1/8/02: Jordan elevates over athletic Clippers

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com
MEET THE NEW JORDANAIRES
# 12: TYONE NESBY


Position: Forward

Age: 26

Height: 6-6

Weight: 225

Important 2000-01 Stats: 8.3pts, .357 FG%, .272 3P%

Jordanaire (unfortunately) most similar to: Dennis Hopson

The Good: Um, well. He shot 80 percent from the line. Takes care of the ball pretty good.

The Bad: Like Laettner and Alexander, Nesby is a player in desperate need of an public image makeover. After coming over last season in a trade from the Clippers, Nesby endeared himself to the fans and the franchise byalmost coming to blows with then-coach Lenard Hamilton during a home game and subsequentlyhaving to be removed by security.

If only that was his only flaw. Nesby has shot worse every year since his rookie season. He was still hoisting up almost three three point attempts a game in '01, despite only making 27 percent of them. Doug Collins has been saying a lot of positive things in the preseason about him though, that his hustle has been impressive. Nesby is in a contract year, so maybe that has something to do with it.


Bottom line: Hopson was a nice guy, but he too couldn't shoot to save his life. If Jordan's body doesn't hold up this year, we might be seeing a lot of this guy again.

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com
MEET THE NEW JORDANAIRES
# 13: BOBBY SIMMONS


Position: Guard-Forward

Age: 21

Height: 6-7

Weight: 210

Important 2000-01 Stats: None (Another dang rookie!)

Jordanaire (unfortunately) most similar to: Darrell Walker

The Good: Very fast for 6-7. Taken in a pick swap with Seattle, Jordan loves his toughness and work ethic.

The Bad: If he is going to develop into a good player, it'll probablybe awhile. As of now he's an awful shooter, and a team can only develop so many rookies when they're chasing a playoff spot.


Bottom line: Darrell Walker had a ten year career in the league without a jumpshot. If Simmons could be some sort of a defensive stopper for a few minutes a game, he might be worth a spot on the roster.

[Gamebreaker]

10/25/2001: Carter outshines Jordan as Toronto tops Wizards, 113-96

Celtics top Jordan, Wizards 107-93 in final tuneup

[Gamebreaker]

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[Gamebreaker]

Preseason Highlights

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washingtoneagle.com



GAME PREVIEW
Washington (0-0) @ New York (0-0)

Knicks Update - The Knicks have been on a downward spiral since their appearance in the '99 Finals, last year getting eliminated 3-2 in the first round of the playoffs by the lower seeded Toronto Raptors. Larry Johnson and Luc Longley have retired, and Glen Rice has been traded to Houston. In the offseason they added Clarence Weatherspoon, Shandon Anderson, and Howard Eisley, which probably isn't enough to stem the tide. Star guards Latrell Spewell and Allan Houston remain, but defensive hub Marcus Camby is out (plantar fasciltis), so the paint will look much more inviting than usual. Washington should try and take advantage of this as best they can in order to secure an easier win against a team they may be in stiff competition with come April.
Wizards Update - Outside of His Airness, the new look Wizards did not impress during the preseason, compiling a 2-6 record and getting handily beaten in their last two exhibitions (i.e. when teams start getting serious) against Toronto and Boston. Michael Jordan's overall October numbers weren't mind-blowing (22.3 ppg, .454 FG%) -- a step or two down from his career averages, but he's still working his way back into form after being out of his NIkes for three and a half years. Rookie center Brendan Haywood is on the injured list with a torn ligament in his left thumb, and shouldn't be back for at least three weeks. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan massacred in the Garden
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com


GAME PREVIEW
Washington (0-1) @ Atlanta (1-0)

Hawks Update- The Hawks are supposed to be improved, but their 110-91 victory on the road against the Rockets to open the season still raised a few eyebrows. Main offensive cog Shareef Abdur-Rahim had 31 points, and emerging guard Jason Terry had 23. The players they got back from the Mutombo trade late last year (Toni Kukoc, Theo Ratliff, Nazr Mohammed) could make them a playoff team again.

Wizards Update- Lost in the hubbub of Michael Jordan's first official game was No. 1 draft pick Kwame Brown reinjuring his sprained ankle against the Knicks. He won't play tonight, and is listed as day-to-day. The Wizards will probably return to the starting lineup they've used for most of the preseason, although one wonders if Courtney Alexander, who was supposed to be a bench player, will be the one removed after his 24 point performance in the opener. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Jordan, Wizards crushed by Hawks
FULL STORY
Box score

[Andrew]

Tough start to the season, hope MJ can turn back the clock.

[Gamebreaker]

Thanks.

