Respectablity is Reached?--Washington Wizards 2014-2015 Regular Season (1 Viewer)

[tom22406]

I can see the argument for sending Porter down to the D-league, but I think he's too important to send down. He did get 20 minutes in a game just a couple of weeks ago. If an emergency comes up, I'd rather he's still around to get minutes than having to rely on somebody like Singleton. And I think he can learn a lot practicing with the team, which is probably the biggest thing he needs after he missed all of the offseason.

Sure,I agree with all of this and understand why but in the last month his minutes have went down a ton with the exception of the Suns game where he got in just over 18 minutes with almost all of them around the 3 minute range.

Hate to call him a bust but I really haven't seen anything of him to suggest otherwise at this point.Just another one of those gems to add onto Grunfeld's stellar draft history here.

And while I was on Wittman,I wonder why he doesn't let Wall and Beal run a 2 man game together?I can't recall seeing this much if any this season and I think it could be a nice combo.

 

[Don Quixote]

The minutes are not there regularly, but an injury and/or foul trouble could require him to step in on any given day. As I said, I think he's worth keeping around for such emergency situations.

No argument on Grunfeld though. The latest rumors are that the Wizards are in the market for a backup PG. It's a good thing they did not trade for, and cut, one earlier this year.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Gotta admit I'm pretty happy about this team these days. One huge missed opportunity last Friday, but they're gonna go into the all-star break either at .500 or two games under (can't imagine them sweeping this road back-to-back vs. quality opponents). Didn't see that coming when they left for the west coast two weeks ago with the tough home games waiting for them when they got back.

After that the schedule is favorable, to put it mildly. They'll be favored in the majority of their remaining games and won't be underdogs by more than 4-5 points until they visit Miami on March 10. To be honest I only see three games where they'll be more than 5 point underdogs for the entire rest of the season (at Miami 3/10, at Portland 3/20, home vs. Indiana 3/28). That's it.

Drew a good crowd Sunday evening too. First big crowd I can remember where almost everyone was there to see the home team.

 

[thecatch]

Gotta admit I'm pretty happy about this team these days. One huge missed opportunity last Friday, but they're gonna go into the all-star break either at .500 or two games under (can't imagine them sweeping this road back-to-back vs. quality opponents). Didn't see that coming when they left for the west coast two weeks ago with the tough home games waiting for them when they got back.

After that the schedule is favorable, to put it mildly. They'll be favored in the majority of their remaining games and won't be underdogs by more than 4-5 points until they visit Miami on March 10. To be honest I only see three games where they'll be more than 5 point underdogs for the entire rest of the season (at Miami 3/10, at Portland 3/20, home vs. Indiana 3/28). That's it.

Drew a good crowd Sunday evening too. First big crowd I can remember where almost everyone was there to see the home team.

Agree on everything except the last part. Were you there? There were a stunning number of Kings fans at least in the lower bowl. When I say "stunning", I'm grading on a curve here, because we are talking about a small market team 2500 miles away, but kings jerseys outnumbered wizards jerseys in the sections near me. And the crowd was absolutely dead all night, even when the game got close in the third.

As much as I enjoy the cheap tickets, I hope the wizards success this year draws out some more passionate fans. It's so much more fun to watch a bball game when everyone is into it.

 

[tom22406]

Gotta admit I'm pretty happy about this team these days. One huge missed opportunity last Friday, but they're gonna go into the all-star break either at .500 or two games under (can't imagine them sweeping this road back-to-back vs. quality opponents). Didn't see that coming when they left for the west coast two weeks ago with the tough home games waiting for them when they got back.

After that the schedule is favorable, to put it mildly. They'll be favored in the majority of their remaining games and won't be underdogs by more than 4-5 points until they visit Miami on March 10. To be honest I only see three games where they'll be more than 5 point underdogs for the entire rest of the season (at Miami 3/10, at Portland 3/20, home vs. Indiana 3/28). That's it.

Drew a good crowd Sunday evening too. First big crowd I can remember where almost everyone was there to see the home team.

At 25-25 I will say I am pleased with where they are.However,they have lost to some really bad teams at home(Cavs,Celts,Bucks,Sixers)and are just 17-13 against a very bad Eastern Conference.Easily should be 4 or 5 games above right now but when you factor in where this team has been the past 5 years you just have to accept it and smile.

