Michael Lee and Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
2:00 PM
Washington Post staff writers Ivan Carter and Michael Lee were online Wednesday, June 13, at 2 p.m. ET to field your questions and comments about the Wizards, the playoffs and all the latest NBA news.
From The Post:
The transcript follows.
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Ivan Carter: Hope everyone has recovered from watching that game last night. The rims were a clangin' no? Let's get to it.
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D.C.: I know the catchy word "Gilbertology" is a catch all excuse for whatever Arenas does that defies logic, but there comes a time when you have to grow up and be responsible for the things you say and do. Given all that, do you think he gave a lame excuse as a reason why he's going to opt out of his contract?
Personally, I would do the same if I were a professional athlete, but to use his injury and the birth of his second child as a reason why 115 million (base plus option years) won't suffice, is a real copout excuse. Us fans are not idiots, especially when he promised he wasn't going to be like KG and AI (Sixers) who have hamstrung their franchises from getting prominent free agents.
Ivan Carter: I didn't read what Gilbert said as being either greedy or a slap in the face to the fans. I do think that he sincerely wants to see how this next season plays out and then explore all of his options before making a longterm decision on his future. That said, he told me that he doesn't intend to roll out of town. As we all know, a lot can change and Gilbert is particularly prone to making decisions in the moment. Personally, I think he's making the savvy choice both financially and for his basketball future. However, I also think that Ernie Grunfeld has proven over the years that he's not the kind of GM who is going to the make the kind of bad moves that would get Gilbert stuck in a KG or Iverson situation. This team is a good shape but we all can agree that it's missing a couple pieces: consistent center play and a some athleticism off that bench.
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Detroit: What do you make of Joe Dumars recent news conference on the state of the Pistons, obviously he is disappointed, but pretty pragmatic, and is correct that dismantling this team of Sheed, Rip, Tay and Chauncey is not the solution. Other than drafting Darko, I think Dumars has been a phenomenal GM.
Ivan Carter: I agree. To me, teams in several sports make big mistakes when they rush to dismantle a successful core. They often wind up like Sacramento Kings have the last few years, scuffling along following several years of success. Now, would I move Rasheed if the right deal came along? Yes. But no way do I rip that team apart just to "do something."
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John Starks: I just knew the NBA would embrace my style of play again. That game was a work of art!
Michael Lee: Sorry, I'm late. I just got back from talking to the players about the worst Finals game I've ever seen in person. I was Game 4 in 2003, when the Spurs and Nets combined to score 153 points. I thought it couldn't get any worse. I apologize to everybody who didn't understand my game story today, but as I always like to say, "Don't hate the story, hate the game." That game was awful.
But wow, John. Thanks for checking in. I think the NBA would love it if any game this series was remotely as entertaining as that Knicks-Rockets series in 1994. That was a steak dinner. Game 3 of this NBA finals was a Ritz cracker.
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Rockville, Md.: Guys, putting aide Gilbert's popularity and charisma, and looking only on the court, do you think the Wiz's long-term championship contention would be best-served by spending $16M/year on Gilbert or spreading that cap money among several players? Is Gilbert, given his lack of defensive ability and leadership skills, the person around whom you can build a championship team, esp. given our lack of a post presence who can cover up Gil's defensive mistakes? I love Gil, but what's in the team's best interests?
Ivan Carter: You bring up a great point because a lot of teams have made mistakes by giving max money to guys who weren't/aren't max players: Jermaine O'Neal, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Zach Randolph etc. That said, the Wiz almost have to keep Gilbert because everything has been built around him. Caron and Antawn are perfect fits, he's flourished in Eddie's system and he's the highest profile athlete in a town that lives and dies with the Redskins. Unless Jason Campbell comes out this season and makes us all remember Doug Williams in that Super Bowl against the Broncos, this will remain Gilbert's town. Also, I think Ernie is capable of putting the right pieces around a player like Gilbert. We'll see.
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Washington, D.C.: What are the repercussions of Arenas's opt-out next summer? I would think the following:
1. The team needs to be on the right path, meaning they need to win more than 41 games next year (to show improvement) and get out of the first round.
