Washington Wizards Previews

by Jeff Clark on Oct 26, 2009 6:37 AM EDT in NBA Previews

2009/10 NBA Blog Preview: Washington Wizards - Bullets Forever

A more realistic goal would be to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, win their first-round series and put up a decent fight against one of those top three teams. What would a "decent fight" entail? I'm not sure, but I think it's safe to say it would be a better performance than what Atlanta gave against Cleveland in the second round of the playoffs last year. The Wizards could then more easily justify another round of going over the luxury tax, which would include re-signing Haywood, Miller and maybe Foye while making a talent upgrade.

Truth About It " Truth About It.net 2009-10 Washington Wizards TrueHoop Network Preview

Is it possible Gilbert Arenas comes back a better, more complete player than before? Is it possible Caron Butler solidifies himself as an All-Star, proving to be more than a second fiddle? Is it possible Antawn Jamison maintains his workman-like consistency? Is it possible Brendan Haywood shows the world he’s a top ten NBA center? Is it possible a deep and diverse supporting cast comes together under the leadership of Flip Saunders? Whether you think all of these improbabilities can magically come together with a dash of wizardry is possible or not doesn’t matter. It only matters that those in the locker room believe.

Washington Wizards Season Preview | Hoops Addict

Back when Tony Kornheiser was a writer for the Washington Post, and the Washington Wizards were still the "Bullets", he coined the phrase, "Curse of Lez Boulez". No matter how much success the Bullets seemed to have, bad coaching, bad play or injuries would invariably have them off to a 9-20 start by December, and the curse was in full effect. A new team name, several playoff appearances, and a several coaches later, that curse still hovers over the team like the Balloon Boy–and it hovers in the form of injuries

Tweet Comment 3 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I pick these guys #2

First of all, everyone is sleeping on these guys. Nobody seems to notice that they have a great coach in Flip Saunders. Nobody seems to notice the manpower. I am not talking about their poor man’s version of our big three, but their poor man’s version of our depth and how well balanced it is. Gilbert can play numerous positions. Mike Miller is reliable off the bench. Randy Foye has the chance Rondo had a few years back. Just like us, they have a bench that can be very young, and some guys off that bench that bring experience. I think Orlando and Cleveland regressed from last year. This is also a team that gave the Cavs fits, and that’s before they had a decent coach and decent depth.

by afflatus on Oct 26, 2009 9:08 AM EDT reply actions

I see them 4th or 5th...

But not second. I don’t think they’ll make the necessary commitment to defense to be an elite team. Boston, Orlando, and Cleveland were the top three defensive teams in the NBA last season, which I think explains their success.

All the negativity in this town sucks. It sucks, and it stinks, and it sucks. - Rick Pitino

by Roy_Hobbs on Oct 26, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions