not showing any signs of aging. This team has now been playing together for a few years, developed relationships, know where people are going to be, where they like to get the ball, and where they dont. I really think with their bench getting a little deeper, and a healthy season, the Wiz can be a top 3 team

1st!, I always wanted to be #1. I think the WIZ take the sixth spot. The bulls will go to the finals. end

It's hard to think that the Wiz won't be better than they were last year (assuming Juice and Gil come back at 100%). They didn't have Songaila for the first half last year, Blatche should be able to take some minutes from Etan, and their bench should be better with NY and DMac instead of Arvis. With that said, I don't think they'll finish any better than 5.

Its interesting that the best acquisitions were at the bottom of the conference: NYK, Boston, Charlotte, and Orlando. Each of them comes with caveats. Orlando added Lewis but lost Darko. They are gonna have issues inside. NY added Randolph and he does what Curry does. Boston got better but Allen and Pierce can't hit shots from the training room.

You say NJ didn't get worse, but they got older. Miami is hurting for anyone to team with their dynamic duo. None of the top teams did anything. So the "woah are the Wizards" act is pretty weak. Milwaukee got better? how so? By adding Jake Voskul, Lynn Greer and Desmond Mason?

I'd put the Zards behind Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland, aka with everyone else.

The West has supposedly superior talent, but a team like Golden State can make the playoffs and do some damage. The Wizards are a better team than Golden State, so there is absolutely no reason to think they can't have some success in the East.

i'm hoping EG is gonna make a move with ET or BH. If not our new bench has to step up big time or else it's gonna be deja vu.

Except, Monte, that even when healthy, this team struggles because it avoids perfecting simple basketball precepts, including defense, which, while talked about ad nauseum, is still a major concern. They struggled two years ago, and they struggled last year before Gil and Caron went down. We learned before his injury that unless Gilbert is shooting a high percentage, the Wizards won't win. When he becomes a volume chucker, they don't pull out ball games despite having Caron and AJ on the floor with him. As long as EJ is coaching this team, I'm not sure how much faith I have in them to (now) make the playoffs or advance far in the playoffs.

And Michael, it's true AJ is on the wrong side of 30, but he played inspired ball in the playoffs and demonstrated that he still has a lot of skill left.

1-Boston Celtics
2-Detriot Pistons
3-Chicago Bulls
-This is the top tier, Boston has it, 30-33 is prime time....
4-Cleveland Caveliers
5-Washington Bullets
6-Orlando Magic
7-Toronto Raptors
-This group all has major holes, any one could finish at #4
or even slip "out of the playoffs"
8-New York Knicks
9-New Jersey Knicks
-Depending on injuries and chemistry between Randolf and
Curry, playoff for the last births are highly possible.

making the playoffs is slightly harder than it was last year. So you lose faith that they can even make it?

No really good team took a big step forward. Advancing in the playoffs is something else entirely. they won't do that until they play D.

Michael enjoys these "NBA versus the Wizards" ideas but he has to LOAD the argument to make it work. thus the Jamison line a few paragraphs after saying that the Celts are better because they added 2 guys who happen to be older and less reliable than AJ. Its all to stir the pot but to me its an example of laziness that passes for journalism today.

This will certainly be the year that Ernie's philosophy of building a core group of players & letting them grow together within a specific system will be tested. This will be the 4th year and in every year they have been challenged to play defense, without much of a response.
I believe the "tinkering" that goes on each off-season will produce a much deeper and more athletic bench, although also very, very young. Assuming no other moves are made this team has a nice blend of youth and experience, with plenty of offensive firepower but can or will they play defense? With their ability to score many games will come down to the last 5 minutes. that's when they will need to get some defensive stops. We'll see.

As far as the rest of the east, yes many teams have added talent, which the Wiz really haven't (the 3 new kids will help only in spurts). But talent needs to stay healthy and blend together. Boston has zero bench, Miami did not improve, Cleveland still has serious weaknesses and did not yet address them, the Knicks - I'll have to see it to believe they'll be any good, Orlando hs less talent than the Wiz, Detroit is older, etc. I

I think the east is, as usual, wide open and the Wiz could be anywhere from 3rd to 7th depending upon injuries to other teams. If they stay healthy, I think 4th or 5th looks realistic.

Celtics #1? They have no PG and no depth and they're counting on these guys staying healthy all year. And these guys have never played together. Oh, and the huge caveat: they are coached by Doc Rivers.

Stop feeding what ESPN is shoveling you.

Monte, I haven't lost complete faith, but I wonder what, in recent memory, this team has shown me to demonstrate that it can be an EC contender. I know they were "leading" the EC at the break last year, but I never felt comfortable with the team. They were winning because Gilbert was playing out of his mind. Notice when he stopped making shots, the team struggled mightily. And it lasted for a while. Then two years ago, they were simply mediocre. So yes, I have concerns about how well this team can do. A lot of that stems from my complete lack of faith in EJ as a head coach.

As for your comment about Michael, I find that completely out of line and shortsighted. He posed a legitimate question. In fact, after this deal was reported, I immediately thought, "How does this affect the Wizards playoff chances?" I would argue that many other Wizards fans reacted the same way. All Michael did was post about it. He didn't load an argument. He wondered what effect it would have on the Wizards playoff positioning. Nothing wrong with that. (That said, his comment about AJ seemed misguided, considering what the man did in the playoffs last year as the ONLY offensive option on his team.)

this wizards are still the best team in
the conference because they have chemistry
and continuity....this is immeasurable right now....

Boston has just over-hauled its team...you really think they will jell by october think again...

miami is old....

cleveland will be better because of experience...

orlando is overrated with rashard lewis...

detroit will make another run because they are intact...

Chicago and toronto will also be better just because of experience...

1. chicago
2. cleveland
3. Toronto
4. Washington
5. Miami
6. Boston
7. Orlando
8. New jersey

Boston could wind up winning the East. Not because they're that good, but because the East is that weak.

BTW Monte, Garnett is older than Jamison by less than 2 months and he's been one of the most consistent and reliable players in the NBA throughout his career: 20+ and 10+ every year for the past 9, and he's missed only 25 regular season games in his entire 12-year career. As soon as the ink is dry on his contract, he becomes the best player in the Eastern conference.

What is with the Jamison criticism? He might be on the wrong side of 30 but his tank was full of gas in the playoffs! This dude played out of his mind and had it not been for the lack of another deadly shooter, things may have been different. Because each game we were in there and the final result was only by a couple of points. They were by no means blown out by any of the teams during the playoffs.Besides, isn't Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce all about the same age as Jamison or close to. The Wizards are as good as THEY want to be. If they come out the gate with that killer instinct they sometimes possesed last year and stay with it on a consistant basis, I would not write them out just yet. If we can get Gil and the rest of team to play defense on a CONSISTENT basis, hey we got a shot because offensively the boys be balling!