I'm really curious to see what goes down once the season is over.Do they bring Ariza back at a decent number?How much will Gortat cost them?(I say in the $10 Million range)Does Wittman survive along with Grunfeld?(knowing Ted I can almost guarantee this)

So yeah I will complain about them simply because I think they should be better at this point but in the end I am happy to even have a chance at a playoff series.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Gotta admit I'm pretty happy about this team these days. One huge missed opportunity last Friday, but they're gonna go into the all-star break either at .500 or two games under (can't imagine them sweeping this road back-to-back vs. quality opponents). Didn't see that coming when they left for the west coast two weeks ago with the tough home games waiting for them when they got back.

After that the schedule is favorable, to put it mildly. They'll be favored in the majority of their remaining games and won't be underdogs by more than 4-5 points until they visit Miami on March 10. To be honest I only see three games where they'll be more than 5 point underdogs for the entire rest of the season (at Miami 3/10, at Portland 3/20, home vs. Indiana 3/28). That's it.

Drew a good crowd Sunday evening too. First big crowd I can remember where almost everyone was there to see the home team.

At 25-25 I will say I am pleased with where they are.However,they have lost to some really bad teams at home(Cavs,Celts,Bucks,Sixers)and are just 17-13 against a very bad Eastern Conference.Easily should be 4 or 5 games above right now but when you factor in where this team has been the past 5 years you just have to accept it and smile.

I'm really curious to see what goes down once the season is over.Do they bring Ariza back at a decent number?How much will Gortat cost them?(I say in the $10 Million range)Does Wittman survive along with Grunfeld?(knowing Ted I can almost guarantee this)

So yeah I will complain about them simply because I think they should be better at this point but in the end I am happy to even have a chance at a playoff series.

Remember they started 2-7 with Nene banged up. So they're 5 games over since that horrible start, and they're two games away from clearing the toughest part of their schedule. If they stay relatively healthy from here on out (basically Nene and Wall don't miss more than a game or two) I think they get to 43 wins or so, maybe more.

Yeah, those losses sucked. I thought the Cleveland loss was the worst of the bunch. But on the other hand, Cleveland also handled the Grizzlies with relative ease in their next game. Maybe their GM was the source of Cleveland's problems somehow. Plus they also have beaten a lot of teams they had no business beating. That kind of stuff is gonna happen in an 82 game season.

I agree that they're almost definitely gonna bring back Wittman and Grunfeld and I'd rather they didn't bring back either of them.

 

[tom22406]

Sounds like the Zards are after Andre Miller as a backup PG according to reports.

 

[tom22406]

No clue who that was in the John Wall jersey last night but whoever it was stunk it up.Been a while since he has been this bad so he gets a pass but with the bench not helping in the scoring last night it wasn't all on him.Let's not even bring up the 1st half D they attempted to play.

Beal was fantastic till down the stretch when he couldn't get them to fall in clutch situations.They certainly had chances to steal this one but just couldn't get it done.

Rockets up next in what I expect to be a struggle for the Wiz.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Think the Wiz tank a bit down the stretch so they can get out of the 6 seed? Gotta think they'd prefer a matchup with Indy or Miami instead of Toronto.

 

[tom22406]

Think the Wiz tank a bit down the stretch so they can get out of the 6 seed? Gotta think they'd prefer a matchup with Indy or Miami instead of Toronto.

You got a real good look at how great the bench play for the Wiz is and if they miss the 3's they usually don't win.Raptors are the better team without a doubt and if the Wiz somehow draw them I don't see good things coming out of it.

Wittman getting tossed last night was hilarious.He was like a child throwing a temper tantrum.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Think the Wiz tank a bit down the stretch so they can get out of the 6 seed? Gotta think they'd prefer a matchup with Indy or Miami instead of Toronto.

You got a real good look at how great the bench play for the Wiz is and if they miss the 3's they usually don't win.Raptors are the better team without a doubt and if the Wiz somehow draw them I don't see good things coming out of it.

Wittman getting tossed last night was hilarious.He was like a child throwing a temper tantrum.

