Washington Wizards & North Carolina Tar Heels

As Wizards/Bullets fans should be well aware, the DC NBA franchise has had many connections with former UNC Tar Heels. Currently, Brendan Haywood, Antawn Jamison, and associate head coach, Mike O'Koren (who also played for the Bullets in 86-87) represent the University of North Carolina connection.

Past members of the Wiz-Heel club include (years with Wiz/Bullets in parens): Rasheed Wallace (95-96), Jerry Stackhouse (02-04), Hubert Davis (00-02), Mitch Kupchak (76-81), Dudley Bradley (84-86), Jeff McInnis (98-99), and of course, Michael Jordan (01-03).

So, when the good folks at The Fifth Corner, a UNC Tar Heel blog, asked me to answer some questions about the Wizards and the current Tar Heels with the team, I gladly obliged. My answers are below, the Pradamaster of Bullets Forever got interviewed by The Fifth Corner as well.

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Question #1: Being a Washington Wizards blogger, did you believe that the team was going to re-sign Antawn Jamison all along, or did you believe he might leave for another team?

I believed that Antwan Jamison would be back all along. First of all, Gilbert Arenas announced that the re-signing of Jamison was a prerequisite to him coming back. So, Wizards GM, Ernie Grunfeld would have been a fool to let both walk for nothing. I'm personally glad to have Jamison's veteran presence back, I hope he retires as a Wizard.

Question #2: Now that he is signed, what do you think of the new contract? Spot on or would you have done it differently?

Four years and $50 million for a 32-year old forward does seem like a lot to me. I initially thought that a 3-year $32 million or 4-year $40 million contract for Jamison would do the trick. But now, I'm fine with what AJ got; his leadership and intangibles make him well worth the money.

Question #3: In your opinion, what does Antawn Jamison bring to the Wizards?

Jamison is a great rebounder for his size.....there aren't too many 20-10 guys in the NBA (oh yea, there are only four, Carlos Boozer, Dwight Howard, Al Jefferson, and Antawn Jamison -- Tim Duncan just missed the cut in 07-08). AJ is also a 3-point threat, he's made 405 for the Wizards over the past three seasons. And I can't go on without mentioning Jamison's knack for the trick shot. I've never seen a guy his size hit more floaters, scoops, and an array of shots that would otherwise be reserved for the loosest of pickup games, all while making them look like he meant to take them....and he does. Gentleman Jamison (that's my nickname for him) also brings the aforementioned leadership....hopefully he will continue to be vocal in the future like he did here, and here, when some of the Wizards were involved in a lot of unnecessary talking during their '08 playoff series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Question #4: Along with Antawn Jamison the Washington Wizards have another ex Tar Heel on the team, Brendan Haywood. What do you see in the future of this seven footer?

You know, I haven't always been a fan of Brendan Todd Haywood. In the past, he's been a robotic softy with stone hands....ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a tad. But in 07-07, Haywood made vast strides on the hardwood and has instilled confidence in him, from me, that I never thought I was capable of before. Now, I feel that he is one of the top centers in the Eastern Conference and that he's ready to be the man for the Wiz at the center spot for years to come. Of course, he has a pretty friendly contract with two-years and $11.5 million left. If he continues this latest trend, he'll be commanding much more. I recently did an evaluation of Haywood here on my Wizards blog.

Question #5: But, these two players aren't the only Tar Heels in Washington. Mike O`Koren, the lead assistant coach of the team is also from Chapel Hill. After years at the New Jersey Nets and now four years in Washington, do you think that we can see O`Koren as a head coach one day?

O'Koren's official title is 'Associate Head Coach.' The title alone would imply some elevated status in terms of becoming a head coach in the NBA. Yet, his name usually isn't dropped in job opening circles....at least from what I've read. Seems like names of old, retread coaches are usually at the forefront. I did hear that O'Koren was under consideration for the Knicks opening at one point. If the Wiz keep making the playoffs, I think it's only a matter of time until he is given a chance to run the show somewhere.

Question #6: Do you have a story to share about any (or all) of these ex Tar Heels?

Speaking of Mike O'Koren, I ran across an interesting tid-bit about him the other day.....he almost didn't go to UNC because of Frank Sinatra, of all people.