What is with the Jamison criticism? He might be on the wrong side of 30 but his tank was full of gas in the playoffs! This dude played out of his mind and had it not been for the lack of another deadly shooter, things may have been different. Because each game we were in there and the final result was only by a couple of points. They were by no means blown out by any of the teams during the playoffs.Besides, isn't Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce all about the same age as Jamison or close to. The Wizards are as good as THEY want to be. If they come out the gate with that killer instinct they sometimes possesed last year and stay with it on a consistant basis, I would not write them out just yet. If we can get Gil and the rest of team to play defense on a CONSISTENT basis, hey we got a shot because offensively the boys be balling!

Boston:

3 all-stars, KG changes the game. With all the attention on Celts, the burden rest on all three of them. KG is defensive stopper, Pierce can play D, not quite sure of Allen.

Don't be surprised if all the savvy free agent vets wanna come play for Boston, for a low price...

Boston:

3 all-stars, KG changes the game. With all the attention on Celts, the burden rest on all three of them. KG is defensive stopper, Pierce can play D, not quite sure of Allen.

Don't be surprised if all the savvy free agent vets wanna come play for Boston, for a low price...

Boston still has some wheeling and dealing to do.. Ainge will get it done.

AS for our Bullets... We have no INTERIOR defense... it's going to hurt. Unless PECH, BLATCHE, HAYWOOD, and THOMAS make this their #1 priortiy. If these kids grow up fast, we gotta chance.

We are still right there i the middle. All of these moves affects only one team and that's Cleveland. Yes, they went to the finals, but what have they added? Nothing. If anything, we got better just we got healthier. I had this talk with my friends yesterday. Nothing in the east scares me. Sure, it makes it that more interesting, but I think Gil might just come back with the "Takeover 2.1"

Agree with everything Colin has written. Grunfeld didn't need to clear the bench this off-season like Boston did--he needed to clear the coaches' office. Whether he gets anything for Navarro or not, the single biggest blow the team suffered was losing Thibodeaux. The only stupider contract than that given Etan Thomas was the one given to Eddie Jordan--but at least Grunfeld didn't repeat his mistake with the assistants. BTW, I'm not one of those who thinks Wes Unseld Jr is a poor scout/coach--I thought he did a great job this summer in Vegas. The summer league squad showed dramatic improvement, and at times looked like they could easily outplay the regulars. Crisp passing, excellent ball movement and play calling, and something weird and alien-looking the commentators called 'defense'. He should be the only member of staff retained.

The coach I wanted a few years ago was Mike Brown. He's proved himself now, so it's too late. But imagine what he--or someone like him--could do with this team, regardless of the center situation. As things now stand, I think it's only 50-50 the Wizards will make the playoffs. Stevenson's nick could apply to the whole team. With luck they'll win about 50 %.

Again.

only a 2nd for JCN. f that. let him stay in europe and always wonder what if. he's jerked us around for years and chose the worst possible year (and time) to suddenly become available. if he's that desperate to come over let him do it for whatever we have left of the mle.

You've forgotton Jamison... he was playing with fire in the playoffs, if he can bring the same burn this coming year, Our Original Big 3 could be stronger, and a better supporting 8 than before.

There is a chance that we can still improve the team with trades. If Ernie is willing to give up Blatche, we could get something huge in return.

LAST BIG TRADE

Washington:
-Blatche
-Thomas
-JCN

Seattle:
-Wilcox
-Player to be named (Financial Fit)
-Future Draft

OR

L.A Clips
-Elton Brand (This could be a tough one, but this is chance or LA to get something in return.. This guy is outta of L.A soon.

Tell the guys 'on the street' that the correct compensation for Navarro, the "best player in Europe" is an unprotected first-round choice or else a first-round choice plus cash--or else a whole lotta cash. If Memphis can't cough that up, too bad--especially after getting Atkins from us for free. Which, incidentally was a terrible team precedent.

If not then let Navarro walk. He and Barcelona thought they were playing the whole thing cute with their timing and artificial deadlines--but if Grunfeld had been notified even a week earlier, he could have packaged a trade with a draft choice and maybe landed a good big man. Instead, we got shafted--and you notice Riley wanted no part of the Serbian mafia that runs the club. Neither should we. If Gasol wants his buddy on board so bad, he can convince his management to do the right thing--and then adjust his own salary to pay him.

The Wiz can stay in contention if (and this is a big IF) EJ & the rest of the coaches do a better job of developing the young guys (of which there are quite a few now) and getting them regular minutes and allowing them to play through mistakes. We know Blatche has been mishandled in the past, we can only hope if he gets a big paycheck that EJ finally is forced to let him play.

If a second rounder from a playoff team is the best the Wiz can get for Navarro (and really, why would anyone offer more for a guy taken in the 2nd round who's never played a nanosecond in the NBA?) then Grunfeld should hand him his passport and wave goodbye to him at the docks. I still think the odds of him being anything more than a supporting journeyman aren't esp. good, but a crappy 2nd rounder isn't worth it to the Wiz to take the chance that he might beat the odds.

1. chicago
2. cleveland
3. Toronto
4. Washington
5. Miami
6. Boston
7. Orlando
8. New jersey

That list from above, I think is missing Detroit.

Detroit still has to be considered in the top tier.

1. Chicago
2. Detroit
3. Washington
4. Toronto
5. Cleveland
6. Miami
7. Boston
8. New jersey or Orlando

Cleveland gets credit for going to the finals, but not much else in my book. I don't think they have enough for the regular season yet. I'm being a bit of a homer for DC here, but I think Toronto is still young, and Miami is still old. Boston NJ and Orlando all have to figure out where they get in.

Kalorama, Garnett turned 31 but he really is much older than that NBA-wise. Looks at his career games played numbers and minutes.

927 G, 890 GS, 38.3 MPG, 35,536 minutes. He has started 76 games each of the last two years, his only other season with under 80 starts (not counting the lockout) was his second year of his career (77 games, 1997). And just imagine if he had played a lot of playoff games (only 47 and 2003 minutes total) in his career.

Jamison turned 31 in June. Here are his career numbers.
638 G, 531 GS, 36.4 MPG, 23,198 minutes total. Playoff wise he has played 25 G with 914 minutes.

Jamison doesn't have the wear and tear of many minutes, but because of his knees and back issues he still is ineffective in back-to-back games (and there weren't any of those in the playoffs) and one of the worst defensive players in the NBA. Which is why it is frustrating that with an expiring contract that would be attractive to rebuilding teams, the Wizards haven't used that to get an elite or near elite player.

