Chris Singleton Had No Idea Who Was In The NBA Draft

Chris Singleton was in Poland helping out at Marcin Gortat's basketball camp and was being interviewed by Polska Kadra TV. Aside from looking behind himself randomly throughout the interview, the highlight was when Singleton was caught off guard by an NBA draft question. Check it out.

Tomas Needs To Man Up

Tomas Satoransky is one of the luckiest people in the world.  He was drafted to play basketball for an NBA team in the United States of America, the best league with the best players in the entire universe (yes even better than the aliens from Space Jam).

Satoransky was drafted by the Wizards and Ernie Grunfeld with the idea that he would continue to play in his current professional league in Spain, improve his skills, and then join the Wizards in the near future.  (Although that is complete Wizards propaganda and the guy will probably never wear a Wizards uniform and probably won't ever play in the NBA).

One thing that stopped some Wizards fans from torching down the Verizon Center after draft day was the fact that they would be able to see this Czech prospect play against some of the young NBA talent in the Vegas Summer League.  Well, relight the torches because Tomas doesn't want to play.  (Instead he wants to stay in Czech Republic and practice with his country's Eurobasket team).

Yo Tommy.  Did you watch the Dream Team documentary?  Did you see the players on the other teams taking photos of the American stars from the bench during games!?  That is the kind of super-stardom that comes from playing in the NBA.  And you want to skip-out?  You were drafted by the NB-freaking-A!!!!

Satoransky, who turns 21 later this year, is one of the older players in the draft.  Next season in the NBA there will be 19 year olds making an impact, and he will be over in Europe trying to improve his scoring average from 4 points per game to 5.  Take a look at Bryce Harper.  Take a look at Anthony Davis.  These guys are 2 years younger than you are!  And look what they are doing.

Playing for one's country is definitely an honor...for the Olympics, or for the World Championships.  But for Eurobasket.  What the hell is Eurobasket?  If you want to be an NBA player, then come over to the United States, man up, and get dunked on.  Don't stay in Europe like a scared puppy named Swag.

I don't even know why I'm getting all fired up when I will never in my life see this guy play basketball.  But Man the F Up Tomas...or at least come over and join the Wizards Girls...And Ernie...what the f...i can't deal with this anymore...searching for a new favorite team.

Is Bradley Beal A Poor Man's John Wall?

A lot of Wizards fans and the media have been talking about the Washington Wizards using their third pick on Florida freshman Bradley Beal, a shooting guard.  This is a position that the Wizards need some help as their current SG Jordan Crawford is more of a black-hole guard than a shooter.  But looking at Beal's stats, I noticed that they looked a lot like John Wall's:

So why would the Wizards want two small players who aren't actually that great of shooters to play the guard position together?  Beal is "supposed" to be a better shooter than his stats suggest but John Wall was also "supposed" to start knocking down shots in the NBA by now.

John Wall was the no question #1 pick 2 years ago, and Beal's stats are very similar to that despite not even being a starter on a lesser Florida team.  On paper it doesn't look half bad.  But we have seen in DC that Wall's college success did not translate into immediate NBA success.  Do the Wizards have time to wait another 3 years for Beal to improve.  Will he be a force that keeps Wall in DC?

I'm not sure what Ernie will do or who we will pick, but I question picking an 18 year old "semi-project" that is a step down from John Wall.  Please leave some comments to make me feel better about this!

Wizards Can't Win 7th Straight

It wasn't awful.  It wasn't the best.  In fact it was technically right in the middle.  The Washington Wizards left the draft lottery one slot below what they finished, with the 3rd pick in the upcoming draft.

Ted Leonsis was there.  Ted's son was there.  Ted's father's lucky charms were there.  But the luck was not.  But after luckboxing Wall two seasons ago, you can't be too disappointed with the outcome.

