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Instead of the standard preview for tonight's Wizards-Raptors game, I exchanged emails with Kyle from the Wizards blog truthaboutit.net. I answered three of his questions about the Raptors and here are his answers to my three questions about the Wizards.
Scott: Do you get the sense that most Wizards fans are regretting Gilbert Arenas' contract extension? If his injury problems weren't enough, I don't feel that he's the kind of player who can actually lead a team deep into the post-season.
Kyle: From what I gather, most Wizards fans are in 'wait-and-see' mode when it comes to Gilbert Arenas. Personally, I still agree with the decision to sign him.....the Wiz really weren't going to get a scorer of his caliber from anywhere else, and I think an offensive sniper is part of what a team needs to advance deep into the playoffs. That being said, Gilbert really needs to make some changes to his game for Washington to have even the faintest of championship hopes... basically, he can be a creator, but needs to be less of a gunner and more of a distributor.
Scott: It looks like you got a bit of a steal by drafting JaVale McGee with the 18th pick of th 2008 draft. I wrote in a previous blog that, in retrospect, Colangelo should have held onto his draft pick instead of trading it to Indiana and then drafted McGee because he seems to be a very promising big man prospect. Talk about what kind of potential you see in him.
Kyle: On draft night, I thought that Ernie Grunfeld blew it with the McGee pick. I actually wanted someone like Mario Chalmers (who's not too shabby in his own right), but now am more than happy with JaVale... and not like I didn't know this in the first place, but there's a reason why Grunfeld is a GM and I'm just a silly blogger. Thus, I trust Ernie's decision making even more.
I love McGee's potential. He needs strength and a feel for the game in the worst way, but those things will come... he only spent two years in college. But a base is there... his mom was a pro basketball player (his stroller used to sit courtside as a baby), and his dad was drafted by the NBA, but never played.
He currently measures 7'1" in socks, has helicopter arms (7'6" wingspan), great hops, and a decent shooting stroke (as long as he gets more confident and consistent with his jumper)... what's not to like?
Scott: How are you enjoying "The Mike James Experience" so far? He had one monster statistical season in Toronto but management seemed to determine that he was a complete nutjob so they let him leave through free agency and he's never returned to that level of success. Do you consider him a useful part of the Wizards or is his shot selection pissing you off as much as it has pissed off fans of eight other NBA teams?
Kyle: I consider Mike James just a throw-in to the trade the Wizards made. One, Grunfeld might have drafted Javaris Crittenton in '07 had Nick Young not been available. Two, an aging Antonio Daniels wasn't much help and it was nice to give him a shot at playing for a true contender. Also, both the contracts of James and Daniels expire after next season and are essentially for the same amount.
Now, James has been somewhat of a pleasant surprise. With Arenas out, the Wizards needed more scoring punch out of the backcourt. He's also impressed me with his ability to penetrate and create for others (at times), rebound, and take charges. Yes, his shot selection is questionable at times... although he may be more tame now that he realizes this is probably his last shot at getting some sort of decent contract once the current one expires... and he does seem like a hot-head/jerk (did you see the episode of Supernanny featuring James?). But overall, with James, the Wizards don't really have much to lose... except a bunch more games.
The Links
Doug Smith breaks the huge story that Hassan Adams was just traded to the Clippers for a second-round pick. Somewhere, Darrick Martin is rubbing his hands together with the knowledge that there's an opening on the Raptors' bench for "head towel-waver".
Dave Feschuk reports that O'Neal, Jose Calderon and Jamario Moon will all miss tonight's Wizards game. Moon will be attending the birth of his first child. If I can steal a joke from RealGM, it's nice to see that Jamario took it strong to the hole at least once this past year.
Feschuk also has a fun profile on Roko Ukic and his mobile surfing habits. The money quote is my "Say What" quote on the left.
The many curious deeds of Charles Barkley.
Ball Don't Lie goes one-on-one with Chris Paul. No particularly interesting tidbits in this one, unless you find it interesting that he collects NBA jerseys.
Kevin Durant might finally be starting to live up to his hype.
Monta Ellis is unhappy with the Warrior's management and coach Don Nelson. I think I speak for Warriors management and many Warriors fans when I say, "Shut the fuck up, Monta."
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