His tantrum got him he the best effort from his team last night and a couple generous calls during their late push.

The bench is a big difference and the way Toronto shuts down Beal. He's been dreadful in the 3 games vs Toronto (12/4/4, 31%, 15/47). Seems like after he is taken away, the Wiz really struggle.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Think the Wiz tank a bit down the stretch so they can get out of the 6 seed? Gotta think they'd prefer a matchup with Indy or Miami instead of Toronto.

You got a real good look at how great the bench play for the Wiz is and if they miss the 3's they usually don't win.Raptors are the better team without a doubt and if the Wiz somehow draw them I don't see good things coming out of it.

Wittman getting tossed last night was hilarious.He was like a child throwing a temper tantrum.

His tantrum got him he the best effort from his team last night and a couple generous calls during their late push.

The bench is a big difference and the way Toronto shuts down Beal. He's been dreadful in the 3 games vs Toronto (12/4/4, 31%, 15/47). Seems like after he is taken away, the Wiz really struggle.

Dwayne Casey seems like he gets a lot of crap from people I follow on Twitter, but the Raptors seem well-coached when it comes to shot selection and defense at least. Work for threes and at the rim on offense, and take away those things on defense. A stark contrast when they're up against Wittman's incredibly frustrating "take what the defense gives you" nonsense. Is that Masai's influence?

 

[tom22406]

Think the Wiz tank a bit down the stretch so they can get out of the 6 seed? Gotta think they'd prefer a matchup with Indy or Miami instead of Toronto.

You got a real good look at how great the bench play for the Wiz is and if they miss the 3's they usually don't win.Raptors are the better team without a doubt and if the Wiz somehow draw them I don't see good things coming out of it.

Wittman getting tossed last night was hilarious.He was like a child throwing a temper tantrum.

His tantrum got him he the best effort from his team last night and a couple generous calls during their late push.

The bench is a big difference and the way Toronto shuts down Beal. He's been dreadful in the 3 games vs Toronto (12/4/4, 31%, 15/47). Seems like after he is taken away, the Wiz really struggle.

Love this quote from the BF blogger on last nights game,so true it hurts.

This game felt like the young kid challenging his father to a game of one-on-one, only to find that his youthful exuberance is no match for the dad's many tricks.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Think the Wiz tank a bit down the stretch so they can get out of the 6 seed? Gotta think they'd prefer a matchup with Indy or Miami instead of Toronto.

You got a real good look at how great the bench play for the Wiz is and if they miss the 3's they usually don't win.Raptors are the better team without a doubt and if the Wiz somehow draw them I don't see good things coming out of it.

Wittman getting tossed last night was hilarious.He was like a child throwing a temper tantrum.

His tantrum got him he the best effort from his team last night and a couple generous calls during their late push.

The bench is a big difference and the way Toronto shuts down Beal. He's been dreadful in the 3 games vs Toronto (12/4/4, 31%, 15/47). Seems like after he is taken away, the Wiz really struggle.

Dwayne Casey seems like he gets a lot of crap from people I follow on Twitter, but the Raptors seem well-coached when it comes to shot selection and defense at least. Work for threes and at the rim on offense, and take away those things on defense. A stark contrast when they're up against Wittman's incredibly frustrating "take what the defense gives you" nonsense. Is that Masai's influence?

I'm really confused about Casey. He was absolutely awful to start the season... he was more frustrating to watch than Gay was. No rotation, ridiculous lineups, terrible sets after timeouts and a couple late game decisions that cost them earlier this year (specifically Nov 6 vs CHA). I wanted him canned ASAP.

Then Gay gets traded for an entire bench. Being able to trot out Salmons, Patterson and Vasquez instead of Fields, Novak, Stone, Buycks, and Daye was a huge plus for Casey and the team. He claims that he hasn't changed a thing from the start of season and that the offence in now just doing what he wants ie Blaming it all on Gay stopping the ball. I think the shot selection is a lot more on the players than it is on Casey. They truly seem to not care who is getting the shots and consistently go to the guy with the hot hand, whomever it may be. Whether that can be attributed to him, I don't know. Derozan and Salmons are the only ones who occasionally get a little too trigger happy.