===Conspiracy Side Note====

New Orleans ended up winning the top spot, which is somewhat fishy.  Back in April the NBA, yes the same NBA that runs the lottery, sold the franchise to Saint's owner Tom Benson.  Not sure if any #1 overall picks were promised in the deal.  "The Fix Was In!" just like in 1985 when the Knicks somehow ended up with the #1 pick and Patrick Ewing.  Or was it? You will have plenty of outlets to read about the conspiracy theory in the morning.

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As of the night of the lottery (with plenty of time to change) it seems like the first three picks have been predicted by a majority of outlets to be the following:

• 1.  Hornets - Anthony Davis
• 2.  Bobcats - Kidd-Gilcrest
• 3.  Wizards - Brad Beal

We will look at the rest of the top possibilities later, but quickly what would Brad Beal mean to the team?  A shooting guard / possible combo guard.  It is something that could help the Wizards, but how would he fit with Jordan Crawford & John Wall.  Would Crawford ruin him?

Another option that could be a possibility is Ernie Grunfeld trading this pick.  It is doubtful there will be another Miller / Foye type trade, so most likely they would try to move down in the draft.  Maybe they can pull something off like the Redskins did when they traded down for Ryan Kerrigan and a draft pick.

No matter who they choose, it isn't likely to be a game changer for the upcoming 2012-13 season.  It is going to be another rebuilding year, hopefully with some improvement.  Perhaps they can draft a player who fits in with the current cast, and one who will be ready to blossom when the team takes the next step forward.  Or perhaps they will draft another guy named Janet.

Another Depressing Day For Wizards Fans

So are you all ready for the NBA Draft Lottery tonight?  Maybe a more important question...Are you ready for Ted Leonis to allow Ernie Grunfeld to draft Furkan Aldemir (F/C) from Turkey with the 5th pick (lowest odds) of the 2012 NBA Draft?

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Two years ago in 2010 I didn't even know what day the NBA Draft Lottery was taking place.  The Wizards were in the 5th slot and had little to no chance to end up with the #1 pick.  During that draft, John Wall was the clear cut number 1, but outside of him there weren't any really big names.

So I chose to accept my fate as a Wizards fan and be happy with the 8th pick they were going to miraculously receive (.004 chance).  Sure it was impossible, but with the history of the Wizards, this was bound to happen.  I wasn't going to watch this horror take place.

Then one night at a bar for a sports team gathering, someone pointed out to me (the well known Wizards fanatic) that the lottery was about to take place.  I explained to the person that I didn't care and I didn't want to see it.

But 5 minutes later I heard a bunch of people cheering and screaming.  No...it couldn't be...something else crazy must have happened.  That sound couldn't be the Wizards landing the #1 pick could it?

Well it turned out to be true and that moment I thought one thing.  This is the Wizards only chance.  If John Wall isn't Michael Jordan, we are screwed.  If Wall isn't the next chosen one the Wizards will never luck into a number one pick ever again.

The next season, with the Wizards in the 4th slot they dropped down to 6th in the lottery.  The year before Wall they dropped from 2nd to 5th place.  So what is going to happen in 2012?  Nothing good...the luck in this city won't allow it.

So tonight I will do the same thing I did in 2010.  I will ignore the draft.  I will accept my fate.  I will wait for the next Ernie pick or trade...

Simulate the Lottery tonight here

Fork In The Wall

An "impartial" look at the Wizards and their upcoming draft by a Celtics fan.  Wizards fans may take offense to some of these views, but that's what comments are for.

By FC Kendrick

I’m not a Wizards fan, let me make that clear from the get go, I bleed green and white always have and always will (side note, growing up a Celtics fan in Las Vegas would be like rocking a Troy Aikman jersey in Alexandria) but I have an unhealthy obsession with all teams DMV and that includes the Wizards.   

So as an impartial observer I can tell you things like Kevin Seraphin is at best a poor man’s Taj Gibson, and far more likely a Nick Collison or Ronny Turiaf type, this a best case scenario.  Sorry all you Le’ Bullet fans that were hoping he’d be the second coming of Al Horford. 