In the spring of 1976, Tark [Jerry Tarkanian] hatched the idea that Sinatra could help him land a high school star named Mike O'Koren, who had an Italian-American mother and lived in Jersey City, N.J., right next to Sinatra's native Hoboken. So rather than going in for a home visit himself, Tark sent Sinatra, who sang some songs, posed for some pictures and told the star-struck family to send their boy to UNLV. Then O'Koren signed with North Carolina. "Dean Smith might be the greatest recruiter ever; he beat Frank Sinatra on a kid from Jersey City," Tarkanian said.

Question #7: Of course, how can we ask some questions about a team and not ask what you see them doing in the next season? Give us the record and where they will finish in the division and what seed in the playoffs.

For the most part, I'm cut from a cloth of optimism. It's easy to have high hopes for a good team of assembled players who, for the most part, have been together during this four-year playoff run. However, 'health' is the keyword that you will hear out the mouths of Wizards fans and members of the franchise alike in the upcoming 08-09 season (All-Stars Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas missed a combined 83 games in 07-08....and both were also injured for the Wizards playoff run in 06-07).

The fact is that there are no dominant teams in the East, even the Celtics (I mean, the Wizards did beat the Champs 3 out of 4 times last season). Philadelphia and Toronto have vastly improved. The Celts, Cavs, Pistons, and Magic will also be in the midst of the playoff conversation. Including the Wizards among those seven teams, the 8th seed in the East may be up for grabs among the rest.

Prediction: The Wizards will win the Southeast Division. Orlando won the division with a nine game lead last year, but I didn't find them to be that impressive. And with the division crown, the Wizards will finally get home-court advantage in the 1st round of the playoffs and will make it past the 2nd round. I'm thinking a 50+ win season.....of course predicated on that 'health' word.

Question #8: Fill in the blank. Tell us something I did not cover about the team (and the ex Heels in particular).

Wizards fans will certainly be keeping their eyes on Ty Lawson this upcoming season. He was considered draftable with our 18th pick in 2008 before deciding to return to school. The Wiz have Illinois' Dee Brown now at the 3rd string PG (I'm a big SEC fan myself, but was definitely going for the Heels when they took down Brown & Co. in 2005), but he may not last and current second stringer, Antonio Daniels, is not getting younger. I've been really impressed by Lawson in the past and he could potentially provide a great change of pace off the bench for a running team such as the Wizards.

Finally, I will ask about nicknames for Antawn Jamison....he doesn't really have one, but he really should. I've personally dubbed him Antawn 'The Gentleman' Jamison......but I'm not sure if that will stick. Did he have any at UNC? I'd be curious to know.

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Thanks to Rush the Court and Basketball Reference for providing research information.

Washington Redskins: Where's The Due Diligence?

Leave it to a Dallas Cowboys fan to point out an article about Redskins safety Reed Doughty in this past Sunday’s Washington Post. He happily cited the piece as a prime example of the ineptness of the Washington Redskins organization. After reading it, I was obliged to agree.

Doughty, selected by the Redskins in the 6^th round of the 2006 NFL Draft, filled in after the untimely death of Sean Taylor last season. He grew up and attended college in Colorado, suiting up four seasons for the Northern Colorado Bears.

Reed Doughty, like most of those who have attained professional ranks in their sport, has faced many obstacles in his football career, but none greater than being severely hearing impaired. Being diagnosed with problems as a child, Doughty dealt with his handicap by learning to read lips and memorize hand signals in college. Only recently, after the 2007 season, did Doughty's wife encourage him to use hearing aids during the course of play.

Inspiring story right? So how did Danny Snyder's play toy screw this one up?

[from Doughty Confronts Loss of Hearing on the WashingtonPost.com]

The Redskins were unaware of Doughty's hearing loss when they drafted him. [Steve] Jackson (safeties coach) initially sensed a problem because "Reed was all over the place," Jackson said. "You could see he had the ability, but he would have to ask the same things over and over again. Ever since we got him checked out, everybody makes a concerted effort to make sure that when they talk to him he can see your lips moving."
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When Doughty arrived at Redskins Park, he had to start all over again. "It kind of became a running joke for a little while," said safety Vernon Fox, who also joined the Redskins in 2006. "We knew that if you were not sitting right next to him, he wasn't going to hear exactly what you said to him. We all kind of knew, it became obvious, he had a hearing deficiency."

Baffling. I understand that a 6^th rounder is well, a 6^th rounder….but it's still a 6^th rounder. Point being, the Redskins should be doing their due diligence no matter where the draft pick lies. There is a chance that Doughty might not have disclosed his impairment, but I highly doubt it. Such information could have easily been sought by a phone call to his college coaches.....at a minimum.

It's unquestionably absurd that the Skins brain-trust was not aware of Doughty's condition and an injustice to the guy himself. Injury on top of insult was that it'd become a running joke for others on the team. I've pledged my unwavering allegiance to the Washington Redskins, but incidents such as this leave me wondering if the franchise is the actual joke.

Hoe Cake Kwame Brown Heads to Motown

Wow, Joe Dumars is a desperado......can the signing of Kwame Brown be seen as anything other than an act of desperation?

cake via flickr/panduh, mugshot via wizznutzz, although this pic found by Jake on BF is much better

The Pistons have been tied to several potential blockbuster moves this summer, whether it be for Carmelo Anthony, Josh Smith, Tracy McGrady or Ron Artest. [side note: The 17th pick of the '04 NBA draft which was shipped from Detroit, via Milwaukee and Denver, to Atlanta in the Rasheed Wallace trade was used by the Hawks to select Josh Smith.] But nothing has come to fruition since Joe Dumars built "big splash" expectations by deeming everyone available (with perhaps Jason Maxiell and Rodney Stuckey as the lone exceptions).

So now, after being on the latter end of "win or go home" in the Eastern Conference Finals for the past three years, this is Joe D's answer. A guy in Kwame Brown who once, at the age of 24, destroyed a stranger's cake, getting it all over the man, before ducking into a limo like a hoe, has been anointed to push the Detroit Pistons over the top.

Good luck with that one Motor City. Will Kwame finally find his way under consummate vet, Antonio McDyess? Or will his attitude travel the path of Rasheed Wallace? How will any of these guys affect Walter Sharpe? In any case, $8 million over two-years is not exactly a low-risk move.

One might say that only time will tell. One could also wonder what the Pistons could have done with $4 million per instead. Furthermore, one can vote on if they think Kwame will be a success in Detroit (like other former Wizards) or not.

I already know the answer. Being a Wizards fan, I've seen more than enough to judge Kwame Brown as someone whose bad attitude is beyond making him a serviceable NBA player. It starts with the guy faking a stomach ache during the playoffs and ends with him sucking.

What I can't stomach is how the guy made it through the vetting process to get drafted first overall in the first place. Kwame Brown has tiny (and stone) hands!! What NBA big man has ever made it with some toy, bitch-ass hands?

According to Wikipedia, Detroit's motto is "We Hope For Better Things; It Shall Rise From the Ashes"..... such hope for Tiny Hands Kwame would even be too audacious for Barack Obama.....too bad it's the Pistons who will be getting burned.

DC vs. Milwaukee: My City Can Beat Up Your City

So What Does Milwaukee Think of Arenas......and D.C.?

To make it clear, I'm not here to bash Milwaukee. After Gilbert's recent comments in regard to Brew City (covered here in Part I: Gilbert Arenas doesn’t like Milwaukee, and that’s good for the NBA), the citizens of that good land naturally were driven to rebut DC's Agent Zero.

Milwaukee, tell us how you really feel:

OnMilwaukee.com Blogger, Jeff Sherman, comes to the defense:

"Every player" hates Milwaukee? Come on, Gilbert! It's no secret that Milwaukee isn't New York City or Chicago. But we aren't some two-cow town in Iowa either. It's tough, yes, for many corporations and sports teams to recruit "stars" to smaller market cities. But, the days of "Bush League" are gone and Milwaukee can and is competing. See forbes.com, which ranked Milwaukee the ninth best city for young professionals.

Commenters....what say you?