So I'm torn. He's known as a defensive guy and he's got them playing at a very high level on that end (they'd be an elite D if they had a true rim protector IMO). But still, when I see set plays out of timeouts that are designed for a 20 foot jumper by Derozan, I want to gouge my eyes out.

 

[tom22406]

I have seen enough of Wittman that he needs to be gone ASAP.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Think the Wiz tank a bit down the stretch so they can get out of the 6 seed? Gotta think they'd prefer a matchup with Indy or Miami instead of Toronto.

You got a real good look at how great the bench play for the Wiz is and if they miss the 3's they usually don't win.Raptors are the better team without a doubt and if the Wiz somehow draw them I don't see good things coming out of it.

Wittman getting tossed last night was hilarious.He was like a child throwing a temper tantrum.

His tantrum got him he the best effort from his team last night and a couple generous calls during their late push.

The bench is a big difference and the way Toronto shuts down Beal. He's been dreadful in the 3 games vs Toronto (12/4/4, 31%, 15/47). Seems like after he is taken away, the Wiz really struggle.

Dwayne Casey seems like he gets a lot of crap from people I follow on Twitter, but the Raptors seem well-coached when it comes to shot selection and defense at least. Work for threes and at the rim on offense, and take away those things on defense. A stark contrast when they're up against Wittman's incredibly frustrating "take what the defense gives you" nonsense. Is that Masai's influence?

I'm really confused about Casey. He was absolutely awful to start the season... he was more frustrating to watch than Gay was. No rotation, ridiculous lineups, terrible sets after timeouts and a couple late game decisions that cost them earlier this year (specifically Nov 6 vs CHA). I wanted him canned ASAP.

Then Gay gets traded for an entire bench. Being able to trot out Salmons, Patterson and Vasquez instead of Fields, Novak, Stone, Buycks, and Daye was a huge plus for Casey and the team. He claims that he hasn't changed a thing from the start of season and that the offence in now just doing what he wants ie Blaming it all on Gay stopping the ball. I think the shot selection is a lot more on the players than it is on Casey. They truly seem to not care who is getting the shots and consistently go to the guy with the hot hand, whomever it may be. Whether that can be attributed to him, I don't know. Derozan and Salmons are the only ones who occasionally get a little too trigger happy.

So I'm torn. He's known as a defensive guy and he's got them playing at a very high level on that end (they'd be an elite D if they had a true rim protector IMO). But still, when I see set plays out of timeouts that are designed for a 20 foot jumper by Derozan, I want to gouge my eyes out.

Now that you mention it, most of the criticism of Casy that I remember was of set plays out of TOs, mostly a ranting Bob Vulgaris I think.

We feel your pain on that one down here. The Wizards haven't hit a last-second shot to tie or win a game since January 2013. Wittman is terrible on those.

 

[tom22406]

Andre Miller in as an instant upgrade at PG,Vesely and Maynor gone.

Really thought Grunfeld would get desperate today but it looks as though nothing good was to be had outside an aging PG to fill a need.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

A week-old bran muffin would be an instant upgrade at back-up PG.

 

[nittanylion]

Andre Miller in as an instant upgrade at PG,Vesely and Maynor gone.

Really thought Grunfeld would get desperate today but it looks as though nothing good was to be had outside an aging PG to fill a need.

This is an excellent move on multiple levels, both for our impending playoff push, and the development of Wall, as well as an veteran presence with a solid resume. Kudos, Bullets!

 

[tom22406]

A week-old bran muffin would be an instant upgrade at back-up PG.

So very sad but true

 

[thecatch]

Great pick up and the price was right.

 

[tom22406]

I doubt we see Jan anymore after this year.It was a great run!

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I'm excited just because I love that "Old dude at the Y" game.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I think you guys are really underestimating the loss of Vesely-related unintentional comedy.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I think you guys are really underestimating the loss of Vesely-related unintentional comedy.

If you love the Air Wolf, set him free.

 

[tom22406]

I think you guys are really underestimating the loss of Vesely-related unintentional comedy.

I dunno.McGee is hard to top

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f69IDWEyBek

 

[TobiasFunke]

I think you guys are really underestimating the loss of Vesely-related unintentional comedy.

