arenasisgod
December-9th-2005, 08:47 AM
After perusing the miserly threads of this rag-tag band of Wizard supporters, I thought I would rally the troops around a cause that, if implemented, would finally make the Wizards turn the corner from frustrating talent laden, mistake prone squad to perenial powerhouse.
1. Start Antonio Daniels.
Last season, Coach Jordan started Larry Hughes and Gilbert Arenas in the back court together. While both aren't really points, or shooting guards, they both shared the roles, quite effectively. While Gilbert would bring the ball up and run the offense, he chased the shooting guard around the screens on defense as a 2-guard. Daniels can fill that combo-guard role better than the often-boneheaded Jarvis Hayes, who can hit a jump shot, but doesn't seem to make the right decisions. Daniels can guard the pg, and sometimes run the offense, as he is a much better playmaker than Arenas. He really hasn't hit a shot in almost a month, but if he just keeps slashing to the hole, drawing defenders, he will be doubly more effective than Hayes.
2. Arenas drives to the hole, everytime.
No one can stop him on the first step. Sure he can get the three off no problem, but he has to think drive first, everytime. You saw those two dunks last night? Why wasn't he moving to the hoop on EVERY PLAY? And if he wants to be an elite pg, he can't pull up for three five seconds into the shotclock. That is Jason Williams-esque
3. Give the ball to Haywood.
You saw what happened when they went to Haywood in the first quarter of the last game. He established a prescence that lead to a sixteen point lead. Not only does he have a few (very few) post moves, but he can catch a high ball (his hands are eh) and dunk it at 7 foot. Also, the Princeton Offense is run through the Center, so getting wood more touches would help both his and the team's game out.
4. Defend the screen and roll.
It has killed the wiz time and time again. Their guards are too easily moved off of the ball by screeners (who are often moving-WITH NO FOUL, PHIL!) to get open for threes. Happened from the 2nd quarter on last night. Daniels comes off the screen better than anyone else on the team. Like Jamison said, if this team defends, they win. Believe it or not, the rebounding has been returning (thanks to Jamison), its just that the fg percentage that coach was stressing, hasn't been up to snuff.
5. Figure out the rotation, aka, Play Chucky Atkins.
The dude is really the only true point on the squad and needs more minutes. He should be first off the bench, especially when Gilbert starts pulling up for unwise threes. Coach has GOT to establish a set rotation if this team wants to succeed and not suck. Hayes, Butler and Atkins are a better bench than most of the league. Coach has got to be subbing them in with a minute left in the first. Bringing Etan in to rest Haywood has been effective, but Ruffin might be a better first option. His defensive prowess alone has helped this team get out of funks.
Its been a tough stretch and it will only get tougher, but the wiz need to figure themselves out, and by implementing these five steps, they'll return to consistency.
1. Start Antonio Daniels.
Last season, Coach Jordan started Larry Hughes and Gilbert Arenas in the back court together. While both aren't really points, or shooting guards, they both shared the roles, quite effectively. While Gilbert would bring the ball up and run the offense, he chased the shooting guard around the screens on defense as a 2-guard. Daniels can fill that combo-guard role better than the often-boneheaded Jarvis Hayes, who can hit a jump shot, but doesn't seem to make the right decisions. Daniels can guard the pg, and sometimes run the offense, as he is a much better playmaker than Arenas. He really hasn't hit a shot in almost a month, but if he just keeps slashing to the hole, drawing defenders, he will be doubly more effective than Hayes.
2. Arenas drives to the hole, everytime.
No one can stop him on the first step. Sure he can get the three off no problem, but he has to think drive first, everytime. You saw those two dunks last night? Why wasn't he moving to the hoop on EVERY PLAY? And if he wants to be an elite pg, he can't pull up for three five seconds into the shotclock. That is Jason Williams-esque
3. Give the ball to Haywood.
You saw what happened when they went to Haywood in the first quarter of the last game. He established a prescence that lead to a sixteen point lead. Not only does he have a few (very few) post moves, but he can catch a high ball (his hands are eh) and dunk it at 7 foot. Also, the Princeton Offense is run through the Center, so getting wood more touches would help both his and the team's game out.
4. Defend the screen and roll.
It has killed the wiz time and time again. Their guards are too easily moved off of the ball by screeners (who are often moving-WITH NO FOUL, PHIL!) to get open for threes. Happened from the 2nd quarter on last night. Daniels comes off the screen better than anyone else on the team. Like Jamison said, if this team defends, they win. Believe it or not, the rebounding has been returning (thanks to Jamison), its just that the fg percentage that coach was stressing, hasn't been up to snuff.
5. Figure out the rotation, aka, Play Chucky Atkins.
The dude is really the only true point on the squad and needs more minutes. He should be first off the bench, especially when Gilbert starts pulling up for unwise threes. Coach has GOT to establish a set rotation if this team wants to succeed and not suck. Hayes, Butler and Atkins are a better bench than most of the league. Coach has got to be subbing them in with a minute left in the first. Bringing Etan in to rest Haywood has been effective, but Ruffin might be a better first option. His defensive prowess alone has helped this team get out of funks.
Its been a tough stretch and it will only get tougher, but the wiz need to figure themselves out, and by implementing these five steps, they'll return to consistency.