Can the Wizards Turn the Corner?

The Wizards have turned a corner, but I believe they are about to turn another corner soon. They turned the first corner right before Wall returned. It helped that they started to get healthy for the first time. Now that the team is mostly healthy. There are a few things they must to to turn the other corner and start playing to their potential.

The main thing this team needs to improve on, is closing out quarters. When the pressure intensifies, they get frantic and don't play their game anymore. It has been obvious that in their biggest problem right now.

When the game is on the line, they need to stay calm, read the situation, and then execute. It sounds simple, but it is important to remember that these guys are just starting to come together and jell. I expect this to get better soon.

The next thing to focus on is defense. Down the stretch, it should be “No Layups Allowed”. Make the opposition earn their points the hard way. Send them to the line and make them make free throws. Someone needs to step up down the stretch in that role. I think it will be Booker or Singleton, or at least that would make sense.

It is almost too late to make the playoffs, but I want the wizards to make it interesting. It is important to change their perception around the league either way. A trip to the playoffs would be great. But long term, a shot at another lottery pick could be nice. For now, if these guys can turn the corner, The league had better look out.

A New Beginning

That's right. The sun is finally about to rise. For the Washington Wizards, the return of John Wall is important for many different reasons. Most importantly a team can't evaluate itself correctly with out it's centerpiece. That for another conversation. Today I am focused on the fans.

For the fans, John Wall's return is like a man in the desert coming up on a spring of water. It feels long overdue. I am going to be watching tonight's game very closely. Not only for Wall, but for what this team looks like together (I hope Crawford will be able to play). It will take a few games for things to get rolling, but this is "A New Beginning" as Wall correctly labeled it.

I know quite a few fans don't think Wall good enough, or hasn't improved enough. Well now it is time to find out. I am expecting to see many opinions on him change. Van Gundy, Barkley soon they will be singing a different tune. DC is a sports hub. For the Wizards, this is a welcome new beginning.

http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/2013/01/11/Wallpractice011113wmv-2351570

John Wall to Return Soon, What Does that Mean?

John Wall is expected to make his return to the Wizards soon. I feel like I am one of the few people that think this team can have a big turn-around. While i don't agree with how this team is constructed, I do think they can go on a run once Wall gets full strength.

Regardless of what happens with this team, they need Wall to come back and look good running this team. My best case scenario is for the team to come on late and win quite a few games but miss the playoff. Then the least likely part needs to happen. they would have to win the lottery and a add stud (like Bennett, Noel, or Muhammad). I don't know, I'm not a scout.

 Regardless of what happens, I still feel like this team needs to be more successful in drafts, whether it is a top pick, a late first, or second round pick. They need to stop being viewed as the organization that can't get out of it's own way. I don't want to hear, "The Learners are Cheap". I am getting the feeling Monumental Sports is cheap.

If Wall is unable to return to form and continue to grow, the dark ages may well be ahead for this team. I don't have faith in this teams front office and right now I am just hoping they get lucky. Ted will keep Grunfeld here for his whole contract. To me, this is all I have to hope for at this point.

The Journey to Win Number One... ( continued again)

I'm in here watching this game.  I don't actually believe the Wizards will win this game, but you never know. This team needs John Wall bad. If that doesn't help this team is they have no hope.

I am almost at the point where I really want a change of leadership. Ernie Grunfeld has had more than a fair amount of time on the job. I think the way to do it is to bring in a new GM before the trade deadline. Then have him hire a good coach and let them work.

It is San Antonio 48 Washington 46. In the second quarter and the game is competitive, that is all I can ask for really.

Speaking of Eddie Jordan, he was the best coach this team has ever had. It is too bad Grunfeld wouldn't build the kind of team he wanted and needed. The mistake was made long ago when Abe hired Eddie the coach before he hired a GM. It is no wonder this team can't win, the foundation has not been laid correctly.

60 - 48 spurs up at the half. Yes, that is a 12 - 2 run.66 - 50 9:-8 to go in the third and I am watch some football for a while. This is simply not fun to watch.

The Journey to Win Number One (cont...)

OK, we are 0 - 10. The Bobcats are a better team than the Wizards. It appears as though the the Wizards are slated to get a lot of lottery balls only to get the worst possible pick again. Maybe they win it in a year there is no star player. Who knows. This team really needs John Wall to return.

One player I expect to show up tonight is Bradley Beal. He will be match up with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. These two may be rivals already and this may further that. It is the same starting lineup as the last game. Livingston, Crawford, Beal, Vesely, and Seraphin.

Wizards vs Bobcats Sat November 24, 2012.

The Journey to Win Number One

Tonight is the night. Yes, it is a bold prediction. But I am afforded the right at bold predictions. As a part time blogger, I can pick my spots. I can stake my reputation on my hunches and not lose my job.

Tonight is the night, Why because they need it. Because the Wiz have beat the Bobcats the last five times. "Execution is the most important thing down the stretch" Martel Webster said. Webster has really tried to assume a leadership role on this team.

This team has come close but tonight is the night I do my first post game reaction.

Wizards @ Bobcats, November 13, 2012...

Yes I predicted that over a week ago, but I think tonight really is the night. A new starting lineup with Livingston, Crawford, Beal, Vesely, and Seraphin. Also, Nene will play. I will update with thoughts from the game later.

Wizards @ Hawks, November 21, 2012

My First MLB Playoff

Photo courtesy of Sarah Stierch

Before DC had the Nationals, I didn't have a team that I followed. Last night, as I was working, I couldn't turn my MLB At Bat app off. At first I listened to the Braves and the cardinals.

A Phillies fan, told me how the Cardinals stole their spot last year. I couldn't help but sympathize with him. In my mind, the Braves are the better team. But last night they couldn't get the job done.I think the Nationals are better than the Cardinals.

I was really pulling for the Orioles last night. I would love to see the Orioles beat the Yankees. Growing up they were the closest team so that would ne awesome.I didn't really follow the team but I do like the Oriole bird.

Its possible, we could see a Beltway World Series. If I would have said that a few months ago, I would have been called a clown.Yet the possibility is the a very real.

It's very different watching the playoffs as a fan of a team. I'm sure I am gonna enjoy the ride.