[Key Elementary School - NW Washington, DC - photo: K. Weidie]

Eventually, soon, I would like to make a more comprehensive post regarding Javaris Crittenton’s Tweets on this here site. There’s a problem with his Tweets… in that it’s Twitter. It would be very hard to gather context from each and every one of Crittenton’s Tweets, much less the small sample used for my piece on TrueHoop, or even from any number of people publishing thoughts and ideas on the social media tool.

To put it clearly: Nothing can be gathered, inferred, or deduced from Crittenton’s Tweets. They are simply an additional window into the life of a figure whom so many people are now trying to futilely gain information about. Yes, the Tweets came directly from his mind, but we don’t know what kind of filter he was putting his thoughts through… just like we don’t know what type of filter athletes, or anyone, puts themselves through during interviews and other media interactions.

There is, however, one misconception, or instance that needs more clarity: Crittenton’s six Tweets from the day of the murder in question, August 19.

From his timeline, it’s evident that he was at the movies, watching Planet of the Apes, on the night of the 18th and was tweeting about it past midnight into the 19th. Hence, some of his Tweets about the movie were date-stamped on the 19th. And while I don’t have time-stamps on Crittenton’s Tweets, his fifth Tweet from the 19th was a “@” reply to someone, reading: “@[Twitter name deleted] just been grinding. What’s up big boi? Ain’t seen you in a min” Looking at that user’s timeline, he replied back to Crittenton at 11:15 AM on August 19.

Crittenton’s fourth Tweet on the 19th quoted and responded to another user:  “@[Twitter name deleted]: @JayCrittDTE was it good??” Movie was real good. You gotta see it.” That user, according to their timeline, asked Crittenton the question at 11:15 PM on August 18 and responded “Cool” at 1:30 AM on August 19th.

So clearly, according to timestamps of other users, in lieu of the now unavailable timestamps from Crittenton’s deleted account, most all of Crittenton’s Tweets on the 19th occurred in either the morning or early afternoon hours. The murder purportedly occurred at 10 pm on the night of the 19th; Crittenton’s last Tweet of that day: “Good night world. Gotta get some rest. Super early workout in the am.”

What does this all mean? Well, if you read the first paragraph, nothing. What it does mean is that Crittenton, according to his Tweets, was not watching Planet of the Apes on the night of the murder, as some have wrongly concluded.

BASKETBALL WIVES!

Like all humans I am susceptible to bad judgment and making mistakes. It’s in this regard that I watched the debut VH1′s Basketball Wives earlier this week — you know, the one featuring Gilbert Arenas’ ex and mother of his children (whom he tried to keep from appearing on the show). So you see, if anything, I simply had to watch what Arenas’ money and lawyers didn’t want us to.  I meticulously took notes on the show in hopes of filing an official report, while paying a very snarky and cursory attention. Here goes…

• Laura Govan is on early, talking about dealing with rumors of an affair “with someone famous” and a public breakup… but names no names.
• The phrase, “You can’t help but to respect real,” is said by any number of involved parties.
• Someone says, “Smoke and mirrors,” which would seemingly become the  theme of choice for those on the show to describe each other.
• “Real” is said several times in one scene; “Gravy” is only said once.
• Someone says, “Did Malaysia really took off?” — Malaysia is evidently a volatile character on the show, associated with Jannero Pargo, and it’s well-advertised by her and others that she grew up in Compton.
• Suddenly some of the girls seem to be reading from a script, which strikes me as odd for reality television, but again, I’m not paying any attention.
• Then they end up in some restaurant and the estranged wife of Jayson Williams (ex-NBA player who is currently in jail for shooting his limo driver) says to the waiter: “Let me have what you consider to be the best thing here.”
• The thought then enters my mind about how deserving the involved players are/were of these seemingly terrible women whom I don’t know — the characters involved are: Matt Barnes, Gilbert Arenas, Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson, Jannero Pargo, Doug Christie, and all the NBA guys who slept with some other groupie chick on the show whom all the “wives” seem to hate.
• Exactly.
• It’s revealed that Govan evidently gained 84 pounds resulting from her latest pregnancy with Arenas’ child. DAMN THAT’S A BIG BABY!
• Things happen, people talk, I hear “smoke and mirrors” again.
• The Malaysia character keeps getting into it with Ron Artest’s lady… all I can think of is Mugatu, Will Ferrell’s character from the movie Zoolander, saying “Do as you are trained… AND KILL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER!”
• Laura Govan then calls Malaysia a “rat,” evidently because she uses her middle name as her first name. Makes total sense.
• The show kind of ends with more confrontation. Somebody tells Govan, who was pregnant when this episode was filmed, “You’re having a baby, sit down!” — It might have been Malaysia, I don’t know, but then Malaysia punches Govan in the face (or something like that).
• And, done. We are all terrible people living in a terrible world, via Basketball Wives, and to the best of my ability I will try to cope with this.

LINKS!

> As so many media members try to relate “their” story about Javaris Crittenton, I particularly appreciated Scott Carefoot’s piece. Here’s an excerpt:

I’ve long suspected that most people who interview others as a significant portion of their jobs flatter themselves that these interviews allow them a glimpse into the windows of the true spirits of their subjects. More and more, I’ve become convinced that none of us should believe that we can understand what people are capable of, given the situation. In fact, I believe most people don’t really understand themselves well enough to know what they’re capable of doing. Maybe you have yourself convinced that you would never commit murder or adultery or betray your best friend, even if you could get away with it — but maybe you just haven’t been presented with the right motivation.

[The Basketball Jones]

> Wizards draft pick Chris Singleton seems to be penning some guest work for the Washington Times with the assistance of Carla Peay… and it all sounds nicely impressive. This excerpt:

I know the gossip about what some of these guys have been doing off the court, and frankly, some people need to grow up a little and eliminate some of that. But over time, we will develop our chemistry, and we’ll make the city of D.C. proud of us.

[Washington Times]

> Truth About It’s John Converse Townsend went to the Goodman-Melo League game last Tuesday and has written a nice column about Kevin Durant for TrueHoop.
[TrueHoop]

> If Nick Young signs to play in China, which would likely keep him from playing in the NBA in 2011-12, I imagine he would end up greatly regretting it… just a feeling based on observation. Then again, if the money isn’t bad and the NBA isn’t playing… I wouldn’t blame him.
[TrueHoop]

> Learnin’ in Baltimore via Craig Stouffer’s coverage of Goodman League vs. Melo League:

Similarities between street ball and actual NBA games are subtle but significant » The player hierarchy takes on exaggerated importance — Durant, James, Anthony and Chris Paul never left the floor and hogged the ball repeatedly — but it doesn’t change. James deferred to his all-star teammates (Anthony and Paul), and while Paul talked to reporters, he was meekly whisked out of the arena by his security detail.

[Washington Examiner]

> NBA owners don’t give a damn about winning the PR battle during the lockout. Why? Because winning the PR would be bad for them says Beckley Mason.
[HoopSpeak]

> Gilbert Arenas didn’t take too kindly to a jokester, Joe Mande, making jokes about his jokes, via a post of Arenas’ past Twitter avatars. Aside from all the static, the point seemingly is that a guy who will turn 30-years old next January has a lot of issues with women. One can only wonder why.
[The Basketball Jones]

> Michael Lee reports that Trevor Booker is in good shape after coming back from a broken foot experienced in March toward the end of last season. Booker will travel to play for a pro team in Israel on September 13.
[Wizards Insider]

> Speaking of playing overseas and traveling on the road overseas… Ernie Grunfeld’s son, Dan Grunfeld, wrote an enjoyable guest column about his experiences playing ball on the road domestic and abroad.
[SB Nation]

> Is there a chance for a Kwame Brown resurgence in Charlotte, where *gasp* he could be the starting center?
[Queen City Hoops]

> The D.C. Attorney General is NOT siding with Dan Snyder in the owner’s latest legal maneuvering to limit free speech.
[DCist]

> A good, honest review of Wale’s recent mixtape, The Eleven One Eleven Theory, which I wasn’t the biggest fan of, but still am a fan of Wale.
[Passion of the Weiss]

> Danny Chau takes us back to ’92-93 and the lost season of Richard Dumas.
[Hardwood Paroxysm]

> The big baller strip club that so many D.C. athletes like to attend, Stadium Club, actually started as an idea, with city funding, as a job training center for residents with HIV/AIDS. How it became a strip club, under the involvement of former gangster Cornell Jones, has led to some shadiness and a lawsuit from the city.
[Washington City Paper]

It must be fun to be able to dunk like JaVale McGee…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9h9ibL5KPo

Hamady N’diaye’s workout (and interview):

Other reads from Truth About It:

• July 2, 2011 -- ShareBullets: Wizards Weekender of Lockout Links
• August 24, 2011 -- ShareBullets: Earthquake After Effects & The Detriment of Gilbert Arenas’ Twitter Account
• January 27, 2011 -- ShareBullets: Portraits Of A Young Team & Wizards Picture Leftovers

>>

“Don’t show that weirdo no love homie.”

