I wouldn't want him anyways...he's hurt all of the time!

AK has one of the most untradeable contracts, he's not going anywhere.

Thanks Mike, great post!

I agree with you 100%, we have a solid foundation for the next few years, let's let it play out. We should be pretty competitive with the rest of the East barring any injuries.

I'm also a Jamison supporter. Say all you want about his lack of defense. I'll take his heart, his leadership abilities, and his soft one handed floaters any day. This team has the most chemistry any Bullets/Wizards team has ever had, let's keep it that way.

What about this trade, it works on the espn trade machine

Etan and Jamison

For

Ak, and Gordan Giricek, Kyrylo Fesenko

And They would still have enough to resign Gil, because the would get rid of Gericek, so that would be an extra 7 mil (no etan salary and AK makes 1 mill less next year than Twan make now)

So I think it works, Utah gets a bunch of cap space (10 mil next year) to help sign Williams, and we get the perfect 4 and enough cap space to sign gil

Your post on AK was exactly what we needed --- a reasoned analysis. Thanks.

Good call by Ben. By dumping Etan's salary and picking up Giricek's expiring contract, the Wiz would have roughly about the same payroll that they'd have if they just re-signed Jamison for 8 or 9 million next season. So, while Mike is right that money limits the Wizard's options, he's wrong to think that they can't make the numbers work.

Great post by Michael.

Five points:

AK-47's numbers dropped last year b/c of the emergence of Boozer. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with AK-47's skills.

Yes people, Gilby's promise about not wanting max dollars which would hurt the franchise like AI or KG by not being able to afford premier players, but then backtracking, comes to a head now. As Michael reported, there's no way Les BouleS can get AK-47 b/c of Gilby's max contract demands. Let's see if Gilby will honor his first promise for the good of the team. I know, I know, it's hard feeding kids these days with only 100 mil.

Les BouleS sorely need defense at the 4. AK-47 is a bad 3 point shooter, but a heckuva defender averaging 2.5 blocks/game in his career.

If we don't get rid of Jamison this year, we will surely not renew his contract next year, so who's coming on as a free agent next season that's better than AK-47?

AK is an upgrade to AJ. AJ played his heart out during last year's playoffs, but Les BouleS weren't close to winning a single one of those games against Cleveland.

Kirilenko is a great defender, put he's more of a mismatch guy at the three because he's so long. He's not a low block guy that can take on big 4's in the post. Like Jamison he's a classic tweener, except he does his damage using his long arms, leaping ability, and quickness defensively.
But he wouldn't be an upgrade as a defender at the 4 unless he puts on about 30 lbs of muscle. Even Jamison posts him up, real 4's have their way with him down low. He'd be a devasting three, and a great guy to put on James. But then where does Butler play?
Ben's on the right track any deal involving Jamison's expiring contract would have to involve Etan or Daniels contracts. But the only deals that could improve this team involving Jamison would have to bring an Allstar 4 or 5 in return to be considered an upgrade.
I agree with Micheal, a Kirilenko deal would only limit what Grunfeld could do in other areas because of his contract. And it might not make us any better than we are now.
When we lost Jamison's range teams started shading toward the lane to take away Butler's midrange game and Gilbert's drives. He's a bigger part of this team than many realize, I'm don't thing the Wiz are going to be willing to give him away for the first guy that asks to be traded this year. But I'm sure his name will keep coming up all year long.

Would it be possible for the wizzards to sign one of the centers who played in the summer league and are any of them better than Haywood or Thomas?

I disagree with you analysis that AK cant play the 4, he is a great defender of 4s, his length and quickness really bother people, he is actually much better at playing the 4, thats why he has suffered in Utah, because they make him play the 3, while his weight does occasionally work against him, I think he can really d up most 4s and work them hard on offense and create some mismatches there

Ben, he can be effective if he's used as a change up guy and he takes the other team's power forward unexpectedly. He can front and with his quickness, long arms, and leaping ability can screw with guys timing.
But he has problems with anybody that has a good back to the basket game and they get him in the post. His durability has also come into question in recent years. He's un-conventional and does alot of things for a team. He's just not the kind of 4 that warrents 15-18m which is what he's getting for the rest of his deal.
Please note, Utah didn't start to win until Boozer got healthy. And they signed Boozer in the first place so they could move AK to the three where they thought(and he thought) he'd be more effective.
For that kind of money I think there's better options out there. I'm not sure that our money wouldn't be better spent retaining Jamison at a reasonable extension, resigning Arenas and developing our young talent. Which seems to be the course that Grunfeld's on.
Don't forget we own the draft rights to Veeremenko who will be able to sign with us next year and is pretty highly regarded. Along with Blatche and Pecherov we are developing some young options inside.
I agree with Micheal, at some point Grunfeld may have to go to Pollin and say,"I need this guy to get us over the top and I need to go over the luxury tax to get him." I just don't see that Kirilenko is that guy for us. He's a heck of a player, just not one to break the bank over.

Not being a big Kirilenko fan, and being a major Jamison fan, I'm pleased (1) that Mike sees this particular bandwagon passing us by, (2) that a couple of folks on this blog actually came out in support of Antawn (like anyone should need to stand up for a 20/10 good citizen playing in Washington), and (3) that after 11 responses the blog has thus far failed to assume its usual confrontational demeanor.

I'm assuming since people even bothered to reply, that there might be a couple of you who think perhaps Ernie's not done for this year. Interesting.

I'm with you, Bill. I don't understand why people are complaining about a man who puts up 20/10 and shows leadership and grace. OK, so he plays defense with a red cape (Ole!), but he adds much more than he gives up. The guy showed in the playoffs he can flat-out score with the best of them if that's what he's asked to do. That the Wizards weren't in any of those games doesn't diminish AJ's awesome scoring performance.

Putting Kirilenko in his spot would remove one of the Wizards few three-point threats and encourage defenses to pack down in the lane and to key on Gilbert and Caron. It would also remove an All Star with veteran presence in the locker room. It would insert a change into the starting lineup for the umpteenth consecutive year. And it would saddle the Wizards with another ridiculous contract.

And for what upside? OK, some improved defense at the 4, but at 6'9" and 229 lbs AK is a bit of a toothpick. He plays excellent defense by moving his feet and being lanky but he cannot man up against a 4 whose game is in the post.

What the Wiz need is a true low-post defender, and if you're going to give up all that value in Antwan at the 4 it should be for a beast down low.

Just to continue some of the thoughts about AJ above: he is much more of a leader and a scorer than I originally thought before last year. The playoffs proved that he could still score in a major way even when the other two of the big three were not around.

Plus he is also a class act. If we are going to trade him, we should get commensureate value in return along with a deal that works financially for the Wiz now and in the future.

EG has shown since he has been here that he does not make too many bad deals (the match ET's contract aside). He won't make a deal unless it is pretty certain it will be good for the Wizards.

I thot Arenas said he was willing to take less money so the team can sign big time players. So how much of his max contract will he give up to get AK-47?

AK-47 is a great player and a classy guy (As John Amaechi tells it, he was just about the only guy in Utah Jazz organization who wasn't a homophobe), and it's a shame the Wizards don't have the right economic situation to bring him here. But I'm glad that Ernie decided to hang onto Jamison, rather than try to peddle his expiring contract. AJ is over 30 and not exactly the best defender around, but he really went above and beyond in the playoffs last year, and he's earned a certain amount of respect from Ernie and Abe.

If anyone needs any more reason why Les BouleS is a mediocre team, it can be traced all the way down to the "fans." I guess in this town, a player who's nice and puts up decent numbers is enough to keep him around, even though this player played his heart out but the team still got swept in the playoffs, badly. I guess people here are content with status quo and just tickled silly there's a self proclaimed "star" in town.

The Wiz got swept from the playoffs because their two All Stars were injured, not because AJ put up playoff numbers exceeded only by Kobe.

There aren't many teams that wouldn't get swept if their two best players were down. And do you imagine Kirilenko would carry a team offensively in similar circumstances?

I don't think the "fans" are satisfied with the status quo. How many posts have we seen complaining about the Navarro trade, or the Etan-Brenda drama, or the lack of team defense?

But the AK-47 for AJ trade you're proposing is a net loss. Why don't you admit you're wrong about that or at least defend why you think you're right instead of dissing the Wiz fans? Unless all you're about is starting fights.

Nice post, Michael. Very well reasoned. Couldn't agree more. He could help defensively but it's just not feasable.

Man, I can't wait for the season to start. Still hoping they have training camp down here in Richmond.

I think some of the "fans" here have a short memory. This team was literally crippled during the end of the 2nd half of the season when Caron was out. Yes, both Gilby and AJ were healthy and playing, but the team was on a tailspin, having a 30% "winning" percentage during the final 30 games. Do I need to remind anyone of that infamous west coast road trip? I don't think so.

Let's not get caught up in this numbers game, with points and rebounds and this and that. Kobe went on a crazy streak towards the end of last season, x number of games over 50 pts. What did that do for the team? The only number that counts is wins vs. losses.

First, Jamison is one of only a handfull of players that had at least 19 ppg and 8 rpg. The list includes KG, Dirk, Duncan, Pau Gasol, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Jermaine O'Neal, Yao.....

Not bad company. And some are saying we should give him up for a 13ppg 6 rpg guy?

Like we need another player crying about the coaches "motivational" methods.

Say what you want about Jamison's defense, but there isn't a better guy in the clubhouse, or on the court. Those are the kind of players that you WANT to "keep around".

Second, and I've posted about this before... It's pretty clear what EG is doing to position the Wiz for next year. With Jamison's expiring contract, he can afford to re-sign Arenas; AND then sign Jamison to a lower contract. If Jamison decides to finish his career in Charlotte, EG will still have $12M-$14M or so to work the free agent market.

Jamison is not untouchable but this clearly is not a good idea. He doesn't answer any of our key issues: low post scoring, low post defense. He renders Gil and Caron more vulnerable to double teams. Bad idea. And the salery ramifications make it a no brainer as well. Great article Mike.

The stories about the players informal workouts have me really juiced for camp to start. I think this could be a very special season. It is contract year for AJ and Gilbert and I am starting to have a feeling that they are gonna just realize that this is make or break year for the Big 3. So they will come out of the gate flaming hot and take over the east. I just hope poor decision-making by Coach Jordan or continued center squabbling doesn't become a distraction.

EG: Abe, I really want AK-47 on this team. I think he'd be great for us and will provide intensity, international experience, and toughness.

Abe: Sorry dude, I can't bring him here. Not because I'm cheap, but b/c I don't like the "AK-47" nickname. Recall I changed this team's name form "the Bullets" to "the Wizards" because I'm anti-crime. I want my players to shoot J's, not bullets, so when they make the all star team, I can serve them cake.

EG: Abe, you're a genius. (get me the f# out of here).

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

I don't think we have to ignore DC Man88 but I do wish he would back up his argument for a AJ for AK trade with something besides a fantasy conversation between Ernie and Abe. There have been some very good points made against that trade.

yeah i want ak47 in wizards uniform..

I don't think we have to ignore DC Man88....

