POLL:Do you think the Wizards are a better team than last season, despite the record?

[Gamebreaker]

I haven't seen the last two collapses...oops, I mean games. So I can't say exactly why they've succumbed to lesser teams after having a big lead. I'll just chalk it up to inexperience and no harmony among the players.

All the dominant players have missed significant playing time all season. I feel if the team was healthy from the beginning of the season, they would be vying for that last playoff spot, or already have it.

Instead, we have second year players and rookies assuming starting roles that they aren't too ready to handle yet. Although I'm glad so many players have developed their game, I just hope the results of this leads to a better team next season.

I've noticed alot of people criticize Eddie Jordan, but I think he's doing a wonderful job given the circumstances. Maybe his substitutions aren't always the best choices, but it's his first year coaching and he should be forgiven for this season. The best thing he did coming here was installing that Princeton system in this young athletic team. He recognized what Michael Jordan and Doug Collins did not, that this team is full of athleticism and it needs to be put to good use.

Think about all the players that have improved since last season.
Those players are Kwame, Haywood, Dixon, Hughes, Jeffries, and Etan. That is a sign of good coaching, eventually it's all going to pay off.

[a_good_brotha]

I agree. Eddie Jordan is a good coach. How can anyone criticize him? Last year we had a talented Juan Dixon spend most of the time on the bench. He showed his talent when he scored 20+ points coming off the bench. Even Bill Walton asked why wasn't he getting more playing time. Besides this year the Wizards actually look like a professional basketball team. I credit Eddie Jordan for that.

[bulldog]

Jordan failed to bring in anyone of Arenas' youth and versatility.

He left the team with a #1 pick that had on and off the court question marks and a group of veterans the club has been in the process of trying to unload.

Grunfeld is a quality GM but was brought on boad late in the last offseason and has only one move to sit with and that's the one for Gilbert.

Wes Unseld drafted Jarvis Hayes.

Hayes' development to me is key because the Wizards are going to have to jettison either Stackhouse or Hughes and if Hayes can nail down the SF spot on the team for the future that is going to allow for a flexibility in addressing the situation up front.

[Gamebreaker]

I really hope they expose Stackhouse in the expansion draft. Hughes has really developed into a dominant player this season, while Stack only showed his lack of heart and poor decision-making.

[Bugs']

Originally posted by bulldog
the Wizards are going to have to jettison either Stackhouse or Hughes

Sorry for my ignorance but this is the second time I have heard this said in postings here. Why must the Wizards give up one of these two guys?


If they do, then I say good back Mr. Stackhuose, you can try to take the rest of the season off with pay somewhere else....I've soured on him since that...:puke:

[Gamebreaker]

Because they need the cap space to sign a good center. Both players are basically play the same role, and neither one of them will be happy coming off the bench. Since Stackhouse is used to be a starter, and Hughes had a breakout year this season.

I'd rather keep Hughes too.

[Funkyalligator]

I too would like to see Stackhouse exposed in the expansion draft....it would be awesome if he was taken...we also might get compensatory picks for him......we need a starting center...a back court of Hughes and Arenas is perhaps one of the best in the league....Juan and Blake are role players and Hayes could start in place of Stackhouse....Jeffries is a role player for now.....Kwame a starter and Brendon is a back-up.......they need to get rid of Laetner and Butler too..

[Gamebreaker]

I saw something on Sportscenter that kind of pissed me off. They said the player with the worst field goal percentage in the HISTORY OF THE NBA, yet still averages over 20 points for his career is known other than Jerry Stackhouse.

People call him a good or great shooter, when he isn't. He just takes a WHOLE LOT of shots.

[hands11]

I have been one to be hard on Jordan. I guess he has to learn also but I have been busting him for his rotational all year. The nice rotation you saw tonight was a function of Stack asking to come off the bench. This is something I think the coach should figure out. Stack has been hot the start of the quarters he plays then burns out. A coach that was sharper regarding rotation would have realized the end of the quarters, halfs and games are more important then the beginnings. Stack having missed most the year will be a huge impact coming off the bench. Jordan seems to be a great teacher but still hasnt shown me he knows who to start and play before it hits him in the head.

As for SF, dont be supprised if Jefferies end up giving Hayes a run for his money. Jefferies was a high pick also and he is starting to show a mid range shot and the ability to put the ball on the floor.
Combined with his rebounding and size and could be a nice long SF. Hayes would be for small ball and change of pace.

With Etan stepping it up, Kwame starting to show signs he can shine and Haywood give you some solid minutes, Im really not looking for us to get a impact center. I would rather see up get a center rolls player. Someone solid but not a starter.

Nothing wrong with starting Haywood, Kwame and Jefferies like tonight then playing Kwame, Etan, Stack, Hayes, Jefferies etc
Once any 3 of these guys develops a steady perforance, they can play most the game. They are so young.

I really hope we keep Butler around. He has nice size for a 2. Great rebounder, nice rounded game. Smart. No turnovers.
I like he starting at the 2 until Hughes is bad. More the even Dixon.

To be honest, I hope they dont change the team much at all.
They have talent and they are getting better. Gilberts game is coming along nicely as a leader. They just have to get everyone of the court together. Image is hughes was playing with the team at this point.

[hands11]

Originally posted by Gamebreaker
I saw something on Sportscenter that kind of pissed me off. They said the player with the worst field goal percentage in the HISTORY OF THE NBA, yet still averages over 20 points for his career is known other than Jerry Stackhouse.

