Washington Post reports Arenas agrees to accept less
July 3, 2008 at 9:05 pm | In Ivan Carter, NBA, Wizards | Leave a CommentTags: Caron Butler, Gilbert Arenas, Ivan Carter, James Posey, NBA, Roger Mason, Washington Wizards
Ivan Carter reported on the Wizards Insider that Gil has agreed to accept in the neighborhood of $111 M over 6 years, which is approximately $16 M less than what the Wizards had offered. Assuming this plays out as reported, this is a great move for Gil Arenas and the team. The Wizards were able to lock up Gilbert for six years at a reasonable figure, and create some space for them to sign a player or two, now. I have to admit that I am a fan of Roger Mason, Jr. and would like to see him re-sign with the Wizards, but the team’s most pressing needs are for a back up big man, and a veteran small forward who can take some load off of Caron Butler. After his play in the playoffs, James Posey appears to be a perfect player to target, but half the league is also currently targeting Posey.
In a previous post, I pointed out some potential inexpensive big men. Hopefully, by Gil accepting less it will allow the Wizards to sign a bargain center and possibly spend at or around the mid-level exception on a small forward. Once the dust settles on this agreement, we will be able to see exactly how much money the Wiz can spend on free agents, and which direction they go.
P.S. I wonder if Gil feels even better that he did not have to pay an agent 10% to negotiate his deal with the Wizards? In hindsight, given what he said about staying with the team, it doesn’t seem like he would have needed an agent for this transaction. I am sure he paid some legal fees for his attorney to review the language, but it would appear that his decision saved him approximately $11 M.
Wizards sign Jamison
June 30, 2008 at 10:30 pm | In Ivan Carter, NBA, Wizards | Leave a CommentTags: Antawn Jamison, Ivan Carter, Washington Wizards
Ivan Carter reported on the Wizard’s Insider that the Wizards and Antawn Jamison have agreed on a new contract. I am thrilled that Antawn has gotten resigned. Prior to Jamison joining the Wiz, the team was a wreck. Jamison and Gil, and now Caron, have lead this team back to respectability and a genuine team guy like Jamison should be rewarded for his hard work. When I have read people’s comments online and/or listened to them on local sports radio – I am struck by how quickly people forget the Wizards recent past. A little over 4 years ago, this team was a laughing stock. And while they need to improve to move beyond the first or second round, they have a team, when healthy, that should be able to do this. And while there are fans that would like to see some combination of players get traded for a stud in the middle, which is not going to happen without parting ways with major portions of the team.
Jamison is a consistent 20-10 guy, when there aren’t that many that do it on a consistent basis. He is part of a trio, when healthy, which averages 20+ points per night – the highest scoring trio in the league. In an environment that does not have dominant big men falling from the sky, the Wiz are best served finding another experienced big man who will grab rebounds, block a few shots, and can score a few points when t he ball is passed to him. Given that there isn’t someone like the Timberwolves (or Memphis) that is looking to give their franchise player away for a bunch of scraps, the best the Wiz can do is pick up a veteran that will bang and grab rebounds. There appears to be a few of these players available. While not the sexy choices, these type of role players could be exactly what the Wiz need.
Wizards go bargain hunting…NBA style
June 30, 2008 at 9:32 pm | In Ernie Grunfeld, NBA, Wizards | 3 CommentsTags: Adonal Foyle, Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, DeSagana Diop, Ernie Grunfeld, Etan Thomas, Free Agents, Gilbert Arenas, Jamaal Magloire, JaVale McGee, PJ Brown, Primoz Brezec, Roger Mason, Theo Ratliff, Washington Wizards
We are just a few hours before NBA free agency gets started, and it is that time of year when sports talk typically turns to the changes that Ernie Grunfeld should make to Wizards. Well as many know, the Wizards have their own free agents to worry about – Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Roger Mason, Jr. After signing Gil and Antawn (and most likely losing Roger), the Wiz will not have a significant amount of money to spend on free agents, nor will they have a lot of roster space. They currently have 10 players under contract, not including Gilbert, Antawn, Roger and
The Wiz need someone in the paint who can rebound, block shots and occasionally score. And while Brendon Haywood had his best season last year and the Wiz just drafted JaVale McGee, it is important to look for help here – particularly since no one knows yet how Etan Thomas will play if/when he fully recovers. And because of the limited amount of money that the team is expected to have available, it is important to look at potential players that will not break the bank. Below is a list of potential free agents that appear to best fit this criteria.