By the way, Garnett and Jamison are a month apart in terms of age so does that make Garnette on the wrong side of 30 too? They both turned 30 this summer.

Some people are built like tanks, KG has the minutes, but he has the body to support that.

I guy like Jarvis Hayes, has very little miles, but "Brittle" like an old lady...

IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER, KG could be playing at 35 with a high level of play, probaly a 15-8 playa... more than Jarvis "EVER" will be..

Colin, you're moving the goalposts. You started with making the playoffs and now its contending in the East. I think we can contend but no defense, no EC title. (sung to No Woman No Cry, of course).

I call'em as I see them. Applying one criteria to Jamison/The Wiz and ignoring it for other teams is loading the argument. he says "Arenas and Butler are coming back from injuries" but never takes Allen or Pierce's injuries (or anyone else's for that amtter) into account.

kal,
I'm not questioning Garnett, ever. You can look again but its still not there. I'm talking about Pierce and Ray Allen. Allen is older than AJ. Pierce turns 30 in October. Allen played in 55 games last year, Piece in 45. Garnett is going to wind up playing with even less talent than he had in Minnesota if either of these guys can't go at tip. How far do they go without a decent PG or a bench?

Here's a piece from the Detroit News. "Do these teams even overtake Washington?" got my attention.
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070731/SPORTS0102/707310362/1127

Boston is a playoff team in the East. KG guarantees it. But the same thing I said about the Wiz applies to them: no defense no advancement. And now they have 2 aging stars not known for the defense at the 2 and 3.

George,

The fact that Garnett has played more games than Jamison doesn't really say much since, as you point out, it's Jamison whose body has started to break down and become more susceptible to injury. Garnett just keeps chugging along, consistent as ever. Sure, the additional years/minute could have an effect on his durability. But as things currently stand, they haven't. Maybe that'll last, maybe it won't. But right now, there's no substantive evidence to suggest that Garnett's body is on the verge of breaking down.

"And just imagine if he had played a lot of playoff games (only 47 and 2003 minutes total) in his career."

But that's the point, George. It has to be imagined, because it hasn't happened.
Despite being one of the best players in the league for the past decade, Garnett has only gotten out of the first round once, so unlike other top echelon players of his age/era, he hasn't logged a lot of tough playoff mileage (unlike a lot of the 30 something stars on other East teams, like Kidd, Billups, Webber, R. Wallace, Shaq, et al).

The Bulls and the LeBrons of Cleveland are marginally better than the best teams in the East, but there isn't any one team in the East that strikes fear into the heart of Wizards fans. At least not this Wizards fan.

I see a lot of good teams in the East--a couple rapidly aging one-time really good teams in the Heat and Detriot--and a few more possible contenders this year.

Right now I would put a healthy Wizards's team at #3 behind the Bulls and Cleveland -- even assuming that the Garnett deal is done and he goes to Boston.

"I'm not questioning Garnett, ever. You can look again but its still not there. I'm talking about Pierce and Ray Allen. "

Don't wanna make this a thing Monte, but I was simply responding to what you wrote. Which is:

"thus the Jamison line a few paragraphs after saying that the Celts are better because they added 2 guys who happen to be older and less reliable than AJ."

Pierce has been a member of the Celtics for a decade now. The only 2 guys they added were Allen and Garnett. So, taken on it's face, that comment could only reasonably be interpreted as referring to those two.

Now, if that's not what you meant, so be it. I don't read minds. But it is very clearly what you wrote. And that's what I responded to.

1. Detroit (they're still here)
2. Chicago (good young team - built the right way)
3. Cleveland (Lucky last year)
4. Washington (Unlucky last year)
5. Toronto
6. Miami (Old, and getting older)
7. Boston
8. Orlando

New Jersey in, if any of the "Big-3" for Boston get injured.

I don't buy the minutes argument on Garnett because he hasn't broken down like other guys (Jermaine O'Neal) have. I also don't buy that because he didn't play playoff minutes that somehow makes him fresher than guys who've played a fraction of the total minutes. Garnett's health is not the concern. Its Allen, Pierce, no PG and little depth. Garnett has proven he can't do it himself.

Right. "added" should have been "counting on".

As far as Pierce is concerned ... He's had one season where he missed any significant time with injury, and that was last season. Before that he missed a total of 19 games in 8 years.

One season of freak injuries doesn't add up to inevitably injury prone. Reports of his demise (at age 29) are quite premature.

kalorama - but you must admit that generally, NBA players north of 30 years old tend to be more injury prone than the younger players.

The fact is that Boston is relying on a trio of over-30 superstars to make it through the entire season, playing with no point guard, and a D-League bench. I think Ainge is taking a once-in-a-career gamble.

Some of you guys have the Wiz winning the Div., since when have we ever been able to beat Miami? When did we get a better team than Toronto? And, we did EJ learn to utilize the young talent on his bench?

Jeff,

I didn't see your FULL prediction. Why not tell us who you think are the top-8 Eastern Conference teams?

Obviously, you think Miami and Toronto deserve to be ranked on your list higher than Washington...What about the rest of the list?

Most people in general are more prone to injury after 30. That's a fact of life. But not every person's body immediately starts to fall apart after 30.

People are talking about Pierce like he's Shaq, a guy you can pencil in to miss 15-20+ games almost annually.

He's had one year of significant injury problems, and about half of those missed games were due to elbow problems that could well be connected to him wearing it out from shooting so much, a problem he presumably won't have with Allen and Garnett in tow.

Obviously no one can say he won't get hurt. Any player can get hurt any time. But there's no basis for people simply assuming that he's going to miss half the season.

Kalorama,

Totally agree that you can't say that Pierce will definately be hurt this year....just because he had some injuries last year.

But I think it's fair to speculate that the TRIO of over-30 Superstars that Boston has invested over $60M this year has a higher chance of injury. And not just because they're over 30. Because of the huge salaries, Boston is going to have to fill their roster with scrubs. Look at the bench they're gonna have - zilch! And the other two starters - nobodies!

Those three are going to have to log major minutes all year long for Boston to have a chance to win - and everyone here knows what happens when you can't rely on your bench and you play your horses 40 minutes a game, night in and night out.

I think Boston will be a playoff team, but at the bottom of the list (with New Jersey and Orlando). Miami down there for the same reason; I'm thinking they're gonna have injury problems again this year.

Now you know why he was injured and that he had "freak injuries"?

Fact is he's never taken his personal physical condition seriously. Lift a weight Paul. The guys who coast by are the guys who fade at his age. He still has to defend someone. he's not Shaq, but his health is longevity is a concern because this HAS to work this year or next.

Rook,

I really don't see your argument. The fact that they've got three key guys over 30 increases the chances of them getting hurt?

Garnett and Pierce have been one man teams for a good part of their careers and they generally avoided major injuries. The fact that they're finally getting multple all-star help decreases not increases injury risk, because now no one of them will have to carry the load alone.

And using the Wiz of last season as an example of the "starters break down after logging too many minutes" argument doesn't really track, because neither Gilbert's nor Caron's injury was the result of wear and tear. Caron broke his finger on the rim trying to block a shot, Gilbert had a guy twice his size go flying into his knee. Their mpg had nothing to do with it. They were just the kind of freak injuries that happen.

"Now you know why he was injured and that he had "freak injuries"?

Fact is he's never taken his personal physical condition seriously. Lift a weight Paul. The guys who coast by are the guys who fade at his age.

He had a stress fracture in his foot and elbow bursitis. Neither of those two things are the result of poor conditioning, nor can they be avoided with weight training.

The wiz did beat Miami last season, granted that was without some of their star power, but seems like that is how miami tends to be during the regular season.

-g

Jeff -- fair questions.

Right now I would say that Toronto and the Wizards aren't that far apart. I would give the edge to a healthy Wizards team simply because I like their starting 5 more. I think the Wizards have addressed the difference in bench strength this offseason. As far as the coach goes; as long as EJ keeps Haywood in the starting rotation I think the Wizards will do OK. If he doesn't, well, odds are EJ is out of a job come March (assuming that someone other than the Poet doesn't develop into a capable starter at the 5. The Wizards lose when ET starts -- that's been a consistent theme in recent years).

The Heat might still cause the Wizards problems in head to head match-ups. But Father Time is catching up quickly with Miami. It could be close here too, but I see the Wizards edging out the Heat based on Wins and Losses.

I should add when I put the Wiz at 3 I'm not saying that there's much difference between them and even the 10th best team in the conference. It looks like the East is going to be very competitive this year -- not many gimmies. Strangely enough, the Wizards may need to travel West for those this year.

kalorama - You DO see my argument and understand it perfectly; you just don't agree with it.

If you really think that all three; Pierce Allen and Garnett, can last the entire 82 game schedule, pulling 40 minutes a night, without any one of them getting hurt for any extended period - then we'll just have to disagree. But I think the odds are on my side.

I think that this is the year that the Wizards need to take winning seriously. The team as a whole needs to take their defense and rebounding way more seriously than in the past because they won't just be able to coast to a playoff spot this year. Being one or two games over .500 isn't gonna guarantee you a decent spot now in the playoffs like it has in the past and having one good month surely will not be enough. Honestly I don't see how they can be a top tier team in the league without defense. I don't see them being better than Toronto or Miami at this point. I really wish EG could make one more move for a decent defensive big man but that is asking for quite a bit. Wiz are in the middle of the pack without this trade and with Garnett entering the picture they are starting to get to the lower half. At best, given their current tendency to the injury bug and complacency near playoff time, this team is a 6th seed.

Well, no one knows what the odds of them getting hurt are. All we do know is that Garnett had made it this far without ever getting hurt significantly, playing in a tougher conference with no help. Pierce has had one season where injuries were an issue, and those injuries weren't of the lingering, degenerative kind. Even Allen, despite all the talk of his fragility, has only had 3 years in his 11 year career where he's played fewer than 78 games (not counting the lockout year, when he played all 50).

If they were prone to breaking down under a heavy load, we'd have seen some ongoing sign of it before now, when their loads were much heavier than they will be in Boston. The fact that they now have the help they never had before actually makes things easier on them, not harder.

Rook - I would rate the EAST as follows:

1A. Detroit (experience)
1B. Chicago (very talented young team)
3. Boston (they need time to gel)
4. Toronto
5. Miami
6. Cleveland
7. Wizards (7-11 are interchangable)
8. New Jersey
9. Orlando
10. New York
11. Milwaukee

P.S, - with free agents like Ruben Patterson, Varejao, Palovic, Brevin Knight, Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus, C-Webb, Charlie Bell, Earl Boykins, Ime Udoka, Etc, Etc ... I believe Boston will be able to add a couple of players to help with bench rotation. They still have all of their exceptions and seem to not mind paying the luxury tax to win a championship within the next 3 yrs or so.

Forgot to mention Andrey Blatche as a possible free agent pickup for Boston!!!

I agree with everyone that thinks Wiz are in the middle. They look like a 4th to 6th seed. Boston has very little around their big 3, but I would imagine that they won't over play them in the regular season as long as they get a top 4 seed in the playoffs. I am loving how Miami and Cleveland did nothing in the offseason to help themselves.

"So, where would you rank the Wizards in the East right now?"

Exactly where I had them last year: 4th or 5th.

Like you said Mike, teams have gotten better in the East while the Wiz have pretty much stand pat. I hope for the Wiz's sake they stay healthy this year. Injuries killed them as we all know, but still no improvements to speak of on the player front. :(

We'll see I guess.

- Ray

Its interesting that all of a sudden Boston will get cheap help. meanwhile the Heat can't get anyone to take their money. Maybe its a little more complicated than it looks?

My other favorite misconception: now that these 3 are together each has less of a load on their shoulders. that'd be true if there was anyone else on their team. but all 3 had some help before through 7 or 8 guys. they now have 3 to count on, thats it. they all have to show or they lose.

btw, pretty easy to get a stress fracture when you're playing heavy. So let me change that to "put down the donut, Paul." the guy doens't stay in shape. he uses basketball to get into shape instead of getting in shape to play basketball. That catches up with you.

these guys don't get healthier when they get older unless they are working with Bonds' people. These are joint injuries from thousands of minutes of pro basketball.

I like the Wiz' matchup of Caron versus Pierce. Someone will have to challenge Allen. Wear on them by making them play defense. KG, don't over commit to helping and give him easy dimes. But he's gonna get his regardless. the other two, not so much.

To be honest, at least for me...
Until I SEE the Wiz play...I'll reserve on where they'll fall this year. As I prev wrote - its good KG, Ray Allen, Ortiz, etc came to add some spice to the sorry east.
Don't really care how old they are...they're not on my team!! But it makes for wonderful excitement going into a game.

I just happen to enjoy competitive games.
Find it boring when one team just steam rolls over another.

Can't wait to see Boston play Phoenix this time. KG always has their number

To be honest, at least for me...
Until I SEE the Wiz play...I'll reserve on where they'll fall this year. As I prev wrote - its good KG, Ray Allen, Ortiz, etc came to add some spice to the sorry east.
Don't really care how old they are...they're not on my team!! But it makes for wonderful excitement going into a game.

I just happen to enjoy competitive games.
Find it boring when one team just steam rolls over another.

Can't wait to see Boston play Phoenix this time. KG always has their number

And you know I love the Suns!!