People call him a good or great shooter, when he isn't. He just takes a WHOLE LOT of shots.


He is a good shooter. I think his low average is more about shot selection. Not talent.

He would be a better player on a talented team were he wasnt trying to lead and over shoot. Kind like tonights game. Coming off the bench with Kwame and Etan scoring inside and Gilbert scoring outside. He would be more production if the other player did what they did tonight. He played well with Gilbert and Hughes.

I hope Grenfield can be patient enough to do the hardest thing.

NOTHING

[Newera]

I really think the Wizards need to get a couple of Euro style players that can pass, play d and shoot the three's.

That dude in Utah with the hair would be a nice fit for this team.

I think the team the Wizards need to model most is the Sac Kings.

They in essence run the same offense.

I also think they need to start featuring Kwame as more of a go to player.

The kid is blossoming into a nice prospect. Next year will be his breakout year.

[spiral]

they need to trade kwame. he has no passion for the game.

[mhd24]

Lets forget about this "myth" that Kwame has no passion for the game. He's worked his @ss off in the weight room since he's been in the league. He's gained 20-30 pounds in muscle and has 5lb's of body fat. Since he's been starting in late december, he's been averaging 15 and 10 on 9 shots a game. Give him Juan Dixon's shots, and he'll be putting up 18-20 a game. He's the quickest big man in the east by far.

[laurent]

Saying that he lacks the passion for the game is a bit harsh, if anything he's a bit to passive and needs to be more assertive in his approach. Brown at present doesn't take a lot of shots and at the same time isn't the kind guy that will go out of his way to demand it.

What you have to understand about Brown is that he was simply an incredibly raw player coming out of highschool. He had no postgame to speak of, his jumper was weak and his dexterity was questionable. Since being with the Wizards he's improved in all of those areas.

Which brings me back to the whole "Kwame has no passion for the game" statement. If he was really lacking in that department I doubt we would have seen what's basically a 180 as far as his game on the blocks is concerned.

[bulldog]

the Wizards are better off in 2004 because the team is finally looking at the FUTURE prospects of the team and not looking at the past in Jordan, Oakley, Laettner, etc....... :)

[RTerps2002]

Hopefully we will draft a player that can help us now .... rather than 5 years from now

[hands11]

Originally posted by a_good_brotha
I agree. Eddie Jordan is a good coach. How can anyone criticize him? Last year we had a talented Juan Dixon spend most of the time on the bench. He showed his talent when he scored 20+ points coming off the bench. Even Bill Walton asked why wasn't he getting more playing time. Besides this year the Wizards actually look like a professional basketball team. I credit Eddie Jordan for that.


Haaaa. Jordan has proven very little possitive. He has proved, so far he is another Sperrier. Coming to town to install his offense instead on figuring out what offense works best for this team. I Prinston offense do no good without an experience PG like Kidds NJ couldnt even run it with him out of the line up.

I believe, most the reason we suck is because of this offense, and that on Jordan. So I give him no props. When they finally started feeding it down low for 4-5 games, they looks great.

[hands11]

Originally posted by Funkyalligator
a back court of Hughes and Arenas is perhaps one of the best in the league...

Not quit yet. An even bigger reason to get ride of Stack, is this. Gilbert and Hughes play the same possition as well. They have 3 guys that want to start and who are really 2's. Gilbert hasnt shown me he can consistanly lead the team at PG. If we could get a real PG to run with these 2s, then you would have something. This team needs leadership with the ball in his hand.

That and change this offense. Im tired of watching them run the weave 20 feet from the hoop, loss 10 sec of the clock and have gotten nothing more then a 1 on 1 situation from 20 feet.

[REDALERT]

I agree, we need a PG and a stud Center.

People keep saying Gilbert's the man at PG, NOT. Gilbert is a true 2 the same as Hughes and people need to lost the thought of Blake being the answer.

Didn't we draft a foreign PG that wasn't eligible to leave yet? Juan Navarro outta spain. Where is this guy? we drafted him in the 2002 draft.

Also, do we have a 2nd rd. pick?

Unless this Russian player is very athletic, I say we forget about him. But if he;s the real deal, we snag him to go up against yao:D .


Other than that, I don't know. All I know is we need a more dominant big man that can handle the post and a true PG.

[sweetness09]

The Bullets are rancid...and its said cuz they are my favorite squad. Lets face it...we are beat and we trade everybody good and they become superstars elsewhere. I hope we dont trade Kwami and he blows up too.

[Leonard Washington]

they are worse...the MJ lead teams would handle this team. however, both teams suck. i get tired of watching the prototypical wizards loss: winning for most of the game, lose/blown out in the 2nd half or 4th quarter. it seems to me that we are so bad that teams take a break for half the game and can still put us away.

[Destino]

Wizards are better no doubt about it. Next year could be our year, and while many have said and heard that.....it's the only time I've ever felt that way. For the first time I see a wizards team with young talent that isn't in doubt, we can see it coming. Don't trade them this time guys let them blow up in DC!

[Leonard Washington]

are you being sarcastic?

[RedskinsFanInTX]

There should have been another option.

They are not able to improve until they change the name back to Bullets!

[triple6mafia]

i'd say so...kwame showed some flashes of improvement and i like gilber, too bad he and jerry were injured so much