I wasn't too concerned with starting the season a little out of shape. I really can't remember all the things I used to do to get wins though, and I'm a little daunted by that.

But I'm pretty sure I'll figure em out before I completely fall off a cliff.

[Andrew]

The pump fake was a pretty effective weapon back in NBA Live 2000.

[Gamebreaker]

Oh, I know about that one for sure. I'm trying to stay away from using that too much, you know. Since it can be such the cheat.

For Jordan I use it a little more , especially since it's the beginning of the season, and lots of players were falling for it a lot more then. For others I like to use it more sparingingly, like when defenders are trying to close out and such.

[Gamebreaker]

GAME PREVIEW
Philadelphia (0-2) @ Washington (0-2)

Sixers Update- Be thankful that Jordan-Iverson I has been postponed. It may sound strange to say, but the Wizards should beat the Eastern Conference champions tonight. No team in the league is more decimated by injuries at the moment than Pilly, with three of their most important players (Allen Iverson, Eric Snow, and Aaron McKie) having yet to play this season. The Wizards would be wise to not underestimate them however, as Larry Brown is still in charge, and this still could be the toughest defense they've faced so far.

Wizards Update- After a depressing inaugural road trip, the Wizards are hoping some home cooking will help change their fortunes. While it may be easy to get caught up in all the criticism, Michael Jordan is averaging 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists -- great numbers for any age, phenomenal ones for about any 38 year old professional player that has ever played. If he can continue producing at this level and the Wizards keep losing, more fault will rest on Jordan the GM. -- Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Sixers stun Wizards in their home opener
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com


GAME PREVIEW
Washington (0-3) @ Detroit (2-1)

Pistons Update- In theory, another team the Wizards should beat. The Pistons finished last season with a 32-50 record, but with new recruits Jon Barry and Cliff Robinson, they may not be the same squad. So far they've won two of their first three games. Fellow North Carolina alum Jerry Stackhouse (29.8ppg in 2000-01) is probably looking forward to resume his professional rivalry with Mr. Jordan, now that he isn't so wet behind the ears.

Wizards Update- With all the gloom and doom being bandied about, there have been some positive developments. Christian Laettner, who looked comatose through most of the preseason has been a solid contributor, especially on the boards, averaging 11 a game so far -- fifth best in the league. Doug Collins said that Tyronn Lue, who had 14 points off the bench against both the Sixers and the Hawks, would probably start tonight at point guard instead of superstruggling Chris Whitney. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Wizards still winless in Detroit
FULL STORY
Box score

[Gamebreaker]

washingtoneagle.com


GAME PREVIEW
Washington (0-4) @ Boston (4-0)

Celtics Update- Get it straight, the Wizards probably won't secure their first win tonight. The Celtics are so far undefeated in the early season and appear to be operating on a level the Wizards might never reach. Jordan rival Paul Pierce is averaging 29.0 points a game, while Jordan Comeback Camp 2 regular Antoine Walker is averaging 23.3. It will most likely be another rough night to get baskets; the Celtics are 4th in the league on that end of the court, giving up only 85 points a game.

Wizards Update- It'd be nice if the Wizards made it interesting, but let's face it, Michael Jordan vs. Paul Pierce should be exciting enough. In their preseason matchup Pierce was a nonfactor, while Jordan had 21 points. Tonight's game may be a different story, since it actually counts. - Steve Caas

[Gamebreaker]

Wizards nearly snag a storybook first win
FULL STORY
Box score

[Cruzerr]

KEEP IT UP.

Loving every bit of it.

[Gamebreaker]

Thanks a lot dude.

I'm fine if most people are only so-so into this, but of course it's great to hear when it tickles somebody's fancy a little more than that.

[Cruzerr]

Im pretty sure that people like it..but they don`t post. It is my first time posting here, but I have followed it from the start

[Gamebreaker]

I'm actually fine for the most part of there not being a lot of other replies here -- this thing is such a monstrous timesuck as it is. Handling a dozen replies wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but I don't need even more stuff to do.

I get the impression that there are some that like it, because there are always a few hits on the blog from here. But since no one feels an urge to reply, I've assumed that's because this isn't a story isn't anybody's favorite, which isn't a crime. A story good for a little browsing, to get a sense of what's going on, no one really following in depth.. So you've given me more hope that the quiet are enjoying this more than I thought!

Had jury duty yesterday. That might've slown me down a bunch, but I didn't get picked, thank the Lord. Eventually I might not be able to keep up with posting on the same days as things happened ten years ago, but I'm going to try to stick to that for as long as I can.

[Lamrock]

The section is just inactive right now. I think it's a cool idea, and I'll probably be more into it once it's established a bit.