Under an avalanche of criticism and pixels – our team stayed together - and the got its first win of the season. I appreciate the spirit and I appreciate the togetherness that was shown at the game by the players and the staff. I also wish to thank the fans that gave the team lots of encouragement and cheers. Thank you.
As I look back; I am very disappointed that we didn’t close out our first win on Opening Night against the Nets; and in the game against the Timber Wolves at home. Those are teams and games at home that we must be competitive against and get W’s. Losing games against playoff teams such as the Celtics and Knicks and Hawks – who have been together for many years – is still painful; but is a bit more understandable.
It was nice to see young players last night contributing in a big way; Wall, Booker, Singleton, Vesely, Mack, Crawford, all played well and contributed - all are rookies or second year players.
Onward to a back to back tonight in Chicago. Wish us well; thank you.
Ted, as you know, I’m a big supporter in your vision of how to build a team. But one significant factor needs to change, in my opinion: Blatche has to go. It’s not a matter of his skills; it’s his attitude on and off the court. He’s an indifferent player and a whiner. He needs to be traded, moved for whatever he’ll bring in return, for this team to progress.
You’re not just trying to build a winning team: you’re trying to build a winning culture, and guys like Blatche stifle that process. Please, at least investigate the possibility. The sooner malcontents are gone, the sooner the winning can start.
I e-mailed you after the Timberwolves loss, and figured I’d follow up after this win. It is fantastic to see guys putting it together and these kinds of games are the ones that show hope. Booker was great, Andray Blatche showed energy coming off the bench… Losses are going to happen, but it’s these kinds of nights that give a fanbase hope for the future!
Saunders should complete the starters’ reversal, and start Crawford too, and let Young also come off the bench (after 5 minutes or so) with Blatche and Lewis (and Vassely – who looked great) so all of them can provide the bench relief and scoring. Booker and Singleton provided much better work under the boards than the usual starters, and it made a big difference in the game. Good rebounding and blocking-out are key to this team being able to win consistently. This “starters’ reversal” will take the foul pressure issue off of Young so he can focus on scoring without racking up two fouls early. Also, hire Kareem Abdul Jabbar for a month to teach McGee how to do the sky-hook right (and get good rebounding posistion). Vassely handled the inside-out passing game better than any Wizards big man has in years, – very sharp- and 5 steals, – WOW! This team now has the personnel to run a very strong inside-outside passing game on the offensive end, but they need to share the ball like Vassely did last night. McGee, Vassely (and Blatche & Singleton) inside, to Young, Lewis, Wall, Blatche, Crawford, Singleton, and Mason, shooting on the perimeter, will work with good team oriented passing and short high-energy player rotations each night to find the hot hands and consistent blocking out and rebounding. Certain guys just HAVE to focus on this in every rotation. Good job. Good luck in Chicago. Keep running, keep passing, find the open shot!!!
Ted…I have been a critic of Flip’s but I must admit that was his best coaching job yet with the Wiz. He shook things up and got the right mix on the floor. Everyone played pretty good except Jordan Crawford is still forcing his game. I’d put him on the bench for a while and give Roger Mason more minutes at the 2 spot until Crawford calms down.