Jeff the Celtics can't afford to spend on projects. They gotta go after vets that can help NOW.

Here's my best guess at the final standings in the east:

1. Detroit - some of their stars are getting older, but they still have the most talent of any east team.

2. Chicago - these guys have talent and youth, they should be top 3 for a while.

3. Toronto - similar situation to Chicago, but with slightly lower overall talent. Great depth and balance.

4. Cleveland - sure they're a one trick pony, but it's a pretty good trick.

5. New Jersey - Kidd, Carter, Jefferson, make one of the better combinations in the league and their supporting cast is adequate.

6. Washington - They can shoot the lights out, but they will never be serious contenders until they learn to play some D.

7. Boston - KG, RayRay and Pierce should be enough to get them into the playoffs, but not a whole lot more... unless ainge can magically find several more pieces.

8. Either Orlando or Miami - but either one will be sweeped in the first round again, so who really cares.

Monte - You don't think any 2 of the following Vets would help Boston: Ruben Patterson, Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus, C-Webb, Brevin Knight, Tyronn Lue or Earl Boykins. I think with their execptions they could land 2 good role players out of this group or other free agents out there.

Robin,

Boy, I sure wish that the Wizards had signed Ortiz, instead of Boston. [grin]

The Celtics need a rebounding, banging C and a PG who can push the ball and get guys involved. Brevin Knight would be fill the second role nicely.

Kalorama,

Keep in mind that if (make that when) the Celtics add salary, you might as well double it, because they'll be paying the tax.

While I thought that Boston might add scrubs at minimum salary, Jeff pointed out all the quality free agents still available.

Brevin is 31, so he fits in with the new Celtic's rebuilding theme. Last year he made $4.4M, so even if he does not get a raise, it'll cost Boston $8M.

Maybe they can add Reuben Patterson, also north of 30, for something less than his 2007 salary of $6.8M

C-Webb played for the Vet minimum last year. So you can add his 34 year old legs to the Celts for only $1.2Mil

They may be able to buy a championship, but it's really gonna be really expensive.

Knight is not going to get $4 mill/yr. from anyone. If he gets a deal for half that he's lucky. There's a reason the guys still on the market are still on the market.

"They may be able to buy a championship, but it's really gonna be really expensive."

So?

"Forgot to mention Andrey Blatche as a possible free agent pickup for Boston!!!

Posted by: Jeff | July 31, 2007 04:13 PM "

Bahhston is already at 60 mil with only 8 players signed on the team. Well over the cap. Methinks AB won't be part of the fun up in NE.

Eddie Jordan, I hope you are gone soon because you play Michael Ruffin, Donell Taylor, Roger Mason, Etan Thomas and Calvin Booth too much, and Blatche, Daniels, and Haywood too little. You have not improved the defense AT ALL in your tenure with the Wizards. You pick fights with the players and fail to give them defined roles.

Ernie Grunfeld, I hope you have assurances from Jamison that he will resign with the Wizards next offseason, because if he leaves in free agency you will look mighty foolish. I also hope this no-balls offseason was the best you could possibly muster, because otherwise you will have to deal with the if-I-had-only's should Arenas leave and throw the franchise into chaos.
I hope you also realize that consistency with the current group of guys will not take us past the second round. Time to change your basketball philosophy. The Wizards were the best in the conference in January, but only because Gilbert played at an insanely high level that only a Jordan or a Kobe can deliver consistently. We have talent but we cannot win in the Eastern Conference without a strong inside presence, which we have enough talent on the roster to be able to trade for.

Etan Thomas, I hope you are spending more time this summer with a basketball in your hand and less time with a pen, because otherwise no GMs will call you when the Wizards finally get so fed up that they kick you to the curb.

Man, I love all the Cleveland love in the conference standings. They had the EASIEST road to the finals probably in the history of the NBA and they are not better whatsoever. That team is nothing but fool's gold. They do however play D, which I wish the Wiz would notice!

Detroit seemed to implode last year. Ain't it great to be the best basketball team poison ever, C. Webb. So, Detroit does not scare me that much either.

Chicago is talented, but their weaknesses are obvious as well. Wallace is about done as a consistent dominant defender and does nothing to help their complete reliance on jumpers on O.

Boston got better, ok. Still many holes on that roster after 1,2,3.

I like Toronto, but their still a little green.

NJ is a joke. Come on, Richard "my career has completely digressed" Jefferson, Vince "one of the all-time overrated players" Carter, and Jason "I can do everything but shoot" Kidd. That team has done nothing but tread water since K-mart left.

NY, I have to see to believe. Decent talent, but their basketball IQ is about the lowest in the league.

Miami, first round and done again. Time only moves in one direction. Plus, Wade plays like Iverson without the stay healthy ability.

I think the Wiz stack up with anybody 1-12. Obviously, there is a lot of youth especially coming off the bench. If you don't think Pech, Young, healthier Songalia, and a maturing Blatche are not an "improvement" over last years bench, I don't know what improvement means then. Remember, yes, the D is a problem particularly in those last 5 minutes of close games. BUT, the bench let sooo many nice leads just evaporate last year. Hopefully, this year the cushion at the end should improve. Wiz finish 4th in conference! Their coach is their biggest limitation at this point!!!

FREE JCN, LET HIM PLAY IN THE NBA ALREADY!!!!

FREE JCN, LET HIM PLAY IN THE NBA ALREADY!!!!

FREE JCN, LET HIM PLAY IN THE NBA ALREADY!!!!

Stop Holding JCN Hostage!!!

Cleveland plays defense, thats all that matters. there is a clear relationship between defense and advancing in the playoffs.

I don't think Cleveland does anything until the middle of the season.

Everyone is talking about Boston's Big 3. Remember LA's Big 4 (Malone, Kobe, Payton, Shaq)...oh yea...how did that work out?

Why does everyone marginalize the Wizards. They are just as good as anyone else in the East. A guy like Kobe wants to play for what would be a gutted Chicago team because "the East is so weak." Cleveland has received so much criticism since the finals it's like they didn't make the finals. The Wizards are a solid team and should still make the playoffs if healthy.

"Cleveland has received so much criticism since the finals it's like they didn't make the finals."

It's because they should not have made the finals. They would have lost in the first round in the West almost guaranteed!!! Probably even swept. Again, they had the EASIEST path to the finals EVER. You think the Wiz could not have won the series with Cleveland with Arenas and Butler healthy? If you don't give the Wiz at least a 50/50 there, your crazy. Therefore, the Wiz, who have improved the bench, are as good as anyone in the East. Period. Does not mean they are going to the finals this year. If they had a better coach I think the Wiz would be real dangerous, but they don't.