Posted by: NateLo | September 20, 2007 11:33 PM

Why would you want to hear ideas about how to improve the Wizards from a Heat fan who hates Gil and the Wizards? Are you as dumb as DC Boy88?

There is no way a Heat fan posts on here that regularly...

lighten up boys...that post by DCMan of the EG/AP dialog was funny, thats all. It made me chuckle.

The real challenge this year will be EJ. Looking back at the way he managed the personnel on the floor and the bench last year, was downright juvenile. Lining up plan B from a coaching perspective, if EJ's behavior continues along this line, has got to be one of EG's top priorities. Maybe EG could lure GW out of terpland for the following season...

Funny, oddjob. GW's shtick would go over REAL WELL with pro athletes.

Moving AJ for AK now would be tantamount to giving the team a total personality transplant right before the season begins. Like it or not, this team is all about AJ, GA and CB, and the constant offensive pressure they put on the other team. As Bill Carr and some others have said, the importance of AJ is underrated by a lot of people.

To trade a top-class baller like AJ for a lesser-class player like AK (whatever the contract angle) would hurt EG's credibility around the league, IMHO.

Pretty good article on Pech this morning in the Washington Times. The second page offers some early thoughts on Pech from EG and EJ:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070921/SPORTS03/109210099/1005/SPORTS

I did not ever write that I did not respect what AJ brings to the table. I love his intangibles, his toughness, leadership, the fact that from all accounts seems to be a great guy. He can also score, but I think his rebounding numbers are over rated. If you look at hollingers stats he has a relatively low rebounding rate compared tot other 4s with comparable minutes, he just plays a lot of minutes on a fairly poor rebounding team and therefore ends up with a lot of rebounds. I dont get me wrong, I dont think he is a bad rebounder, just not a great one, and if AK got his minutes he would average at least that many rebounds, a 3-6 less points, but more more assists and blocks and a ton more d. He can also run, and will not need the ball to score. So I love AJ, but I think that AK would be an upgrade, i realize I am the minority, but just wanted to make sure that people understood I am against giving AJ away, and hated the AJ for Randolph trade

What about this deal that AK wants to break his contract? If that happens I would hope Ernie makes a call to his agent. We need some defense badly.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3029816

Yo Mike. Nice post again, keep up the good work. I am one that thinks it would be dumb to trade for AK-47. Yes, AJ has his flaws, but if EJ plays him "correctly" in games we would not even be talking about his "ole" defense, and his two left feet.

AJ should never be in the closing moments of the 4th quarter on the "defensive" end of the floor, he should only be in on the "offensive" end. This is called "situational substitution 101".

Unfortunately, somewhere along the line EJ failed to stay awake in class when the teacher was teaching about that part.

Having AJ's contract come off of the books next year is a windfall all the way around. We do not need to get AK-47's long term deal "choking" us for 4 years. He is not worth that contract. Plus, I love AJ's offensive game, grit, character, and leadership.

I have learned to really appreciate the man's game and what he brings to the table, which is more than AK-47 could ever do on "this team". You can not replace "chemistry" (what AJ has with this team) with $$$'s, just ask the Redskins.

Mike again could you look into doing a story on the Haywood/Thomas, EJ, and EG love/hate triangle. The real story needs to be told to us fans about what is really going on with EJ and Haywood and if it is that bad, why didn't EG just trade him? We are about to face another year of the dreaded two/headed monster any many arguements after the games between Haywood supporters and Etan supporters. Man, am I not looking forward to that again.

For the record I believe Haywood should be starting over Etan and getting 25 to 30 minutes a game and be in there the last two minutes of the game on the "defensive end" of the floor only. Of course this is "situational substitution" again, and we all know how well EJ is adept at practicing and applying the concept correctly.

"Moving AJ for AK now would be tantamount to giving the team a total personality transplant right before the season begins. Like it or not, this team is all about AJ, GA and CB, and the constant offensive pressure they put on the other team. As Bill Carr and some others have said, the importance of AJ is underrated by a lot of people.

To trade a top-class baller like AJ for a lesser-class player like AK (whatever the contract angle) would hurt EG's credibility around the league, IMHO.

Posted by: Mitch | September 21, 2007 08:20 AM "

Look at the past 3 seasons. Les BouleS were one and done in the playoffs except the season when Larry Hughes was here? And, they had success with Larry b/c he guarded the 2 really well and was tops in steals. what has happened to the backcourt D since he left? Regressed with DS. If Les BouleS remain status quo, with the current team, what makes anyone think they'll go far in the playoffs, especially when other teams have gotten better?

Chances are unlikely b/c there's far too much uncertainty on the team. You can bring in all the hired guns you want, but unless you have toughness and D, you won't get far. Go look at Chicago and Detroit. Toughness and D right there.

In the end, Abe will not allow the AJ trade b/c AJ is his favorite player and Abe is an owner who's blindingly optimistic, to a fault. Where has that optimism gotten him? If this team wants to go deeper into the playoffs, I'd let EG do whatever he thinks is best for the team, and to him, it's clear that BTH remains and he's shuffled the coaching lineup, to bring in a D guru, so what can a D guru do with AJ when he can have AK-47?

EJ is clearly not EG's long term solution when EG has to put his fingerprint on the coaching ranks, and only gave his assistants a 1 year extension. As I said before, if EJ does not take this team blazing right off the blocks, I expect him to get canned midseason.

Unfortunately we're pretty far from Chicago in terms of defense, toughness and overall discipline. But to bring in a Euro defensive specialist without having the pieces around him for him to be effective would most likely just lead to frustration on everyone's part. I agree that some kind of change is needed, but without AJ's offense I'm not sure this is even a .500 team.

Agreed that it's an academic question since the Wiz aren't about to make this move anyway.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

I want to see some toughness and defensive mindsets in this team. I'm tired of seeing floaters, 3 pt shooting, defensive lapses. I like AK.

"Look at the past 3 seasons. Les BouleS were one and done in the playoffs except the season when Larry Hughes was here? And, they had success with Larry b/c he guarded the 2 really well and was tops in steals. what has happened to the backcourt D since he left? Regressed with DS."

Larry Hughes is an overrated defender because of all the steals. He overplays passing lanes and gets the highlight reel steal but gives up just as many layups.

DeShawn Stevenson does a much better job playing perimeter defense. What was the Wiz record before CB and Agent Zero went down?

And taking away contract status: who would you rather have AJ or AK-47? Anyone who says AJ is once again too focused on on-the-ball stats. AK by himself would give the Wiz a defensive presence they've never had and in the East that might be enough. Check the teams in the playoffs and then correlate with defensive efficiency. The Wiz have enough scorer, they need some players who play the rest of the game.

Check out this quote from Gilbert in today's USA Today:

Arenas doesn't expect Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood, who shared playing time at center, to come to blows again this season. He looks for Haywood to start with Thomas backing him up.

"No matter if Etan is the starter or the backup, he's going to give you the same kind of energy and the same kind of play," Arenas explained. "Brendan will give you three-four (strong) games (off the bench) because he's mad, then he's going to tank it."

Let me second Ivan Drago's post and add these points:
1. It is my belief that if Jamison were dealt the Wizards would not have a vacuum of leadership because Caron Butler would be ready to fill the role as team leader.
2. It isn't like all the PFs in the West are skinny little guys, when AK-47 was at his most effective he was playing the 4 for Utah, here are his stats from 2005-06 when he played 69 games: 15.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg (2.3 on the offensive end), 4.3 apg, 3.2 bpg, 1.5 spg
3. If AK-47 played to those stats (and he certainly would play the 4 for the Wizards if he were here, no doubt about it) then the Wizards lose a little bit of scoring but gain not only an outstanding defensive player, but another player with enough passing ability to help the execution of the princeton offense. I can't see anyway trading AJ for AK-47 is a net loss for this basketball team.
4. Whether you like DCMan88 or not, the point that this team has gone nowhere the last two seasons is valid. Yes the injuries are an excuse for one, but there is no excuse for the loss to Cleveland the first time. And there is only one way the Wizards can survive another loss by injury to (heaven forbid) Gilbert or Caron, and that is being a better defensive team. As it stands right now, one injury to any of the big 3 means this team starts struggling. Maybe this year will be different, but the evidence only points to one outcome.
5. AK-47 is not someone who gets in trouble. The crying episode is not an indication that he is a cancer on his team, but that he is passionate about being a successful NBA player. The only other time he made any kind of news off the court is the "once-a-year" exception his wife gives him. This makes this trade scenario way more palatable then the others that were discussed involving Jamison.

These are the reasons why AK-47 would be right for this basketball team, it is too bad Pollin's fear of the luxury tax is going to stop it.

You can't say that the Wiz regressed with DS b/c two seasons ago he wasn't with the team. Jeffreys played the 2. Last season the Wiz went into the playoffs missing two all stars. Even LH wouldn't have been able to rescue them.

I wouldn't give up AJ and his expiring contract, but I'd give up Haywood and Daniels for Kirilenko, then sign Jacekawieces (sp?). He'd be a perfect "1" to run the Princeton offense on the second team, playing back home near Maryland with his buddy Songaila. I'd start Kirilenko and bring AJ off the bench for fire power.

I don't know if the numbers work, but I love AK's game and I think we have to have defense if we're going to win in the East.

We may have good chemistry with the group we have, minus Haywood, but a couple of new ingredients could improve the mix.

Hey, I agree with all of you guy's arguements to bring in AK-47, very valid points. However, that contract of his is a "monster". He is not a "max" ball player in my opinion, so that makes trading AJ and his expiring contract a very bad deal.

As I said before, the points AJ provides this team is undescribable. I would rather have a sure fire 20 points per game coming from that spot then 10 to 12 any day.

If it is the defense everyone, including myself, is worried about; EJ could and should use AB or McGuire there if AJ's man is ripping him a good one on that night. To me AK-47 is more like a great "help" defender than man to man defender, thus you do not pay "help" defenders max contracts (just ask Cleveland about our boy Larry Hughes for instance and his playing the passing lanes vs. playing good chest to chest defense).

AB is capable of playing like AK-47 defensive wise because they similar builds and good foot movement for guys their size. However, AB can't learn if EJ does not put in the game. I have seen AB play that type of "D: more than once.

AK-47 does not play "in your chest D" like Ron Artest, Linsey Hunter, Bruce Bowen, Mike James, or Ruben Patterson to name a few, so when did he become this bigtime defensive stopper?

Now don't get me wrong, I love AK-47's game and what he would look like at our 4 spot, but that 64 million is way to much to pay. 40 million left on the contract, instead of 64 million, I would definitely pull the trigger on a trade.

this team would benefit with kirlenko, if they really want to be defensive minded tratd him for jamison, yes kirlenko is a SF but jamison is also. AK can play the 4. marion does it. secondly him and deshawn were best friends in utah. they cried when deshawn got traded to orlando. we still will have good offense with gil, caron, nick, and deshawn is improving. and we gain youth and versatility. he can also gaurd kobe, lebron, wade, pierce, allen, garnett, rasheed, and so on...........