• Who the hell wants to play in WASHINGTON? Not even Jordan could make Wiz basketball interesting. rimesparse
• It's one thing if Arenas played in Miami, Orlando, LA or somewhere equally nice...but he plays in DC!!! DC has one of the highest murder rates in the entire country!!! Their winters are just as bad as ours!! mkelover
• We could rip him a new one, call him a naive idiot and sulk in our corner, but that's not what we're about here. Let's invite him here and show him the real Milwaukee. TheGlenn
• The NBA is still in business? Wow. upofan
• I have to aggree [sic] with Arenas in a way. Milwaukee definately [sic] cannot offer or compete with cities like New York, L.A, or Chicago just to name a few. If you are a high paid athlete then the smaller markets are definately [sic] less attractive. diesel1976
• Latrell Sprewell moved back to Milwaukee after his illustrious NBA career came to a "choking" halt. If the Mil is good enough for Spree, it is good enough for me. kevintucker
  

The Bratwurst (a Milwaukee Bucks blog) says "Screw Gilbert Arenas."

I really don’t feel like going too much into his asinine comments about how nobody wants to play in Milwaukee. Fact is, he’s probably pretty much right.

Thing is, I'm not so sure that Gil was trying to be intelligent with his comments.

Brew Hoop had some coverage on Gil's Mil Ill Will, but seems to dismiss the comments for what they are, fodder. But here is what some commenters had to say:

• Hey why don’t you try playing an entire season and then talk sh*t. Oh yeah, and next time, think about gaurding [sic] Ramon Sessions, cause he’ll pop one in your face when ever he feels like it. petedah3at
• This makes me like gilbert arenas slightly less. but it’s true. why do you think I moved? Mitchell_M
• Yeah Gilbert’s comments hurt a little. I guess that’s why we had to pay Simmons $9 mill a year to come to town. Or switching sports, why the Crew had to overpay for Ben McDonald, Jeff Hammonds, Eric Gagne etc. Man it gets cold there in the winter! Mitchell I’m right with you—why do you think I moved? GloryYear2001
• Obviously Gilbert is obsessed with getting attention wherever he goes, so my hope is actually that people don’t use this as a reason to boo him. Because that’s exactly what he wants. If you want to get back at Gilbert, just ignore him. Frank Madden
  

Regardless of Gilbert's words, I want to come to the defense of Washington, DC.

The Facts:

U.S. Media Market Rank:
Washington, D.C. - #9
Milwaukee - #34
Lower NBA cities: Salt Lake City (#35), San Antonio (#37), Oklahoma City (#45), Memphis (#47), New Orleans (#53).

Sherman, in defense of Milwaukee, cites that the city is #9 on Forbes' Best Cities for Young Professionals list, Milwaukee is also in the top quartile for its population of never-married citizens between 20 and 35. So, it's pretty cool that a small metro area such as Milwaukee can land on the map. Where's DC? It falls in at #6 on the list and is in the top quartile for both salaries and never-married young residents.

So, Washington, DC has attention and youth over Milwaukee.

Winters that are just as bad?

Pu-lease. We all (including most Milwaukeeans) know that this is simply not true, but I'd rather have the facts to prove it wrong. Winter is usually considered to span over the months of December, January, and February, but for the hell of it, I'm including November and March in my data (which I got from USA Today's weather charts for Milwaukee and the District of Columbia).

The closing argument: The average high for each of those five months is, on average, 14 degrees warmer in DC. The average low for the same time period is, on average, 11.6 degrees colder in Milwaukee.

DC is more dangerous than our quaint little city.

I'm not going to win this argument. DC continues to have it's share of crime problems, but what do you expect of a city with a crack-smoking former Mayor who continues to hold political clout? But c'mon Milwaukee, let's not act like the aroma from your feces does not create a stench.

Going off 2006 FBI crime statistics via Wikipedia, the District is certainly up there with the 'city of Washington' ranking #7 in murders. However, one does not have to go too far down the list to find Milwaukee at #16 (among cities with over a quarter million people).

Heading directly to the FBI site, and glancing over data for metropolitan areas, the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis area and it's 1,518,404 inhabitants experience a violent crime rate of 579.6. For the DC metro area (including Bethesda - Frederick - Gaithersburg - Arlington - Alexandria) the violent crime rate is 478.2. Of course, if you include PG (Prince George's) County, the violent crime rate jumps to 537.7, still lower than the Milwaukee metro area.....nonetheless, I think I've made my point.

