1/8/02: Jordan elevates over athletic Clippers

[Gamebreaker]

THE WASHINGTON EAGLE

From Our Website: One Comeback Might Deserve Another
http://www.washingtoneagle.com/sports
by Fried Schiebel, Head Writer

My boss tells me that our new webbedsite has, oh how do the kids say, "blown up" in the last few months. So the world finally realized that we got Christian Laettner in a trade last year?

Hello, new legions. Welcome to your new source for all things Washington Wizards. Also known as Clippers East. Also known as Hell.

I have been covering the Wizards/Bullets for 22 years now. I don't know what I did to deserve this. My sentence began in '79, right after their two consecutive apppearances in the Finals. From then on, it's been about nothing but the love of getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. In our most tremendous of years.

So forgive me if I don't join in with the apparent majority to cry and wail about what Mr. Jordan is doing to sully his career by coming back to play in our cesspool. Do I agree? Oh, absolutely. He's taking that perfect 1998 masterpiece of a career climax and spraying blue and gold all over it with a firehose.

Hey, it's still a heck of a lot better than what I've had to look at the past two decades.

Face it, we're all quite intrigued. The odds are beyond impossible that he duplicates that ultimate curtain call. No one has ever won a battle with Father Time. But if there's any athlete that could, it'd be him. If anything, this comeback with be a grand scientific experiment.


In all the articles I've perused on the subject, what strikes me is that no one has mentioned much about the details of his first exit from the stage, back in 1993. That was a hard act to top as well. The Bulls won the title that year -- after losing the first two games -- on a shot in the final seconds to put them over the top by a point. Sure, it was John Paxson who scored on that play, not him. But he did score ALL the rest of his team's fourth quarter points that game.

A three-peat. An incredible record-setting scoring average of 41 points per game in the Finals. If he returned, at an age which is the beginning of the inescapable decline stage for a perimeter player -- there's no chance he could be as dominating as he was, right? Really, what are the odds?

We all know how that turned out.

No one even talks about '93 anymore.

Somehow, I think we're all still underestimating him.

phpBB [video]

[Gamebreaker]

Collins tries to keep Jordan from wearing himself out

Jordan's first two games to be on TBS/TNT

[Gamebreaker]

10/09/2001: Jordan dazzles in first open public scrimmage

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com


QUICK Q&A WITH DOUGH COLLINS



Fred Schiebel: Hey Doug, thanks for taking the time.

Doug Collins: No problem, Fred. Ask away.

FS: When you accepted the job to coach the Wizards, you said that you made your decision independent of whether Michael would decide to return or not. What players on the squad made you want to move to Washington and make that commitment?

DC: Well, a major factor was actually Michael asking for my help, wanting me to be here. Whether he played again or not, getting that call from him showed he still respected what I could do. Which isn't to say that this team doesn't have some talented players, I think there's a whole bunch here. Not superstar-MJ kind of talent, but players who if they're developed to their full potential could fill major roles on a championship squad.

FS: It appears you have some quality perimeter players, but not many who can provide some inside scoring.

DC: You're right. We'll be looking to Michael for a lot of that. But we do like the big men we have, and even though they're very rough and don't have an arsenal of low post moves, they're young and quick, so we hope to get some easy opportunities with them sprinting downcourt and sealing their men, diving down into the paint, etc.

FS: Is it fair to ask MJ to make up the difference, considering his advanced age?

DC: He won't be driving into the lane as much as he did before. Michael morphed into one of the most devastating low post scorers in the game halfway through his career. He'll be operating a lot down there again, and we'll be running the offense through him a good amount of the time.

FS: But Olajuwon was an even more acclaimed low post scorer, and now that he's older he is nowhere near the threat he used to be.

DC (laughs): We'll see. I've had the opportunity to watch him a bit, and I've been impressed with what he's shown in camp so far. I think he'll be ok.

FS: Both you and Michael are on record saying that you believe that this group can make the playoffs this year. To do so would require one of the biggest jumps in win totals ever occurring in the league from one year to the next, more than 20+. Is that a daunting challenge?