E.J. and Grunfeld in my opinion have done a excellent job! With the addition of Coach Ayers the defense will improve! If they stay healthy and get inside help from Haywood and Thomas they will finish in the top 5. Fans have to remember E.J. doesn't play. The players do! I haven't seen E.J turn the ball over or get beat on defense! The players have to step up!!!

People love to hate. The wizard's are a number 1 seed in the East hands down. They led the Eastern conference before the all-star break last season. How long is everybody gonna keep smacking my team in the face? What you see on paper does not translate into wins. Check the Lakers' before Shaq left. I know for a fact the wiz would've won eastern conference had Arenas and Butler played. Look at what A.J did without any help? Teams could not hang with the wizards scoring trio. True indeed the defense was lackluster, but they could've easily been in Lebron's position. Somebody needs to kick the Wiz players in the pants; because I can see it they just don't have any heart! Carpe diem!!

Maybe I'm drinking the kool aid here, but I sincerely believe that, with all hands on deck (i.e., a healthy big three and they sign Blatche and McGuire), the Wizards can compete with anybody in the East (and yes, that includes Boston) and make a deep run in the playoffs. As has been pointed out many times, when all the key people were healthy at mid-season last year, the Wizards had the best record in the East. If you take a healthy Arenas, Jamison and Butler, add two first round picks (Pech and Young), an impressive second rounder (McGuire) and a steadily-improving Blatche, I think you get a 50-55 win team that can challenge for the conference title. Although Boston will be greatly improved, they only have eight players under contract and are already close to the luxury tax limit. They're going to have to fill up their roster with minimum salary guys, and I like the supporting cast to our big three better than the supporting cast to theirs.

The Wiz just need to play tougher and limit the killing mental errors they seem to make. Remember those blown leads and that Michael Ruffin gaffe against Toronto? Those are the things that prevent them from making that next step. The talent is definately there to compete in the East.

gilbert is coming out with the "Takeover:Reloaded" next year not "the remix"

Compete, sure. But they don't advance past the second round unless they play defense. there is no getting around that fact.

I see Ernie setting Eddie up to fail. We'll go into the playoffs, win a series and then struggle. Ernie can throw up his hands and say "look, we tried it that way. we have to go a different direction." I just hope 'that direction' doesn't include
Jeff Van Gundy. that guy is an enemy of the game of basketball unless he's doing color.

Would Rick Carlisle leave most of the offense alone? his teams defend.

Watch out, WIZ are the Dark Horse to win the East...

The Whiz kids are certainly quite this offseason and it's EXACTLY what they need. Signing Stevenson is a reflection of EG plan on what kind of team the plan to put forth this season.

Stevenson's signing is EG commitment to DEFENSE, and players who are committed to this strategy can expect to be fairly compensated.

This sets precedents for guys like Young, Griffin, Pech and Blatche, that playing D will get you paid.

Our 2 headed Sister at the Center position are going to co-exsist. Together these pansys will produce a double double and provide excellent shot-blocking and standard defense.

why our WHIZ-3 is better than CELL-3

ARENAS vs. Allen
I would take Arenas over Allen any day....
-Big time clutch player
-More durable
-7 years younger
-Huge Star and personality

BUTLER vs. Pierce
I would take Butler over Pierce and day...
-Plays better defense
-Has scoring potential like Pierce
-Stronger Rebounder
-Mid-twenties
-BIG TIME Hustler

Jamison vs. GARNETT
Ok, this is where the big difference is...
-Probably the most important position
-Plays a lot better defense
-Better all arond player
-Better Rebounder
(Jamison's got HEART...)

Our big 3 is better than theirs:
-It all boils down to "THE BIG TIME PLAYER"
-That is ARENAS

If ARENAS, elevates his game again, which he's certainly going to do, NO ONE can stop him. give him the rock.... he will shoot it and WIN us games. ARENAS is one Notch below Kobe and 2 below Jordan...

i believe.... i believe, ARENAS he can elevate higher...
and so will his team.

i say the wiz will be anywhere from 4-7
they have the talent to be #1 even if they dont have defense
they were #1 at parts of last year
and they only got better so i cant see them getting 8th
and i only say 7th because injuries could affect us alot next year
i think 5/6 is our spot.
i think gilbert will be a mvp candidate
caron butelr will have a slower season
jamison will have a better
our rookies will surprise, mcguire will be the steal of the draft
we will have a great bench w/ bigs (blatche/pech/ & haywood/etan)
and smalls (young, mcguire,daniels)

rbpalmer
i completely agree
i keep forgetting pech is a rookie though
but i don't see how we could get worse, we have a young team and the only players that we have on our roster that are getting worse are antonio/calvin/ruffin/haywood and only 2 out of those will play w/ us
i think we have more than enouf talent to have a 50-59 win team, but i don't think we'll get there.
we are one step away from being a contender for the championship
and one setback away from being bottom feeders, just because of our inconsistency

also, does anyone think blatche/pech could compete for the starting C job? im sick of having etan and brendan fight over it and have a great game and then not even show up to play

rbpalmer
i completely agree
i keep forgetting pech is a rookie though
but i don't see how we could get worse, we have a young team and the only players that we have on our roster that are getting worse are antonio/calvin/ruffin/haywood and only 2 out of those will play w/ us
i think we have more than enouf talent to have a 50-59 win team, but i don't think we'll get there.
we are one step away from being a contender for the championship
and one setback away from being bottom feeders, just because of our inconsistency

also, does anyone think blatche/pech could compete for the starting C job? im sick of having etan and brendan fight over it and have a great game and then not even show up to play the next one

rbpalmer
i completely agree
i keep forgetting pech is a rookie though
but i don't see how we could get worse, we have a young team and the only players that we have on our roster that are getting worse are antonio/calvin/ruffin/haywood and only 2 out of those will play w/ us
i think we have more than enouf talent to have a 50-59 win team, but i don't think we'll get there.
we are one step away from being a contender for the championship
and one setback away from being bottom feeders, just because of our inconsistency

also, does anyone think blatche/pech could compete for the starting C job? im sick of having etan and brendan fight over it and have a great game and then not even show up to play the next one

I have a feeling JCN, will be a great player on a team like Boston... Send him West to LA

Kobe and JCN could be the best back court in the West...

EG, has got to sell JCN to LA... Kobe is getting impatient. and the mysteriousness of JCN is perfect to keep KOBE second guessing about NOT reporting to Training Camp.

Don't Do It EG!!!

FROM THE BOSTON GLOBE:
The Celtics and Washington Wizards have talked recently about exchanging the rights to Navarro, according to Navarro's agent, Alex Saratsis. Drafted in 2002, Navarro has remained with FC Barcelona the past five seasons because of a prohibitive buyout clause in his contract. If an NBA team agrees in principle to sign Navarro before the end of business Friday, Barcelona will let him go with his buyout reduced to $3 million, which can be paid over several years.
"From what he could bring to a team and his level of experience, he is probably the most affordable guard on the market," said Saratsis, who noted the 27-year-old's quickness, understanding of the game, and shooting ability.