|
NAME |
TEAM |
08 SALARY |
POINTS* |
REBOUNDS* |
BLOCKS* |
FG%* |
FT%* |
|
Primoz Brezec |
Raptors |
$2,750,000 |
7.6 |
4.1 |
.41 |
.500 |
.706 |
|
P.J. Brown |
Celtics |
$226,650 |
9.1 |
7.7 |
1.02 |
.460 |
.794 |
|
Theo Ratliff |
Pistons |
$199,452 |
7.9 |
6.1 |
2.63 |
.497 |
.711 |
|
Adonal Foyle |
Magic |
$1,219,590 |
4.1 |
4.8 |
1.64 |
.476 |
.499 |
|
DeSagana Diop |
Nets |
$2,146,000 |
2.1 |
3.9 |
1.19 |
.433 |
.517 |
|
Jamaal Magloire |
Mavericks |
$231,183 |
8.6 |
7.2 |
1.03 |
.479 |
.65 |
es*Career averages
- Primoz Brezec, who is 28 years old and 7-1 and 252 lbs, could have the best long term potential. He is not much of a shot blocker, but he has showed the ability (in the 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 seasons), to score in the double-digits and pull down around 6 rebounds a game.
- P.J. Brown has been a solid player for a number of years and at 6-11 and 239 lbs, he is not afraid to bang with anyone. However, at 38 years old, you may only get 1 more season out of him.
- Theo Ratliff, at 35 years old and 6-10 and 235 lbs, is intriguing. Ratliff has been the best shot blocker on the list. If he is currently healthy, he could provide the Wiz with an excellent, defensive-oriented backup center for a season or two allowing McGee some time to develop.
- Adonal Foyle (6-10 and 270 lbs) fits into the same category as Theo Ratliff, while not as proficient in blocking shots. And while he is two years younger (33 years old) and more expensive, I would tend to lean towards Theo Ratliff instead.
- DeSagana Diop (7-0 and 280 lbs), much like Primoz Brezec, is an interesting choice because of his age (26 years old). He played on a team that runs (Dallas) and one that runs a similar offense (New Jersey), so you would think that he would have an easier time fitting in with the Wizards. And since he is still young, you have a player who can continue to develop and legitimately challenge for the starting position. Diop, like Brezec, are at the high-end of the pay scale for this list of players, but still in the range of bargain shopping.
- Jamaal Magloire (6-11 and 265 lbs) at 30 years old still has a number of good years in him, but is also a former all-star performer at the center position. However, the style of play that best suits him is not the style that the Wizards play.
Considering this list, the two players that most interest me are Theo Ratliff and DeSagana Diop – for largely two completely different reasons. Theo was a very good shot-blocking center, but may be well past his prime. If he can be effective in limited minutes, Ratliff could be an effective defensive presence off the bench. He would be a short-term solution, buying the Wiz a year or two for some of the younger guys to develop. Diop, on the other hand, is better suited to compete with Haywood for the starting position – which could have a negative effect on Haywood. He is also young enough that he could be a potential fit for a few years to come. Given that the Wizards just drafted JaVale McGee, I don’t think picking up a young guy like Diop is the best move. However, the relatively low salaries of Diop, Ratliff and the other players mentioned above means that there are some potential bargains available to the Wiz if they are looking for a backup center to grab rebounds, block a couple of shots and score a few points in the paint.