A trade for AK will not happen. I can't imagine the Jazz would be interested in Etan or Brendan packaged along with another crappy Wizard player that is still under contract beyond this season (Grunfeld would love this trade if Pollin agreed to it). The only reason Utah would be remotely interested in a trade with the Wizards would be to obtain the expiring contract of Jamison. The Wiz will not pull the trigger on that for the following reasons: 1) Wiz have to resign Gil and they don't want to exceed the luxury tax threshold, 2) Abe really loves Jamison, 3) everyone views Jamison as the leader of this team, 4) Jamison's contract is expiring and the Wiz might be able to resign him at a reasonable price, and 5) while Andrei does provide you with blocked shots, he is not the same defensive presence as a Ben Wallace, and thus not worth $16 million per year for another 4 years.

DC Man88 has some valid points and as always, some funny posts. The disagreements among everyone fuels a much better blog. Otherwise, we'd just all agree with Michael Lee and call it a day.

Just to continue some comments made about Larry Hughes above. He was not a great on ball defender. Sure he got a lot of steals, but not a real good defender. He was also considered a soft player.

You may remember in the second round of the playoffs three years ago against Miami. Dwyane Wade did about whatever he wanted against the Wiz, which is one of reasons why we lost and did not even win a game.

If Hughes was really that good a defender he would have slowed Wade up some and made it harder for him score. Didn't happen.

It is pretty obvious from most of the comments above that we should keep AJ rather than trade for AK-47.

AJ, besides still making a very good contribution to the Wiz, has a large contract that will end after next season. This gives the Wizards a lot of flexibility, including signing Gilbert to a large contract if it still seems in their best interests to do so.

Also, if AB and/or others with the club can develop some more this year, it is possible we may not even need AJ after this season and can use whatever money is left under the luxury cap to improve somewhere else, such as at the 5.

Hey, I like AK-47's game and think he's underutilized and made somewhat redundant by Boozer the beast at Utah. Unfortunately that lovely contract he has makes him pretty difficult to move.

Still, I think trading AJ for AK would be a bad move, even without the contract issues. What the Wiz need above all else is interior defense and a big man who will protect the rim. AK-47 doesn't solve that problem.

Of course AK would work financially. You just ask for a smaller expiring K in exchange for Jamison, and that would open up more coin to sign Arenas next year. I like the deal, Michael, don't try to scuttle it in the press with misinformation.

Here's something to rile up all the Gilby haters out there: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-09-20-nba-notebook_N.htm

"Arenas said defense will be the key to the Wizards' success. 'We already have the offense,' he said."

Didn't he say that last preseason, too? Do you think maybe he believes it himself this year?

kirilenko is willing to give up the remainder of his 63 million contract in utah. Take that into consideration. The only person on the team who knows on a first hand basis what kirilenko can bring is deshawn. If he could relay this to arenas I'm sure moves can be made. Before the eurocup I said kirilenko will do damage, I think if his price drops even slightly enough to contain gil's contract(and gil makes his contract reasonable depending on who we get like he promised), we should make the move, he has too many intangibles, too good a shotblocker which we need to improve our overall defense by funnelling shots to him and forcing people to take midrange jumpers, and a better rebounder than AJ, scores slightly less but we won't need it as we go to a more balanced offense with more scoring coming out of the two spot.
I'm not sure how we can acquire AK-47 if he has a buyout since we will need to get rid of pieces to accomodate him. We could possibly buy out AJ, or someone else to accomodate the new price. I think we need him, he was underutilized last year, used efficiently when boozer wasn't there, and used efficiently during eurocup.

The more I think about it, the less I like my previous comment. Never mind. Things could't be better than they are now.

I love Gil's "tank it" comment about BH, quoted by Sean earlier. Funny how after years playing together these guys know each other like the backs of their hands. On the other hand, I'd say it's kind of a, well, unique way to decide who should start and who should come off the bench. The guy with the better attitude gets to come off the bench. But the fact is, Gil's being a realist and he's probably right.

"No matter if Etan is the starter or the backup, he's going to give you the same kind of energy and the same kind of play," Arenas explained. "Brendan will give you three-four (strong) games (off the bench) because he's mad, then he's going to tank it."

Gilbert Arenas in todays USA today.

Wow, straight from the horse's mouth, huh? I agree with Gilberts comments, but I still say if Haywood is in the last 2 minutes in games on the defensive end you would see better energy from him.

I still say if EJ stops trying to play mind games with Haywood and "jerking his minutes" all around the place you will get good production from him.

Assuming Gilby's right about Etan (ie. same kind of energy and same kind of play), then what we have seen is surely not enough to cut the mustard as a starting center in this league.

I find it curious that this quote is coming from a player who complained about coaching techniques, complained when he was told to play some D, and then there was the infamous one game where he refused to shoot the rock during the 1st half b/c he was throwing a hissy fit after someone called him a ball hog.

As a non leader on this team, his comments are better served taking it to these guys faces rather than going to the press. The last time he took something to the press, about having to play D, AJ had to take him out to the woodshed and "smack him around." Gilby should check himself at the door before he starts running his mouth about other players.

Time for Gil to post his PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN 88, etc. anonymous message again.

Thing can be said and done in the heat of the moment. People change and grow also, especially when they are young.

AK would be a huge, huge upgrade to Jamison. He is one of the five best players defensively in the NBA and would fit in perfectly with our offense (dare I say, potentially even better than Jamison after a year or two to adjust). More importatnly, this guy is only 26 years old. He was selected to an all-star game at age 23 - the list of guys to do that recently is not long (Lebron, Carmelo, Wade, don't think there's been any others). His next 4-5 years are his prime and he is available for pennies on the dollar because of his struggles last year on the court and with his coach.

The Wizards are a combination of CHEAP and IDIOTIC not to look at this guy. If they pull off a swap of Jamison for AK that also nets them an expiring contract(s) for Etan Thomas, then the financial burden is not overwhelming. Under this scenario, they in fact will be to get under the luxury tax next year after re-signing GA, albeit without any financial flexibility to speak of. But so what? If AK comes to DC and regains his form or old, he immediately goes from untradeable to hot commodity and could easily net the Wiz a few years down the line much more than they gave up.

"Time for Gil to post his PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN 88, etc. anonymous message again.

Posted by: | September 21, 2007 05:14 PM "

OMG, you are so right! I wondered if it was Gilby himself (Agent Weirdo), his babies' momma, his true momma, or Lisa. Could be all of them.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE INAPPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

The irony of the post above. Acknowledges me by responding to me every time after I post with that sweet statement.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

stk, $15m next year and $18m in 2010 aren't "pennies on the dollar". And Utah's not going to take on a contract like Etan's that's even worse than the one they'd be getting out from under. The Wiz will be paying AJ a third of that in 2009. AK may or may not be an upgrade, but he's not worth three times AJ by any stretch of the imagination.

EG has a good strategy here: retain Gilbert, re-sign AJ for less money, and see how the likes of AB and Pech develop. In the meantime he's got a very capable backup 4 in Songaila. If the Wiz are going to make a move at 4 it should be for someone who can defend the post and the rim. AK is a great defensive player, but he's not that guy.

Sucessful GMs in other sports talk of trading a star like AJ a year or so "too early". AJ have been a wonderful player for the Wiz.
I like the idea of packaging him with either "center" to make the cap work, then attempting to discover a CENTER that someone else might not appreciate. If the Wiz could get rid of BTH, sign Party John to hold down the end of the bench.

I don't think we have to ignore DC Man88....

Posted by: NateLo | September 20, 2007 11:33 PM

Why would you want to hear ideas about how to improve the Wizards from a Heat fan who hates Gil and the Wizards? Are you as dumb as DC Boy88?

Posted by: | September 21, 2007 01:53 AM

There is no way a Heat fan posts on here that regularly...

Posted by: Chinatown | September 21, 2007 02:29 AM

Really? Look how often the loser Heat fan Clewiston88 posts on the ESPN Wizards board. And, they are the same person/animal/fungus.

The only fungus is between your ears. I've said many times that I do not blog on any other site, but I guess that notion hasn't processed through the muck between your ears yet.

Ahh, yes, this would not be the Wizards blog without good comments and the nonsense from the so call DC... and the fools that respond. Again, if this guy wishes to insult and/or offer considered comments, let him. Why in hell do you respond to his insults of Arenas? Clearly there are issues of jealousy and who knows what else...So what, we all hve our crosses to bear. If he has dreams/nightmare of GA, hey more power to ya bud!

"Clearly there are issues of jealousy and who knows what else...So what, we all hve our crosses to bear. If he has dreams/nightmare of GA, hey more power to ya bud!

Posted by: | September 21, 2007 10:25 PM "

The ridiculous premise to your argument is that I'm jealous of Gilby. I give equal time and say with criticism for all players, but clearly, Agent Weirdo is the drama queen/diva hypocrite on this team, which is why he gets more criticism period.

To say that I'm jealous of him is ludicrous b/c if I were to be jealous of someone, there are countless other pro athletes that make more money than he does, have accomplished more in their college and pro careers, and don't act a fool like him that I would rather be jealous of.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE INAPPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

Yeah, DC Man88, Agent Zero is the worst behaved athlete in all of professional sport and you just can't find anyone else out there to bash. Brenda pouting doesn't bother you, the Poet moralizing doesn't bother you, DS hosting a gunfight doesn't bother you, AB lookin' for a hooker does't bother you. But Gilbert dared to say he would take less than max money, and then changed his mind, and likes to talk about himself. Now THAT is just inexcusable.

You act like a jilted lover. He wouldn't autograph something for you, or what? Boo hoo hoo. Get over your Gilbert fixation and get a life.

I vowed not to blog until at least training camp started but then, one of the top 5 defenders in the league decided that he doesn't want to play in Utah anymore. I know Mike said the numbers don't work, but my question is this. If he's that desparate to leave, shouldn't the Jazz just buy him out? Or at the least, listen to offers for him? And if he's that passionate about basketball as Mike reported, wouldn't he restructure his contract to accomodate his new team? The only downside I see to a potential AK/Jamison swap is, yup, you guessed it, Gilbert. Gil looks up to him and we all know that he listens when Jamison speaks. Ernie knows this and that's why he'll do anything to keep Jamison paired with Gil. Can you imagine Eddie trying to run the Wiz w/o Jamison there? Gil would never pass. NEVER!!! So as much we want AK-47 to come to dc, I don't think its happening. Besides, I think Blatche can be a Kirelenko type player if (say it with me) EDDIE PLAYS HIM!!! Plus, wouldn't it be kinda wierd having a bama on our team named AK-47 after we just changed our name from the bullets do to the violence in the area?

Just read where Jasikevicius (yup, I got it right) was waived by Golden State. Now there would be a smart pick up. He's deadly from behind the arc and would give the wiz a spot shooter when Gil penetrates. Now if we can just get him to kick it back out :-)

Your Wizzards are not a rotary league team. Only teams with chemistry win championships in the NBA. AJ is the main chemistry guy on this team. EG knows this and will not trade him for anything short of a ridiculous deal in the Wizzards favor. Yes your Wizzards need defense, but that has to come from the heart. Lets see if AJ and GA can lead by example on the defensive end too...they will need to if this team is to go far in the playoffs this year.