DC: Not really. The teams I've coached have always made significant strides column after I've taken over. Winning double the games is a lot to ask, and no one is making any guarantees. We're going to try our best, demand our players give their maximum effort, and let the chips fall where they may.

FS: You've gotten to see Michael in action for hours a day in camp this past week. Do you think it's possible that he could add another MVP trophy to his collection at the end of this season?

DC: Yes, I do.

FS: At 38? Are you sure you're not being a tad biased?

DC (smiles): How did he look to you last night in the scrimmage? He's been very impressive, and he's still got quite a ways to go as far as conditioning. When he gets back his NBA legs, he'll be able to take things up another notch.

FS: It's been reported that you have had to "save Michael from himself", that he was starting to burn himself out early on in camp because of his competitive urges. Is he more receptive to being told to take it easy now than he was in his prime?

DC: Yeah, Michael knows he has to conserve energy whenever he can. I'm going to try to save him for when he's most needed during the season. I know it'll be a lot tougher to get him to rest when the games start to count though. So far he's been great, and he's agreed that sitting out the first two exhibition games is a good idea, so I think his focus is on the long term right where it needs to be.

FS: Thanks again, Doug. Good luck this year.

DC: My pleasure.

[Gamebreaker]

10/10/2001:Jordan will play preseason games after all

10/11/2001:Call from NBA persuaded Jordan to play

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan delights crowd in first game back

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan nets 18 in first quarter vs. Heat

[Gamebreaker]

thewashingtoneagle.com

MEET THE NEW JORDANAIRES
By Fred Schiebel, Head Writer

The opinion of most sports journalists appears to be that the Wizards are a talentless wasteland compared to the other 28 teams in the NBA. That's not exactly true. While they are probably lacking another superstar to make the team a true contender for the championship, they may already possess most of the complimentary players needed for such a run.

The thing is, most of them are young. Very young. So in order for the investment in them to pay off, Jordan has to be correct in his hypothesis that his return will indeed help accelerate their growth. Quickly, before he leaves the stage again in two years.

So, without further adieu, here's the first installment of a mini-web series introducing all you Washington bandwagoners to the rest of our humble roster...


# 1: RICHARD HAMILTON



Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 23

Height: 6-6

Weight: 185

Important 2000-01 Stats: 18.1 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.9 ast

Jordanaire most similar to: Scottie Pippen

Scouting Report: There is no truth to the rumor that the Wizards drafted Hamilton out of the third grade. Much skinnier than your typical NBA shooting guard, he uses his speed to his advantage to get open for jumpers. Overall however, his slight frame is considered by many to be a detriment, especially on defense, and he will have to add weight and muscle (as well as a desire to stop somebody) in order to not be a liability on the floor in crucial situations.

Like Pippen, he's figured to be the #2 scoring option. He's already a better mid-range shooter. Other than that though, Pippen is the superior player in all other categories, by far.

A major reason why Washington will not win 70. But will be a big one if they win 50 or so.

[Lamrock]

Usually I scoff at build-ups with real-life articles like this, but this is actually a very creative and cool concept. Will be interesting to see how the season goes when you get to it.

[Gamebreaker]

Thanks man. I thought a tiny little description of each player would help it be more interesting. And a major reason why this team is my favorite is because of the distinct characters I thought that they were.

I can understand the real-world articles being seen as a lot of hype by some, but it really is the best way to try and bring that time back to life again. I figured there must be a few Jordan fans who would dig it, anyway.

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com

MEET THE NEW JORDANAIRES #2:
JAHIDI WHITE


Position: Center

Age: 25

Height: 6-9

Weight: 290

Important 2000-01 Stats: 8.6 pts, 7.7 reb, 1.6 blk, 23.7 min

Jordanaire(s) most similar to: Dennis Rodman, Bill Cartwright

The Good: When someone calls somebody a mountain man, they usually imply he has a love of rugged terrain, not that he has it as part of his genetic makeup. The strongest player in the league that doesn't have the last name O'Neal, White is a mini-Shaq that any guard would love to have setting screens for him on his team, since paralysis is a likely result. He's one of the best rebounders in the league as well, albeit not as godlike as Rodman, but much better than Horace Grant or any of the Bulls old centers. If he played 40 minutes last year, his averages would be 14.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. His game is like Cartwright's in one respect -- Bill was known to throw 'bows into defenders' faces when in the paint, and Jahidi posesses an even greater intimidation factor.