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It's understandable that those who live in Milwaukee feel slighted by the comments of Gilbert Arenas. I’ve never been to Milwaukee, but in a city famous for beer, I’m sure there are many good times to be had.

But Arenas speaks the truth, and I don't think he was referring to any lack of strip clubs and gold diggers, he's not that type....although the NBA certainly has that stigma attached to it.

Gilbert Arenas craves attention and the "facts" above outline that DC, much more than Milwaukee, is a place where attention is abundantly available. Washington has powerful politics, big events, national cultural attractions and go-go music. Movies are made in DC, it's kind of a big deal. Only crap movies have been filmed in Milwaukee (ok, so Back to School was awesome….and Major League and The Blue Brothers are classic…..but it's questionable about Milwaukee claiming Hoop Dreams).

Nonetheless, I wish no ill will on the Mil. I say that no matter where you are, no matter your situation, you make your own fun. But truths are truths, my city can beat up your city.

Gilbert Arenas doesn't like Milwaukee, and that's good for the NBA

Gilbert Arenas is the Brett Favre of blogging. He claims he's going to take a hiatus, then gets sentimental and jumps right back in the game. In his latest entry, Agent Zero drops no love in the heart of Brew Hoop city.

Richard Jefferson going to Milwaukee …. HAHAHA! Oh man, now that is funny. When I heard that, I started laughing. Oh man, did I start laughing. You know why? Because every player hates Milwaukee. Nobody wants to live in Milwaukee. I’m sorry, Milwaukee, to come down hard on you, but no one in the NBA wants to play in Milwaukee.

The verbiage no doubt has the ears of Milwaukee (more on that later).....and Gilbert will no doubt get booed the next time he ventures into Cream City......a budding rivalry between two NBA teams? (also considering of this or this and this) Some will claim that a rivalry is not a rivalry when the results are lopsided (such as this recent thing between the Cavaliers and the Wizards, you may have heard about it). They are wrong.

Rivalries exist on different levels: territorial (Duke-UNC), classical (Lakers-Celtics), instinctual mascot hatred (Redskins-Cowboys), league divisional (Cubs-Cardinals), etc.....there are a variety of rivalries for a diverse set of circumstances. Not all need to be predicated on wins and losses, although glory and defeat are a main factor. Rivalries exist for numerous on and off court reasons and can be temporary or stand the test of time.

Rivalries can form when one set of fans has a reason to dislike another team or player. Fans in Portland and Phoenix weren't exactly endearing towards Arenas when he targeted them for scoring milestones. And there can't be love for Gil from the Durham end of Tobacco Road. Boston Celtics fans? Furgetaboutit.

I'm not claiming a Wizards-Blazers or Wizards-Suns rivalry, not enough developed history. In terms of Bucks-Wizards, the foundation is building and Gilbert's words have put an entire city on notice. Words that will be in the papers, in the blogs, on the radio shows, on local TV, on SportsCenter.....wherever. Words that create hype and garner attention. Words that are good for the NBA.

The next time the Wizards and Bucks face off, Gilbert's "review" of Milwaukee will be mentioned, creating a headliner out of an otherwise insignificant NBA game, and that's what David Stern likes.

Part II: What does Milwaukee think of Gilbert? (coming soon)

If Posada is done for the year, Lo Duca to the Yankees?

If New York Yankees catcher, Jorge Posada, ends up needing surgery on this shoulder, and thus required to miss the rest of 2008, could Paul Lo Duca be an option for Hank Steinbrenner?

Posada is scheduled to have an MRI on his left shoulder today, the results of which will chart the path of the Yankees future. For one, the Yanks have some options in the event that Posada can't make it back behind the plate. Jose Molina, who A-Rod called an "angel," filled in the other day, and Chad Moeller is available for spot duty as well. Moeller was actually with the Nats during spring training, but was later cut and signed to a minor league contract by the Yankees.

Second, I doubt the Yankees would want to make some drastic move, giving up prospects in return for a playoff rental. Making the post season this year is far from guaranteed, and this tactic has failed the Yankees in the past as their farm system has been pilfered by ill-advised moves.