Sorry fellas, AJ will not be playing defense this year or any. What's past is prolouge! He is simply not quick enough or strong enough (tall as well) to play better defense at the 4. He can always give a better effort, which is all you can ask. As for AB playing better defense or even playing more minutes, I just cannot get over the fact that HIS TEAMMATES THINK THAT HE DOES NOT GIVE SUFFICIENT EFFORT TO GET BETTER, SO WHY EXACTLY SHOULD EJ PLAY HIM. Further, his mental makeup/approach, as significant part of playing defense, is one of a "lamb." Think about the effort and approach by Kevin G. and AK, hmmmm, a bit different is it. He can get better, but he will not be AK or KG, he does not have the appropriate attitude.

Looks like someone hit a nerve with the "jealousy" issue. DCM...has a jones for Gilbert, too funny! ONly the Washington Wiz Blog.

Andre K. problem in Utah seemed to have been that his teammates didn't respect him on the court especially Boozer. As far as Jamison goes, don't even think about giving him up for Kirilenko for two reasons. One, He's tough for opposeing teams to deal with, and two is, in serious games he gets serious, unlike many NBA players.

Looks like Deron isn't full of love for AK either, questioning his work ethic and attitude.

http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_6965833

You also have to think, with AK miscast as a 3, that Utah would need a quality 3 out of any AK trade. Not sure Ernie has one he's willing to offer.

man, just ignore that DC Man88. why u all talk to him. he's a nerd who sit at the comp all day long, don't have a real job, waiting for a respond. u not gonna stamp the nerd u all know that aight ?

rock on DC Man88 "aka crooked teeth" , dont forgot to keep on posting ur comment like every hour while we r all chillin.

and make the nerd nation proud

Sorry fellas, AJ will not be playing defense this year or any. What's past is prolouge! He is simply not quick enough or strong enough (tall as well) to play better defense at the 4. He can always give a better effort, which is all you can ask....

Posted by: Skeef | September 22, 2007 07:38 AM

AJ is 6'9" and very strong for his weight at 235. He runs the floor well, so he has speed. AJ does lack lateral quickness and explosiveness, but if he could play better defense, he would. It isn't a lack of desire. AJ just isn't a good defender.

AJ would be a better power forward if he were teamed up with a beast defender at the center spot. But Haywood is terrible, a real pansy and a crybaby. And while Etan has heart and toughness, he's too short. Etan is still our best bet, though, until Blatche gets ready to start at center.

But AJ makes up for his weak defense with great scoring and solid rebounding. Here's one thing that would help us a lot: AJ was awesome posting up in the playoffs. We should have him do that more all season. He could still step out and shoot 3s, but he's one of the few post up options we have. In fact, he's probably the only one we have.

After reading all these comments and thinking it through, the Wizards and their Fans really are better served by keeping AJ and passing on Kirilenko, good as he is and as much as we need his skill set.

AJ is about the only grown-up on this team and he has the respect of his teammates for it, his offense is unquestioned, he rebounds and he really left it all on the floor in the playoffs last season.

So he we are again, facing another season with Brendan and Etan at the 5... hoping against all prior evidence that we will see a career season from one or both of them... this means 47-35 tops, out in second round, barring a miracle...

imagine how good we will improve if brendan play hard in every game or at least half a game he plays

If Kirinko was such an answer at the four why did Utah go out and sign Boozer? When Boozer was hurt Utah couldn't win with AK at the 4, when he's playing power forward teams consistantly back him down in the post.
And most of all for a guy who's calling card is supposed to be his defense, hustle and rebounding, he now says playing for Sloan is hurting his game. Sloan values defense and rebounding maybe more than any coach in the NBA, Kirilenko crying about his role on the team and his coach's rigid style tells me he's not happy with his role in the offense.
That indicates to me his problem is he's not happy being a third or 4th option on offense. Why would he be any happier here where he'd be no better than the third option?
Saying he'd rather go to a worse team in the NBA or go back to Europe indicates that the problem is he wants to be the main man. Sloan's no babydoll to play for, but grousing that much about his coach indicates he wants every thing revolves around him. And to be that main man he'd even except losing or playing in Europe to get his way.
Other guys like Navarro are willing to take a hit in their salary just to play with and compete against the best players in the world. Kirilenko's willing to walk away from max money so he can be a big fish in a little pond.
Not exactly the kind of guy I'd want to invest max money in. It's amazing to me that in the same post that some can critize Arenas for asking for a Max contract, they can insist that the Wiz should invest max money in a guy making max dollars and can't find a role with his current team.
A guy that wants off of a playoff team that's making max money and is crying about being the 3rd or 4th option on offense isn't my idea of a big upgrade. If we want a All NBA defender that's a head case why not look at Artest? He'd cost alot less in dollars and be cheaper to get in a trade. I'm not sure that the chances of him blowing up the chemistry in the lockerroom are really alot greater than bringing in Kirilenko.
The more I think about it, even if Grunfeld could pull a deal that would heavily favor us this might be a guy to really avoid. I like this team's chemistry, a defensive upgrade needs to come from within. The answer isn't in bringing in a guy that could end up crying about not being the main man around here.
Jamison's leadership and his role in this offense and in the lockerroom are under rated by many, but Grunfeld values him too much to risk blowing up this team for a Kirilenko deal.

Just read that Ruffin signed with Milwaukee.

imagine how good we will improve if brendan play hard in every game or at least half a game he plays

Posted by: nv | September 23, 2007 10:28 AM

Do you also imagine there's Santa Claus and a tooth fairy? Brenda's been here long enough to prove he's a slacker - that's why Gil said he "tanks it."

No to Artest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, why no blog entry on Michael Ruffin's departure? Where's the love, fellas?

Wasn't really suggesting Artest, just making the point that Kirilinko could be nearly as disruptive.
Always intersting to see what I guy's teammates think of him when a trade request is made. Deron William's comments make it real clear Kirilinko's really not a hard worker or a team guy.
I'd pass on a guy that's got that rep. from the guys that know him best on a playoff team. To get better and go deeper in the playoffs you need to get guys that are leaders and work hard all the time at improving their own games and improving their team.
In many ways Kirilenko's game has regressed in the last three years, he blames his coach, his teammates seem to have a different view.
No way I'd ship out a "chemistry guy" and a player that keyed this team's turn around for an unhappy camper on a playoff team that wants the ball, but can't shoot.

Here's the problem: we gotta improve our interior defense somehow, either from the center or power forward position. If we wait for free agency, there's no guarantee we get that type of player; and even if we do, we're going to overpay. But even if AK is somewhat overpaid, is he better than what we might get in free agency? My opinion is: yes, we should pull the trigger on that deal, it's a sure thing in terms of what AK provides (interior blocked shots). The other way we improve is if Blatche turns into a strong inside guy, but there's no guarantee of that either. So AK looks like a pretty good option.

"Yeah, DC Man88, Agent Zero is the worst behaved athlete in all of professional sport and you just can't find anyone else out there to bash. Brenda pouting doesn't bother you, the Poet moralizing doesn't bother you, DS hosting a gunfight doesn't bother you, AB lookin' for a hooker does't bother you. But Gilbert dared to say he would take less than max money, and then changed his mind, and likes to talk about himself. Now THAT is just inexcusable.

You act like a jilted lover. He wouldn't autograph something for you, or what? Boo hoo hoo. Get over your Gilbert fixation and get a life.

Posted by: zinger2 | September 22, 2007 12:25 AM "

Hmmm, maybe if BTH, Etan, DS, and AB wanted to be the face of the franchise and asked for max money like Gilby, then their actions would matter more and they would receive more criticism.

I guess to you, asking for max money and being the face of the franchise and goofing off is no worse than being your dad as the head wizards mop boy who mans the sweat broom and missed a spot.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Just read some comments by one poster criticizing AK-47 that are so laughable b/c if only that person could see those descriptions parallel a star wannabe on Les BouleS and the irony in his own words.

This poster said something about what teammates think negatively about AK-47......oh yeah, I guess on Les BouleS, you probably could also mean Gilby being called a ballhog, AJ had to take him out to the woodshed, mad b/c he didn't want to play defense b/c it took him out of his offensive rhythm, etc...)

This poster said something about "getting better and going deeper in the playoffs".... oh yeah, like how Gilby carried Les BouleS these past 3 seasons deep into the playoffs?

This poster said something about "needing guys who are leaders" ....oh yeah, except for those perceived "max money leaders," like Gilby who proclaims that he is not a leader and wants nothing to do with leadership, but wants max money?

This poster said something about players needing to care about "improving their own team," ....oh yeah, just Gilby saying he will sacrifice max money so that the team can afford better free agents, calling out fellow players, but then changing your mind b/c you have only 100 mil left to feed your kids?

This poster said something about AK-47 "blaming his coach," ....oh, yeah, like Gilby saying the coach detracted from his own game by forcing him to play D when Caron was out. Or how he sold his coach out about not wanting to play the Princeton Offense, but instead, the helter skelter offense?

Something about "blaming your teammates,"...oh yeah, like blaming your center for only bringing it when he's mad. Oh, so Gilby, you're mad at your center b/c he's not always back there to bail you out when you ole your guy on defense? Huh?

If only this dude could see the irony in his own words.....maybe if he took his blinders off....not likely though.

That idiot DC whatever he/she is was complaining about Gil AD NAUSEUM even before he mentioned max money. Dude, you are ridiculous...and SAD.

AJ is 6'9" and very strong for his weight at 235. He runs the floor well, so he has speed. AJ does lack lateral quickness and explosiveness, but if he could play better defense, he would. It isn't a lack of desire. AJ just isn't a good defender.

AJ would be a better power forward if he were teamed up with a beast defender at the center spot. But Haywood is terrible, a real pansy and a crybaby. And while Etan has heart and toughness, he's too short. Etan is still our best bet, though, until Blatche gets ready to start at center.

But AJ makes up for his weak defense with great scoring and solid rebounding. Here's one thing that would help us a lot: AJ was awesome posting up in the playoffs. We should have him do that more all season. He could still step out and shoot 3s, but he's one of the few post up options we have. In fact, he's probably the only one we have.

Posted by: | September 22, 2007 11:24 PM

You are making my point, he cannot be much of a better defending because he does not have the physical attributes. You are also right that a beast defender in the middle will mop up all the mistakes and one-on-one losses by AJ.

What about this guy as another center. He got a lot of rebounds and points in FIBA and he's young and strong. We could dump Brenda and sign this guy:

Big man Batista turns Celtics down

Sep 20, 2007

The agent for Atlanta Hawks' free agent forward-center Esteban Batista said late last night that his client had declined an offer to sign with the Boston Celtics.

Agent Marc Cornstein indicated Wednesday that the Celtics, Charlotte, Phoenix and Indiana had made offers to the 6-10, 270-pounder. Cornstein wouldn't say why his client had turned down the Celtics, or which team Batista was leaning toward signing with.

Source: Boston Globe
Related: Esteban Batista

I'm guessing he wants too much money.

Skeef, I agree with you up to a point about AJ. He lacks lateral quickness and explosiveness. But it isn't for lack of trying or lack of height or strength or getting up and down the court. He just isn't a good defender.