2. If the team is not doing well in the first half of the year, Ernie might have to make a coaching change.
3. Jamison's future with the team needs to be resolved, perhaps even this summer.
4. In furtherance of No. 1, perhaps the Wizards need to pick a more NBA-ready player than a project.
5. Also in furtherance of No. 1, to avoid stepping back, the Wizards need to think about keeping their key free agents (Blatche, Hayes and Stevenson) rather than trying to incorporate new guys.
6. The center spot needs to be resolved.
Your thoughts?
Ivan Carter: I can tell you this from speaking with Gilbert regularly: He's not going to go into Ernie's office and demand that any specific moves get made but he would like to see the following:
1. Keep Brendan and make Brendan and Eddie work out their differences. "We can win with Brendan, that's been proven." (that's a direct quote from Gilbert)
2. Keep DeShawn Stevenson. Gilbert and DeShawn hit it off both on and off the court this season and we all can agree that when asked to fill "the play defense, hit opens shots, don't turn the ball over and run the floor" roll, DeShawn was a perfect fit.
3. Beef up that bench. Gilbert never liked seeing Juan Dixon bolt town because he liked him as a shooter/scorer coming off. He'd like to see the Wiz get a guy like that and get a young, big, athletic type (think of what Paul Millsap did for Utah this season).
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Gil to LA: Clips that is. Can you see the Clips, desperate for a pg, make a move for Gil? Do they have anything to offer in terms of a trade or would they just max him out and hope he remembers his LA roots?
Michael Lee: The Clippers definitely need some help at point guard, especially since Shaun Livingston's future is up in the air and Sam Cassell will likely retire after next season.
I just don't see what they could do to make room for him. Their money is pretty much tied up, and Donald Sterling is probably experiencing buyer's remorse after opening the bank last summer and missing the playoffs.
The Clips made a run for Gil in 2003, but you know how that turned out. I think Arenas made the smart choice back then because he didn't want to be in the city where he already had roots because he was forever going to have to be concerned with all those outside distractions. I can't imagine they'd be willing to give up Elton Brand for Arenas, so I don't see them making a deal. Sorry.
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Savannah, Ga.: Do you have any inkling of who has looked good to the Wizards with their draft workouts. Also, do you know if they are favoring a big or a sf/sg?
Ivan Carter: Right now, I have a feeling that they'll be looking to use that 16th pick on either Colo State center Jason Smith or USC shooting guard Nick Young (if he falls that far). Those are two areas of need for this team and I think either of those guys would have a chance to contribute right away.
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Baltimore : Any updates on Gil's recovery
Ivan Carter: Gil's still not going full speed in workouts but he can do stationary shooting and he said the knee is feeling good. Everything seems to indicate that he's right on schedule.
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Faithful Wizards insider reader:: Do LeBron James and Dwayne Wade have the same opt-out clauses in their contract and if they do when can they opt out?
Ivan Carter: Wade's contract runs through 2010-2011 but he holds a player option for 2010. LeBron's deal also runs through 2010-2011 and he has a player option in the summer of 2010.
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Oakton, Va.: Ivan, you weren't here last week so I have an draft camp question for you this week:
Is Sun Yue getting drafted, and could he potentially be a Luke Walton-type player?
And on another note, why is Yi Jianlian working out against a chair?
Ivan Carter: I don't see Sun Yue getting drafted but I did see him in Orlando and he's not bad. He plays PG in China at 6-8 so he can pass, shoot and drive to the cup. Really skinny and would struggled defensively. He'll probably get invited to some team's summer league squad and have a chance to make it that way.
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DC: Any truth to the rumor that there's a possible trade lined up between Atlanta and Washington: Shelden Williams for Brendan Haywood?
Ivan Carter: Haven't heard that one.
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Charlotte, N.C.: Guys,
Can you explain the hype around LeBron and comment on how good you think he really is? One day LeBron will grow into a superstar but is he really one yet?
What is it exactly that sets LeBron apart from Arenas - besides the media hype?
All season long LeBron was unable to hit game winners or make game winning free throws and all too often he would and still does fail to take over the end of the game.
Yet to be a superstar like Kobe, Magic, MJ and DWade, LeBron needs to consistently play at a high level and be willing to and make the game winners. But he does not.
LeBron has only displayed characteristics of a superstar in two or three of the Pistons games, and now in the Spurs series he hasn't been that great.