Wizards select JaVale McGee
June 27, 2008 at 11:22 pm | In NBA, Wizards | Leave a CommentTags: JaVale McGee
In a draft that did not have a clear cut franchise big man, it was still nice to see the Wiz select a big man. By most accounts JaVale McGee is an incredible physical specimen but still very raw and with a tremendous amount of potential. And while Haywood clearly had his best season, the Wizards have long needed help in the middle – particularly rebounding, defense and a modest amount of scoring. Last season, due to Etan Thomas’ surgery, the Wiz largely played with one true center virtually all season. If McGee can manage to rebound and play defense on the NBA level, he could see some minutes this season, especially if Etan Thomas does not fully recover. On the surface, McGee appears to be a perfect fit for this team – a Center who is long, athletic, rebounds, blocks shots, scores in the paint… but can also shoot a jumper. Hopefully, he will meet and exceed his potential. Let’s hope he has the determination and drive to be the best.
While the Wizards work to sign Gil, Antawn, and it would be very nice to get Roger Mason back, the difference in the 08-09 season could be the continued improvement of Blatche, Pecherov and McGuire. In order to get past the Cavs in the playoffs, the Wiz need those three to develop to give them much more punch off the bench. Of course, I am assuming that Nick Young will also improve as well – but he clearly showed that he has the talent to be a special player. And while it is critical for the Wiz to have a healthy Gil and Caron, more consistent play from Blatche and stronger minutes from Pech and McGuire is what is needed most.
Third straight for Wiz over Celtics
April 10, 2008 at 10:43 pm | In Boston Celtics, Celtics, Kevin Garnett, NBA, Washington Wizards, Wizards | Leave a CommentThe Wizard’s season is nearly over and I am disappointed that I have not been able to write about it. Work, school, life and more life have prevented me from commenting this season. But, enough about my troubles. 
I was in Las Vegas this week on business, but I was able to catch the end of the Wizards – Celtics game. It was a pleasure to watch the Wiz beat the NBA’s “best” team for the third time. Some could argue that the Celtics, who wrapped up first place in the East, did not have anything to play for. I would suggest that argument is hollow. Kevin Garnett and the Celtics have pride, they had lost the previous two games to the Wizards – back-to-back I might add – and they did not want to lose three straight. In fact, Doc Rivers suggested that his starters would not play as much in this game, but yet late in the fourth quarter there they were. This was definitely not a game the Celtics were content to lose, the Wizards won this game.
Games like this for the Wizards are encouraging, they show that they can, when focused and healthy, play with any team in the NBA. However, they have games like this every season, at least over the last four seasons. But, they don’t seem to capitalize off of these experiences. They often follow them up by playing distractedly, or at least with what appears to be less effort. It would be nice, if they could finally take an experience like this and use it to finally push their game to that next level. As players, they don’t seem to want to do the things that they need to do on a nightly basis. This team, in the Eastern conference, has the ability to be as good as any. Injuries aside, they have not stepped up to become one of those teams.
And while they have been troubled with injuries throughout this season, it appears that they will now have the opportunity to exercise their Cleveland Cavalier demons. If the Wizards are going to take that next step, what better team to do that to then Cleveland – a team that has had their number in the past two playoffs.
Arenas takes the season’s first shot… at Haywood
September 25, 2007 at 10:28 pm | In Brendan Haywood, Gilbert Arenas, NBA, USA Today, Washington Wizards, Wizards | Leave a CommentPicture yourself on business travel, sitting in a restaurant having breakfast. You open up the USA Today that was left outside your hotel room door. Flip open to the sports section and begin reading the story about Gil talking about the Wiz’s chances this season and BOOM!!! The first shot is fired across the bow:
“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.”
While the content of the quote does not surprise me, the timing does. Maybe this was a way for Gil to remind Wiz management to do everything in their power to get rid of him. And if they are unsuccessful, it could serve as a verbal kick to Brendan’s pants. What also surprised me was that the quote was buried deep in the story, I would have thought that the writer would have lead with the quote. I am also a bit surprised that it has not gotten much play in the local media as well.