I wish we had a better defender at the center spot. Etan is a good banger, rebounder and shot blocker, but lacks height. Brenda is tall enough but stinks, is uncoordinated, and is a cancer.

DC Bigot88 resurfaces with 10, count 'em, 10, paragraphs about Gilbert. Anybody else on this board ever write 10 full paragraphs about anyone? That little boy rants about Gilbert with the kind of passion only a jilted lover can feel.

Boy, do you keep a picture of Gilbert up on your wall and throw darts at it at night, tears welling up in your eyes? Probably not, since your momma doesn't let you keep a dartboard in your bedroom.

Or maybe that's the problem, that your momma is a little TOO crazy about Gilbert. Mmm mmm mmm she just LOVES that man.

BOOHOOHOOHOOHOOHOOHOOHOOHOO!!!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

I knew it.

I drew a valid comparison that was made by a Gilby lover against AK-47 as a player and person, and paralleled it with the EXACT scenario with Gilby, and no one could refute it, but instead, just blast me.

If this loser can see, each of my "10 paragraphs" consisted of just one sentence/point. I spread out each point to make it easier to read, not jumble 30 points/phrases into one huge glob that another person I know on this blog does who does not even space paragraphs between each other.

So, if you consider one sentence as a single paragraph, then you really wasted time pointing this out and probably failed English in school.

Regardless, the faults that this person pointed out about AK-47......Gilby's been there, done that. Nothing new in these parts with those type of antics with Gilby.

Maybe that's because nobody takes you seriously anymore, DCMan, especially when it comes to Gilbert. I tried to when I first started posting on this board. But what's the point, when you run away from those may instances you have been challenged or refuted, with the (not terribly mature) "I don't care what you think I don't have to explain anything to anyone I'll keep saying what I say" response? Or when you just name-call and belittle the poster instead of respond to the post?

You're the one who made the argument that AK-47 should be brought to the Wiz. GM made the very good observation that AK-47 has displayed many of the same traits, including a max contract, that you deplore in Gilbert, which opens you up to the charge of being a hypocrite (and I would add, considering your previous posts and the fact of AK-47's skin pigmentation, to the charge that you apply a different standard to white players than to black players).

You 10-point recitation -- and technically those are 10 paragraphs, but who cares? -- doesn't refute GM's point, it reenforces it: if AK-47 and Gilbert share many common characteristics, as both GM and you have now argued, your support for the former and condemnation for the latter would appear to be based on something other than the basketball merits. A disproportionate dislike of Gilbert, at a minimum.

OK, now go ahead and give us your best "I don't have to explain myself to anyone I'm going to keep telling it like it is about Gilbert" rant.

this whole thing piss me off.this team is screwed I'm a die hard fan since I was born I've been a bullets/wizards fan. as long as abe owns this team we will never win a title.Abe dosen't give a sh*t about winning and I'm really tired of it 30+ years 1 title and no desire to really make a contender.we need D its as simple as that. Jamison is a liability on the defensive end. yeah hes and offfence machine but scoring isn't the prob.the prob is defense until thats fixed i'll have to get use to 1st or 2nd round exit.please abe care enough to really improve this team

Hey Mike, or Ivan, how about you guys post something new (newsy) so we can get off this kick? Training camp opens next week. When is the roster set? Any big guys coming to bang Brendan around?

can we all just get along? lol

1. Salaries aside, AJ for AK-47 DOES NOT WORK!

AJ's game compliments the other players on the Wizards team. He is a very reliable 3-point shooter - so the other team has to guard him at the line..

The reason Gilbert can slash to the middle and get easy penetration is because the other team's power forward is not in the lane clogging the middle.

Caron can operate with his mid-range game easier because there are fewer bodies crowding the lane.

Now substitute AK-47 for AJ. What do you have? A guy with a similar mid-range game to Caron, but without the post moves. No long range shot, but a good individual defender.

If I'm Cleveland, Boston, or Miami ..... I simply pack everything tight to the lane, and dare the Wizards to shoot long range jump shots. Both Gil's and Caron's offense would suffer.... a lot!

2. Regarding salaries. If you trade AJ for AK-47 (which is really the only option that works), you then cannot re-sign Arenas next year. AJ's expiring contract is the big reason the Wiz will be able to resign Arenas to a max contract next year. If they trade AJ's expiring contract for AK-47's monster contract, they will probably not be able to sign Arenas.

Is AK-47 worth Jamison + Arenas? NO!

3. AK-47 saying he would give up his contract to go back and play for Russia is just hot air. He can't. Basically, Utah ownes his contract (unless they trade him) no matter if he plays for them or not.

He, along with every other player in the NBA, has a guaranteed contract. AND, AK cannot play for Russia if he is still under contract to Utah. FIBA has to honor NBA contracts, so if he doesn't play for the Jazz, he can't play at all.

The only way AK could play for another team would be for the Jazz to buy out his contract - but there's no incentive for them to do that.... They'd still be on the hook for his entire salary under the salary cap rules.

4. One thing I am really looking forward to this year is to see how well Pecherov can play Center. EG thinks of him as a Center. At 7ft, he has the length. If he can keep his position defensively, and rebound.... Offensively, with AJ and Pech both able to hit the 3, the middle would be completely clear.

Kirilenko has a terrible work ethic, and is reportedly more interested in playing World of Warcraft than working on his game in the offseason. Truth be told, Ill pass on AK47, especially at the cost of Jamison who is a leader on the team and left it all on the floor in the playoffs when nobody else was producing.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE INAPPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

This used to be a great place to come and read other Wizards/basketball opinions are takes on the Wiz,but DAMN, it has turned into a post about Gil no matter the subject matter. I know, I know, why don't I go elsewhere. The answer is because I so enjoy Michael and Ivan's posts and would like to read some of you guys take. Some of you seem to have great comments. This love/hate Gil crap is really getting old and is ruining this post! Can't we give it a break for a minute. By the way, I hear the Wiz just signed Roger Mason. Any comments on that developement?

Yeah - the constant ragging on Gilbert by a certain party is certainly getting old.

As for Roger Mason - I like his game, but not sure where he fits in. I think I read somewhere that he was invited to camp, but I have not heard about a contract. - - - Where did you read that he signed a contract?

Since I like to look at things from a positive point of view, I take it as a positive that I've progressed from a silly old fart to a certain poster.
But blinders on or not on I've watched alot of basketball and it's pretty hard to convince me that Kirilinko is the answer to our prayers at the 4.
I've watched him alot in this league, I used to regard him as a even taller, longer armed, Scottie Pippen. But his game hasn't progressed, his defensive skills dictate him as a real match up nightmare at the two or three.
The kind of guy that could use his length and quickness to cause nightmares in passing lanes. At the 4 he loses all of his advantages that he gains playing in space.
But since he's developed no real offensive go to moves, he's neither a 4 or a 3 offensively and is simply a liability. He blames his coach for his lack of offensive production, Deron Williams placed the blame sqaurely somewhere else.
This discussion was about the merits of a Kirilenko trade, like every other discussion, everything evolves in to Gilby this, Gilby that.
My point is and was, if Kirilinko isn't happy being the third option on offense in Utah where he plays with what some think is a second coming at point gaurd in Deron Williams. Why would we even thing that he'd be any happier here where those same people want to pair him with what they describe as a ball hog?
I like the chemistry of the team we have, and I really like that so many of this year's players have been working out together for so long. Our team's leader's have been doing what they should on the practice court, the weightroom, and getting some court time together at Barry Farms.
This Kirilinko deal won't happen, not because Abe Pollin's cheap or Arenas is what ever. It won't happen because Grunfeld is a smart basketball man, and it really wouldn't be a move that would improve this team. Arenas, Jamison, and Butler are not going any where prior to this season, bank on it!
We've got nothing to offer Utah for that bloated contract that makes any sense for us that they'd want to take. Frankly I'd be surprised if they end up able to move him any where.
Just another season of much unhappyness in Salt Lake. With any luck, his one night "out" a year will be coming up soon. Maybe that will put a smile on his face.

My guess is that Mason isn't quarenteed and will have to make the team out of camp.
He'll probably be dogfight with Taylor and Chase for a roster spot.

I read it on the Wizards blog and it looks like his contract is guranteed from what I read.

Mason has been resigned by the Wiz and is a member of the team. See link to Wizards website:

http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/mason_070924.html

"You're the one who made the argument that AK-47 should be brought to the Wiz. GM made the very good observation that AK-47 has displayed many of the same traits, including a max contract, that you deplore in Gilbert, which opens you up to the charge of being a hypocrite (and I would add, considering your previous posts and the fact of AK-47's skin pigmentation, to the charge that you apply a different standard to white players than to black players).

You 10-point recitation -- and technically those are 10 paragraphs, but who cares? -- doesn't refute GM's point, it reenforces it: if AK-47 and Gilbert share many common characteristics, as both GM and you have now argued, your support for the former and condemnation for the latter would appear to be based on something other than the basketball merits. A disproportionate dislike of Gilbert, at a minimum.

OK, now go ahead and give us your best "I don't have to explain myself to anyone I'm going to keep telling it like it is about Gilbert" rant.

Posted by: Prazak | September 24, 2007 10:46 AM "

I'm glad you pointed that out.

Given the fact that both Gilby and AK-47 have the same negative traits, I would be perfectly happy if Les BouleS don't bother considering AK-47 to be traded for AJ, AND ship Gilby out of here too!! There, you have it.

"EG, don't bring in AK-47!!!! Keep AJ!!!! I don't care what kind of talents AK-47 has. He's a distraction to his current team and will be the same for Les BouleS if traded here, just like Gilby."

Given all that, it's clearly harder in this league to find a talented big man while shoot first guards are a dime a dozen.

The only funny thing I saw was that whether people take me seriously or not, when they choose to bash me, it's b/c they have no valid argument to counter my points. If AK-47 is a cancer to his team, based on GM's points, then Gilby is clearly a distraction to his team also.

BTW, my "10 one sentence paragraphs" are easier to read than someone's comments all lumped together in a one paragraph ode to Gilby romance novel.

DC woman is now arguing about his paragraph, while not knowing that a paragraph may consist of one sentence. Too funny! Good analysis Przak and GM

what start all of this? why everybody is bashing at dc man88?????

"DC woman is now arguing about his paragraph, while not knowing that a paragraph may consist of one sentence. Too funny! Good analysis Przak and GM

Posted by: | September 24, 2007 10:15 PM "

Another person who can't abide by someone's plead to ignore me. Too silly! They may bash me, but they can't stop reading.

GM, you've been silent or anonymous. What do you have to say about DC88's rebuttal of your points against AK-47 in how they pretty much matched the drama that Gilbert has had with the Wizards. Very uncanny.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE INAPPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

I'd pass on a guy that's got that rep. from the guys that know him best on a playoff team. To get better and go deeper in the playoffs you need to get guys that are leaders and work hard all the time at improving their own games and improving their team.
In many ways Kirilenko's game has regressed in the last three years, he blames his coach, his teammates seem to have a different view.
No way I'd ship out a "chemistry guy" and a player that keyed this team's turn around for an unhappy camper on a playoff team that wants the ball, but can't shoot.