Or I can say things like John Wall is the fastest human being I’ve ever seen on a basketball court, but has the least amount of fun playing the game of any star in the last 20 years.  Does he even enjoy playing basketball?  

These and many other reasons have made 2012 one of the most important drafts in a long time for the Wiz.  Let’s assume that one lucky lottery bounce doesn’t change the course of 40 years of bad luck and history overnight and that Anthony “The Uni’Brow” Davis is off the table.   

Excluding that happening, and we know the ping pong balls could swing any which way, but let’s also assume that the pick lands somewhere in between 2-4 (yeah you can blame me if it’s like nine or ten).  What happens with that pick could determine the rest of John Walls career. 

You may, or may not know, that Wall has not signed an extension yet with the Wizards, hell it really hasn’t even been determined if he even warrants a max payday.  The constant flux in style of play, and the emotionless glare that sometimes takes over his personality indicate, as does his time at Kentucky btw that what John Wall really needs is a big brother.  

Someone to hangout with, but that’s not trying to go clubbing 24/7, someone to jam home an alley-oop and actually point to Wall as the guy that deserves the credit.  He seems like a lonely dude sometimes Ernie and Tedd need to give him a basketball family and a reason to want to be a wizard for a long time (or not CHANGE the f'ing name back to the bullets already)

If the pick is the #2, the best players after Anthony Davis are all one and done freshman, Michael Kidd Gilchrist and Bradley Beals might both end up being stars, but this draft isn’t about finding a star.  It’s about finding John Wall a partner to bring this team out of the garbage with (though I will miss the gun in locker room over a poker game, running backwards on offensive rebounds etc, goofy wizards of the last few years).  

You want someone to finish what Wall started on catch and shoots and flush down alley-oops on the fast break, yeah maybe MKG is the next Scottie Pippen, but John Wall is more Kevin Johnson than Michael Jordan.  Whomever the selection is needs to be someone that Wall enjoys playing with; of all the #1 picks of the last 15 years has there ever been someone who has less fun playing basketball than John Wall.

V For Anthony Davis

Feeling confident about the Draft Lottery hooking the Zards 2 years in a row...Really want to see this movie coming out May 30th...

Wizards Second Round: Wizards Draft A Power Forward Named Cash

Watching the draft at a bar with no sound, I saw the list of "best available players" which included DeJuan Summers and DeJuan Blair. I wanted the Wiz to jump on one of these guys and was shocked when they picked a guard. I was not happy for 2 hours before I realized they traded the guy for...CASH! UG.

I STILL HAVE DELUSIONS THAT THIS MOVE IS PART OF THE SET UP FOR THE ULTIMATE MOVE!

What happened to talking with many teams about the pick? What happened to the veteran big man?

The first thing DeJuan Blair pushers have to realize is that the Wizards already have a DeJuan Blair, and his name is Dominic McGuire. Both guys are good rebounders, but too small to be big men. Blair may be a wider body, but Dominic is more athletic.

Who could have helped right away? Maybe someone 6'10" A huge huge huge huge maybe. And all those guys were basically taken.

The best option in my opinion (if they planned on keeping the pick) was to draft Nick Calathes. Keep him in Europe, and think about him later. Actually I have no idea how that works and don't really like that either. I want results now!

The only real option where the Wizards should have kept the pick was if they picked the best available player, and used him in a trade. The perfect guy for this is someone who fell in the draft. A Blair or Summers!

So what did they end up getting for the pick? Cash. No, not the grandson of Johnny Cash. Just a bag full of money. Good. Great. Grand.

Ernie is playing the satisfied with Mike Miller & Foye card, but I'm still waiting. Something else is going to happen right? Right? RIGHT?

The Wizards Still Have A 2nd Round Pick

Don't give up on the draft yet! As of now the Wizards still have a 2nd round pick. That is where you find your Gilbert Arenas' and Tony Parkers!