I dunno.McGee is hard to top

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f69IDWEyBek

See, this is a problem. I need to comic relief of Vesely, McGee, Swaggy P, Steez, maybe even the occasional airballed Maynor floater. If there's nothing to laugh at when you watch the Wiz, all that's left is frustration and sadness.

 

[tom22406]

I think you guys are really underestimating the loss of Vesely-related unintentional comedy.

I dunno.McGee is hard to top

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f69IDWEyBek

See, this is a problem. I need to comic relief of Vesely, McGee, Swaggy P, Steez, maybe even the occasional airballed Maynor floater. If there's nothing to laugh at when you watch the Wiz, all that's left is frustration and sadness.

This may hold you over until another emerges on the team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usyNyn9Ang8

And have no fear,one will emerge!

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

We can just make Porter wear a goofy wig.

 

[Don Quixote]

Steinberg's Vesely In Memoriam He will be missed.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

First person to cut all that together to Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You" will have my undying support.

 

[TobiasFunke]

First person to cut all that together to Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You" will have my undying support.

Maybe it's just because I was there to witness it, but I really feel like the game earlier this season where he fouled out in 8 minutes despite it being a 20+ point margin for the Wiz virtually the whole way deserves a spot. Crowd gave him a standing ovation on his way to the bench after #6. He was the Michael Jordan of fouling.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

First person to cut all that together to Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You" will have my undying support.

Maybe it's just because I was there to witness it, but I really feel like the game earlier this season where he fouled out in 8 minutes despite it being a 20+ point margin for the Wiz virtually the whole way deserves a spot. Crowd gave him a standing ovation on his way to the bench after #6. He was the Michael Jordan of fouling.

I suppose I'm not impressed because I went to a college that played Vladimir Cuk, who is best known (only known?) for his role as one of Damon Wayan's teammates in Celtic Pride. Smooth Vlady C (as he liked to be called) once fouled out for one of Lefty Driessel's JMU teams in under 3 minutes. In informal summer runs, I could routinely head fake him off his feet in the post. I am 5'10". He was 6' 11".

 

[tom22406]

One of my favorite Bullets moments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32nfPoHMGHg

What a big goof he was but man was he fun to watch.

 

[TobiasFunke]

First person to cut all that together to Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You" will have my undying support.

Maybe it's just because I was there to witness it, but I really feel like the game earlier this season where he fouled out in 8 minutes despite it being a 20+ point margin for the Wiz virtually the whole way deserves a spot. Crowd gave him a standing ovation on his way to the bench after #6. He was the Michael Jordan of fouling.

I suppose I'm not impressed because I went to a college that played Vladimir Cuk, who is best known (only known?) for his role as one of Damon Wayan's teammates in Celtic Pride. Smooth Vlady C (as he liked to be called) once fouled out for one of Lefty Driessel's JMU teams in under 3 minutes. In informal summer runs, I could routinely head fake him off his feet in the post. I am 5'10". He was 6' 11".

I'm gonna have to google this character

ETA: His IMDB page alone made it worth my time. He looks like a 7 foot version of the guy who plays Nick on New Girl.

 

[tom22406]

Back to .500 again with a solid,but costly(hold your breath),road win against the Cavs.

Nene went down and so far all they are saying is a sprained knee but with his history we all knew this would happen at some point but now we wait to see what the MRI reveals as to if he is going to miss extended time or just a few games.Seraphin and Harrington seemed to be the chosen ones last night to fill in and did ok but if Nene does miss any extended length of time this is a huge blow to the team.He really was playing fantastic ball and has become a huge cog in the offense and does good work on D.

Wittman usually turns to Booker to fill the Nene role so I would suspect he gets the start in the next game but even with how bad Seraphin is on D he can at least chip in on offense(Booker does ok as well)a little more effectively.

Miller has looked solid in his action so far and once he learns what each guy likes to do it will only get better.You can see a drastic change with his court awareness compared to Temple and his ability to dish and create.He should really help teach Wall(and Beal)the little tricks and play that has made his career a long one and a very good one.Almost like another coach on the floor which is nice.