Posted by: GM | September 23, 2007 08:30 PM

I agree, GM. I'm proud of the way our guys played in the playoffs without Gil and Caron. They could have slacked off and just gone through the motions, but AJ, Daniels, and Songaila -- and a few others -- gave it their all. I know were swept, but our guys busted their tails and made it competitive and that tells me we have character guys who won't give up. Now we have Gil (I hope!) and Caron, so look out NBA. Here we come!

PLEASE IGNORE DC Racist88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE INAPPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

GM, you've been silent or anonymous. What do you have to say about DC88's rebuttal of your points against AK-47 in how they pretty much matched the drama that Gilbert has had with the Wizards. Very uncanny.

Posted by: Skeef | September 24, 2007 10:56 PM

This idiot is not posting using my name... how pathetic can you get. GM, please ignore this fool. Now that we are clear that he has a jones for GA he is totally out of control.

Everyone in this blog is way out of control. Let's stick to talking about bball, since we're getting close to the beginning of the season. You got DC Man88 jumping on GM because of how GM's descriptions of AK-47 match exactly what Gilbert has done with the Wizards, and then you have all these other host of characters just jumping into the scene and getting on DC Man88's case without even talking about basketball. Nuts!

PLEASE IGNORE DC Racist88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE INAPPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

Also, please ignore the obvious posts from DC Racist88 when he/she/it pretends to be someone else to get someone to respond to him. What a pathetic loser.

Damn! Stop it with the Gilby crap! It has nothing to do with the people on this post praising Gilbert. I think everyone here is objective on Gilbert and the Wiz except one person and it is making a mockery of this post. Just like the fans in other cities stick by their star player/players, so does the Wizard fans. What is so wrong with that? Is he perfect? NO! But who is, can we PLEASE talk about something else. Example, training camp is starting soon, has the Wiz made all of their personnel moves with the signing of Roger. I know a lot of people think he doesn't have game but I here he has been busting his tail over the summer along with the other guys.

I'm sick of all this Gilbert talk. He was way overrated and definitely a me only player, we all know that. So, stop with all this madness. He's only 1 of 12 players on this team. Let's talk about something else, like the beginning of the season!

He is not overrated or a me only player. They say the same thing about Kobe. That is not what I meant. It just seems to me that no matter what the topic, it somehow comes back to Gilbert and some of the comments made are pretty unfair. Now, I can remember some Wizards/Bullet teams where all of the players had a me attitude and that is why they never won. I like the team the Wiz has now and I believe there are some surprises in store. Don't write them off just yet because they did not make any "news worthy/splashy" moves this offseason. I can't wait for the games to begin. I will be right there in the phone booth like last year. I will take the team we have now over the past teams anytime.

I sure would like to see what some of these haters can do with a bball since they are so critical of everyone else.

I can see why Gilbert gets a lot of the criticism though. He's the face of the franchise and will be making the most money once Grunfeld gives him his maximum contract, so there's added pressure for him to carry the team.

That's the same reason Donovan McNabb gets all the pressure. It's because he's the highest paid guy on the team and he's the QB. So, if he's willing to sign the contract to get that money, he's accepting a lot more responsibility and should be taking most of the heat. The eagles pay him to perform.

You know criticism is one thing. And you are correct seeing as how he is the franchise player, he should shoulder most of the heat for the team. However, it just seems a lot of posters are extremely critical of this guy. I have only been in this area for a couple of years and I am converted to the home team(Wiz) but when I was in Miami, I blogged there too and I never saw any of their players raked over the coals like they are in this post. It seems like not one player on the team can do anything right here. I just thought this would be a great place to constructively talk about the Wiz.

Good for Roger Mason,
Great to see a local guy that's been busting his tail at improving his game along with the rest of the guys get a contract. He's also been a good scout and has been out doing clinics and appearances for the team while waiting to see if he got resigned.

My one son and his girlfriend attended the fan event that the Wiz held for their season ticket holders last year. They met Roger and said he was exceedingly friendly and just a really nice guy. He talked about his home renovation business that he's trying to establish and his plans for the future. Just seemed really happy to have made the team here and relishing the moment of being a pro in his home town.

Guys like Bruce Bowen had to bounce around and play in some pretty obscure places while they developed an NBA ready game. Here's to hoping that a hometown guy that's been working hard can carve out a niche with the Wizards.

Roger showed in spurts that he could possibly provide a spark off the bench as a three point shooter. This is something that the Wiz have really lacked, a consistant three point assassin off the bench. We really haven't had one of those guys since... well, maybe Tim Leglar.

Guys like Leglar and Kerr make it clear that a player doesn't have to be the most talented guy in the league to stick if you can knock down those threes. If Mason can come in and start to can those things he could have a niche here.

In the interest of getting along, I will try to space my paragraphs, pardon me, it's been many moons since I've written for an editor and I didn't know I had to be on my P's and Q's. Since my writing style has proven irritating to some I'll make an effort to improve. I do something else for a living, didn't know our posts were being graded.

I just like to talk about pro- basketball, and I'm really looking forward to this season. I see this team building what we had from the late 60's until 79' a team that will be someone that will be a factor every year. Winning a title reguires alot of luck and the stars to aline, but we've got the guy here to get us in the hunt in Ernie Grunfeld.

After how bad things looked when Micheal Jordan drove off from the "Phone Booth", I never thought as a Wizard's fan that I'd see the day when we'd be talking about our 4th straight run to the playoffs this soon. Looking forward to camp opening real soon and this team getting on the floor together. It's a great time to be a Wizards Fan!

Yes GM it is a great time to be a Wiz fan. I can't wait for the season to start too. I enjoy going to the games at the phone booth. I too was glad that Roger made the team and under the tutelage of the new shooting coach(fogot his name) he just may be that 3 point spark off the bench we soneeded. Just hope that the tension between BTH and EJ is over and that BTH play with intensity EVERY game because if he is in the game while mad, he plays his arse off!

Perhaps it is only my personal opinion, but I also find posts easier to read when there is a blank line between paragraphs.

Good post, GM. You almost always have something useful to say.

I, too, hope Mason can make even more of contribution this year from the 3 pt line. From what I have read, look for Caron to be a 3 pt threat this year also.

As far as how bad it seemed when MJ left, sometimes I think things can get so bad that they almost have to improve. And they have these last four years. EG has gradually made us a better team and we will be better this year also, if we stay healthy.

I think we are all ready for this season to begin.

I think it is a shame they couldn't keep that PG who played so well in summer league (I am drawing a blank on his name), I would rather have him than Mason. He is going to have to do better than 32.4 percent from the 3-point arc to make the team in my view.

My understanding is that Mason is on the team with his contract signing. The other pg you speak of signed with a team in Europe.

Latest article says that Chase signed with Miami... Too bad, I was impressed with what I saw in Summer League and I was hoping he could make the team as a third PG behind AD. I guess we're stuck with Taylor.

Nothing against Taylor, but we've seen what he can do (not much), and he has not been one of EJ's favorite players, due to his erratic play.

"Everyone in this blog is way out of control. Let's stick to talking about bball, since we're getting close to the beginning of the season. You got DC Man88 jumping on GM because of how GM's descriptions of AK-47 match exactly what Gilbert has done with the Wizards, and then you have all these other host of characters just jumping into the scene and getting on DC Man88's case without even talking about basketball. Nuts!"

By the way - that post was NOT me... , Someone using my name.

It's a shame that not much news has been made of Ernie's hiring of the new defensive coach, what his philosophy is, and how he's going to get the players to buy into his methodology. How in the world can we go far into the playoffs if we don't play D and don't have any size (i.e. beef) inside?

I see Brian Chase signed with Miami. He was also invited to Wizards camp. A coworker of mine went to the Goodman League and kept telling me how good he was. He also told me that Shaq was crazy over this guy. Apparently he can play pretty well, he tried out for Miami and they signed him. I think he plays the point. He is only 5'9 but I hear he can handle the ball and has a sweet shot off the dribble.

Interesting piece, I think it was in the Post, saying that Chase signed with Miami after Shaq saw him at Barry Farms. Did anyone catch Shaq there? Did he play?

I'm sorry to see Chase go. I was hoping he'd be on the roster. Now it's looking more like we'll have Donnell back.

I think I saw that the Wiz did not invite Lang to camp? Seems to me Wiz should be considering another center for one of those last two roster spots, in place of Taylor or Hall.

I'm worried about the center position. Booth wasn't the end-all be-all, but he provided competent and ready back-up. And with Etan going down with an injury at least once a season who will EJ call up to back-up Brendan when he starts slacking off the way he always does?

I saw an interview with EJ where he said he thinks of Pech and Blatch as more or less interchangeable at either of the two forward spots.

Maybe Ernie is working on signing Sarunas and keeping Donnell, and trading AD's salary for another big man...

Shaq did not play. He was just there as a spectator. My coworker went to pretty much all of the final games which was when he saw Shaq.He said that Shaq told Brian that he needs to be playing for somebody's NBA team this season. I guess he wasn't kidding :-) Now, Chase is with Miami. Didn't Chase play on the summer leagure or am I confusing him with Miles. There were a lot of NBA players playing and in the house from what I understand.

Sad news - they resigned Mason.

Continuing the mediocrity from the bench because they're too cheap. Not one other team Mason tried out for wanted him. NJ, PA, SAC, Cleveland,Miami, Boston...none. He had no game then and still has no game. Does he rebound? No. Great Defender? No. Lousy in the playoffs last year..

GM is celebrating his "streaky 3pt shooting" BIG WOOPS..

So your son & daughter met him..WOW!!
I've met Gilbert, Etan, Butler, Ben Wallace most of the team personally...
very nice guys...But that aint winning a thing.

Yeah and thanks for cutting down on the excessive verbage.

George Templeton - I agree. 32.4 is pitiful. no height, no depth not a pg. Making guest appearances????
Who said such garbage? That wins no games.
Thats all about self promotion & image. Regularly required by the team...I can't believe the person who wrote that: They must not understand anything about professional sports.

I don't see anything wrong with the Mason resigning. The joker has a technique perfect "J" and he plays pretty good defense for being a 3rd string guard. As one of my partners would say, "what the problem is....????""" This is a good pickup.

As for Chase, I saw him down Barry Farms and he looked pretty ordinary to me. By that I mean he never really stood out in the game I saw him in, or in the summer league games they showed on Comcast this summer. Maybe he was "lighting them up" in some of the last final games I did not see. I am glad for the guy that he got a contract.

If anything, the guy the Wiz had on the summer league team (can't remember his name) who is now playing in Europe was the "real deal". Now that was a "true" point guard with a very nice floor game. I was ticked when I found out he signed to play over in Europe.

As the GM mentioned earlier, Mason is like a Steve Kerr or Tim Legler type of player, but with better defense. What's wrong with having that as a 12th - 15th man?

Yo GM - Thanks for puting those spaces in between your paragraphs, it makes it a lot easer to read your posts now. Keep up the good posts because I can tell you know a little something about the game.

Anybody want to read a fluff article?

I see Gilby is optimistic about the season, as I am too. Unfortunately, he didn't say much about playing defense or the team playing defense. Only thing I really read was about how this team was going to outscore people due to the great guard play.