Which brings me back to Lo Duca. The Nationals should have never signed the guy. In my opinion, Jesus Flores showed enough last season to earn more time in the pros this season, others feel the same way. And if Kasten, Bowden & Co. are in full rebuilding mode, why throw $5 million to PLD for a year in the first place? Quite the waste of money for a bunch of penny-pinchers.

Knowing the Washington franchise status, shouldn't they be ready to trade Lo Duca for a ham sandwich? I'll admit that with his injuries, appearance in the Mitchell Report, etc., Lo Duca doesn't appear to be the best option for New York, but he should be the cheapest option. Thing is, Lo Duca is a New Yorker....straight from Brooklyn. He played for the Mets in the previous two seasons, shouldn't the guy be afforded the chance to play for the other NYC team?

In the end, this is just a dream hypothetical. I may not have as much hatred towards Lo Duca as others, but I certainly wouldn't mind sending his ass packing. Nats save money, Bowden saves face, and the Yankees get some dude, on the cheap, who may or may not be able to help. I'm just sayin'.......

Appreciating Little Danny Snyder

Little Danny Snyder, champion of the off-season paper title. He's puffed up his little Danny Snyder chest for photo ops with the likes of Deion Sanders, Adam Archuleta and Steve Spurrier while spending more money and living in the now. His antics have kept Washingtonians interested while nickel and diming their pockets in the interest of boosting franchise value. Snyder doesn't meddle as much as he used to, maybe it's gained maturity, but that doesn't mean that a majority of the Skins fan base has love for the guy.

Plain and simple, the Redskins are Danny Snyder's toy. He's spawned a beloved franchise into reflections of a faceless corporation. Being the self-made owner of the team, he certainly has the right to do so. No one is denying that professional sports is a business, but does it have to be rubbed in our grill so much? Acts such as making moves to control DC Sports Radio just don't feel right.

About a year ago, Sports Illustrated gave Snyder a pat on the back for trying hard and ranked him the fifth best owner in the NFL. The message boarders at ExtremeSkins, an officially official Redskins message board, gave Snyder an 84% approval rating back in June. Of course, that was only judging Danny's actions in the previous two months. Snyder certainly gained credibility in bringing Joe Gibbs back to DC (and the accompanying laissez-faire policy with the coaching staff, something Danny hadn't been able to keep his mitts off before), as well as his patriarchal handling of the SeanTaylor incident. But not all Skins fans enjoy having the lil' guy at the helm as his June '08 DC Sports Bog approval rating stands at 41%, perhaps a more effective gauge of Snyder's popularity.

So what's to appreciate about Danny Snyder? Maintenance of relevancy. He's a local-bred fan who seems willing to spend whatever it takes to keep the Washington NFL franchise always in contention.....for what, I'm not sure. But how many other teams possess the capable moxie to trade for a former NFL defensive MVP within mere hours of losing both the starting DE, Phillip Daniels, and a reserve, Alex Buzbee, for the entire season on the first freaking day of practice?

Jason Taylor to the Redskins has the sports world buzzing. Whether you think Taylor dancing his way to the DMV area is a good thing, or not such a good thing, it is.....something. To me, a 2nd and a 6th rounder is worth acquiring an impact player rather than chancing it with turning over stones to find a defensive version of Michael 'Beer Man' Lewis, even if Taylor is just a one or two year rental.

And this is why I have a small appreciation of Little Danny Snyder and his ability to dip into a purse full of funds (filled from all of the ridiculous extra curricular fees a fan pays to simply attend a game at FedExField) so he can tend to the business of making fans happy, and thus, garnering more loot. Mike Wise had a great column citing the move for Taylor as a necessity over thrill, and comically compared Jason Taylor to Kevin Bacon and Bill Parcells to John Lithgow from the movie, "Footloose." The move for Taylor is a risk. If it pays off, Lil' Danny will be sporting his 'Man of the Year' sash in the next Napoleon Complex Parade. If not, look for Dan and Jason dancing their anger away at a local abandoned factory warehouse.

The Wizards and Darius Miles: Why Not?

The Washington Wizards would like to have a small forward to backup Caron Butler. Darius Miles would like to be a member of an NBA team. Could the two be a match?

At face value, Miles would be far from the shooter the Wizards should desire for spot action. On the other hand, he is still freakishly athletic and could provide a combustible punch of energy off the bench for a team needing a push. Darius Miles could be seen as a low-risk, high-reward option, and he's only 26.


