92 replies to this topic

[jorgeaam]

Well, Nelson is going to the Mavs, and I agree with Cooper in that Allen is just either going to play with Lebron or retire, I just read he was going to have MRIs on his legs before deciding if he's coming back, so I don't think he would play with any other team but the cavs

[slick shoes]

I was simply implying that it was worth looking in to. As with most other free agents we chased this offseason, the chances were slim but you never know until you try. Anyway I just read that he's ready to ink a deal with Cleveland so that settles that.

[thejohnnygold]

Not very bold prediction: Troy Daniels will shoot, and make, more three pointers than Ray Allen this season.

[Mason Khamvilay]

I like Ryan Kelly. 

 

Edited by 2016Champions, 24 July 2014 - 03:04 PM.

[slick shoes]

Not very bold prediction: Troy Daniels will shoot, and make, more three pointers than Ray Allen this season.

 

I'm just looking for some veteran leadership for this young squad. Someone to call players out for hot dogging, to encourage guys when they're in a shooting slump. To share stories of their own struggles and how they persevered through them making them better players and so on and so forth. Dwight is the closest thing we have to that right now and I dont think he's the best fit for that role given his child like personality.

[YaoMan]

I'm just looking for some veteran leadership for this young squad. Someone to call players out for hot dogging, to encourage guys when they're in a shooting slump. To share stories of their own struggles and how they persevered through them making them better players and so on and so forth. Dwight is the closest thing we have to that right now and I dont think he's the best fit for that role given his child like personality.

Yes I have to agree about the need for a player who will call out people for accountability and keep them in check. I'm not sure if Dwight's personality is child like more-so than he just wants to be liked by everyone. At least that's what I get from his (Dwight's) interviews.

[thejohnnygold]

Ariza can't be that guy?  I think he can.

[slick shoes]

Ariza can't be that guy?  I think he can.

 

That remains to be seen, but if I had to postulate based on what I know today, I would say no. Granted I stopped paying attention to Ariza (unless we were playing against his then current team) once he left for New Orleans. Could be he was the leader to the young Wizards squad which now seems to be blooming nicely.

[timetodienow1234567]

Nene, Gortat, and Andre Miller would disagree.

[slick shoes]

Nene, Gortat, and Andre Miller would disagree.

 

All three combined have 0 rings.

[timetodienow1234567]

And Bynum has some. So is that the requirement for being a leader?

[slick shoes]

And Bynum has some. So is that the requirement for being a leader?

 

If you actually took the time to read my post, you would know some of the things I am looking for in a leader. It's cool though, I'll repost so you can try again.

 

I'm just looking for some veteran leadership for this young squad. Someone to call players out for hot dogging, to encourage guys when they're in a shooting slump. To share stories of their own struggles and how they persevered through them making them better players and so on and so forth.

 

Ariza could potentially have the traits I listed in addition to legitimate playoff/championship experience. I don't think he does, but again that remains to be seen.

[thejohnnygold]

Look, I am not saying Ariza is some kind of guru.  (is Ray Allen?).  I'm saying his NBA experience is valid, and contains the highs and lows that give one real perspective.  He has an NBA championship to go along with 52 career playoff games.  He tried to lead a team (and realized how hard that is).  He found success by finding his niche and being a really, really good role player.  He's been traded four times so he gets that side of it.  He's got 10 years experience.  He has the respect of Dwight, James, and Mchale...what more does he need?

 

[slick shoes]

Look, I am not saying Ariza is some kind of guru.  (is Ray Allen?).  I'm saying his NBA experience is valid, and contains the highs and lows that give one real perspective.  He has an NBA championship to go along with 52 career playoff games.  He tried to lead a team (and realized how hard that is).  He found success by finding his niche and being a really, really good role player.  He's been traded four times so he gets that side of it.  He's got 10 years experience.  He has the respect of Dwight, James, and Mchale...what more does he need?

 

 

No one is saying you meant that he was. I am agreeing with you that those factors could contribute to him being a potential veteran "big brother" to some of our young guys. I followed each of my posts regarding his potential leadership abilities with a disclaimer that it remains to be seen.

 

I only brought up the rings (or lack thereof in this case) the other members of the WIzards squad because that is another positive aspect to bringing Ariza in, reaffirming your point. Per usual JG, we agree. Semantics seem to be getting in the way.

[timetodienow1234567]

I disagreed that rings matter for leadership. It helps, but to dismiss Gortat, Nene and Miller was nonsensical to me. I think Ariza might have some perspectives to share and could be a leader but will he really call out Harden and will Harden take it?

[slick shoes]

I disagreed that rings matter for leadership. It helps, but to dismiss Gortat, Nene and Miller was nonsensical to me. I think Ariza might have some perspectives to share and could be a leader but will he really call out Harden and will Harden take it?

 

You'll have to excuse me. I only mentioned Ariza and left the others out as Ariza now plays for us and the others do not. No hard feelings

 

I'd like to see SOMEONE call Harden out when and if the situation requires it and who better than a player with all of the accolades mentioned above. He might shy away from it initially being the new guy, but hopefully the squad will have gelled enough by the ASB for constructive criticism to be welcomed. I'd like to lastly point out that I am not of the opinion that Ariza is some sort of floor general or future senator, but he's not going to listen to any of the young bucks so that really leaves only Howard and Ariza with the league experience for Harden to potentially take seriously.

[Cooper]

Its going to have to be Howard that keeps guys in check but especially with Harden, Ariza and Beverely could certainly help though even if its just leading by example.

[thejohnnygold]

No one is saying you meant that he was. I am agreeing with you that those factors could contribute to him being a potential veteran "big brother" to some of our young guys. I followed each of my posts regarding his potential leadership abilities with a disclaimer that it remains to be seen.

 

I only brought up the rings (or lack thereof in this case) the other members of the WIzards squad because that is another positive aspect to bringing Ariza in, reaffirming your point. Per usual JG, we agree. Semantics seem to be getting in the way.

 

Sorry if my post came across as defensive--didn't mean for that.  I was just trying to emphasize what I see.

 

I agree that Howard, moreso than anyone, has to be the guy.  I think he knows this.  I think he said as much in his exit interview.  I don't think he is the kind of guy who will stick his finger in someone's chest on the court (the only place we can see it), but I won't be surprised if he does.  Personally, I'm not the least bit worried about our leadership.  It's not something that can be forced, or bought--it just happens.....or doesn't. 

[Buckko]

Well Airza has proven himself a leader, as he even said it was very different and hard of him leading better, but younger players (Wall and Beal) with the wizards last year and basically said that experience benefited him.

[thenit]

I don't think harden will care what ariza says if he gets into his face. It needs to be someone who harden believes is at the same level in order for him to listen. ATM Dwight is the only one, and that might not even be an efficient option.

He might have to go through internal maturation or a veteran with multiple rings and that's been at hardens level, and I don't see anyone in FA market who fits that bill.

Edited by thenit, 25 July 2014 - 12:46 AM.