Let's take a quick look back at the Wizards during 2009-2010... it's a sad trip in a sad time machine, but here we go...
Wizards start weak and playoff hopes quickly disappear.
Owner Abe Pollin dies.
Franchise player Gilbert Arenas brings guns into the locker room.
Second two best players on team are at the deadline.
Team struggles mightily for rest of season.
Wizards fail to nab Alonzo Gee and San Antonio picks him up after he's had a great run on the lottery bound Wizards.
Some of this is pure stupidity. Some of it is luck... okay, just the many injuries.
Now, finally, the Wizards get a little luck and nab the number one pick in the 2010 draft. Finally. Grunfeld, this is on you. Don't pick another big guy with a questionable work ethic. Don't pick up the guy who might go third. Don't sell the pick because you have a point guard named Gilbert Arenas.
Pick John Wall. Let everyone know you are picking John Wall. Then, pick John Wall. There is no other option for you.
yeah, you have the connection, but the money for LeBron isn't there unless the Wiz make some moves. Josh Howard is expiring. I believe Miller is. I think Wall + Arenas + Howard + Blatche + a real threat at center = playoff team that could make the second round.
ReplyDeleteThe fundamental issue for the Wizards is that the East is going to be amazing next year. There will be those teams that suck, like the Pacers. Let's consider non-playoff teams in the East this year: The Sixers will be better without Eddie Jordan (trust me, I'm a Wizards fan). The Raptors will not be a threat unless Bosh sticks around, and even then it's questionable. The Pistons won't be dealing with an injured Ben Gordon or Tayshaun Prince (and might become an offensive juggernaut)... yet the same thing was said of the Wizards this year. The Knicks might pick up Joe Johnson and be destined for another year devoid of playoffs, or they could pickup better free agents. It's really up to them.
Before I get all speculative, here's who is making the playoffs next year in the East, provided all hell does not break loose:
Bucks. Yes, reprise.
Wizards.
Bulls.
Celtics.
Magic.
Heat.
Sixers.
Here's who is making it close:
Pacers. Yeah, I ragged on them, but how does that lineup not do well?
Pistons.
Hawks. What happens if they get a coach who can set an offensive play that doesn't involve isolation?
Cavs. The remnants of the post-LBJ roster can do it under a new coach. With LBJ, playoff bound for sure.
Bobcats. Yes. One trade and they are really dangerous. Let's just say... Joe Johnson or Carlos Boozer would make this team.
And the big ifs:
Knicks.
Nets.
Raptors.
Hmmm... Ted Leonsis becomes majority owner, team gets a #1 draft pick, rebuilds the team and wins back the fans... this all sounds vaguely familiar.
ReplyDeleteExactly!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to find out how much cash we get back for trading the first pick!
ReplyDelete