That’s what Javaris Crittenton wrote on Twitter in response to a Tweet sent by @TazWube on August 14. A piece I’ve written regarding Crittenton’s now-defunct Twitter account resides on ESPN’s TrueHoop.

Wube is a famed D.C. club promoter with a Wikipedia page that reads like a press release. His exact Tweet:

@TazWube #np Spend it/2 chainz– he says he brings all his guns to work–gibert arenas… Makes me remember I miss Agent O.. 6’4 and unstoppable!!

His “Gibert” Arenas (sans the ‘l’, pronounced GUY-burt) could only play, by means of misspelling, to the potential of Andray Baltche, one would assume.

Crittenton’s exact reply:

@JayCrittDTE What up fam? Be in DC next week. Don’t show that weirdo no love homie. “@TazWube: he says he brings all his guns to work–gibert arenas…

Well publicized is Arenas’s deleted Tweet on August 26 from his now also defunct Twitter account, not long after a murder warrant was issued for Crittenton’s arrest:

@agentzeroshow: i really wanna say sumthing but i wont becuz theirs a dead women invovled…

Snide, snarky and spelling not so well. We are all guilty.

Find a guy on the street, one with a semblance of awareness of the Washington Wizards (he must know that Oleksiy Pecherov got buckets … too broad?), and ask him if Arenas was a [pause for dramatic effect and then slowly say under your breath] WEIRDO?

Ask an ex teammate or so, perhaps another type of close acquaintance, what Arenas really wanted to say about Crittenton on Twitter before he stopped tweeting; their guesses would vary like the curvature of rings in a tree trunk.

One thing I am sure of, weirdo or not, is that this whole Javaris Crittenton thing is weird. Suspicious. Yet to be unfolded.

Other reads from Truth About It:

• September 2, 2011 -- ShareBullets: Basketball Wives & Crittenton’s Tweets
• January 2, 2010 -- The Birth of @GilbertArenas and The Death of @JayCrittDT
• October 3, 2009 -- Unheard and Unseen Cuts from Wizards Media Day

Now, Rovell reports that, “the league has approved licensees to make retro Bullets items again.”

In TruthAboutIt.net’s never-ending quest to search for the truth, about it, site investigators have discovered the behind the scenes process of removing Washington Bullets retro items from production. The following footage has never been seen before, ever. I’m talking never. Except for now.

Click the image below to begin your journey
(RSS feed readers, you have to actually come to the site … it’s an animated GIF ‘n’ stuff.)

{or, you can just click here to see the GIF}

Other reads from Truth About It:

• November 10, 2011 -- Faces of A Post-NBA Lockout Negotiations Presser
• October 6, 2011 -- ShareBullets: REMEMBER: Bryon Russell Is Responsible For Gilbert Arenas
• October 3, 2011 -- Washington Wizards Suspensions & Fines Since 1995

So Mike James has been written about a couple times lately. And with everything else that’s going on, it’s nice to talk about non-legal, non-14-29 record, basketball-related items. But first, here’s a run-down of everything that’s going on (can’t help myself) …

Such as Javaris Crittenton finally appearing in court, pleading to a misdemeanor gun possession, and being sentenced to one-year probation and a $1,250 fine all in about half-a-day. Oh, and since Gilbert Arenas has owned “hundreds” of guns, we found out about him making fun of Crittenton’s gun because it was little. Good one.

What else? Well, Crittenton’s day in court only created more contradictions, brought to you by Dan Steinberg, and not clarity. My favorite one … the idea the Crittenton dealt with fearing for his life with an unloaded gun. Can we all agree that Javaris got rid of the bullets before turning in the gun? Ok, I’m making an assumption, but that seems like where the smart money is.

And not to forget … the NY Post’s Petey Vescey has come out with a piece today that makes him the undisputed number one challenger to Tony Kornheiser for King of the Pricks. I won’t link to Vescey’s piece, but again, the magnanimous Dan Steinberg tucks Vescey’s tired act into bed with a nice warm glass of …

So [Vescey] got the date of the confrontation wrong, the fact that they drew weapons on each other wrong, the entire tenor of the episode wrong, while bringing up a complete red herring about gambling on league games. He, more than anyone else, was responsible for this entire incident being framed as a Wild West shootout rather than the ridiculous bit of immaturity that it was. And now he finds his great love for the truth has been sullied by Mike Wise. Swell.

Oh yea, Kobe Bryant and the NBA World Champion Lakers are in town tonight. Speaking of that Kobe guy … look up the box score of his 81 point game against the Toronto Raptors, which occurred just four years and four days ago today. Wonder if Kobe will drop 44 tonight.

In that box score, you’ll find none other than the Wizards’ own Mike James as leading scorer for the visiting Raptors. That night, he pocketed 26 points and dropped 10 dimes.

A while back, I asked Mike about his memories of the game, here goes …

JAMES: “Yea, I was disappointed. We didn’t double-team. We let him do whatever he wanted and he hit every shot.”

ME: Was there ever like …

“I don’t want to talk about that.

I’m going to Tweet about that one, ‘This S.O.B. asked me about …’

I ain’t even going to … I hate talking about that. Don’t you know that’s like a soft spot for me man? Because no body else on my damn team …”

[Mike said all of this while smiling and obviously wanted to speak about the game some more.]

Did you implore anyone to be an enforcer, foul Kobe?

“Yea, but I think at that time, the coach (Sam Mitchell) was more in shock. He was so much into the game and couldn’t believe what he was seeing with his own eyes that he almost forgot about coaching.”

It was a close game (Toronto went up 71-53 with 9:22 left in the third quarter) … Kobe needed to score for his team to compete.

“He was definitely hitting shots that you’re not supposed to be able to hit. He was doing things and … I remember him taking two steps over half-court and shooting, and it’s bottoms.

When the hole is that big, there is only one thing to do and that’s foul, keep fouling, foul some more, and triple team. But we didn’t do that. We felt like at the time we could individually stop him and obviously that didn’t work. And he goes down in history.”

And you’re part of the history …

“And I’m part of the history … yea, thanks.”

{video: the game}

Other reads from Truth About It:

• October 3, 2009 -- Unheard and Unseen Cuts from Wizards Media Day
• July 2, 2009 -- Following Up On The Potential of a Wizards-Pacers Trade
• June 17, 2009 -- Absurd Wizards Trade Possibilities and Rumors

It all derives from Gilbert Arenas and some of his teammates are becoming increasingly weary of his apathy toward consequences. Hard to believe that this guy has yet to grow up.

It’s all there, even what Ernie Grunfeld might do with the team.

Go read everything at Mike Jones Sports. Our friend, formerly of the Washington Times, has put out the best reported story on the Arenas-Crittenton gun situation yet. What are you waiting for? Go read already.

[Also see what Mike Prada has written at Bullets Forever, 'Trying to make sense of the Gilbert Arenas/Javaris Crittenton incident']

Other reads from Truth About It:

• October 3, 2011 -- Washington Wizards Suspensions & Fines Since 1995
• August 29, 2011 -- ShareBullets: John Wall Should Look Out Below
• January 27, 2011 -- ShareBullets: Portraits Of A Young Team & Wizards Picture Leftovers

Gilbert Arenas tweeted a lot as he brought in the new year. He acknowledged that his gun thing is serious, but that he doesn’t do serious things. He said the Shaq rumor wasn’t true, but indicated that even so, panties, blowies and massages were supposedly at his disposal. Arenas almost complains about the drama in his life, yet embraces it because it gives him the attention he so seemingly and desperately craves. He was just being the crazy (in a good way) Gilbert we know, but yet don’t quite understand.

There are a couple reasons to document Gilbert Arenas’ first 24-hours of Tweeting. For one, you might not be one of his 13,338 growing army of followers, students in the study of Gilbertology. Secondly, Tweets can be erased. This site isn’t going anywhere. And if it does, there’s still always the Internet Archive: Way Back Machine. Also worth considering: It’s quite possible that Gilbert Arenas will deny that he was behind his January 1st 2010 Tweets (@gilbertarenas is not currently a verified account). But knowing Gil (sorta), I doubt it.

During the height of Arena’s Tweets on New Year’s Day, while many were planting a palm-smack on their forehead or pleading with him to stop, I wanted Gilbert to keep going. Not because it provides good blogging fodder, although it does, but more because Arenas was being allowed to be human. Twitter offers celebrities such as him, and normal folks such as you and I, the unfiltered freedom to share thoughts, etc..

Sure, everyone should be careful what they say in a public venue, but with $111 million dollars on your side, you don’t always have to go tip-toeing over people’s sensitivities when it’s your own life. Who is to say that Arenas must shut himself up? Or speak through a mouthpiece, an agent, such as Drew Rosenhaus … could you imagine if he was involved?