Maybe the issue is that Gil only said what we all knew. We can see Brendan quit on his team nearly every year. For someone who is as consistently inconsistent as him, he – like a number of athletes – feels as if he is owed some respect, for under performing. I do give Gilbert credit for saying publicly what we all see. Often it is rare for an athlete to call out another athlete. But, there comes a time when you have tried all other methods that you are left with “spanking that ass” publicly. If the Wiz cannot successfully move Haywood, maybe Gil’s comments will serve to light a fire inside Brendan that lasts beyond December 31. Oh, never mind I am talking about Brendan Haywood. Sorry, I forgot.
Close call at DeShawn’s house
August 21, 2007 at 4:20 pm | In DeShawn Stevenson, Ivan Carter, NBA, Tim Lemke, Washington Post, Washington Times, Washington Wizards, Wizards | Leave a CommentI’ve been reading Ivan Carter’s and Tim Lemke’s versions of the shooting in front of DeShawn’s house. First, let me point out that it is good that no one got injured – with the exception of the person who, reportedly, started all of the drama. Depending on which version you believe there is some doubt between whether DeShawn was sleep when the shots began at his house. The reality is who cares whether he was sleep or not. The fact so far is that he is not being accused of doing anything illegal. The reality is no one involved is talking – at least not on record. If he was up at 4 AM and returning from a nightclub, with a bunch of women, instead of being at home sleep… again who cares? The last I checked he is a 26 year old man who is capable of coming home in the off-season whenever he feels like coming home. Unless he is being accused of or being charged with something criminal – which he his not – I could care less.
What I do have a problem with is the fact that Tim Lemke felt it was necessary to point out a misdemeanor statutory rape charge from DeShawn’s past. One in which he served the punishment that the courts handed down, and to the best of our knowledge has never repeated. More importantly what does that situation from 5 years ago have to do with this incident? In a word…nothing. I would understand if DeShawn had gun charges in his past, then that might be relevant to point out. It would have been relevant if the ladies that were reportedly at his house were underage, then that fact would have been relevant. But as the facts currently stand, that information did not contribute at all to his story. I would love to hear what Tim expected the reader to gain from that fact?
What this story clearly points out is that as a celebrity, you need to be extremely careful. Even when it appears that you did nothing wrong, a story like this can take on a life of its own. From the facts that we know a man (Curtis Ruff) with a criminal past (and present) gained illegal access into DeShawn’s gated community. He then began arguing with a woman who was in the company of DeShawn and/or his friends. That man, who again was on the property illegally, then reportedly fired his weapon damaging private property. Finally, the man who reportedly conducted all of these crimes was the only person to sustain an injury. While I am not a newspaper reporter like Tim Lemke, it appears to be fairly easy to point out the facts without linking someone’s past to the present – especially when there does not appear to be a good reason to do so.
Can we go back to focusing on basketball now?
Wizards finalize trade with Memphis
August 18, 2007 at 12:58 am | In Andray Blatche, Antonio Daniels, Brendan Haywood, Ernie Grunfeld, Etan Thomas, Ivan Carter, Juan Carlos Navarro, NBA, Wizards | Leave a CommentAs you know the trade sending Juan Carlos Navarro to the Grizzlies is final. In return the Wizards get a protected first round pick or worst case scenario a second round pick and cash considerations by 2013, only if they haven’t received a 1st round pick by then. When you look at this trade in a vacuum, it is easy to be a little disappointed. JCN is widely regarded as one of the premiere Euro league players at a time when a number of European players are All-Stars or playing near that level. The assumption that most make is that if he is the best Euro league player, then surely he will be a very talented player in the NBA. And if you subscribe to that line of reasoning, it is easy to understand why you would be disappointed with this trade. You would undoubtedly believe that Ernie Grunfeld gave JCN up for virtually nothing in return.
I don’t believe that is the case. First, we have to consider that every player entering the NBA is unique, a player’s success is based on many factors, not the least of which is the players surrounding him, the coaching style (and whether the player truly matches what the coach likes to do), distractions off the court (positive and negative), work ethic, talent (does your game translate well to the NBA), etc, etc, etc. With that said very few players are guaranteed to be successful in the NBA. So for a moment let’s consider that he is just as, if not more, talented than Tony Parker, there is still a number of other factors that can determine his ultimate success or failure in the league.