Darius Miles the person raises several red flags. Number one is knee issues. He had microfracture surgery in November 2006 and an independent source dubbed his injury as career ending this past April, allowing the Portland Trailblazers to release him without salary cap implications. The last NBA game the guy play in was over 26 months ago. However, reports say that his knee has fully recovered, but that Miles is just not yet in 'NBA Shape.' Should he play again, Portland's cap space would shrink.

Red flag #2, attitude. Most accounts don't dub Miles as an absolute menace, rather elude to a selfish demeanor created from your run-of-the-mill pampered upbringing of a natural born basketball talent. The most famous example is a 2005 confrontation between Miles and then Portland head coach, Maurice Cheeks. It started in a film session and may or may not have included escalation into the office of then Blazers GM, and former Bullets head man, John Nash. But surely Miles has learned a humbling lesson, and perhaps coming under the wing of a veteran such as Antawn Jamison would aid his maturity.

Red flag #3, suspension. Much ado has been made Darius Miles failing a drug test and being suspended by the league for 10 games. The NBA then made all teams aware of said fact via email, this stirred a minor controversy as to if the league acted unethically in leaking medical information. True Hoop and The Sporting Blog have the issue at hand well covered. The heart of the previous debate: does D-Miles have a weed or steroid problem? The latest report from Mark Stein is that Phentermine (an appetite suppressant which is considered a controlled substance because of a similarity to amphetamines) is actually responsible for the failed test. Not exactly a reason for NBA teams to be concerned. Although, I am curious as to why he was taking weight loss pills; being off that knee probably fattened him up.

Overall, these issues are not insurmountable for a team to deny consideration. The Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets each have worked out Miles. But would he be right for the Wizards? Well, money is the main issue and with $1.5 million left until luxury tax land, options are limited for the Wizards. If Jim Bowden (Mr. Second Chance) was the Wizards GM, instead of the Nats, Miles would have been signed long ago.

Judging by the list of possibles composed on Bullets Forever, there are others who I'd rather have over Darius Miles. Matt Barnes stands out first and foremost. He's fiery player who can knock down the trey, rebound, and defend. Some such as Tony Allen (not enough height), Devin Brown (ability to defend?), Maurice Evans (a big maybe) come to mind as possible preferences. After those on the list who are out of the Wizards price range, or already signed, the remnants leave nothing to be desired over a 26-year old prospect in Miles.

What Darius Miles brings to the table is shot-blocking, rebounding, and versatile defensive abilities derived from length and athleticism. I mentioned that I'd like someone who can shoot the long distance ball, but it's not like Miles can't score in a variety of ways. D-Miles wants to play for a contender (check) and is affordable (check) seeing that he will be happy trying to play his way back into the league on a one-year veteran's minimum (Miles will still be getting $18 million from the Blazers).

Might the Wizards benefit from renting Miles for a year on the cheap, even if it might stunt the growth of Dominic McGuire? I'd say that the guy is at least worth a work out. But who knows what tricks Ernie Grunfeld has up his sleeve. Another possible could be Luke Jackson, who Stein also reports is getting interest from Dallas, Atlanta, and Memphis. In the end, we know that Grunfeld will lay low and strike when the time is right.

Suggested Reading:
A onetime phenom, Miles trying for unprecedented comeback, Ian Thomsen, SI.com

Good Ol' Fashioned Link Fest

I present a bunch of links for the hell of it.....some of these are about six weeks old, but oh well. Read a couple, read 'em all, it doesn't matter.......just enjoy yourself while you're at the fest.


Dee Brown (recently signed by the Wizards) has a rap album.......here's what you need to know about it
[Bullets Forever]

Trying to think of a name for your fantasy football team?......will 'The Criminals Formerly Known as Pac-Man' fit? Yea, I know...that one sucks, but I hate the Cowboys.
[Epic Carnival]

Bill Belichick sucks soul.....and turns it into douche juice
[Kissing Suzy Kobler]

Ron Burgundy is Dead.....guess he and Champ never got that apartment
[The Big Lead]

George Carlin is also Dead....and he once mentioned the Redskins
[DC Sports Bog]

How to Power Nap....much better than the Cosmo Kramer Method
[Lifehacker]