Sure, you can blow by Kobe, but can you defend Kobe too? Talk a bit about that. You can think you're better, but Kobe plays both sides on the ball and has the rings and accolades to go with it.

Oh yeah, you dudes out there can call me "woman" all you want, but at least I don't own, and thus don't have a complex about owning 300 pairs of shoes and being perceived as "a female" like somebody in this article.

Hmm, and I always thought the key to success in the playoffs was D. I guess Gilby didn't have a TV when he was a kid to watch the bad boys of Detroit, both then and now, the Spurs, and also MJ's Bulls.

BTW, don't think I'm harping on Gilby here. I'm responding to a recent article in ESPN. In case you didn't notice, ESPN chose to interview the face of the franchise. If they interviewed someone like AB or Mike Hall who get no PT, and they said the same things, I'd be on their case too.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3034711&name=broussard_chris&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab4pos1&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d3034711%26name%3dbroussard_chris%26lpos%3dspotlight%26lid%3dtab4pos1

There was another pg the Wiz had on their summer league team, seemingly better than Chase, who signed with a European team I believe.

That's old news. He said that in another interview somewhere else. And besides, what is he supposed to say, that the Wiz were going to be at the bottom of the barrel? Here we go again, you searched and searched until you could find a reason to bring up Gilbert again. I'm out! I am not going to read through that crap again. We get it, you don't like Gilbert. Some of us do! Later Gators

How about saying:

"We need to step it up on D b/c we know it takes D to go deep into the playoffs? Scoring is our strength, but we need to work on our weakness, which is not just individual defense, but team defense too. We need to make sure the team buys into this, and we need to spread the ball, because other teams locked in on our guards last year and we weren't used to passing to our bigs. I'm the leader on this team and I'll step up on both ends because being a superstar is great, but being a world champion is better, and to be a world champ, you've got to be good on both ends, play like a team, and stick together."

How's that?

Shame Chase went to Miami, I'd have liked to have seen us have a little quick guy like that competing for the third point spot.

We've always seemed to have problems with teams that have those mighty mite guys. Arenas and Daniels both struggle with them and Taylor isn't the answer either.

Miles actually played much more for the summer league team than Chase but got a bigger quarenteed deal in Europe.

When you get down to final roster spots guys and their agents are always shopping for the best situation and teams are all trying to fill out their bench according to their needs. There's alot of factors that come into play as these guys scramble for a job.

I don't know if Mason is the answer as a three ball guy off the bench. To find out if he can fill that role he'll have to gain some kind of consistant minutes to see if he can gain a regular shooting rythem in games.

No 32.4% last year isn't anything to get excited about, but he's shown signs of being able to shoot in streaks. I'm rooting for the guy cause I've seen him play for years and he's always worked hard.

Exactly what would be the better option that's out there for the 12-15th slots?

I see they posted the TV schedule on the Wiz's website. Looks like they will get a few more games shown nationally this year. I still thought that in spite of their injuries they played their asses off last year in the playoffs. True we lost, but they did not just roll over and quit. I think had Stevenson's shot not been off, we may have usurped some people. Oh well, that is the past. I am looking forward now and October can't come fast enough.

Dang, can't we root for a guy because he's a homie and a good man? Doesn't mean we think he's Kobe, doesn't mean we don't know anything about hoops.

Nobody's 3rd SG is burning it up. It's not Roger's fault that he sits on a thin bench and ends up getting playoff minutes he shouldn't be in. DS shouldn't be the team's second scoring option either but that's what happens when injuries strike at playoff time.

Thomas, we're all here for some interesting verbiage. You don't like lots of verbiage, don't read it. I'll take GM's verbiage over your b*tching any day.

And if you're going to use a big word like verbiage, maybe you should learn how to spell it first.

What a surprise, DC Man88 is googling Gilbert. Might be time for Gil to take out a restraining order on DC Stalker88.

Anyone read the article? It's very positive, and Gil's emphasis is on the team. Maybe he said something about D, maybe he didn't. We don't know what the editor chose to include, but what he did include was all good.

Gilbert also has a few hundred jerseys. What does his collection of basketball shoes or jerseys have to do with anything?

It's sad that some folk who have not played a basket ball game in their lives havae the audacity to put down those who did make it to the NBA. I am glad they signed Mason and if he gets more playing time I think he is going to surprise a lot of folks. Trust, EG would not have signed him if he had not seen something. After all, EG did let Hayes go because if it had been up to EJ, Hayes and Ruffin would still be here. I say congrats to our Homey Mason and wish him well.

I think Dinger missed the entire point, and that is teams don't win championships without playing D. If you know your offense is clicking, then you need to start playing D also. It was both laughable and admirable that Gilby can even conceive the notion that he's better than Kobe. Not!

"Arenas, who was apprehensive in telling me he owns more than 300 pairs of sneakers ("I might sound like a female,'' he laughed), is no doubt proud of his shoes."

"What a surprise, DC Man88 is googling Gilbert. Might be time for Gil to take out a restraining order on DC Stalker88."

BTW Dingaling, I saw the article while surfing ESPN, as they posted a picture of Gilby. Maybe if I googled "dingaling" and it'd show a picture of you.

Yes, I read the article Zinger and thought it was a good article too. And actually, the way I read it, the writer also enjoyed his interview with Gil and was very impressed with Gil's answers. And yes, you are correct, he did say defense would be the key to getting to the next level. So, he understands the importance of playing defense, and for all we know, they could working on that element of their games when they were working out together at the phone booth this summer.

As far as him saying he is going to have a MVP caliber year, I believe that "what you say with your mouth you bring to pass" So I ain't mad at him. He realizes that for that to happen the Wiz have to win and he also know (contrary to what some believe) that it takes 5. He can't win it alone. But he and the players know that in a crunch period when he needs to take over he does. GO WIZ!

"And yes, you are correct, he did say defense would be the key to getting to the next level. So, he understands the importance of playing defense, and for all we know, they could working on that element of their games when they were working out together at the phone booth this summer.

Posted by: Lady Wizz | September 25, 2007 01:41 PM "

Lady Wizz must be on crack or sniffing too much nail polish remover because there's zero, zero mention of defense anywhere in the article. I even did a word search and it wasn't there.

""We rely so much on the perimeter that our big guys don't need to do that,'' he says. "If one gives us 10 [points] and 10 [rebounds], he's 'The Man!' If one gives us 5 and 5, 'Hey, that's what he does.' The guards are going to make it up. We're not worried because when we were playing our best basketball, we were the number 1 team in the East. We just got hurt; we got hit with the injury bug.''

So does that mean you think you guys can contend with Cleveland, Boston, Detroit, Chicago and the rest of the jayvee, er, Eastern Conference, this season?

"Yeah, at the end of the day, when we were going into the playoffs, there were a lot of teams that -- I'd say 95 percent of the teams out there -- didn't want to play us seven games,'' Arenas said. "You don't want to play us seven games, because we score so fast and so easy that it's hard to beat us in seven games.''"

D? Where dat?

With the signing of Mason, the Wizards currently have 15 players on their roster, but Mike Hall and Donell Taylor both only have partially guaranteed contracts.

Lady Wiz, I didn't see the reference to D in the Gilbert article. Doesn't mean he didn't talk about it, editors pick and choose quotes to fit their story, but I didn't see it in the story. That's no reason for He Who Is Obsessed With Gilbert to talk bad about you though. I enjoy your posts.

"He Who Is Obsessed With Gilbert" - - LOL.

Arenas said defense will be the key to the Wizards' success. "We already have the offense," he said. Arenas (28.4 points), Caron Butler (19.1) and Antawn Jamison (19.8) formed the league's highest-scoring trio of teammates.

The above copied from the USA article. Please refrain from personal attacks. You don't know me or what I am about. I am here like everyone else posting about the home team. I did not verbally attack you and I would appreciate if you refrain from attacking me. Really, it "ain't that serious"

My sincere apologies gentlemen, I was referring to the article in the USA Today were Gilbert DID acknowledge that defense was needed in order to get to the next level. Gilbert is talked about so much negatively, I just wanted to have his back and forgot which article was the topic. With that in mind, there is an article in USA today where Gil mentions the fact that the team is going to have to play defense.

Lady Wiz, you're a class act. Thanks for the article.

"Lady Wiz, I didn't see the reference to D in the Gilbert article. Doesn't mean he didn't talk about it, editors pick and choose quotes to fit their story, but I didn't see it in the story. That's no reason for He Who Is Obsessed With Gilbert to talk bad about you though. I enjoy your posts.

Posted by: zinger2 | September 25, 2007 02:07 PM "

Please, you're going by assumptions. I'm going by the espn article and words that came out of Gilby's mouth telling the press that he was frustrated that EJ made them focus on D while Caron was out hurt.

"Arenas said defense will be the key to the Wizards' success. "We already have the offense," he said. Arenas (28.4 points), Caron Butler (19.1) and Antawn Jamison (19.8) formed the league's highest-scoring trio of teammates.

The above copied from the USA article. Please refrain from personal attacks. You don't know me or what I am about. I am here like everyone else posting about the home team. I did not verbally attack you and I would appreciate if you refrain from attacking me. Really, it "ain't that serious"

Posted by: Lady Wiz | September 25, 2007 02:19 PM "

Please again. Defense is key, but who is he referring to about playing defense? The big man in the middle to bail them out?

Did he say in that USA Today article that he was going to devote himself to focus on doing his part with playing D? If so, post that, instead of a generic statement.

Read the article yourself idiot and answer your own damn question!

Yup, nothing about personal devotion to D. I guess it got left on the cutting room floor or edited out. Oh well.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-09-20-nba-notebook_N.htm?csp=34

Dude, what do you do, hang around the internet all day looking to get into the thinnest of possible arguments about Arenas?

A journalist picks 3 or 4 quotes from an entire interview for a story, and you're jumpin on it to bash Gilbert for what the quote didn't say about D, or maybe Gil did say something about it but didn't say it with enough detail or conviction for your highness the Judge of All Things Gilbert.

Can we talk about something besides Gilbert?

"Arenas said defense will be the key to the Wizards' success. "We already have the offense," he said. Arenas (28.4 points), Caron Butler (19.1) and Antawn Jamison (19.8) formed the league's highest-scoring trio of teammates."

This quote also seems a bit short sighted by Gilby. If anyone can recall last season, Les BouleS had a lot of problems
scoring in the paint. They had no inside threat whatsoever. Is Opech going to provide that this season? Doubtful, b/c he's a shooting 7 footer.

Therefore, one can surmise that Gilby is saying we don't need to bring in any scoring big men. Just pay him up when it's time to negotiate that max contract.

What do you do Dingaling? Hang around the net all day waiting for me to make a post so that you can respond and ask why I made a post? If you think I'm ridiculous, you are even more ridiculous.

Man, you hate the fact that Arenas is getting paid. That is all you keep focusing on, his max deal. You might as well get over it and quit putting words in his mouth. You can't surmise anything, you don't know anything he was thinking besides what was posted in the article. Quit hating and find a way to put some cash in your own pocket. Maybe then you won't focus so much on how much somebody else is getting.