I am at working reading all of the criticisms that are being used to describe the Wiz and their defensive defeciencies, but did we all forget the EJ went out and hired himself a defensive guru in Randy Ayers. So if he can get just a little more defense out of the boys then I think that we can do a lot more damage than people are expecting. We already know we can score we have three dudes that are capable of double doubles in Twan, CB and if given an opportunity ET, we know Gil is going to drop near 30 per and if DS can improve upon his stats from last year we will have the best starting 5 in the East. And the bench should provide enough punch to compete with most East benches with Songalia, Roger, Olev, the two rookies Young and McGuire (who is a boy in a mans body), Blatche (major sleeper)who is poised to have a breakout year, and Brenda oops Brendan. So I think we have just as good if not a better chance to make a push in the regular season and playoffs... that is barring any major injuries.

I am at work reading all of the criticisms that are being used to describe the Wiz and their defensive defeciencies, but did we all forget that EJ went out and hired himself a defensive guru in Randy Ayers. So if he can get just a little more defense out of the boys then I think that we can do a lot more damage than people are expecting. We already know we can score we have three dudes that are capable of double doubles in Twan, CB and if given an opportunity ET, we know Gil is going to drop near 30 per and if DS can improve upon his stats from last year we will have the best starting 5 in the East. And the bench should provide enough punch to compete with most East benches with Songalia, Roger, Olev, the two rookies Young and McGuire (who is a boy in a mans body), Blatche (major sleeper)who is poised to have a breakout year, and Brenda oops Brendan. So I think we have just as good if not a better chance to make a push in the regular season and playoffs... that is barring any major injuries.

"THE STRATEGY that will win the East"

-Make Antawn Jamison the 6th MAN
We will then have the best Bench in the EAST.

With a starting lineup

Starting / BackUp

PG Gilbert / Daniels
SG Deshawn / Daniels / Young
SF Caron / Jamison /McGuire
PG Blatche / Jamison / Pesch / McGuire / Thomas
C Haywood / Pesch / Thomas

"THE STRATEGY that will win the East"

-Make Antawn Jamison the 6th MAN
We will then have the best Bench in the EAST.

With a starting lineup

Starting / BackUp

PG Gilbert / Daniels
SG Deshawn / Daniels / Young / McGuire
SF Caron / Jamison / Songalia / McGuire
PG Blatche / Jamison / Songalia / Pesch / McGuire / Thomas
C Haywood / Pesch / Thomas

Jamison on the rocks
i love that idea
but i'd rather put it like this
PG gilbert/daniels
SG deshawn/daniels/young
SF McGuire/Jamison
PF Butler/Jamison/Pech
C Blatche/Pech/Haywood/Thomas

but i ddoubt that would happen
i'd really want blatche as our starting C

caron butler is 6'7", 228lbs and you want him playing power forward? hahahahahahahaha

elton brand is 1 inch higher and he's one of the best in the league
karl malone was 6-8 also and wasnt thick

didnt you see in the playoffs when stephen jackson guarded dirk nowitzki he shut him down cuz he's faster and quicker and who won? thats right GS

and its called a small ball lineup

brand weighs in around 254 and malone around 256. they are almost 30 pounds heavier and both actually have post up games! butler is a slasher! dirk got shut down by great team D from GS and because he is an outside shooter no a true PF

TDAV
That is a feather weight line up you posted up there. CB is too small for PF.. it could be a great line up for speed and Defense.

if we start 0-10, you coulds see EJ, starting a lineup like this... which i think is what the futre for the WHIZ could be

PG - Gilbert / Daniels / Young
SG - Deshawn / McGuire / Young
SF - Butler / Jamison / Songlia / McGuire
PF - Blatche / Jamison / Songlia
C - Pesh / Haywood / Thomas

good point
but GS (along with washington, pheonix)
does not play any defense whatsoever, and they don't have great help defense either
stephen jackson guarded him the whole series and he's 6-7 and he's not a good defender
caron butler is alot tougher and stronger than antawn even though antawn is a little bigger by 2 inches

Butler wouldnt have a chance in hell of guarding bosh, garnett, randolph, wallace etc.

i just said it because it would be a helluva matchup problem for opponents, because caron butler is so quick

i have been watching deshawn his whole career. in orlando i saw him shut down lebron, i seen it with my own eyes, michael redd and ray allen. its hard to be a killer on offense when u get dogged on defense on the other side so cancel peirce. their only advantage is KG. but gilbert will take rajon any day. and haywood is better than perkins. our bench is a b- and theirs is ah d+ at best. here is my predictions.
this is my top ten teams overall (not playoff seeds). but the wizards at the end will be in the eastern conference finals. playoffs are all about matchups

1. chicago ( needs a big man and more offense but has the same team + noah)
2.washington (same core team, more depth, more talent) chicago kicked the wiz around all season long. they are our probelm!
3.cleveland (lebron is lebron. maybe this year wiz will let deshawn gaurd him)
4.detroit (added two awesome rookies, and may lose c-webb (big deal) )
5.boston (big three)must stay healthy
6.toronto (only can get better. but whats up with all the international players? do they have VISAS)
7.orlando (lost hill got a younger rashard, lost darko, needs big men)
8.new york (good luck, two big men scorers that cant rebound. not good
9.new jersey (carter is not a 2 guard!)
10.atlanta (u will be surprised)

i have been watching deshawn his whole career. in orlando i saw him shut down lebron, i seen it with my own eyes, michael redd and ray allen. its hard to be a killer on offense when u get dogged on defense on the other side so cancel peirce. their only advantage is KG. but gilbert will take rajon any day. and haywood is better than perkins. our bench is a b- and theirs is ah d+ at best. here is my predictions.
this is my top ten teams overall (not playoff seeds). but the wizards at the end will be in the eastern conference finals. playoffs are all about matchups