I’m just as pissed about the gun incident as the next passionate Wizards fan. These dudes are messing with the franchise I’ll still follow long after they are gone. I imagine I’ll still write something ripping Arenas and Crittenton once all the facts come out. But folks, Gilbert is not a basketball-playing robot. Plus, his tweets are pretty entertaining, albeit a tad immature, a bit naive, and sorta egotistical.

Did you know Javaris Crittenton used to Tweet?

Crittenton, or @JayCrittDT, ended his brief Twitter run in late July. He wasn’t very entertaining, rather gave a simple accounts of what he was doing at any given time. I imagine tales of going to the mall, eating out, watching movies and working out/practicing is pretty typical of a young NBA millionaire (of course, one who might be out of the league after this season).

During last September’s media day, I asked Javaris about his Twitter retirement. He said:

“There’s just a lot going on and I  wanted to stay focused on what I needed to be doing. Sometimes, the Internet, FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter, that can take away from your concentration on something that’s more important. And as soon as I got off, some of the players started getting in trouble … you have to watch what you say on there. I think the best way to avoid that is to just not be on there, so I got off.”

Little did Crittenton know at the time, but associating with guys like Kendrick “Bookie Ball” Long can get you in trouble too. The best of Crittenton’s Tweets are below Arenas’.

{gilbert arenas on twitter}

i wake up this morning and seen i was the new JOHN WAYNE..lmao media is too funny

i guess nobody thought that last text was funny.well i hav 2 change subjects.umM what about that TIGER WOODS.i heard he dated 2 MIDGETS jk

i understand this is serious..but if u ever met me you know i dont do serious things im a goof ball this story today dont sound goofy to me

i hav media outside my house…sumone tell them its to cold to be sittin out there they might get frost bite…it is winter still…

when u become a great blogger u need great stories and a little drama …for sum reason i stay with drama and i dont even leave my house

first the SHAQ drama..which im sorry to say wasnt true but it was great drama ..girls was throwin them panties Lt and rt 2 pay her bac

if u read the dates on the text on dec 23 we were gettn ready to celeb my daughter 3rd bday and march 5 the diesel was in houston playin

and she ws at hm..unless she knows how to teleport its hard to be in 2 places at one time..and if she can teleport i hope she does in the

summer so i can throw a killer pool party…just like the movie harold and kumar..its gonna be bottomless…jk or am i

most people was wondering why i never commented..becuz it wasnt true so what was the point in wasting my time..commenting on it

i felt it was the diesel problem ad i ws the victum..lol…being the victum was great i had girls hit me sayin im so so sorry if u need any-

thing just let me know and ill take care of u..i got like 45 massages about 32 (blow) i mean hand rubs LMAO pls dont take me to serious

im talking about it now becuz i cant talk about todays new like i want..and why do u think i got a twitter after the news becuz i was gonna

eat this stuff up becuz i knew everybody was waitin and thats why i made the first the first vid using his name he gave me the ok to do it

u rt i almost forgot i had kid followers out there..so i guess i might change it to rate G until there bed times.ummmm SIKE this is why ur

following me becuz keep it REAL funny

well i hav to go shoot sum freethrows now becuz nobody likes gettn booed for missing them…ps i need more twit space then 140

and again if ur not laughing i dont think u should follow me becuz im never serious and i will never not say anything dumb and silly

befor i get off….4 all the (confused admirers)which means haters..why follow sumbody to hate on them..thats seems pointless to me but do u

they say bad decisions make for great stories…only true if u dont take urself too serious..see u guys in rated x hours ..LOL

{javaris crittenton on twitter – june to july 2009}

• JayMoneyDT: Nice lil look for tonight. Bout to head to Layla in a lil. Man, I almost forgot how fun DC is.
• JayMoneyDT: What you know bout 20 grand stuffed in a white sock? Pull off in a white drop like I play for the white sox.
• JayMoneyDT: I been waiting on this my whole life. These dreams keep waking me up at night. And I wonder if you know what it means…to find your dreams
• JayMoneyDT: Just got through hoopin. Pull up jumper is cash. Still gotta put up more and more shots everyday. Repetition+Confidence= Cash Money Jumper
• JayMoneyDT: Put up 700 shots 2day. Repetition+confidence. About 2 head 2 this Beyonce concert at the arena with my cousin, Gil, and the homies.
• JayMoneyDT: Damn, I done walked in here….looking like the muhf**kin man of the year.
• JayMoneyDT: Man its dude in the crowd singing, “if I were a boy” including my cousin. I gotta watch this dude when I go to sleep. Ahahahahaha, jk
• JayMoneyDT: At Josephine’s with Blackboy, Gil, and Elke
• JayMoneyDT: About to head down to Berry Farms or whatever you call it to hoop with Gil and Miles. Never been to this spot before. Heard its like Rucker
• JayMoneyDT: On Wisconsin Ave. shoppin with my cuz. Gucci & LV shawty. I always had a passion for flashing before I had it id close my eyes and imagine.
• JayMoneyDT: Bout to have a dinner/meeting with my dude Ken Kavanaugh. Think its better to keep my money with Merrill Lynch or Smith and Barney?
• JayCrittDT: @MiaVenice Lol, its Duct Tape Mimi. You see the duct you see the tape. You see the DT in my face. Just label it gutta.
• JayCrittDT: Man its soooooo hooooot in Vegas. I stepped outside by the pool and almost blacked out. No joke. This is crazy
• JayCrittDT: Women be shooopping…women be shopping. You can’t stop a woman from shopping. (Chris Rock voice) lol
• JayCrittDT: Im retiring from twitter. Goodbye people. Thanks to everyone who followed and supports me. Keep me in your prayers and be blessed.

Other reads from Truth About It:

• September 2, 2011 -- ShareBullets: Basketball Wives & Crittenton’s Tweets
• September 1, 2011 -- So What If Gilbert Arenas Is A Weirdo, According To Javaris Crittenton
• October 3, 2009 -- Unheard and Unseen Cuts from Wizards Media Day

This latest news warrants its own playlist. And since the good folks at WizzNutzz are making mixtapes for JaVale McGee, I figure why not join in on the fun.

This one’s for you Gilbert and Javaris. I don’t know much about astrological signs, but it seems like Capricorns don’t get along … especially when it involves gamblin’.

Oh yea, Happy Birthday Javaris. You turned 22 on New Year’s Eve. Hope you woke up feeling well today. Arenas will turn 28 on Wednesday.

Oh, and Gil, I’m sorry that the media is camping outside of your house. On a positive note, you made it man … Whitney Houston levels. If we’re lucky, we’ll get a chopper with live video.

In the meantime, enjoy the music.

The Roots – Guns Are Drawn

album: The Tipping Point

winning lyric:

It’s outrageous and they just ain’t nothing
But save us an ocean of brown fists in various flavors
A favor for a favor man, this is the majors
Tell me what you would do with no phone or pagers

Onyx – Throw Ya Gunz

album: BacDaFucUp

winning lyric:

It’s time to get live, live, live like a wire
I set a whole choir on fire (uhh!)
Well done, on the grill, shot skills kills
And no frills – they try to diss me? they gettin crispy

Aerosmith – Janie’s Got A Gun

album: Pump

winning lyric:

Janie’s got a gun
Her whole world’s come undone
From lookin’ straight at the sun
What did her daddy do?
What did he put you through?

Notorious B.I.G. – Machine Gun Funk

album: Ready To Die

winning lyric:

So you wanna be hardcore
With your hat to the back, talkin bout the gats in your raps
But I can’t feel that hardcore appeal
that you’re screamin, baby I’m dreamin
This ain’t Christopher Williams

Erykah Badu – Penitentiary Philosophy

album: Mama’s Gun

winning lyric:

Why can’t we get along and
Take all the funky tones
And make up a funky song
That be bangin on and on

Cam’ron – Get Ya Gun

album: Killa Season

winning lyric

Guns matchin my jeans (what’s that) I’m just stylin’ my friend

Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz – Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby)

album: Make It Reign

winning lyric:

Friends call me gunz, sons call me trife
Cause I’m quick to slide off and slide this d*ck up in your wife
And that’s life, you should learn how to treat her

Black Joe Lewis – Gunpowder

album: Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is!

winning lyric:

I said a gunpowder baby …

Public Enemy – Fight The Power

album: Fear Of A Black Planet

winning lyric:

Elvis was a hero to most
But he never meant sh*t to me you see
Straight up racist that sucker was
Simple and plain
Muther f*ck him and John Wayne

Other reads from Truth About It:

• January 2, 2010 -- A Tale of Not Paying Gambling Debt & Pranks With Guns: Your Washington Wizards
• January 1, 2010 -- Wizards Make Official Statement on Arenas-Crittenton Gun Situation
• October 3, 2011 -- Washington Wizards Suspensions & Fines Since 1995

“The Washington Wizards take this situation and the ongoing investigation very seriously.  We are continuing to cooperate fully with the proper authorities and the NBA and will have no further comment at this time.”