"You can't surmise anything, you don't know anything he was thinking besides what was posted in the article. "

Uh, I think it's a lot worse with you going by something that wasn't even in the article (i.e. according to you, probably edited out) rather than me going by something that was actually written in the article.

I would love that both EG and Abe Pollin pay up max money to keep Gilby if he wasn't such a one dimensional shoot first guard on a team that hasn't done well in the playoffs for the past 3 years. Why should Les BouleS hamstring themselves with this type of contract?

If it was Nash, Kobe, Dwade, etc. asking for this type of money, no sweat. They deserve it. Gilby? Not.

DC Man88, are you able to make a post that doesn't bash Gilbert and doesn't insult anyone else on this board? It's just so much negative energy. I've tuned out of this board before and I'm about to tune out again. Everytime I check things out it's DC Man88 laying in to Gilbert, and people laying into each other, with DC Man88 right in the thick of all the mudslinging. Can't we all just give it a rest?

Anybody read the article quoting Deron saying he and coach are tweaking some of their plays to get Kirilenko more involved? He's not coming to D.C.

Natelo, I'm "laying it to Gilbert" in response to a Gilby lover praising him. I'm just providing fair and balanced coverage of Les BouleS, and their happenings. If Gilby had no drama, I would have nothing to go by.

Lady Wiz,
Welcome to the club, you're not a Wizard's Blog regular until you've been assaulted here for...well, being a Wizards Fan.

So, did I assault her for pointing out her misunderstanding of an article about Gilbert where she thought he said he's going to focus on D? Not really.

"Welcome to the club, you're not a Wizard's Blog regular until you've been assaulted here for...well, being a Wizards Fan.

Posted by: GM | September 25, 2007 04:35 PM "

Being a fan does not mean being unconditional in your support. Unconditional support for a team in this town doesn't give you anything but disappointment. I'm sure all Skins, Caps, and Les BouleS fans would agree.

Yeah, right. Fair and balanced the way Fox News is fair and balanced. I've been reading these boards a long time and you are definitely obsessed with taking it to Gilbert whatever the topic is.

You said Lady Wiz must be smoking crack or sniffing nail polish remover. OK, so you're compelled by whatever inner demon to bash Gilbert, but do you have to lay into the other readers too?

Just saw this blog. Writing to also to opin concerning the recent Wiz signings.

I too regret not getting the fellow that left for Europe but not in favor of Mason either. Agree w/"George Templeton."
Also question why he's in NBA.

Not inclined to simply accept a player because he's "local" that says little to nothing. Otherwise they could have kept Juan Dixon, Steve Blake & all the other local players that have entered the NBA and done very well as opposed to "marginal at best.

Perhaps the 5 starters will stay healthy enough to play regular team ball.

In response to the statement about them releasing Jarvis Hayes? Jarvis wanted and asked out.

Mr. DCman88 is a hilarious poster

Most of us that post here have never posted about losing $7000.00 in a bet on the Wizards when Gilbert missed two free throws and lost that playoff game to the Cavaliers.

So for the rest of us, our concepts of reasonable expectations for this team might differ slightly from one that laid their money down on a game like that. I can really see where the win now at all costs feeling could develop.

The car and the girl, I could see getting over... the 7 g's wow! that could really stick in a guy's crawl!

DCMan, you aren't "covering" the Wizards. You are presenting your opinion on a player so enough with the "fair and balanced coverage" bit. You are not a reporter.

That being said basketball is a business first and foremost and the Gilbert is the guy putting asses in the seats, so paying him max money makes perfect sense. If you have to continually ask yourself why management would do that, you're missing a huge point.

Also, the Wizards made the playoffs for the first time in a while 3 years ago. Then the next year they made the second round. Then the year after that they lost their two allstars and managed to keep 3 out of 4 games with the eventual Eastern Conference Champions close enough that they were decided in the last 2-3 minutes of the game. If we have Gilbert and Caron in that series, there is a good chance the outcome is different, and perhaps we could have avoided the subsequent few months of "Lebron is the second coming of Christ" BS that we had to listen to.

One more thing...Gilbert was referring to a mentality he feels he has to put himself in to compete at a high level when he said "I have to tell myself I'm better than Kobe." He has said on NUMEROUS occasions that he has crazy respect for Kobe's game and that he thinks Kobe is the best in the business.

Leave the fair and balanced coverage to the professionals.

were screwed max deal to gil and we can't sign anyone else worth while.So basicly we r stuck with jamison and arenas,that just sucks.Jamison is the down point of this team hell he prob gives up more buckets than he gets,We need Gil back but please let twan go!A fat woman with 1/2 a leg could play better d.Unless we can resign him for 4-5m next year he ain't worth it

Professor P, interesting post. What's your source for saying that Jarvis (aka "Arvis")wanted and asked out?

By the way, you're not a professor of Gilbertology, are you?:)))

Yeah, DCJerk is now going on and on ad nauseum about Gil wanting a max contract....last season he went on and on about Gil's birthday party. The kid is obsessed with Gil whether he wants to admit it or not. It ALWAYS comes back to Gil. I'm willing to bet he cannot go 1 day without posting something bad about him.

"Yeah, DCJerk is now going on and on ad nauseum about Gil wanting a max contract....last season he went on and on about Gil's birthday party. The kid is obsessed with Gil whether he wants to admit it or not. It ALWAYS comes back to Gil. I'm willing to bet he cannot go 1 day without posting something bad about him.

Posted by: Shiloh | September 25, 2007 07:32 PM "

Sh!tloh is clearly obsessed with talking about me. Her entire post was about me, not shocking though.

man, just ignore that DC Man88. why u all talk to him. he's a nerd who sit at the comp all day long, don't have a real job, waiting for a respond. u not gonna stamp the nerd u all know that aight ? just let him talk by himself

That's right, it's all about me. Gilby and me.

Actually, it's about me and Gilby's crackhead momma.

PLEASE IGNORE DC Racist88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE INAPPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

Miami has 20 guys to be at traning camp.

At least 5 wont make the team.

Chase would seem to have very long odds of making the Miami roster but he must have liked them beter than the wizards.

I expect Taylor can outdefend him anyway given his size.

I havent read where Masons contract is guaranteed, only that Taylor & Halls contracts are not guaranteed. It could be that all 3 have to make & stay with the team to get guaranteed money for the season.

How can Brian Chase go from a summer league no sign to a 2 year, 1.4 million dollar contract? I hope Ernie didn't drop the ball on this guy, because he would have been the only real point guard on the team.

This contract is an indication of how desperate Miami was to sign point guards. They grossly overpaid, but they felt they had to.

Chase had a poor summer league showing. He was totally outplayed by Aaron Miles, whom I wish we had signed.

The Heat are going to stink up the NBA this year. Smush Parker? Chase? Ha-ha!

Daniels is a real point guard. Look at what he did when he played the point when Gil was injured. He was dishing assists in double figures. The guy was great!

Mason's contract with the Wizards is guaranteed.

Chase's is too with the Heat.

Miles, that is who it was that played so well at point during the summer league. And don't get me wrong GM, I would rather have Mason than Arvis, but I would rather have Miles than either one.

I cant find ANY evidence that Chase or Masons contracts are guaranteed.

Both say something like "Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed"

Again, Miami has 20 guys coming to camp. 5 cant make it regardless.

The Heat, in an effort to find more backcourt help, signed guard Brian Chase to a partially guaranteed two-year, $1.4 million contract.
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Chase, who received a partial guarantee for the coming season, faces long odds in a backcourt that also includes point guards Jason Williams, Smush Parker and Chris Quinn, as well as shooting guards Dwyane Wade, Penny Hardaway, Daequan Cook and Devin Green.
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This could mean he makes $20k if he gets cut by the time the regular season starts.
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Mike Hall and Donell Taylor both have partially guaranteed contracts.

I'd agree George,
I was pretty impressed with Miles in summer league. But apparently Vegas was crawling with scouts from leagues all over the world. Miles got a garrentee of money and playing time over there in Europe that the Wizards or no other NBA team could match.

He might be hoping that with additional time to work on his game that he can come back here next summer and catch on with an NBA team with a legit shot to be a rotation guy. Working your way from a 12-15 roster spot on an NBA team to a rotation guy is really tough.

Some guys have taken the route of taking a few years overseas to make some money and round out their game. Then look for a spot where they have a shot to make a team where they're going to be an 8-12 to guy.
And then hopefully gain a coach's confidence and get some court time.

Those guys that fill those 12-15 spots on rosters really have tough sledding to improve their games and gain enough exposure to market themselves to another team or even impress the coach of the team they're on.

Some times guys realize they have to change an aspect of their games in order to make an NBA roster. Bruce Bowen figured out to go from a marginal guy to a solid NBA player he had to become a shutdown defender.

Changing your game in your twenties requires alot of court time in games, not just practice time. It's tough to do but some guys will work for years to change their MO from what they were when they starred in college to a guy that can be a solid NBA player.

Some guys like Pops apparently are hoping the Euro route is an easier way to get a foothold on a career here. Lots of time the money is better anyway. There's a ton of ex Maryland players playing all over the world right now.

Many are playing for years in a different country almost ever season. Adrian Branch was a regular world traveler, but never got more than a cup of "coffee in the NBA".

Speaking of Maryland guys, Steve Blake is one of those players that has worked at his game and is now getting solid rotation minutes in the league. When he came out of Maryland he couldn't defend NBA points. He's now strong enough and works hard enough at it he's a decent NBA defender.

Dixon left here because he felt Eddie wouldn't start him and he wanted to play more, that being here was holding back his career. He's bounced around some and really hasn't found a spot where he's really any better off than he had it here.

He's really a small guy, he's going to find it tough to play as a starter anywhere. But the guy's still quick as a cat and is fearless shooting the ball. A team could do worse than either one of those Local guys on their bench. They're both solid NBA players.

I'll keep following them both, along with Mason, and lots of other guys that come out of this area. And I do enjoy it when a guy I saw playing as a kid makes it. And I'm still trying to figure out, what wrong with that?

Mike or Ivan, we need a Wiz fix. Please post something soon...

Ivan? Ivan? There's an Ivan?

The Wizards won't advance until they play defense. By keeping AJ whether its because he's a great teammate or ultimately cheaper, they also ensure that this team will not advance beyond the second round of the playoffs. With all the talk of placating Gilbert through friends and contracts they are effectively ignoring a main concern: advancing in the playoffs.

The Wizards won't advance until they play defense. By keeping AJ whether its because he's a great teammate or ultimately cheaper, they also ensure that this team will not advance beyond the second round of the playoffs. With all the talk of placating Gilbert through friends and contracts they are effectively ignoring a main concern: advancing in the playoffs.

Posted by: | September 26, 2007 12:56 PM

AJ isn't the problem with our defense, obviously. The problem is Brenda and EJ. Brenda stinks as a defender and EJ doesn't emphasize defense.

you jokers never played in the NBA but are experts on players in the nba MASON JR WILL SHOW ALL OF YOU HATERS

I think Mason can be a decent rotation player off the bench if he gets regular minutes. He's never going to be anything more than an 8th-man type of player, but he could be effective in that role.