I also don't understand how people say LeBron is up there with Kobe and DWade, but Arenas is not. Granted Arenas has not taken the Wiz to the Finals but contrary to Lebron, Arenas repeatedly has led his team to victories and repeatedly stepped up at the end of games and hit game winners, Arenas does not shy away from the pressure at the end of a game. Like a superstar, Arenas embraces it. So what is it exactly that sets LeBron apart from Arenas - besides the media hype?
Michael Lee: Charlotte. Have you looked at the Cavaliers' roster?
LeBron James probably took the worst supporting cast in NBA history to the NBA Finals. Think about it. The Cavs have only one other former All-Star on the team, in Zydrunas Ilgauskas. That's it. You can go down NBA history and probably not find a less talented team in the Finals.
This supporting cast is probably worse than Allen Iverson's cast in 2001. Iverson had Dikembe Mutombo, two other players who had career years (Aaron McKie and Eric Snow) and a Hall of Fame Coach in Larry Brown.
Aside from LeBron, what future Hall of Fame anythings are on the Cavs? Still, the Cavs knocked off a Pistons team with five current or former All-Stars.
Those other guys you mentioned - Magic, Michael, Kobe and Dwyane Wade - had much better teams in the Finals. Magic had Kareem and Worthy. Michael had Pippen. Kobe and Wade had Shaquille O'Neal. Hello!?! LeBron has. . .Zydrunas Ilgauskas? Boobie? And he's in the Finals!
That's what separates him from Arenas. He led his team to the NBA Finals at age 22 with a subpar roster. Not many guys can do that. That's why LeBron is special.
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Jamaal Magloire: How long until I sign with the Wiz?
Ivan Carter: Bad fit for the Wiz. Too slow, can't run the floor and hasn't been particularly effective in about three years. Call Kevin McHale, he'll probably give you a max deal.
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Richmond, Va.: Fellas...are the Wiz interested in Glen "Big Baby" Davis from LSU? He'll definitely be around at pick 16 but less likely at 47. It seems as though the Wiz would since they are desperate for inside scoring and bulk. I believe the team that drafts him may get a steal.
Ivan Carter: Haven't heard a thing about the Wiz having interest in the big fella. As far I know, they don't have any plans to work him out either so don't look for him in the blue and bronze next season.
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Va.: What about ousted BC big man Sean Williams? From what I've heard, he's got a beastly defensive presence in the middle, EXACTLY what the 'Zards need in my opinion....sure he's a gamble with that checkered past, but at No. 16, you're not getting close to a sure-fire hit anyway, right?
Ivan Carter: I know they have interest (along with a bunch of other teams). From what I heard about Williams, he's really not that bad of a dude, just needs to be a little more careful with the weed smoke.
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Dead Town:"in a town that lives and dies with the Redskins"?!?! Boy.. how long has this town been dead then???
Ivan Carter: Exactly.
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D.C.: Why is ESPN attributing low ratings because of the boring Spurs? Could it be that nobody outside of Cleveland actually cares about LeBron James?
Ivan Carter: Good point. It's not as if the Cavs play a freewheeling, run-and-gun game themselves. In fact, they never fastbreak and they run the same station-to-station halfcourt ball the Spurs run. Also, I've never found LeBron to be particularly sensational to watch. He's very good of course but I can think of several players I'd tune in to watch before him: D Wade, Kobe, Nash, Ray Allen. Gilbert? Perhaps.
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Washington, D.C.: Actually, I'm not sure what was Dumars's worse move -- drafting Darko, or trading him for scraps.
Michael Lee: Drafting Darko will go down as the biggest blunder ever for Dumars - especially when Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade went after him - but it also was his biggest blessing. Since Darko wasn't ready his rookie season, the Pistons were desperate to trade for Rasheed Wallace, who lifted them over the hump and made them a championship team in 2004.
Trading Darko for scraps wasn't that bad when you consider the move was intended to create cap space to sign Ben Wallace. Wallace left, but they still have the money to keep Chauncey Billups.
It's tough. Do you surrender your future to win now (i.e. draft a project and acquire proven veterans)? Or do invest in the hope that you will win one day (draft a potential star who might get you a ring)? I think most people will take a championship. It's the old bird -in-the-hand thinking.
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DC: Fellas,
How did you guys on press row react to the officiating last night. I thought it was about as bad as I've seen it. Horrible touch fouls, called on both teams, and no flow or consistency. Thoughts, especially from Michael, who was there.