1. chicago ( needs a big man and more offense but has the same team + noah)
2.washington (same core team, more depth, more talent) chicago kicked the wiz around all season long. they are our probelm!
3.cleveland (lebron is lebron. maybe this year wiz will let deshawn gaurd him)
4.detroit (added two awesome rookies, and may lose c-webb (big deal) )
5.boston (big three)must stay healthy
6.toronto (only can get better. but whats up with all the international players? do they have VISAS)
7.orlando (lost hill got a younger rashard, lost darko, needs big men)
8.new york (good luck, two big men scorers that cant rebound. not good
9.new jersey (carter is not a 2 guard!)
10.atlanta (u will be surprised)

i will agree that antawn isnt the answer at the 4 either but that doesnt mean butler is. jackson could guard dirk because dirk is basically a really tall 3 not a back to the basket type 4

your right about butlers defensive problems
but he wouldnt be guarding those guys
our interchangeable center would be probably.
and all of those guys are more high post big men than low post they get half their points on jumpers
especialyl Z-bo
and if you meen rasheed wallace
he really lacks an inside game

i have been watching deshawn his whole career. in orlando i saw him shut down lebron, i seen it with my own eyes, michael redd and ray allen. its hard to be a killer on offense when u get dogged on defense on the other side so cancel peirce (caron butler). their only advantage is KG. but gilbert will take rajon any day. and haywood is better than perkins. our bench is a b- and theirs is ah d+ at best. here is my predictions.
this is my top ten teams overall (not playoff seeds). but the wizards at the end will be in the eastern conference finals. playoffs are all about matchups

1. chicago ( needs a big man and more offense but has the same team + noah)
2.washington (same core team, more depth, more talent) chicago kicked the wiz around all season long. they are our probelm!
3.cleveland (lebron is lebron. maybe this year wiz will let deshawn gaurd him)
4.detroit (added two awesome rookies, and may lose c-webb (big deal) )
5.boston (big three)must stay healthy
6.toronto (only can get better. but whats up with all the international players? do they have VISAS)
7.orlando (lost hill got a younger rashard, lost darko, needs big men)
8.new york (good luck, two big men scorers that cant rebound. not good
9.new jersey (carter is not a 2 guard!)
10.atlanta (u will be surprised)

very good point about the dirk is basically a big 3 part.
i mean hey shawn marion plays PF
and even though caron butler is not the rebounder, defender, or scorer marion is, CB3's still good at all of those especially scoring and rebounding

charles called it bests vince carter (half man half season)!
jefferson........ did he play last year! LOL
and what can jay-z do for the nets other than sell albums and tickets for the nets! if u like jayz come watch the nets!

charles called it bests vince carter (half man half season)!
jefferson........ did he play last year! LOL
and what can jay-z do for the nets other than sell albums and tickets for the nets! if u like jayz come watch the nets! hey u might even meet beyonce

brian, i also think the wizards will be great because of their depth and the same team basically only better.

i think lebron would dominate deshawn offensively, though, because deshawn is puny compared to lebrons football-player-build

it comes down to this...
-caron is tough enough and skilled enough to play very short stints at the 4 despite his size
-eddie jordan isnt creative enough to ever think of that
-if antawn is goin to the bench its goin to have to be blatche who takes his spot

Butler is best at the 3, he is the anchor in the lineup...

you don't want him being tossed around by guys like Brand and Howard he play that position.

We can do an all BIG line up

PG - Gilbert 6' 4"
SG - Butler 6' 7"
SF - Jamison 6' 9"
(Maybe McGuire, if he just kicks ass in Pre-Season)
PF - Blatche 6' 10"
C - Pesh 7' 0"

NOW, if you wanna talk about match up problems... this is gonna cause some HAVOC... They all can play their respective positions well, perhaps Pesch at C... will need big Haywood to step up to guys like Z from Cleveland or SHAQ...

With the the East being the East... this could be the line up

thats probably the best lineup that i have seen out of all the playres the zards have but then how would we be able to keep up with the nets VC and RJ? it would be a disaster w/ antawn on either of them

but dang would that create matchup problems

who will do the best this year for the wizards out of:
Nick Young
Oleikseiy Pecherov
Andray Blatche
Dominic McGuire

??????

Defense strategy on NJ

Deshawn / Kidd
Butler / VC
McGuire / Jefferson

As for the young guns: is who gets the most minutes...
Young is deep on the depth chart... you won't see much of him during the season. He will be a great practice player.

McGuire will be our new "Ruffin," a big upgrade... Can block, rebound and defend. Will need to bulk up a little..

yes, but i highly doubt jamison will lose his starting job to mcguire even though im in love w/ the dude already
so who out of our starting 5 (that you mentioned) would be guarding carter and jefferson? imeen butler could guard either but one would have to be guarded by jamison when he's in and that wouldnt be good

i hated ruffin soo bad
im so glad we have mcguire instead of him

Jamison on Jefferson... perhaps

It also comes down to Team Defense

We had the best record in the East going into All Star... Provided we stay healthy & our young players got better, the addition of Young & McGuire, D Song comes to camp healthy (unlike last season), etc etc. We'll be fine. Everyone stop trippin'. I'm glad the East is better! I just worry about Caron's All Star spot... The East has added some forwards.

Add "we had the best record at the all star break" to the list of crap I don't care about. They don't set playoff seeds according to your record at the half way point in the season. there was more to the second half swoon than just injuries too.

btw, Eddie played Caron at the 4 about 10% of his minutes last year. The result of lineups with him at the 4 was a -22 differential. Although the lineup of GA-Stevenson-Daniels-Caron and AJ was +10 in 32 minutes of work.
http://www.82games.com/0607/0607WAS2.HTM

every body on here need to wake up we just need to sign ab d mac
and keep jnc if we can trade him trade him but if we can`t just sign him trade etan for any body

i think the better question is was the injury curse a blessing in disguise for the wizards. it may have hurt the team overall but it did allow players like blatche, daniels, and jamison to show what they have and improve. honestly the lineup of pg-daniels, sg-arenas(or switch these two), sf-butler,pf-jamison, c-etan is a great lineup. daniels is a great pg, arenas is a sg that can kill teams, butler is great, jamison is a post presence on offense, and etan is coming around. and then their bench is great with songaila, deshawn, young, bh, blatche, the new pf from europe, mabye hayes...

but the thing i want to point out is that last year team usa might have affected the offseason of the wiz. this year they have the whole summer to work togethor on defense and gelling. if they play defense and gel well they will be number 3 or four because all they have to do is win the division, not the whole conference. the heat may have injury problems and the magic aren't on the level of the wiz. but hey we'll see what happens.

its seems like nobody wants deshawn to start anymore but thats not going to happen. Deshawn was the only player to start every game and play every game and he is our best starting defender. the only thing that may change in the starting line up for the wiz is the C position. im not sure if Pech could play C because he may have the height but not the post skills and defence we need. in order to improve our C spot, we need to trad either Haywood or Etan + JNC for a much better center that will average about 10 ppg and 10 rpg with a couple of blocks per game. This will GUARANTEE the wizards getting a spot higher than 4 in the East and a major contender for the championship

Those stats show that our best lineup was Arenas-Stevenson-Butler-Jamison-Haywood.

The Arenas-Daniels-Butler-Jamison-Thomas lineup was on the plus side, but way below a lineup that swaps Haywood for Etan.