Wizards Blogger Previews

Washington Wizards Previews:

Mike Prada: Bullets Forever

What significant moves were made in the offseason?

Didn't you hear?  The Wizards re-signed shoot-first, injured, selfish drama queen Gilbert Arenas to an 111-million-dollar deal for six years.  What idiots!  They should have known that Arenas was going to have a third surgery and that nobody wanted him anyway (the Warriors don't count, remember!).  I mean, whenever you have the chance to pass on a guy like Arenas in favor of getting luxury tax room and using your mid-level exception on Chris Duhon, you have to do it!

Rashad: Hoops Addict

What are the team’s biggest strengths?

The Wizards biggest strength can be summarized in one word:  Continuity.

Eddie Jordan has been the head coach of this team for six years making him the longest tenured coach in the Eastern Conference.  Leading scorers Arenas, Butler and Jamison have been in starting lineup for four consecutive years.  Centers Brendan Haywood and Etan Thomas are the only two players left from the Michael Jordan era (2001-2003).

HoopsAvenue: HoopsAvenue

What are the team’s biggest weaknesses?

Well, besides staying healthy, the Wizards biggest weakness continues to be defense.  They’ll also be tested on the inside.  The Wizards tied for last place in 3-point field goal percentage defense last season, a sign that they don’t always make their rotations and gamble too much, a charge any Wizards fan will tell you is true.  Their field goal percentage defense was better, but could stand to be improved.  Coach Eddie Jordan has put a great deal of emphasis on defense the past few seasons (and they have gotten better), but further progress needs to be made if the Wizards want to contend.

Truth: Truth About It Dot Net

4. What are the goals for this team?

All things considered, the goal is to make the playoffs. The team is a proven injury survivor. Knowing you can do it is a huge part of the needed mentality to take on such a challenge.

Of course the "ifs" are big....but if the team proves they can stay above water, it will most likely indicate that the inexperienced players have made vast strides. If the team can gain confidence, and if Gilbert comes back at full strength, and if Haywood's time out falls on the shorter end of 4-6 months, and if the team can sneak into the 7th or 8th playoff spot....then maybe, just maybe, the Wizards can surprise in the playoffs and get to the Eastern Conference finals. I know, I know....a huge IF.

For a full schedule of the previews, see here.