Michael Lee: You know, I rarely get caught up in officiating too much. I think the players on the floor really determined the outcome of the game. It was a sloppy, hideous game -- and it was not because of poor officiating.
Players missed shots. Players made bad passes. Players awful decisions (LeBron's pass to Anderson Varejao? That was 10 times worse than feeding an open Donyell Marshall in Game 1 against Detroit. The pass to Marshall was arguably the right play. There was nothing good about giving Varejao the ball). Trust me, that made the game unappealing, not the officials.
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Houston: You know, games are NEVER decided by one play, or one call (or even non-call). There's always something the team that thinks it was wronged could have done better, earlier. LeBron might have been fouled, he might not, but the ref did not cost the Cavs that game.
Ivan Carter: How about the fact that through three games, LeBron has only occasionally used his one-inch, 40 pound advantage on Bowen by posting him and getting easy buckets? When he did it last night, Bowen couldn't handle him, the Spurs had to send a double and LeBron was able to pick out open teammates. However, he didn't use his strength to back Bowen down enough and a lot of times, he wound up catching the ball 20 feet from the hoop before turning and facing. Remember how Mike started killing people in the post in his first comeback? Until LeBron adds that to his game, he won't be complete because a guy Bowen's size should never be able to check him both on the perimeter and in the paint. Cleveland's failure to utilize that one physical mismatch is the reason why this series is 3-0 instead of at least 2-1.
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Ruben Patterson & Anderson Verajo: How long before the Wizards sign us?
Ivan Carter: Patterson no. Good fit physically and the Wizards could certainly use his defense-first mentality but his history of off-the-court issues will rule that out. I could see them showing some interest in Varajeo. They could use that kind of active, athletic big man. Heck, you could start him at center and play the small ball Eddie likes so much.
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David Stern: Yipeee!!!! Its finally working out for me.. I have managed to get a wedding invitation to Tony and Eva's wedding in France...it was steep price to pay...had to help the Spurs against the Suns by suspending two of their top 7 players for a crucial game in a tied series, not take Bowen to task after he manhandled Nash, ask Delaney not to call a foul on LeBron on the last possession last night's game.. suffer from the least viewed and boring finals ever.. it all finally worked out..
Michael Lee: Okay, I know this is not the commissioner. Think about what you are saying. Why would David Stern not want LeBron James, his lone remaining superstar, to win?
Why? That's ridiculous. You mean to tell me he doesn't want people to watch his league and its rising star?
Why would he fix it for the Spurs to win when the Spurs have produced some of the worst ratings for the NBA Finals in history? Why would he want to lose money?
I get sick of people trying to make it seem like the league is giving the championship to San Antonio. Quit it.
The Spurs are a great team. They've earned all that they are getting. Unfortunately, too many people want to look at meaningless outside forces as the source of their success. Look, Tim Duncan is the best power forward ever. He's about to win his fourth ring. Tony Parker is much more than Eva Longoria's fiancee. Gregg Popovich is one of the best coaches/executives of this era.
It's not luck here, people. Give the Spurs some credit and stop crying.
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Annapolis, Md.: Hi-
Will the Seattle Supersonics be playing in Oklahoma City next year?
Ivan Carter: I don't see them staying in Seattle and Oklahoma City showed that it could handle an NBA team with the Hornets. Don't sleep on Kansas City though. Nice new arena and no NHL team to compete against.
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DC: If Kobe and LeBron trade places, are the Cavs in the finals this year? I think so, but my buddy says no, because Kobe can't--or maybe won't--pass to open teammates the way LeBron does.
Michael Lee: That's a tough question. My answer would be no, because as good as Kobe is, I don't think he inspires his teammates the way LeBron does. LeBron is always willing to involve and uplift, even when that team doesn't have much. Kobe is demanding a trade and he's playing with Lamar Odom. The Cavs don't have anybody as good as Odom. And, do you think Kobe could play for Mike Brown? I say no.
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Sandusky, Ohio: It was pretty clear that Bowen was trying to foul LeBron James at the end of the game. The whole world knew that the intentional foul was coming, so why wasn't the whistle blown?