Nothing much here from the franchise, just an acknowledgement.

I was g-mail chatting with Tim Varner of the Spurs blog 48 Minutes of Hell about Wizards and guns earlier. In discussing the inevitability that the real story would have eventually come out (by the way … check out what Mike Jones has to say about this on his new blog), Tim mentioned that it might have been better if the team fully disclosed from the beginning to make it seem like they were taking care of the situation. I might be inclined to agree.

Seems like such a weird/tough thing to handle from media & PR perspective. Perhaps the first instinct is to cover up bad news that is, “unprecedented in the history of sports,” according to the head of the NBA Players’ Association, Billy Hunter. Who knows.

I’ll have some more thoughts on this situation to come.

Other reads from Truth About It:

• January 2, 2010 -- A Tale of Not Paying Gambling Debt & Pranks With Guns: Your Washington Wizards
• January 1, 2010 -- When Guns Are Drawn: A Mixtape for Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton
• October 3, 2011 -- Washington Wizards Suspensions & Fines Since 1995

You really have to feel bad for the guy. It seems he’s always been on teams where, especially at his position, the competition is high and the chances are low (well, with the exception of last year). Now he’s forced to wear a boot, his third time donning one this summer, and sit out the next couple of weeks, watching the competition pass him by. Wizards Insider and Wizards Outlet both have some additional details on Crittenton’s injury to his left foot, a double bone bruise and a strained tendon.

It seems like the downside of high competition (if you’re really trying hard to find a negative) has reared it’s head. With so much pressure, Crittenton likely pushed his injury, first experienced in an Atlanta ProAm game in July, more than he would have otherwise. “We tried to speed up the progress of it healing,” he said in reference to each time he’s put on a boot (in Atlanta, in DC before training camp and now), but was never able to get it back to one hundred percent.

He said he’s been able to make it through every practice despite the soreness and pain he was feeling. But on Friday his foot reached its limit and he had to take himself out of practice. The Wizards staff suggested that he get an MRI.

“The MRI came out worse than before,” said Javaris, indicating that it’s one of those injuries that just takes time to heal. He said that continuing to play on the tender ankle would only make it a nagging injury and could possibly lead to surgery.

Crittenton seems a bit down about the set-back, saying “It makes me sick to think about it,” referencing the situation in which the injury occurred (he felt he shouldn’t have been in the game in Atlanta with his team up 12 points in the waning seconds). Hopefully now, he will take the time to heal properly, keep his spirits high, and stay focused. With his length, Flip could turn to him off the bench as a nice change of pace defensively down the road. And in the NBA, another opportunity is always around the corner.

Fabricio Oberto also sat out of practice for the second day in a row on Saturday with a tight hamstring. He told Saunders that if he wanted him to go, he could, but Saunders said, “We didn’t want to take a chance.” Because of his heart surgery this past summer, he likely hasn’t had the chance to work on his conditioning as much. So, I wouldn’t see this as a sign of him ‘breaking down’ because of his age or anything.

Other reads from Truth About It:

• October 3, 2009 -- Unheard and Unseen Cuts from Wizards Media Day
• April 1, 2009 -- The Gilbert Arenas Comback: In Screen Shots
• February 1, 2012 -- Gilbert Arenas To The Lakers? What Nick Young Thinks

In addition to me being there, blogging about DeShawn Stevenson’s new tats, the musings of Gilbert Arenas, and the ‘consistent’ goals of Andray Blatche, there was a ton of great coverage from Hoops Addict, Wizards Insider, Wizards Outlet, and Bullets Forever.

Now, after transcribing all of my interview recordings, I wanted to share some of the quotes/pictures that have been relatively unheard/unseen.

{Note: I will be in Richmond for training camp on Saturday and Sunday. There’s limited media access, but I’ll be updating some of the goings-ons via Twitter}

Antawn Jamison Question: This team needs to improve defensively, where does that start? “It starts with each and every individual. We know what we have to do. There’s no need to talk about it. I think that guys have to be accountable. Guys have to work hard. Work at it, apply it to what the coaching staff is trying to do, and just take it from there. Don’t think we can outscore everybody and just be an offensive minded team because we see where that gets you – that gets you to the first round of the playoffs and then you’re home after that. For us, it’s all about trying to win championships, and in order to do that, you have to play better defense and be successful at it.”

Javaris Crittenton

On his retirement from Twitter (July 18, 2009):

“There’s just a lot going on and I  wanted to stay focused on what I needed to be doing. Sometimes, the Internet, FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter, that can take away from your concentration on something that’s more important. And as soon as I got off, some of the players started getting in trouble … you have to watch what you say on there. I think the best way to avoid that is to just not be on there, so I got off.”

• Suggested Reading: Twizards Mostly Okay With New NBA Rule [Michael Lee - Wizards Insider, Washington Post]

On the one thing that can separate him from the pack and earn him minutes:

“Be a consistent shooter and be able to run the offense. Set up the offense and run it with a purpose. Get guys the shots … we got a lot of scorers on this team, and me, I have to play something different. I can’t try to score. I gotta play defense, set up the plays, and make sure everybody gets their shots off. But be able to knock down shots when I have to opportunity.”

On leadership and being vocal:

“That’s something that Flip also stressed. The point guard should always be the leader, no matter how young you are. Not that you should disrespect anybody, but just be a leader. And that’s something that I found myself, not battling with, but I was so young when I came into the league, I had to learn how to lead.

It’s a different level now that you’re in the NBA. I definitely think that’s something I’m going to continue to improve upon, my leadership and being much more vocal this year.”

Mike James

On the challenge of changing his game from being more of a scorer to being more of a facilitator in order to earn minutes:

“Just play the game the right way. I think we have a lot of weapons on this team this year, we have a lot of scorers. And so, when we’re playing the game, we have to figure out how to put people in the right places, and I definitely have to be a facilitator. That will definitely be one of my jobs.

But at the same time,  I won’t turn down any shots. And I don’t think Flip wants the type of offense, or runs the type of system where he wants you to turn down shots. He just wants you to go out there and play, and put the team in the right situations.”

On if he’ll be a vocal leader because of his experience and his championship ring:

“This is 2009-10 season, I won a ring in 2004. A lot has happened since 2004, and I’m not even focused on what I did. It’s about what I’m doing and what I’ll do. It has nothing to do with what I did. My respect comes from the basketball player I am, not from what I’ve done in the past.”

Suggested Reading:

• Mike James tries to make the battle for minutes even more complicated [Mike Prada - Bullets Forever]
• Wizards’ James won’t count himself out of the mix [Mike Jones - Washington Times]

Nick Young On his work with Sam Cassell and if he’s learned any veteran tricks of the trade: “Sam was a smooth player, he knows the inside game very well. I grew up watching him, especially when he played for the Clippers. He’s taught me a lot … post moves, and how to stay under control.”

Fabricio Oberto On leadership via his championship experience: “I’m just trying to help the team. I won’t put anything on it, like ‘yea, let’s do this’. That’s happens when you start practicing, start working out, when you start getting to know each other … you know, trying to help with my experience. When you go through many years playing for different teams, you know how to get it done. And I’m that’s what I can bring to the team.”

Brendan Haywood

Fitting In With Flip:

“I think I’ll fit in fine. If you look at Flip Saunders’ system, big men have always fit in well … as far as Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Rasho Nesterovic … even guys like Dean Garrett did well in his system.”

It’s A Contract Year, but Does Brendan Know His Role?

“I know my role and I know what I’m supposed to do for this team. I know who the scorers are and I know what they’re supposed to do. And I think as a team, we know that we’re supposed to do.”

On Oberto and Defense:

I think Oberto helps us defensively because he’s a guy, you don’t have to tell him where to be, he already knows. That was part of our problem last year. We had a lot of guys who didn’t really know where to be. He’s not going to be apart of that problem, so that’s definitely an added bonus.”

More on Defense:

“We have to figure out what our defensive identity is, and we have to have guys in the right position. It’s one thing to get beat by your man, but it’s another thing to not know where you’re supposed to be. We have to have guys who play good position defense. The best defensive teams, teams like the Spurs, they play great position defense. They’ve taken guys who have been traditionally poor defenders, like let’s say a Mike Finley or a Brent Barry, integrated them into their system, and they’ve done just fine because they play good position defense. We have to get to the point where everybody knows, this is how we’re going to play, this is where I need to be, and you can count on your teammates to be there.”

Defensive Potential:

“I think we can definitely become a good defensive team. Maybe not last year, but the year before that, with the addition of Randy Ayers, I thought you saw us become a better defensive team. It doesn’t happen overnight, but we definitely became a better defensive team.