Michael Wilbon loves him some porn stars......but blogs are nasty
[Deadspin]

Heard of this Wale cat?......don't sleep on DC rappers.
[Fresh Cherries from Yakima] [Passion of the Weis]

Top 50 Put-Back Dunks of All-Time.....Jason Richardson is a sick individual
[Big Lead]

Top 10 Dunks of the 2000s.....more B-Dave please
[Slam]

What on earth is the Jigga Man doing?......American Gangsta
[2dopeboyz]

Reggie Bush got knocked the eff out.....remember this?
[Epic Carnival]

Lil' Wayne & Upstart Bloggers.......if only I would've started out with the Hot Boyz and coined a phrase like 'bling-bling'
[Hardwood Paroxysm]

Need A Snack?.....how about wine, beer, or wine?
[DCist]

That Damn Hangover.....somehow, I don't like the idea of loading up on bananas before going out
[Dumb Little Man]

Speaking of bananas......they can gas other fruits. 50 Kitchen Tips for ya.
[Life Hackery]

Vinny Cerrato, Notre Dame's Finest....p.s., I do not like Notre Dame
[DC Sports Bog]

Dookies and NBA Contracts.....smug SOBs
[The Big Lead]

More Dook A-Holes.....Coach K must be a master teacher
[Hardwood Paroxysm]

Jay Bilas doesn't like you pouring out drinks in your mouth for him.....speaking of Dook
[Awful Announcing]

JJ Redick is still pissed.....smug SOB x2
[Epic Carnival]

ESPN vs. The Washington Bullets......"Hollingered" will soon become the new "Munsoned"
[DC Pro Sports Report]

Washington, DC goes 3D.....thanks to the good folks at Google
[DCist]

Fixing Your Annoying Computer......stuff
[LifeHacker]

DeShawn Stevenson still likes to talk......LeBron a girl?
[Bullets Forever]

It's okay to see the Sex In The City Movie if you're a dude.....because Caron Butler told me so
[DC Sports Bog]

Michael Beasley is down with the curly dub.....Marbury's head star has nothing on this one
[Mr. Irrelevant]

Double Weed Standard......Brad Miller vs. Josh Howard
[The Sporting Blog]

Anna Hathaway needs some pub.....I hear she's willing to do magazine covers
[DaveLozo.com]

Tony Kornheiser a d-bag?.......oh, "big" surprise
[The Big Lead]

Old Ass Sports Bloggers.....Grandpa Simpson will talk your ear off
[Epic Carnival]

Female Tennis Players Get Schweaty......and sometimes, they need to change
[The Big Lead]

Greatest thing since sliced bread......means that it's the greatest thing in the last 80 years
[Slashfood]

Dubai is the rapper of the country world....in other words, they do the damn thang, Big
[GizModo]

Hip-Hop = Eff You, Pay Me.....evidently it all started in '96
[Poisonous Paragraphs]

BallHype = Sold.......and those in Silicon Valley get richer
[Fan House]

Protect Yourself, Get A Free Credit Report....dammit! - I keep meaning to do this!
[Matt Cutts, Google Blog]

Wizards Summer League Game 2 Blog: Philadelphia 76ers

The Washington Wizards came up short in summer league game number two, just as they did in game one. This time, the youngsters of the Philadelphia 76ers prevailed. You can find the blog for game one against Portland on Bullets Forever....along with an in-depth analysis of JaVale McGee's defense from that game. As for game two, the show is below.

Quarter One

Andray Blatche isn’t ready for the tip to start. Great.

First curiosity….JaVale McGee isn’t starting, but I don’t think it means much…. Eddie Jordan simply wants to see Andray Blatche at the center. Dominic McGuire is at the 4 spot, and Gary Forbes steps in at the 3. Dee Brown and Nick Young are the guards.

9:09 - Amazing behind the back dribble by Blatche and move to the hoop for a bucket. That’s an instance where I like to see Andray Blatche use his dribble…when facing up in the short post.

6:42 - Jamont Gordon of the 76ers is able to get anywhere he wants against Dee Brown…until he gets blocked throwing a BS scoop lay-up with Dominic McGuire prowling around.

It’s funny to see Jamont Gordon on the court a