The Bad: Of course a mountain man has hands of stone. White is a turnover machine who drops lots of passes for easy dunks. He also uses said hands of stone to pummel his opponents, and is often in foul trouble. He's also nowhere near the offensive force Shaq is. This will be White's fourth year in the league though, so he's ripe for a little maturing.

Bottom line: He could be at least as good as many a Bulls center, with the potential to be even better.

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com

MEET THE NEW JORDANAIRES #3:

CHRISTIAN LAETTNER



Position: Power Forward/Center

Age: 32

Height: 6-11

Weight: 235

Important 2000-01 Stats: 13.2 pts, 6.1 reb, 2..3 ast (in 25 games with Wiz)

Jordanaire(s) most similar to: Luc Longley, Bill Wennington

The Good: Let's face it, cheering for Christian Laettner is a lot like rooting for that blond kid that was constantly harrassing Ralph Macchio in The Karate Kid. Never at all endearing with his snotty rich boy persona, and always a disappointment since being selected third in the NBA draft after his magnificent college career at Duke, these things do not mean the guy still can't play.

Like Longley and Wennington, he's a fantastic shooter. Also like Longley, he's a very good passer. Many would say Laettner also shares the same kind of softness, but I remember seeing him having to guard Shaq in the playoffs when he was with Atlanta, and that was definitely not the case then.

It hasn't been that many years since he was averaging 18 points a game. If Doug Collins can figure out how to make him that effective again, look out.

And call me a big softie, but if he was finally able to make his mark at the professional level after all these years, I think I would cheer.

The Bad: Four years, $21 million? When Laettner came over in the Dallas trade last mid-season that jettisoned Juwan Howard's massive contract, most thought the Wizards wouldn't resign him and they'd save their money to invest somewhere else. Instead Collins lobbied hard for Laettner's return, citing his high basketball I.Q. All I can say is there better have been somebody else bidding for his services elsewhere.

Even Collins acknowledged Laettner's sometimes extreme moodiness can be a nightmare to coach. The fact that another reason given for his signing was for him to play mentor to the Wiz's young big men sounded at first like some sort of gigantic cosmic joke. Perhaps having that kind of authority will help reign him in. He says he's excited, so.

Moody or not, he's the first and one of the few Washington players that is clearly better than his Chicago Jordanaire comparison counterparts.

[Gamebreaker]

10/16/01: Jordan skips benefit scrimmage with injured foot

10/17/01: Jordan returns to practice

10/18/01: Jordan scores 24 in longest stint of exhibition season

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com

MEET THE NEW JORDANAIRES

#4: COURTNEY ALEXANDER



Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 24

Height: 6-5

Weight: 205

Important 2000-01 Stats: 17.0 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.5 ast (in 27 games with Wiz)

Jordanaire(s) role to fill: Toni Kukoc

The Good: In the race to be a potential fan favorite, Alexander makes Christian Laetnner look like Rocky Balboa. Suspended for being convicted of assaulting his girlfriend while he was at the University of Virginia, he transferred to Fresno State where he led the nation in scoring. After coming over with Laettner from Dallas in the Howard deal, Alexander was a pleasant surprise, averaging 17 points a game.

He's slated to be the Wizard's sixth man this year. Offensively, he might already be Kukoc's equal.

The Bad: Unfortunately Alexander is well aware of his scoring talent, and the word on him is that he's somewhat of a pompous ass. He's said he doesn't have a problem coming off the bench -- such is the power of Jordan. If it were anybody else, he probably would.

Alexander and Kukoc may possess similar defensive talent -- just about zilch --, but besides being a scorer, Kukoc had other abilities, i.e. he was a great passer and decent rebounder.

Bottom line: if Alexander is going to make a significant impact, he will probably have to add a couple more dimensions to his game.

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com

MEET THE NEW JORDAINAIRES

# 5: CHRIS WHITNEY



Position: Point Guard

Age: 30

Height: 6-0

Weight: 168

Important 2000-01 Stats: 9.5 pts, 4.2 ast, .375 3P%

Jordanaire most similar to: Craig Hodges

The Good: Whitney may look like B.J. Armstrong's older brother, but he plays more like Craig Hodges -- meaning his game is basically sitting behind the three point line and waiting for someone to pass him the ball back. While not as great a shooter as Hodges, his mark from behind the arc (.375) is identical to Hodges' mark in his last season with the Bulls (championship year 1991-92).

The longest tenured Wizard, this will be his seventh season in a Washington uniform. He's accomplished this for the most part by being a serviceable backup, a good soldier, and a team player. Like Hodges, while not getting a ton of assists, he takes care of the ball.

He wants to be a teacher when his career is over, so he appears to be a solid little piece of this mostly young puzzle.

The Bad: As said above, he's not the most fantastic playmaker. Has had quite a few years where his three point field goal percentage was not wondrous. Even for a point guard, his rebounding is poor. Not a great defender, which could be attributed to him not possessing any advantages in either speed, size or strength.

Bottom line: The kind of veteran leadership this team needs.

[Gamebreaker]

10/21/01: Collins tries to break Wizards' habit of totally relying on Jordan

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com
MEET THE NEW JORDAINAIRES
# 6: POPEYE JONES


Position: Power Foward

Age: 31

Height: 6-8

Weight: 250

Important 2000-01 Stats: 3.6 pts, 4.9 reb, 14.2 min, 45 games

Jordanaire most similar to: Charles Oakley

The Good: Tough ain't pretty, folks. And as you can see from this photo, Popeye is one of the toughest, grittiest players ever.

He's another great rebounder, although not quite as good as Oakley in his prime. If he played 40 minutes last year, Jones would've averaged 13.8 rebounds -- good enough to be the best rebounding power forward in the league. If the Wizards could get away with starting White and Jones, there's almost a certain chance they would have two players boarding in double figures, as well as two tough defensive presences underneath the basket. Unlike White however, Jones has a decent jump shot.

Not only tough and hard working, Popeye is also smart. A student of the game, he wants to be a coach when he retires, so he's another guy who should help in getting the most out of the kids. Then, perhaps with a few minutes left in the fourth quarter, could get out there and still show them a few things himself.

The Bad: The possibility of Jones getting lots of minutes or even consistent short minutes would seem slim. A few years ago, he tore his ACL. From then on he's been unable to lace up always and often, not playing anywhere near a full season since 1996-97. He can't jump, and has been slowed, but that doesn't end up mattering much when he's able to get out on the court. Gets by on a cocktail of pure hustle and intelligence these days.

Bottom line: An understated key of the Wizards season. If he can somehow stay healthy, odds are greatly increased that the team can finish over .500.

If not, well, as is the case with Whitney, Wizard Youth has still got one of the best veterans around as an example to show them how to conduct themselves.

[Gamebreaker]

10/20/2001: Jordan scores 41 as Wizards fall

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com
MEET THE NEW JORDAINAIRES
# 7: TYRONN LUE


Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard

Age: 24

Height: 6-0

Weight: 175

Important 2000-01 Stats: 3.4 pts, 1.2 ast, 12.3 min

Jordanaire most similar to: B.J. Armstrong

The Good: Lue earned his fifteen minutes of national fame last June in the Finals as his dogged defense help bother Iverson and bolster the Lakers to their second straight title, which he then parlayed into a juicy free agent contract with the Wizards. His apparent role will be to provide some scoring from the bench and stop small speedsters from getting into the lane.

The Bad: I don't know about this one. Lue has never been that good of a playmaker, and his offense hasn't been all that great either. Or his defense, before those big games with everybody watching. All reports say he's a good kid who works hard, and Jordan must see something in him, so maybe he'll surprise.

Bottom line: Under Whitney's tutelege, perhaps they can combine their average talents and above-average work ethics into a reasonable facsmilie of a quality point guard.