In previous years, defense wasn’t stressed … if you could score, you played. And now it’s a little bit different. Now it’s ‘what can you do on both sides of the ball’, because you have to realize that offense isn’t the only side of the basketball.”

On Failure vs. Success:

“Failure will be not making the playoffs, or losing in the first round. I think DC fans probably got tired of that.”

“Success will be making it to the second round, making it to the conference finals, NBA finals … anything past the first round. So, it’s a process, but I think we can get there.”

On his trainer Idan Ravin, ‘The Hoops Whisperer‘:

“He has this one drill that’s like 15 minutes of constant basketball movement. And it’s crazy, I’m like, ‘when am I going to be moving for 15 straight minutes?’ It’s very tiring and frustrating, but at the end of the day, it gets you in shape and gets you ready.”

On Blogging (and if Gilbert has passed the torch to him):

“I’m not sure if he handed to blogging torch over to me, but it’s something I just did this summer. YardBarker asked me if I wanted to do it, I figured it’d be fun. I had a little bit of fun with it. I think I’ll continue to do it during the course of the year. It’s gets you closer to the fans and gives them a little insight into what you’re thinking and what you’re doing.”

On If Gilbert Needs To Change:

“I don’t think he needs to change. I think you have to be who you are. When we were winning, and he was doing all his antics and actions, everybody loved it. But when we started losing and they tried to blame him, I don’t think it was him needing to change, I think it was him being injured. I compare him to Chad Johnson. When the Bengals were winning, all that stuff was funny. When they started losing, they blamed him. It wasn’t his fault. Carson Palmer was hurt. They weren’t going to win anyway. Everybody is always going to need a scapegoat, and he can’t let people on the outside determine who he is.”

Haywood At Attention

Jamison’s Blue Steel

Wiz Media Day Scene 1

Wiz Media Day Scene 2

The Faces of Tuff Juice

Waiting For Gilbert

Other reads from Truth About It:

• October 8, 2009 -- Wizards v. Grizzlies: Leftover Table Scraps & Pictures
• September 29, 2009 -- Blatche Makes Cupcakes, LaVar Arrington Posts Up Arenas, and Training Camp Day 1
• April 30, 2009 -- Questioning Antawn Jamison

flickr/art crimes

The rumors,  the possibilities … they must be tired because they’ve been running through my mind all night. It’s getting a little crazy leading up to the draft, but bloggers, MSM types, and the Internets wouldn’t have it any other way.

First of all, I’d like to remind the basketball world, despite the fact that 99% of it won’t see this post, that the Wizards are not “desperate“ to shed salary.

I’ll simply point to a Washington Times piece from late March highlighting that owner Abe Pollin would pay the luxury tax in order to win a championship. No, this doesn’t mean Ernie Grunfeld won’t be looking for creative ways to save money, he just won’t be making any wholesale giveaways in the process.

Pollin is 85 and another title is number one, two, three, four and five on his bucket list. Question the validity of Pollin’s edict if you want, but at least give it the respect it deserves. Some people don’t.

Hence, you have Jonathan Givony of Draft Express rekindling the Antawn Jamison to the Cavs rumor that made the rounds before the trade deadline back in February.

We’ve heard some talk of a possible trade between Cleveland and Washington actually. The deal would essentially be a cost-cutting move for the Wizards, sending Antawn Jamison and filler (Mike James) to the Cavs for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic. Wallace seems likely to retire, and Pavlovic is on a non-guaranteed contract for next season. It’s not clear whether the Wizards would need to surrender the #5 pick.

This just seems silly. No disrespect to Givony, the guy is as connected as they come, but I really question the legitimacy of the source from where this came.

As some have pointed out, if the Wizards were intent on getting rid of Pollin’s favorite son and his contract, they would have sent Jamison packing to Cleveland in February for Wally Szczerbiak and his $13.8 million contract that comes off the books this summer, likely ensuring that the Wiz would be well under the luxury tax threshold heading into ’09-10.

And the fact that it’s “not clear whether the Wizards would need to surrender the #5 pick” makes me want to playfully rub someone on the head and say, “Cute, now run back to the kiddie table you little scamp.”

Next up: Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

On Wednesday, Bradley penned a column, “Say goodbye to Marvin Williams, hello to Caron Butler.”

Marvin Williams is the least essential Hawks starter. He scores points and takes rebounds but seems to leave no imprint on games, and one of the reasons Joe Johnson gets the ball with three seconds on the shot clock — or, worse, Josh Smith gets it 25 feet from the hoop — is that Marvin, four years a pro, still won’t assert himself.

I want to see Marvin not assert himself elsewhere next season. I want the Hawks to re-sign him — he’s a restricted free agent — and ship him and Acie Law to Washington for Caron Butler and Javaris Crittenton. The Wizards are looking to cut salary, so that part would work for them, and they’re also looking to get younger. Williams turns 23 on Friday; Butler is 29.

……

This trade need not be a loss for the Wizards. In a city where he isn’t known mostly for not being Chris Paul, Williams still could develop into something more than a team’s fifth-best starter.

Again, this gives the impression that the Wizards are looking to cut salary first and foremost, while lighting good judgment and common sense on fire and throwing it into the Anacostia River.

Even if the Wizards were Desperate of a capital letter nature, why would they trade their best player, an NBA All-Star on the hook for a reasonable $20.8 million for the next two seasons, for a talented, yet unreliable player who, with a qualifying offer of $7.355 million from the Hawks for ’09-10, would theoretically be re-signed for longer than two seasons. It still wouldn’t make sense financially for the Wizards.

Bret LaGree of the Atlanta Hawks blog Hoopinion makes a good case that although Butler would be an upgrade at the small forward position, he would rather have the younger Williams for a variety of reasons. The Wizards, in their championship mission, would be much better served with a guy in Butler who can create his own shot and win games with veteran swagger.

The kicker is that Mark Bradley, and many of the Hawks fans commenters on his piece, have this idea that Law is leaps and bounds better than Crittenton. Well, the ‘leaps and bounds’ part is more from some commenters. Still, Bradley says this in the comment section:

Law has a greater upside than Crittenton, so the Wizards gain on that end. Butler is a better player than Marvin, so the Hawks win that half. And everybody’s happy!

Look, I loved Acie Law at Texas A&M, but I’ll admit to not knowing much about him as an NBA player. I do know that Crittenton is almost three years younger, two inches taller, and that when comparing the stats of both though their first two years in the league, it’s pretty damn close.

Here are some of the key advanced stats [via Basketball-Reference.com]:

Can you really say one is that much better, or unquestionably has more potential than the other? No, you can’t.

In conclusion, with the internet, twitter, blogs, and the what-not, it’s not completely outrageous that such absurd rumors and possibilities make it online. But at the same time, with information easily and readily available, one would expect people, especially those of the main stream media variety, to do a little homework and relay reasonable information.

Not to say that I haven’t be guilty of being absurd myself, I’m just saying.

Other reads from Truth About It:

• June 5, 2009 -- Evaluating Javaris Crittenton in 2008-09
• April 30, 2009 -- Questioning Antawn Jamison
• April 22, 2009 -- Wizards Fans, The Date is May 19th

[Previously: Oleksiy Pecherov | Juan Dixon | Etan Thomas]

I really like the move Ernie Grunfeld made to get Javaris Crittenton, even if he doesn’t pan out. GM Gruns turned an over-hyped 2002 40th draft pick, who probably would have barely lasted with the Wizards, as he did with the Grizzlies, into a still developing/promising young point guard taken 19th in the ’07 draft.*

It’s funny, because I think the Wizards need a long distance shooter like Juan Carlos Navarro aka “La Bomba”. And JCN did hit just under two treys per game en route to making the ’07-08 NBA All-Rookie second team, but got those attempting 5.3 in just under 26 minutes per game. So it’s probably good that the Wiz opted out of a gunner who can’t really play defense. Not playing D should only be reserved for starters like Arenas, Jamison and Butler.

But back to Crittenton. What I do like about him is his ability to push the ball in transition while remaining relatively under control. The kid has crafty handles when moving fast under pressure, and has the length to finish at the rim. Yes, we all want that 20.5 TOV% to go down, and it will as he gets more comfortable with the ball in his hands. It takes a bit to develop that NBA point guard instinct.

Second thing I like about Javaris is his rebounding out the back-court. He seems to have a nose for the ball, a knack for getting short or long misses and turning on the jets in transition. His 5.1 boards per 36 minutes led all guards (well, tied Arenas’ two game per 36 rate), and his 1.7 offensive boards per 36 was a tenth of a point below Darius Songaila and the same amount above Caron Butler. Not sure how Flip Saunders will scheme transition D, and it all depends on situational assignments anyway, but you gotta like when your guard is getting you second chances (just as long as his offensive rebound attempts don’t give up more points than they provide).