So the team now has to ride this wave of no Nene for a few games(best case scenario)and stay close to the 6 seed or even make up ground on getting the 3 if things fall right.

 

[tom22406]

Next 5 games are

vs Orlando( ),@Toronto( :( ),@Sixers( ),vs Memphis( )and vs Jazz( ).

3-2 is a must and 4-1 is very possible.We owe Toronto bigtime

 

[Don Quixote]

This lede paragraph... #Pray4Nene

There is a fear among some members of the Washington Wizards that Nene is done for the season with a torn ligament in his left knee, although the team won’t know for certain until the Brazilian big man meets with team doctors and has an MRI exam on Monday. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, “It doesn’t look good.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2014/02/24/wizards-nervously-await-mri-exam-results-for-nene/

 

[tom22406]

4-6 weeks for Nene according to reports so that is good news that it wasn't season ending like was feared.

I wonder who they get to replace him on the roster?

Been hearing Drew Gooden thrown around but nothing concrete.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

4-6 weeks for Nene according to reports so that is good news that it wasn't season ending like was feared.

I wonder who they get to replace him on the roster?

Been hearing Drew Gooden thrown around but nothing concrete.

Should be just enough to get them down to the 7th or 8th spot and avoid the dreaded 1st round matchup with Toronto.

 

[tom22406]

4-6 weeks for Nene according to reports so that is good news that it wasn't season ending like was feared.

I wonder who they get to replace him on the roster?

Been hearing Drew Gooden thrown around but nothing concrete.

Should be just enough to get them down to the 7th or 8th spot and avoid the dreaded 1st round matchup with Toronto.

Gonna take a monumental slide(which they are fully capable of)to miss the playoffs so worse case is getting either Indiana or Miami and yes avoiding the beating the Raptors should put on them.

Hearing Drew Gooden got a 10 day contract as well.

Also,I wonder if Wittman will actually have the balls to go to a lineup of Wall,Beal,Webster,Ariza and Gortat on a regular basis?

Of course this leaves a huge hole down low on defense with Ariza forced to play PF but this also could create a big advantage on the offensive end if they are hitting shots.Let Wall do his thing and drill the open shot.

 

[tom22406]

And still Otto Porter Jr. can't even get into the game with every other healthy body getting at least a few minutes action.

Great play from Wall,Gortat and Ariza last night to carry them to a much needed win even though they look very weak down low defensively.

A game they had to win and did what they needed to do to get it so I'll take it.Oladipo,on the other hand,looked really good for the Magic and the Wiz really had no answer to stop him when he wanted to score.

Bring on those stinkin Raptors next

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

And still Otto Porter Jr. can't even get into the game with every other healthy body getting at least a few minutes action.

Great play from Wall,Gortat and Ariza last night to carry them to a much needed win even though they look very weak down low defensively.

A game they had to win and did what they needed to do to get it so I'll take it. Oladipo,on the other hand,looked really good for the Magic and the Wiz really had no answer to stop him when he wanted to score.

Bring on those stinkin Raptors next

I REALLY, REALLY wanted Oladipo but was ok with the sure thing in Porter.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I don't know if "concerned" is the right word to use about a 20 year old, but is anyone else getting a little concerned about Beal? I'm not worried about the long 2s, those are infuriating but I blame coaching and youth, although it's not a good sign that a higher percentage of his attempts are midrange jumpers than last season. I'm more worried about the number of defensive/rebounding lapses. His rebound rate is also down from last year. Block and steal rates down a bit too, as are the advanced defense stats. Small declines, hopefully just noise, but he's not really progressing the way I hoped he would (and the way everyone seems to be assuming he is without bothering to check).

 

[tom22406]

I don't know if "concerned" is the right word to use about a 20 year old, but is anyone else getting a little concerned about Beal? I'm not worried about the long 2s, those are infuriating but I blame coaching and youth, although it's not a good sign that a higher percentage of his attempts are midrange jumpers than last season. I'm more worried about the number of defensive/rebounding lapses. His rebound rate is also down from last year. Block and steal rates down a bit too, as are the advanced defense stats. Small declines, hopefully just noise, but he's not really progressing the way I hoped he would (and the way everyone seems to be assuming he is without bothering to check.