So what can the Wizards do with this pick?

Trade It:
First off, they can trade it. It could be an added piece to make a deal go through. Or they could possibly trade it for a pick in a future draft. Their reasoning behind this would be that this pick won't help them "win now" and could just be pushed back a year or used to help acquire a veteran.

Select The Best Player Available:
The Wizards could decide to take the best player on the draft board, regardless of position. Since the rookie will most likely ride the bench, they won't really be taking up an important roster spot. The player could develop on the bench for a few years until he is needed. The problem with this is they already have 800 guards, would they add another?

Dionte Christmas (SG) Temple, DaJuan Summers (SF) Georgetown, Darren Collison (PG) UCLA

Pick A Much Needed Big Man:

The Wizards look like they will be needing another big man, although probably a veteran. They could draft big in hopes that they get a guy who can put in a few solid minutes per game right away.

Josh Heytvelt (PF) Gonzaga, Jeff Pendergraph (PF) Arizona St

Draft And Stash:

Something the Wiz have done in the past (with Juan Carlos Navarro) is draft an international player's rights and let him play in Europe for a few years. The draft pick most likely won't get playing time, so playing in Europe would allow the guy to develop, without hurting the current team.

Nick Calathes (PG) Signed With Greece out of college

Take A Risk:

Staying in the mindset of the 2nd rounder not playing any minutes, the Wizards could take a chance on a player, picking them ahead of where you would think they would be drafted, or picking them based on potential.

Austin Daye (SF) Gonzaga...6'11" Small Forward

Move On Down:

They could use the pick and some players to get back into the first round where they could pick up a player with a better chance to contribute right away.

Taj Gibson (PF) USC, Dejuan Blair (PF) Pitt, big stretch Tyler Hansbrough (PF) UNC

I just picked some guys that I like for my examples. You can see a whole Mock Draft and get an idea of who may be around over at NBA Draft Net.

Also Bullets Forever goes more into detail about this pick...

Will There Be A 3rd Team Tomorrow?

From The Chad Ford Report:

"The source told Katz that until the deal is officially done, Minnesota could still work a trade to get a third party involved."

I'm not sure this part of the deal would effect the Wizards since I'm assuming they want to keep Miller & Foye, but anything is possible. I'm hoping that there will be some more action tomorrow whether it be with a 3rd party or a completely separate trade.

Wizards Workouts Featuring...No-Names

The Wizards are having some more people in for draft workouts today. These are some guys who are either 2nd round maybes or players that may be undrafted.

The only player worth noting is Ryan Ayers. Not because of his draft status but because the guard/forward from Notre Dame Ryan Ayers is son of "defensive guru" and former Wizards assistant coach Randy Ayers. Interesting.

If you want to see a list of the rest, check out the Wizards Blog. A couple of the guys that may be drafted are supposed to go higher than #32, the Wizards second pick, so I'm not even going to bother talking about them.

Latest Trade Rumor: Mike Miller & Other Timberwolves

Mike Jones of the Washington Times reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves have been speaking with the Wizards about getting the #5 Pick.

"Some of the pieces Minnesota is believed to be offering up are swingman Mike Miller, who has a $9.75 million expiring contract, guard Randy Foye, the expiring contracts of Brian Cardinal ($6.75 million) and Mark Madsen ($3.6 million) and possibly the 18th and/or 28th picks."

This deal is not something that will excite the fan base. Trading away an exciting college prospect for Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, & Mark Madsen. Why Minnesota would be willing to trade away the only 3 white NBA players that exist is puzzling to me. That's like deciding that you want to give away 3 unicorns. Eh I tried...

While Miller has been a great scorer at times and is a solid shooter, he is getting old.

Mark Madsen would bring his championship ring to town, but can he help the Wizards dance down F street next June?

Randy Foye scored over 16 points per game last season...for the T-Wolves. I was very surprised to read that stat. Could he be a decent fit as a point guard?