The downside …. we’re all going to talk about Crittenton’s jumper. Yep, it needs to improve. And I don’t really care that Dave Hopla, the renowned shooting coach, is gone. Getting better is all on Crittenton … whether he puts in the time, is consistent with his form, and most importantly, has the mental ability to gain confidence via repetition, repetition, and repetition.

On one hand, his FG% improved every month from January to April, going up a total of 4.5%. On the other hand, his eFG% for the entire season on ‘Jump Shots’ (as defined by 82games.com) was a blasted 23.9% … ouch. I’d like to see how Crittenton improved on his jumper from month to month, I’m sure that stat is out there in someone’s computer.

Methinks Crittenton’s ceiling in the league is a decent backup PG. But a lot of guys have made damn good careers playing that role, albeit most all keep teams honest on defense from the perimeter. I’ve heard that Crittenton is an intelligent guy and a very hard worker. That’s great. I’ll be excited to see him in the summer league. However, if we go into next season with Javaris and Gilbert (and perhaps Mike James) as the main guys who can play the point, I won’t exactly be confident in the team’s title contention prospects.

* Grunfeld drafted JC Navarro, but then traded him to Memphis for some obscenely protected first rounder that the Wiz would probably not even seen before the stipulations expired, and then essentially gave that pick back to Memphis for Crittenton as part of the three team deal involving Mike James, Antonio Daniels and the NOLA Hornets.

[photos 1, 2 & 4 courtesy of flickr/Keith Allison]

Other reads from Truth About It:

• April 22, 2009 -- Wizards Fans, The Date is May 19th
• December 29, 2009 -- Pictures & Words: Griz Shake Drops of Wiz Heartbreak 116-111
• October 3, 2009 -- Unheard and Unseen Cuts from Wizards Media Day

Joakim Noah thinks that getting paid to put a ball in a basket is overrated [via DC Sports Bog]

NBA Draft Glass Half Full for Wizards Fans [B-Shoals @ The Sporting Blog]

Random Posts

• December 26, 2010 -- The Wizards Haven’t Partied In San Antonio Since 1999
• September 26, 2010 -- Andray Blatche: Here I Am Again – 2010-11 Player Preview
• February 6, 2009 -- Andray Blatche: Not Too Hurt To Party

7:14: Andray Blatche gets blocked by Mehmet Okur…..a very sad scene to witness. Okur barely jumped, if at all, and Andray took it to the hoop like a four-year old girl chasing after a puppy.

4th Minute: JaVale McGee has got a couple nice offensive boards, but doesn’t use his body/leverage to his advantage. He’s trying to be all arms and hops. So on one, he missed a forced hook and on the second, he got blocked byOkur (who the hell is this guy, Mutombo?).

In the first…..Utah’s passing looks good (6 assists on 9 made FGs = Swiss Cheese Wiz D)….but Deron Williams has four turnovers (two on the first two possessions of the game) to only one assist.

2:00: McGee gets an offensive rebound with two hands, keeps the ball high with both hands on it, and gets fouled on a missed attempt….now that’s the way to do things.

Utah up 25-15 after one – Jazz up 16-6 on points in paint and 3-0 on blocks.

Q2

9:00: Javaris Crittenton needs to protect the ball better….Brevin Knight keeps picking his pocket. Since 1:24 was left in the first, Javaris has 3 turnovers, 2 are Knight steals. (J-Critt gets a tech after the latest)

8:40: Utah should have more assists (than their current 8)…there have been a couple easy misses by Boozer, AK-47 and Millsap.

7:55……Beautiful Play By Utah:

If this sounds confusing, screen shots will be forthcoming.

7:33: Nick Young is getting in a nice rhythm with a drive to the hoop……7 points off the bench (6 in the 2nd so far).

Steve Buckhantz quote: “I’m just happy to get Brevin Knight out of the game.”

Blatche walks a fine line between smooth and lazy looking…teeters rather.

2:37: Dom McGuire didn’t put a body on Harpring.….with both AJ and D-Mac under the hoop, Dixon left Brewer who sneaked in to get an offensive board tip from Harping and the put back dunk.

Phil Chenier advocates for injured players to get back on the court this season so they can get their sweat on.

Steve Buckhantz says that Brendan Haywood is in terrific shape

When I see glimpses of “decent” (or good) Andray Blatche…I’m skeptical of consistency and yearning for even more. Unfair on my part? Sure.

Jazz up 46-36 at the half. Songaila – 8, Jamison – 7, Young – 7; Brewer – 9, AK-47/Millsap/Korver – 6 each

Q3

Nick Young checks in early — for Mike James at the 9:22 mark.

Wiz have kept Boozer out the paint…how? Don’t ask me….I’ll just go with Songaila as the safe answer.

I know Nick Young can make the crazy shots…..wish he took smarter shots though.

5:51: Jazz up 64-43…timeout…..9-0 run capped by a half court lob by D. Will to CJ Miles…..Darius Songaila was running to be the last man back…but CJ Miles wasn’t his man, was he? No he wasn’t Nick Young, he was YOUR man. Songaila had an eye on Boozer.

4:00: Dixon telegraphs pass…….slop fest. Four turnovers so far in the 3rd, Wiz are 2-11 on FGs.

3:53: Double techs on Songaila and Boozer…..dirty Boozer…pulled Songaila’s arm back….when D-Song pushed Boozer off, Carlos gets him in the neck.

3:26…..Booze drove right to the hoop past D-Song from FT line.

76-59 Utah after three.

Q4

More Wizards slop and telegraphing of passes….they’re lazily going through offense like it doesnt matter

8:02: Pecherov with 11 points!!! Off the dribble and over Boozer at the shot clock buzzer.

6:59: Brewer loves steals…look out for that guy. His 16 straight games with at least one steal is the longest active in the NBA.

7:20: Jazz let JaVale get a sweet slam.

6:59: Wiz are getting ridiculous with turnovers….Crittenton has 5 total.

4:45: Kyle Korver is killing….who’s allowing this? 9 points in the 4th.

1:41: Again, McGee keeps an offensive board high with both hands and dunks with the foul. Learn kid, learn.

Wiz kids sometimes look good against the other team’s reserves…..14-4 run to close out the final 3:18 of game.

But Utah wins 103-88.

Random Posts

• October 19, 2009 -- Mike James Expresses Frustration On Twitter, But Not Throwing In The Towel
• October 13, 2010 -- Coach’s Clipboard: Wizards-Hawks Play of the Game
• February 3, 2012 -- 3-on-3: Wizards at Raptors: Boy Am I Glad To See You

Random Posts

• September 10, 2009 -- JaVale McGee Putting In Work
• January 16, 2011 -- Wizards vs. Raptors: Burn After Reading
• November 4, 2009 -- Cavs Out-Duel Wiz 102-90 >> Fouling Big Man Screen Shots

Truth_About_It: Orlando up 30-25 on Wiz after 1Q – Jamison & Super Jesus with 7 each about 15 hours ago

Truth_About_It: Good to know that JJ Redick still gets solid boo birds in DC about 15 hours ago

Truth_About_It: has a pro team ever established next season’s marketing slogan when the current season still has a month or so left? about 15 hours ago

Truth_About_It: @BulletsForever well, the Wiz probably have $$ for throw-in towels in this year’s playoff budget about 15 hours ago

Truth_About_It: looks like the refs are coddling Dwight Howard like LeBron about 15 hours ago

Truth_About_It: Wizards down 52-45 with 3:56 left in 2nd Q…Magic trey balls have hurt about 15 hours ago

Truth_About_It: Patrick Ewing (or Chewing) needs to go bald, he’s got that top head shine. Oh yea, no to Ewing as Wiz head coach too. about 14 hours ago

Truth_About_It: Caron Butler having an off game….thought he was going to drive to the hoop more. about 14 hours ago

Truth_About_It: Wizards down 60-52 @ half. Nick Young squandered an opportunity to secure a bucket before the half. about 14 hours ago

Truth_About_It: just saw a black man in an all leather non S&M outfit @ Wizards game. Jesus is rolling in his grave, muttering “oh no he Di-ent” n his sleep about 14 hours ago

Truth_About_It: Turnovers: Wizards only ONE, Magic with five. about 14 hours ago

Truth_About_It: Three Pointers: Orlando
7-18, Wizards 2-3 about 14 hours ago

Truth_About_It: 35% of sparse Wizards crowd seems to show up @ halftime. about 14 hours ago

Truth_About_It: no one on the Wiz can guard dwight howard like darius songaila Friday, March 13, 2009 8:34 PM

Truth_About_It: I just looooove when nick young jumps to pass turnover & then commits a foul on other end Friday, March 13, 2009 8:37 PM

Truth_About_It: then again, Young hits deuce to keep Wiz within 6 @ 66-60. Stan Van Gundy no likey…..timeout. 6:49 left in 3rd Friday, March 13, 2009 8:38 PM

Truth_About_It: Darius Songaila’s 1st CD was Bon Jovi. Brendan Haywood’s was Jodeci: Diary of a Mad Band Friday, March 13, 2009 8:40 PM