He's just not at the level of consistency you would want to see from him but as you said youth and coaching are clearly not in his favor right now.I asked this before but got no reply.Why doesn't Wittman run a Wall/Beal 2 man game outside more often(very few times if any I have seen this)?

Seems to me that this could work with as quick as Wall is but I could be wrong.

It is troubling to see his game not progressing the way it should but I think he has the skills to be that player they need him to be given the right situations around him.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I don't know if "concerned" is the right word to use about a 20 year old, but is anyone else getting a little concerned about Beal? I'm not worried about the long 2s, those are infuriating but I blame coaching and youth, although it's not a good sign that a higher percentage of his attempts are midrange jumpers than last season. I'm more worried about the number of defensive/rebounding lapses. His rebound rate is also down from last year. Block and steal rates down a bit too, as are the advanced defense stats. Small declines, hopefully just noise, but he's not really progressing the way I hoped he would (and the way everyone seems to be assuming he is without bothering to check.

He's just not at the level of consistency you would want to see from him but as you said youth and coaching are clearly not in his favor right now.I asked this before but got no reply.Why doesn't Wittman run a Wall/Beal 2 man game outside more often(very few times if any I have seen this)?

Seems to me that this could work with as quick as Wall is but I could be wrong.

It is troubling to see his game not progressing the way it should but I think he has the skills to be that player they need him to be given the right situations around him.

I'm not a coach but from what I can tell, a two-man ISO is hard to run and requires a ridiculous amount of chemistry and experience between two guys, as well as a decent number of guys who can shoot the three well enough to really give them room to move, something the Wiz could only do if they went small with Ariza at the 4 (something Wizards Twitter is clamoring for after the Nene injury, so maybe you're on to something). Also seems like in most of the combos that do it right, one of the guys has some size to create mismatches.

Unfortunately it's a hard subject to Google b/c there's a prominent Mavs blog called The Two Man Game that messes with the results.

 

[tom22406]

I don't know if "concerned" is the right word to use about a 20 year old, but is anyone else getting a little concerned about Beal? I'm not worried about the long 2s, those are infuriating but I blame coaching and youth, although it's not a good sign that a higher percentage of his attempts are midrange jumpers than last season. I'm more worried about the number of defensive/rebounding lapses. His rebound rate is also down from last year. Block and steal rates down a bit too, as are the advanced defense stats. Small declines, hopefully just noise, but he's not really progressing the way I hoped he would (and the way everyone seems to be assuming he is without bothering to check.

He's just not at the level of consistency you would want to see from him but as you said youth and coaching are clearly not in his favor right now.I asked this before but got no reply.Why doesn't Wittman run a Wall/Beal 2 man game outside more often(very few times if any I have seen this)?

Seems to me that this could work with as quick as Wall is but I could be wrong.

It is troubling to see his game not progressing the way it should but I think he has the skills to be that player they need him to be given the right situations around him.

I'm not a coach but from what I can tell, a two-man ISO is hard to run and requires a ridiculous amount of chemistry and experience between two guys, as well as a decent number of guys who can shoot the three well enough to really give them room to move, something the Wiz could only do if they went small with Ariza at the 4 (something Wizards Twitter is clamoring for after the Nene injury, so maybe you're on to something). Also seems like in most of the combos that do it right, one of the guys has some size to create mismatches.

Unfortunately it's a hard subject to Google b/c there's a prominent Mavs blog called The Two Man Game that messes with the results.

Yeah I brought up earlier the 4 small lineup and if Wittman would actually do it on a regular basis or even try it for an extended period.They already are gonna be getting beat down low most nights anyways with Nene out so why not throw your best shooters out and force the other team to defend them all.Wall/Beal 2 man could be one of the sets to run off of this but agree the timing has to be right to make it work.

Just throwing things out I see and clearly I'm no coach either.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I don't know if "concerned" is the right word to use about a 20 year old, but is anyone else getting a little concerned about Beal? I'm not worried about the long 2s, those are infuriating but I blame coaching and youth, although it's not a good sign that a higher percentage of his attempts are midrange jumpers than last season. I'm more worried about the number of defensive/rebounding lapses. His rebound rate is also down from last year. Block and steal rates down a bit too, as are the advanced defense stats. Small declines, hopefully just noise, but he's not really progressing the way I hoped he would (and the way everyone seems to be assuming he is without bothering to check.