And Brain Cardinal is...well...is this guy...

Woohoo fun lineup time

PG: Gilbert Arenas

SG: Mike Miller

SF: Caron Butler

PF: Antawn Jamison

C: Brendan Haywood

I'm failing to see a point guard in this setup. I would probably prefer this lineup

PG: Randy Foye

SG: Gilbert Arenas

SF: Caron Butler

PF: Antawn Jamison

C: Brendan Haywood

6th Man: Mike Miller

In my opinion, these guys are no Steph Curry! Yeah I'm obsessed!

• Washington Times: T'Wolves Eying 5th Pick

Hill, Harden, & Curry Mock Draft Favorites

Washington Wizards Blog has searched the Internet for Mock Drafts, and listed who each Mock Drafter had going with the 5th pick. From the 22 Mock Drafts surveyed, these were the results:

James Harden: 45% (10/22)
Jordan Hill: 23% (5/22)
Steph Curry: 23% (5/22)
Tyreke Evans: 1% (1/22)
Hasheem Thabeet: 1% (1/22)

While for some reason these percentages don't add up to 100 even after rounding them up (WTF), you can see that most people think that the Wiz will select Harden with the 5th pick.

So what does all this really tell us? Nothing! But what else are we going to do for the next week?

Latest Trade Rumor: Amare Stoudemire Revisited

From the Milwaukee Journal Times:

"I'm hearing a deal, which would revolve around Phoenix's Amar'e Stoudemire and the wizards' top pick, has a decent chance of going down."

Again with the Amare talk. Stop getting me excited and then stabbing me in the heart. While Stephen Curry would be fun, Amare would be "funner". How about this for a starting lineup:

PG: Gilbert Arenas
SG: Nick Young
SF: Caron Butler
PF: Amare Stoudemire
C: Brendan Haywood

Trade Jamison, the #5 Pick, the 2nd round pick, and the whole team if you have to...

Bleacher Report seems to think that Antawn or Caron wouldn't even be involved in this deal and that it will just be the pick and "role players" which don't tell the Suns, but the Wiz don't have any.

Wizards Workouts Featuring Jordan Hill

Wizards Insider reports that on Thursday, the Wizards will have Jordan Hill to the V-Center for a workout. Hill is a power forward from Arizona, but recently has been slipping in the draft projections.

The former Wildcat could be described as a combination of Michael Jordan and Grant Hill. Of course that combo only includes a combination of names, and has nothing to do with talent on the basketball court. (Jordan Farmar & Harvey Grant...ug this lame joke could go on forever)

While the Wizards could use a power forward to hopefully overtake Blatche & McGuire, I don't see them going for a rookie. A solid veteran would fit in well at that position, with Dominic coming off the bench for energy minutes.

If the Wizards don't trade the pick, don't trust in Curry, and they claim they will pick the "best available regardless of position" then Jordan Hill may be their choice come draft day. Thursday will give them an opportunity to find out.

Workout Reviews

The Washington Post was in the house for the workouts this afternoon to watch Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, and more.

Wizards Insider talks about the players games, and is impressed with Curry, Jennings, and even A.J. Price. WI thinks that Curry is the most NBA ready, and says that he was impressive in his interviews with the Wizards. Thats what I like to hear!

"The first thing I noticed was that Curry's jumper really was pure like Artisian water."

Sports Bog was more impressed with local celebrities that he saw like Vinny Cerrato. He asked the important questions like what classes Stephen Curry was taking, what it was like for Jennings living in Rome, and the shortness of Flynn. He talked about how tough the workout was and got some quotes from the workout participants.

"It's more physical in the NBA?" he asked. "I think it's more physical overseas. You know, they don't call anything. You can grab, you can choke a player out, you can do anything."

--Brandon Jennings On Playing Overseas

Wizards Workouts Featuring Jonny Flynn & Brandon Jennings

Aside from Stephen Curry, the Wizards will be working out Jonny Flynn & Brandon Jennings today, according to Wizards Insider.