When you look at JCN’s stats in the Euro league, you realize that they look surprisingly similar to Dan Dickau’s stats at Gonzaga. It is true that this is not an apple to apple comparison because JCN was playing in a professional league, while Dan Dickau was playing “amateur” college athletics. It could be argued that the talent level in Men’s D1 basketball is pretty close to the talent level in the EL. The point is that prior to entering the NBA, both players had very similar stat lines and both were great shooters in their respective “leagues.” But, as we have seen with Dickau’s NBA career thus far, that does not mean it will instantly translate into a successful NBA career. All rookies, including international players, have an adjustment that they need to make to the NBA game which easily take 2 – 3 years. But, again there is no guarantee of success.
Given that JCN could be Dan Dickau 2.0, I am comfortable with the trade to Memphis. I like the fact that the Wiz are most likely getting a 1st round pick for a 2nd round selection. As Ivan Carter of the Post pointed out, that gives them an asset that they could package together in another transaction that could help address some more pressing needs. (For example, could Indiana be enticed to trade Jermaine O’Neal for a combination of players and two 1st round picks?) I like the fact that they did not potentially make an Eastern Conference team better by trading him to the West. I would be even happier if the 1st round pick that the Wiz received was not protected, or at least only lottery protected.
Now, if I had a crystal ball and could see that JCN would be a future All-Star-type player would I still like this trade? Given the current make up of the team, I still believe that trading JCN’s rights is the right move. Ultimately this trade can only be judged once all the facts are in, and the facts most likely won’t be in for a few more years. There are still too many questions that will need to be answered before a final evaluation can be made. How well does JCN adjust to the NBA? Does he become anything more than a shooter off the bench? Do the Wiz get a 1st round pick or a 2nd with cash considerations? Do they draft a player with that pick? If so, how does that player help the team? Does this pick help them pull off a trade in the near-term that benefits the team? Or do they trade the pick at some point in the future? Unfortunately, only with time can we answer these, and other, questions.
Side note:
With the Andray Blatche contract now signed – terms undisclosed – and the roster nearly set, what if anything happens with some of the names on the team that have been linked to possible trades? At various points this summer we have heard about possible trades involving Brendan Haywood, Etan Thomas and Antonio Daniels. More so than Daniels, I would like to see the Wiz move both Etan and Brendan. While I like the effort and the energy that Etan brings, I would like to see the Wiz get out from under his contract and possibly bring in a less expensive veteran who could provide you with his same stats and energy. Brendan on the other hand, I would like to see moved because of his much to inconsistent play and the fact that he tends to sulk when not in the game. Plus, the way he finished last season, I would not bring him back to play for my team – if I were calling the shots. His behavior burned that bridge and then buried the ashes.
Wizards reportedly trade Juan Carlos Navarro to Memphis
August 4, 2007 at 11:03 am | In Ernie Grunfeld, Juan Carlos Navarro, NBA, Wizards | 2 CommentsIt has been reported that the Wizards have traded their rights to Juan Carlos Navarro to the Memphis Grizzlies for a future 1st round pick. Still as of this morning the full details are not yet available. So at this point, I am not completely sure how I feel about this trade. I will reserve judgment on this trade until all of the details are in. Ultimately, the Wizards needed to get something for their asset – the key is how much would a team be willing to give up for a talent- that clearly played well in his European league – but still had questions on how well his game would translate to the NBA game. Some speculate that at best he would serve well as a scorer off the bench. While some feel as if he could potentially be a Manu Ginobili-type player. The fact is that Navarro is a 27 year old guard, who has never played in the NBA; he is an excellent shooter in a very competitive, but inferior league. So an important question is how much would a team be willing to trade for a talented player, but one with some questions?
Up to this point, Ernie has made some great decisions – minus the Etan Thomas contract. So in general, I trust his judgment. My belief is that ultimately, balancing multiple offers and issues, he has accepted the best possible offer for Juan Carlos Navarro. I look forward to seeing all the facts, and then I will comment further on the quality of this trade.
Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.