Michael Lee: He most certainly was trying to foul LeBron. I don't know why the whistle was blown, especially since it happened right in front of the official. But I go back to that pass to Varajeo. That's where the game was decided to me. I certainly wouldn't want to rest my hopes on LeBron making three free throws to force overtime. But with the Spurs up two, he has to clear out and go to work. Screw passing at that point. He's got to take the shot. He can't expect to get the ball back when his teammates are completely overwhelmed and seemingly afraid of this stage.
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Alexandria, Va.: The Caps will be unveiling a new logo and uniforms next week. It has been rumored that the new uniforms will also feature new team colors (my fingers are crossed for a return to the red, white, and blue). Any chance the Bullets get rid of the wretched denim blue and bronze to continue to match the Caps?
Ivan Carter: I haven't heard anything about a uniform change and I know that it's quite a process to get everything approved by the league. I have heard that the Caps will indeed return to the red, white and blue look. They should just go back to their old uniforms in my opinion.
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Alexandria, Va.: His ridiculous spin aside, David Stern can't be happy with the ratings for the Finals. Will he take meaningful steps to address what most fans agree are the biggest problem with the NBA: inconsistent officiating and slow play. The former, to me, is bigger. Like our president, David Stern holds no one accountable and as a result you get refs who take over games. Until that is fixed, I have no doubt ratings will continue to slide.
Michael Lee: Once again, it's not the officiating that is making this series difficult to watch. The play is making it an eyesore. For the past 14, 15 years, defense has been the most important element to a championship team. High-scoring teams were pretty much kept out of the party ever since the Bad Boys closed down Showtime in 1989. The ratings will improve when the teams in the finals have more personalities and superstar players. Fans were spoiled by the entertainment value of Michael, Larry and Magic. Those days are done, but the fans tastes haven't changed, unfortunately.
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SE, DC: Quick question, do you believe that Michael Jordan will ruin the Bobcat team just like he did with the Wizards?
Ivan Carter: Well, he's already looking pretty bad for taking Adam Morrison over Brandon Roy.
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Bowie, Md.: Ivan,
Will the Wizards be able to sign Juan Carlos Navarro this offseason? They would probably have to fork over a majority, if not all of the mid-level exception to do so. If they sign Navarro, do they then trade Antonio Daniels since Navarro would be replacing Daniels?
Ivan Carter: Everything I've heard indicates that Navarro will remain in Europe until he coughs up the major cash needed to get out of his deal with Barcelona.
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Washington, D.C.: Any tidbits on the draft workout? Rumors on which direction the Wiz might be heading?
Michael Lee: I haven't been anywhere near the workouts, but while here in Cleveland, I heard from a writer that I trust that Villanova forward Curtis Sumpter refused to leave the practice facility until he got an autographed Gilbert Arenas jersey.
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College Park, Md.: Hwo did the Maryland players do at the pre-draft workouts? Any chances Strawberry or Ebekwe get drafted or even picked in the first round?
BTW, has John Gilchrest been invited to participate on any NBA summer league teams?
Ivan Carter: Don't see either Strawberry or Ebekwe getting drafted and I haven't heard a thing about Gilchrest in awhile.
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Michael Lee: I've got to run and find some way to hype up this series for one last time (I hope). If this is our last hurrah, it's been great everybody. I've enjoyed chatting with you all this season and I'm looking forward to next season, which I hope will be more exciting than 2006-07. I think we're ready to put this puppy to rest. Alright then. Peace.
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Draft night: What is the possibility that the Wiz make a move up in the draft? Maybe throw in a combo of players (Haywood, Hayes, etc.) and picks, to move into the top 7.
Ivan Carter: I'm sure it's something Ernie would consider but I have to think that it would take a lot more than the package you suggest. Teams are not going to give up a top 10 pick without getting something really good in return (would the 16th pick and Haywood get it done? I doubt it.)
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Washington, D.C.: What teams are likely to have the cap room next summer to sign Gilbert to a max deal?
Ivan Carter: Orlando could be a player because that Grant Hill money is coming off the books but the Magic do have to be prepared to give Dwight Howard max money when his deal is up after the 2008-2009 season. A Gilbert/Howard combination would be nasty. Just get a rebounder/slash pick-and-roll shooter at forward, a defensive ace at SG and a shooter/scorer at the 3 and you're looking tough.
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Ivan Carter: I'm outta here like the Cavaliers in the Finals. Thanks for stopping in everyone. Mike and I will try to keep posted on all things hoop.
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