When I first saw PG Brenden Jennings (International) in draft projections, I ignored him the way I ignore Ricky Rubio. Then I realized that Jennings isn't really an international player. He was the player from a year ago who decided after his senior year in high school to play in Europe instead of going to college.

His comments have brought him into the public eye recently when he claimed that Ricky Rubio was all hype (I agree!) . However, to me, a high school player who played one season in a weaker European league than Div 1 basketball can also be described as "hype". (He didn't even dominate)

You may remember PG Flynn, from Syracuse's big run in the Big East Tournament that included a 6 overtime game vs UCONN, or from their 2 games in the NCAA Tourney. Sure, you probably remember Devendorf more, but Flynn is the better player.

Both these guys could turn out to be good point guards, but I don't think either one would give the Wizards what they need for a good team THIS season.

NEXT!

Wizards Workouts Starring Stephen Curry

Back in 1993, before my move to the DC area, my favorite team was the Charlotte Hornets. This was based on the team colors, and the fact that they had the smallest player in the NBA, my favorite player Muggsy Bogues.

While the team also had Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning, my 2nd favorite player was 6th man Dell Curry. Dell Curry was money. That guy could hit 3 after 3.

I would take the time in Tecmo Baskeball before every game to sub in "Wadell Curry" and he couldn't miss from the top corner. Needless to say, he was among the league leaders in scoring.

When Davidson made it into the spotlight, and Stephen Curry emerged a tournament star, I couldn't help but love him. So all I can say is Yes! Yes! Yes! Stephen Curry will be working out with the Wizards this week!

There is a lot of talk that Curry wants to play for the Knicks and the Knicks want to pick him. There was even talk about secret deals in place between the two, all denied.

Stephen Curry is to short. He isn't heavy enough. He doesn't have enough muscle. So why should the Wizards pick him?

The Wizards need a 3 point shooter. Curry would not only be this immediately, but would also have the potential to be a scorer as well. He could be a great...6th man! Just like dad.

Curry is the only draft choice I would be happy with. If they don't plan to pick Curry they need to trade the pick. Curry Curry Curry!!!!!!!!!!

Wizards Workouts Featuring James Harden And Tyreke Evans

Wizards Insider, your source for all workout news, reports that AZ State SG James Harden and Memphis guard Tyreke Evans will be working out today along with 7'0" Center from Ohio State B.J. Mullens.

The first 2 guys are some possible top 5 guys, and cover the Wizards' "what if we don't trade the pick" scenario.

Evans, who may or may not have taken his SAT test, only played 1 year in college, but was very good for a good Memphis team.

Harden, who's name came up the day of the lottery debacle, was one of the original predicted picks.

Both guys are guards, and would be expected to move ahead of Nick Young and Crittendon right away or there is no reason to get them.

Mullens on the other hand, is a center and a "big goofy white guy". He would be a moving down situation and a "please God No!" situation.

I'm still waiting for Hasheem Thabeet to workout so I can start my new catch phrase "Where's Tha Beet?"

Wizards Workouts Starring DeMar DeRozan

Wizards Insider reports the Wiz are going to have another workout this afternoon for DeMar DeRozan, a shooting guard from USC.

After the firing of DeRozan's former coach Tim Floyd, I wonder how many sacks of money DeMar received from Floyd. Even if he did, its too late to effect him. That is USC's problem. Projected to go in the top 10, DeMar will have plenty more sacks of money coming his way.

Draftwise, the Wizards could go with a shooting guard, but there appear to be 2 or 3 ranked higher than DeRozan that could be available at #5. Plus they already have a SG from USC (for now) in Nick Young.

Hmmm. That means Nick Young also played for Tim Floyd. Wonder if anything shady happened...

Anyways if the Wiz stay at #5 and need a shooting guard...STEPH CURRY!