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com
MEET THE NEW JORDAINAIRES
# 8: KWAME BROWN


Position: Power Forward

Age: 19

Height: 6-11

Weight: 270

Important 2000-01 Stats: None (Rookie)

Jordanaire (to avoid becoming) most similar to: Stacey King

The Good: The Wizards selected Brown high school with the first number 1 pick they've had in 50 years, apparently a sign from the gods that they endorse a second Jordan comeback. Scouts love how quick he is for someone his size. Is he the next Kevin Garnett?

The Bad: Brown may well develop into a superstar, but odds are that if it happens it will be after Jordan retires again, as it generally takes a high school player at least four years or so before he comes close to realizing his full potential. That said, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett became important contributors in year two of their careers. If Brown can do that too, then that's about all anyone can ask. This year, it will be a major miracle if he's anything but a somewhat effective, very mistake-prone backup.

There is a possible parallel to the Bulls dynasty here too. In 1989 despite finishing with almost 50 wins the Bulls had the #6 pick in the draft, selecting Stacey King in the hopes he would be the answer to vanquishing the Pistons. He was a total bust, never averaging above ten points a game.

Bottom line: Don't be Stacey King, Kwame.

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com
MEET THE NEW JORDAINAIRES
# 9: HUBERT DAVIS


Position: Guard

Age: 31

Height: 6-5

Weight: 183

Important 2000-01 Stats: 7.9pts, .456 3P%, 25.6 min

Jordanaire most similar to: Steve Kerr

The Good: Steve Kerr has the highest career three point field goal percentage of all time. Care to venture a guess who's second? You're looking at him.

Yet another throw-in in the Dallas deal, Davis can still shoot, posting a .456 mark from behind the arc last season. He's also yet another fantastic veteran leader. A devout religious man, Davis wants to become a minister when he's done. His connections may be crucial to get Jordan to walk on water again.

The Bad: Just about everything else. Davis is your basic superb three point specialist, with not many other skills at his disposal. Then again, the Bulls didn't really suffer too bad with that Kerr guy on the court now, did they? It's hard to fathom that Davis can be all that much more of a liability than Kerr on the defensive end.

Bottom line: There's a bit of a logjam of guards on this squad, and Hue might be the odd man out. If he can be his devestating self at long range, that will help His Airness get some more space to operate on O.

[Gamebreaker]

Wizards fade without Jordan

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com
MEET THE NEW JORDAINAIRES
# 10: ETAN THOMAS


Position: Power Forward/Center

Age: 23

Height: 6-9

Weight: 256

Important 2000-01 Stats: None (Injured)

Jordanaire most similar to: Scott Williams

The Good: Finally, the last player to come across in the Howard trade (what is that, like half the team?). Thomas is known for his rough n' tough hustle. Strong as a bull (but not as strong as Jahidi) he's another undersized player who might be able to anchor the middle due to that and his shot blocking ability. He could be another very good rebounder. Like Williams, Thomas is very active and takes up space.

The Bad: Thomas didn't play at all in his rookie year, so essentially this is it. He has very little offesnive skill and can't pass worth a lick.

Bottom line: Minutes may be tough to find for power forwards on this squad, especially for ones still wet behind the ears. If he's unable to handle playing center, he might spend most of this year sitting on the bench too.

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan, Wizards cut down the Nets

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com
MEET THE NEW JORDANAIRES
# 11: BRENDAN HAYWOOD


Position: Center

Age: 22

Height: 7-0

Weight: 268

Important 2000-01 Stats: None (Rookie)

Jordanaire (to try to be) most similar to: Will Perdue

The Good: In what might have been a steal of a deal, Jordan got Haywood from Orlando this year in exchange for Laron Profit and a future first-round draft choice. If anything, Haywood can block shots.

The Bad: Outside of that, no one is certain yet. Collins has complained during exhibition season that he's not a good rebounder. He has a little jump hook he shows off every so often, but no one will consider him a formidable threat in the paint anytime soon.

What does he have in common with Perdue? The dreaded "soft" tag. Perdue came into the league with it too, but he made it disappear soon after, becoming the backup center for the first three Bulls championship teams.

Bottom line: Perdue was no shot blocker. If Haywood can improve his rebounding skills, the Wizards might have at the very least a quality backup center. Maybe more.