He's just not at the level of consistency you would want to see from him but as you said youth and coaching are clearly not in his favor right now.I asked this before but got no reply.Why doesn't Wittman run a Wall/Beal 2 man game outside more often(very few times if any I have seen this)?

Seems to me that this could work with as quick as Wall is but I could be wrong.

It is troubling to see his game not progressing the way it should but I think he has the skills to be that player they need him to be given the right situations around him.

I'm not a coach but from what I can tell, a two-man ISO is hard to run and requires a ridiculous amount of chemistry and experience between two guys, as well as a decent number of guys who can shoot the three well enough to really give them room to move, something the Wiz could only do if they went small with Ariza at the 4 (something Wizards Twitter is clamoring for after the Nene injury, so maybe you're on to something). Also seems like in most of the combos that do it right, one of the guys has some size to create mismatches.

Unfortunately it's a hard subject to Google b/c there's a prominent Mavs blog called The Two Man Game that messes with the results.

Yeah I brought up earlier the 4 small lineup and if Wittman would actually do it on a regular basis or even try it for an extended period.They already are gonna be getting beat down low most nights anyways with Nene out so why not throw your best shooters out and force the other team to defend them all.Wall/Beal 2 man could be one of the sets to run off of this but agree the timing has to be right to make it work.

Just throwing things out I see and clearly I'm no coach either.

Like I said, most of the guys I listen to on the Wiz want to see the small lineup too after the Nene injury, so I think you're on to something. If it's good enough for the Heat it's good enough for us.

 

[tom22406]

I don't know if "concerned" is the right word to use about a 20 year old, but is anyone else getting a little concerned about Beal? I'm not worried about the long 2s, those are infuriating but I blame coaching and youth, although it's not a good sign that a higher percentage of his attempts are midrange jumpers than last season. I'm more worried about the number of defensive/rebounding lapses. His rebound rate is also down from last year. Block and steal rates down a bit too, as are the advanced defense stats. Small declines, hopefully just noise, but he's not really progressing the way I hoped he would (and the way everyone seems to be assuming he is without bothering to check.

He's just not at the level of consistency you would want to see from him but as you said youth and coaching are clearly not in his favor right now.I asked this before but got no reply.Why doesn't Wittman run a Wall/Beal 2 man game outside more often(very few times if any I have seen this)?

Seems to me that this could work with as quick as Wall is but I could be wrong.

It is troubling to see his game not progressing the way it should but I think he has the skills to be that player they need him to be given the right situations around him.

I'm not a coach but from what I can tell, a two-man ISO is hard to run and requires a ridiculous amount of chemistry and experience between two guys, as well as a decent number of guys who can shoot the three well enough to really give them room to move, something the Wiz could only do if they went small with Ariza at the 4 (something Wizards Twitter is clamoring for after the Nene injury, so maybe you're on to something). Also seems like in most of the combos that do it right, one of the guys has some size to create mismatches.

Unfortunately it's a hard subject to Google b/c there's a prominent Mavs blog called The Two Man Game that messes with the results.

Yeah I brought up earlier the 4 small lineup and if Wittman would actually do it on a regular basis or even try it for an extended period.They already are gonna be getting beat down low most nights anyways with Nene out so why not throw your best shooters out and force the other team to defend them all.Wall/Beal 2 man could be one of the sets to run off of this but agree the timing has to be right to make it work.

Just throwing things out I see and clearly I'm no coach either.

Like I said, most of the guys I listen to on the Wiz want to see the small lineup too after the Nene injury, so I think you're on to something. If it's good enough for the Heat it's good enough for us.

FWIW George Karl(for the love of god please sign this man to coach the team) was saying on ESPN(or some program I was watching)that the Zards would be better with Nene out of the lineup.I don't buy into that but if they did go small it does have a chance of working.Great test coming up with the Raptors on deck so we will see what they do against a good team who can exploit them on defense.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Deadspin showing that Denver is already getting the full Jan Vesely Experience as he head fakes and jab steps to shake the imaginary defender guarding him.