Truth_About_It: Wizards keep battling, but unfortunately, the Wiz youth can’t seal the dealon crucial plays. 81-75 Magic @ end of 3rd. Jamison has 31 points Friday, March 13, 2009 8:53 PM

Truth_About_It: Oleksiy Pecherov about to make random appearance. Wiz down only 85-83 with 9:11 left in 4th. Friday, March 13, 2009 8:59 PM

Truth_About_It: Dwight Howard has 3 goaltends and a tech in 3:18 at beginning of 4th. Wiz down 87-86. Friday, March 13, 2009 9:01 PM

Truth_About_It: @ticktock6 life changing Chinese food? Tribe called again to say relax urself girl, please settle down Friday, March 13, 2009 9:03 PM

Truth_About_It: got a feeling that the Magic are about to get homer calls in the Wizards’ arena Friday, March 13, 2009 9:07 PM

Truth_About_It: Nick young is doing JJ Redick’s hair….with gel and all. Friday, March 13, 2009 9:08 PM

Truth_About_It: Caron Butler’s off night = stay on the bench Tuff Juice. it’s been Jamison & the Wiz kids. Magic up 99-95, 4:24 left in 4th Friday, March 13, 2009 9:11 PM

Truth_About_It: well….good try by Wiz kids & Jamison……but no dice Friday, March 13, 2009 9:20 PM

Truth_About_It: gotta give Tapscott credit 4 leaving McGee, McGuire, Young & Crittenton in down the stretch….hopefully Javaris will learn from mistakes Friday, March 13, 2009 9:23 PM

Truth_About_It: Magic beat Wizards 112-103….at least Wiz kept it entertaining. Friday, March 13, 2009 9:27 PM

Truth_About_It: and Dwight Howard throws his shoes into the sparsely awaiting Wizards crowd – there’s some “Rick” in a SuperMan outfit Friday, March 13, 2009 9:32 PM

3QCMagic: Oh snap! Redick to heckler: “This guy’s probably a Maryland fan, and they’re barely going to make the tournament” Friday, March 13, 2009 11:59 PM

The. End.

Random Posts

• August 16, 2010 -- Playoff Basketball Coming To D.C.
• September 8, 2011 -- Darius Songaila’s Beard & Other Wizards At EuroBasket 2011
• December 4, 2010 -- NBA Courtside Uniqueness & Photo of the Night: John Wall Hovers

The four oldest players available (Jamison – 32, Dixon – 30, Songaila – 30, and Butler – 28) combined to score 81 points, 73.6% of the total.

But that doesn’t take away from what Blatche, McGee, Crittenton, Young and McGuire contributed in the win. In fact, Young and McGee led the team in +/-, both finishing +11.

The Wizards bench outscored the Wolves bench 26-16 and also contributed 16 of the team’s 46 total rebounds.

Paced By A Lithuanian

Darius Songaila came out on fire…..before you knew it, he had 11 points in the first 4:34, finishing the game on 8-9 FGs and 19 points, four off his career high.

Not only was his hot start important in terms of setting the tone for his teammates to take care of the even more hapless Timberwolves (even though they have a better record — the Wiz did sweep the season series), but D-Song was able to score so much due to excellent team floor spacing…and his hustle of course.

Third Quarter Hiccup

The Wiz started sluggishly in the third, allowing the Wolves to jump out on a quick 9-2 run in the first 2+ minutes, taking a 53-51 lead. But the ‘Zards persevered behind 14 3rd quarter points from Antawn Jamison to take a 79-73 lead heading into the final period.

Big 4th Quarter Plays

After having a Juan Dixon bucket sandwiched by two T’Wolves buckets in the first minute plus, the Wizards went on a 13-0 run, aided by three Andray Blatche blocks, to take a 94-77 lead with 7:21 left.

8:58: Andray Blatche got a block and the ball found itself in the hands of JaVale McGee streaking down the middle of the paint in transition. JaVale showed great development by not plowing into Brian Cardinal, trying to set up to take a charge, and instead opted to dish the ball to Butler for the dunk while getting out of the way –Chenier and Buckhantz loved this. 87-77 Wiz.

7:54: McGee fought for position, got an offensive board, gathered himself, was fouled, and found a way to make a short athletic baseline jumper…and 1. 92-77 Wiz.

5:15: After Randy Foye went down with an injury, for which he later had to be carried off the court, the Wizards…err, Andray Blatche….absolutely bumbled a 5-on-4 advantage. Blatche completely telegraphed a pass that led to a turnover….horrible instinct from Andray. The Wolves eventually got twoFTs off the possession and cut the Wizards lead to 9, 94-85…..capping an 8-0 Wolves run on top of the previous 13-0 Wiz run.

4:40: The Gentleman Jamison came through big to end the Wolves run with a strong take to the middle and a hook right under the basket….not even one of Jamison’s trick shots. 96-85 Wiz.

4:11: Dixon gets his 5th and 6th points of the game….good to see him play with composure when given minutes (in Mike James’ absence) after he was complaining about time (slightly) about a week ago. 98-85 Wiz.

2:44: Caron Butler hits a calm and collective J from the corner to keep the Wolves at bay. 102-89 Wiz.

1:21: Juan Dixon with a sweet look-away pass, after baseline dribble penetration, to Jamison who was lost by Minny right under the hoop. 105-92 Wiz.

0:56: Young Andray Blatche hits the glass hard for a put-back board. 107-94 Wiz.

Wizards 110 – Timberwolves 99 – NBA.com Box

Overall, the Wizards won with a steadying veteran presence and balanced stat sheet stuffing (Butler: 27 points, 10 boards, 6 assists, 2 steals; Dixon: 9 points, 4 assists, 6 boards).

A strong dose of points in the paint also helped the Wiz against an equally bad team.

But most importantly, the Wizards limited turnovers (10 total for the game, three in the 2nd half)….credit Javaris Crittenton and Dixon for that.

[Get well wishes also go out to Mike James, Oleksiy Pecherov, and Steve Buckhantz, who sounded congested as hell during the broadcast, but was still relatively on his game.]

Random Posts

• August 4, 2010 -- Wizards Videos: Top 10 Plays, Dray Day at Nats Park & Cheerleader Auditions
• November 21, 2007 -- Game 10 Blog: Washington Wizards vs. Philly 76ers Live Game Blog
• August 22, 2008 -- Well, there goes the Darius Miles idea.

The headlines today say that Obama should attend more Wizards games…..sure, why not?

But dammit if the Wizards shouldn’t give that kind of effort and energy all the time…..the guy only lives in the same city.

But props to the President….he sat court side, had himself a beer, and seemed to take a bit of heckling well (he was openly cheering for the Bulls).

[Check the game blog on Bullets Forever here]

Bullets on the Bullets:

• Great ball movement in the first quarter — it was as if the Wizards had goals of patience and a rule that no one would hold onto the ball for more than two seconds.
• Can’t say the same for the youth, although they did play well.
• Javaris Crittenton didn’t asset himself on the game.
• Nick Young, while he hit some very tough shots, still dribbles the ball waaaay too much. I wish he could learn to create in as few moves as possible, while being able to set up others. Right now, he’s a very one dimensional player and must improve his overall game to receive significant time next year.
• Dominic McGuire continues to impress with timing and instinct on the glass and with blocking shots. But the best part about McGuire is that he’s becoming such a diverse defender. He really gave it to Ben Gordon and not much came easy for a guy with a history of killing the Wizards.
• Mike James, while not great, is not as bad as people think — get off his back a little, okay?
• Antawn Jamison…..the consummate pro. Shame on those who wanted to trade him…SHAME!
• Caron Butler didn’t score a ton of points, but he also didn’t force the issue as he’s been susceptible of doing.
• I’ve also liked what I’ve seen from Andray Blatche since his return from injury. He still has his “Andray Blatche” moments, but has displayed more hustle and a better fundamental game.
• Darius Songaila…..my mans.
• Feel like I’m missing something, but that is all (oh yea, JaVale McGee was around…..cool).

Link Dump:

[Wizards Insider]
Maybe the Wizards should get the Prez season tickets. For whatever reason, they looked like a real, legitimate NBA team tonight.

[Wizards Outlet]
The Wizards had the crisp ball movement, solid ball containment and aggressiveness that they have lacked far too often in this 14-44 season.

[Washington Times]
“He is what he is. He’s going to be what he’s going to be. If he wants to stay with the Bulls, stay with the Bulls,” Wizards center/forward Andray Blatche joked before the game. “But we’ll have to teach him a lesson today. He’s going to try to come here his first day and think the Bulls are going to win. I feel bad, but it’s something that’s got to be done.”

Nick Young’s hairdo via Krem’s Sports Blog

Random Posts

• February 20, 2010 -- A Team Worth Watching, Wizards Mine A Win Over Nuggets 107-97
• May 17, 2010 -- LINKS: On The Eve of The NBA Draft Lottery, Get Your Drinks Ready
• May 27, 2010 -- Rooting Interests of The Washington Wizards

Ok, so Antawn Jamison’s face at halftime above says it all. He was pretty much constipated over the 10 2nd quarter turnovers that let the T-Wolves back in the game.

One day this team will learn not to make it so hard on themselves…..but sucking wind is part of the growing pains, right?

The good part…..how ’bout that Javaris Crittenton fellow? Boy he’s coming along.

• Love him in the open court.
• He makes a mistake here and there in transition, but is not as erratic as you think.
• Quick decision maker when facing pressure on the break.
• Good court vision — becoming comfortable with where his teammates will be.
• Willing to pass first, but also looks to make aggressive drives to the basket.
• Gaining confidence in his shot — as evidenced by that huge bucket he hit with 55 seconds left and no qualms.

The development of Crittenton should, in the least, make some of those Ernie Grunfeld haters pipe down a little bit. Remember the Wiz essentially got him for nothing (came as part of the Antonio Daniels-Mike James trade, but also involved the Wiz shipping the highly protected pick of the Grizzlies back to them).

Trust Ernie Grunfeld, he’s got this GM shit.

Meanwhile, two opposite facial expressions share an embrace.

[Wizards Insider]
Not much to really say about this one folks. That was two bad teams flopping around and the Wizards, after blowing a 19-point first half lead, pulled it out thanks to a 16-5 game-closing run that included a pair of big threes by Mike James (the guy who once got Kevin McHale to give him a fat payday in Minny – how ironic).

[Wizards Outlet]
Javaris Crittenton continues to blossom for the Wizards and recorded 11 points and four assists, but his impact goes beyond what shows up in the box score because often he’s pushing the ball up the floor and making the pass that leads to assists. Being in the game down the stretch is proof that he’s earning the trust of Ed Tapscott.

[Bullets Forever]
It’s almost sad how I’ve become conditioned to know that the Wizards just can’t hold onto a substantial lead for more than 10 minutes. Even as the Wizards’ lead ballooned to 19, I knew that it would probably be a competitive ballgame again by the halfway point of the 3rd Quarter. They actually exceeded my expectations by letting the lead drop from 17 to 5 in a two minute span late in the 2nd Quarter. In that stretch, the Wizards had an eight second violation, three other turnovers, and a goaltending call. That’s not going to get it done.

[Washington Post]
As usual, the Wizards mixed sloppy play with moments of brilliance. Minnesota scored 20 points off 18 turnovers, but the Wizards also shot 51.3 percent and their young players sparked hope for the future.

[Washington Times]
“It felt good. This is exactly what I expected as a captain, and Antawn as well. After a good practice, guys came out with a lot of energy and played good basketball. That’s the goal – to play .500 basketball the remainder of the 28 games now.” -Caron Butler

[Canis Hoopus]
Finally, Wolves fans should take this opportunity to thank former Puppy Mike James. James ended the night with a -1 while daggering the Wolves with late threes. In the middle of the game, James was especially putrid, giving up a -18 while offering little in terms of basketball prowess. His only FGMs of the night were long balls. He had zero rebounds and no steals.

Random Posts

• November 11, 2009 -- Gilbert Arenas’ Seven 3rd Quarter Turnovers in Pictures and Words
• June 25, 2010 -- John Wall Live
• June 22, 2010 -- Catching Up With Emir Preldzic, Turkish League Champion

Q1

Wow, the Phillips looks emptier that the Verizon these days. The Hawks have the 4th best record in the East…..sad to say, Atlanta doesn’t deserve an NBA team.

11:45: Caron misses his assignment to protect the hoop after Songaila goes to double Joe Johnson and Horford gets an easy dunk on Atlanta’s first possession.

Hmm….long missed jumpers from Caron, bad P&R defense from Mike James….S.O.S. (Groundhog Day) – 6-1 Hawks.

9:00: Yep, it’s 9-1 when Tapscott decides to take timeout #1.

Butler is channeling his jump shot game from an injured Michael Redd……except without the makes.

7:31: First FG comes….an open jumper by Songaila set up by Mike James penetration. 9-3 ATL.

Mike Bibby is killing Mike James on the screens….SuperNanny is too slow and lumbering to keep up — then again, on the other end, James hits some crazy spinning, fading B.S. that he never should have taken in the first place. 11-7 Hawks.

The Wiz have increased their persistence on the offensive boards and Atlanta has gone a bit cold….still 17-13 ATL.

1:15: Then again, P&R D — McGuire & D-Song (Joe Johnson three), second chance ATL points — Pachulia boards, and Wiz sloppiness rears its ugly head. 24-13 Hawks.

0:28: Crittenton leads the break to Butler for a dunk (Caron’s got 8 points on 4-8 FGs) 24-17 Hawks — I really like Crittenton’s ball control in the open court, even when faced with a bit of pressure.

End of 1st, ATL 26 (54.5% FG, Joe Johnson – 7 pts., 4 ast.) – WAS 17 (38% FG)

Q2

11:00: Caron to the rack…..taking it strong to the hoop more since the beginning of the game. 29-21 Hawks.

10:08: Crittenton sweet push in transition and oop to a flying JaVale McGee for nasty dunk.

9:20: Pachulia layup miss….tip miss…get back….layup miss….tip in. Terrible. Zaza was just tougher than Songaila, McGee and McGuire….well, let’s just say the whole team. Must be that Zaza dude’s birthday or something (it is)….HE’S GOT NINE (9) FREAKING OFFENSIVE BOARDS!

Again, Crittenton to McGee for a lay in transition…..really would like to see more of that in the future. 31-25 Hawks.

6:10: 9-0 Hawks run….the Wizards are looking disorganized. Butler, Jamison, Dixon, McGee and Crittenton on the court. 40-25 Hawks.

Shot clock violations make Ed Tapscott go to his special place.

In other news, the Wizards have 6 turnovers in the 2nd quarter so far.

3:45: The worst part is that the Hawks look like a shiny piece of crap themselves….but they are able to bumble themselves into a Joe Johnson trey. ATL up 20.

Very next play….no joke, Songaila sets a ball screen for Dixon, they run into each other….turn the ball over….Hawks score…..Songaila is somehow hurt by Dixon….Wiz call timeout. 47-25 Hawks.

McGee just gives it away….looks like the kid is holding the ball with mittens. 8th turnover of the 2nd.

0:47.7: Weird….Mike James crosses Bibby over, gets into the paint, and draws a foul — the weird part: Caron Butler pumps his fist like, “we got ‘em right where we want ‘em” — Riiiiiiight, 51-36 Atlanta.

Joe Johnson hits a shot at the buzzer….1st half end with the Hawks up 53-37.

Q3

Wiz possession #1: JaVale McGee weak pass…..turnover. Guess Songaila did something to his shoulder/arm on that botched pick with Dixon as he’s not starting (word comes down that he has a bruised elbow and will not return)

10:40: Crittenton tries to force a bad angle in to McGee from too far away….turnover.

10:00: McGee with a smooth lefty lay-in and move against Zaza….JaVale’s got the athleticism, just needs to better pick his spots. And 1 – The Wiz are only down 14, 56-42.

7:35: McGee rebound and reverse dunk put-back…kid is making his presence felt: 13 points, 8 boards.

7:13: Oleksiy Pecherov checks in for McGee….who just picked up his 4th foul.

5:15: But just when you think the Wiz maybe might could make a push, Bibby freezes Butler and then nails a trey in his face. Back to 20, 66-46 Hawks.

4:13: Nick Young wakes up and hits a timely three to cut it to 68-49.

Well, the Wiz are trying…..the tied the Hawks at 24 in the 3rd. Unfortunately, these efforts are clearly futile. 77-61 Atlanta.

Q4

McGee is looking sick.

But the Wiz are just going through the motions as a team.

A lot of those “motions” include letting the Hawks rain threes.

The Wizards: Character, Commitment, Connection, Making All-Stars out of the other team’s bench (39 points for Atlanta’s pine so far — and we have 7 minutes left) — 92-72 Hawks.

Nick Young was off earlier in the game….but now that the Wiz are down and the pressure is gone, he’s bucket man.

Nick Young is also getting abused by Flip Murray.

Wow…Buckhantz and Chenier just gave us the shot attempt count…Atlanta 89, Washington 66.

Crittenton is still hustling….he’s still shiny…..steal, pass and PECHEROV DUNK!! Buckhantz calls him long and lanky.

Defense for both teams has come to a halt.

Game Over: Atlanta 111 – DC 90

Yep, it’s back to reality.

Key Stats:

• 20 Hawks offensive rebounds
• Atlanta took 98 shots, making 45 – the Wizards took 74 shots, making 33
• 28 Atlanta assists, just 16 for the Wiz
• Only 7 Hawk turnovers

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