Wizards are champions again!

27/6/13

2013 NBA Draft

First Round





Big futures: The top five picks of this season's draft.



Second Round

Steals of the Draft



For one reason or another there are always highly touted players who fall further in the draft than anyone expected. Here are this year's:

Pick 11 - Cody Zeller - Detroit
Pick 22 - Ben McLemore - Denver
Pick 27 - James McAdoo - Philadelphia
Pick 29 - Alex Poythress - Miami
Pick 30 - Tony Mitchell - Oklahoma City

28/6/13

Noel hoping to propel Wizards to playoff heights



New number two pick Nerlens Noel is dreaming of helping his new Wizards team transform from cellar-dwellers into playoff regulars.
"The nature of being in the top five is that you are usually thrust onto a team that isn't very good. It's just part of the game", he said today.
"I'm looking forward to meeting my team-mates and helping them improve. I'm just so excited to have the opportunity to play in the NBA."
He officially became a Washington Wizard today after he signed his rookie contract. He'll earn $7.84m for the first two seasons of the deal.

Noel is a 6'11 center with amazing shot blocking ability. His incredible length (7'4 wingspan) and timing allow him to block or alter most shots.
He is a real game changer at the defensive end of the floor. He needs to work on his offense and spend some time in the weight room though.
If he can become stronger and also add more to his offensive repertoire he could become as dominant as Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum.
The 19 year old is known for his trademark hi-top fade hairstyle. Perhaps he figured having a recognisable trait would help him stand out more.
It sure worked for that way Anthony Davis and his unibrow. Some Wizards fans are already going with the 'hi-top stopper' as a nickname for him.
Being picked at number two should take some pressure off of him. He's hoping to be like Durant or Aldridge, rather than like Milicic or Thabeet.

Selecting Noel in the draft gives the Wizards a fairly formidable frontcourt now, adding to Derrick Favors, Patrick Patterson and Jason Maxiell.
The old adage is that defense wins you championships. Now the Wizards have their defensive anchor in Noel, it's time to improve as a team.
Some people have compared him to Dwight Howard and Anthony Davis in the way that he can really control the paint for his team defensively.
They now don't have to chase superstar free agent Dwight Howard. Which is probably lucky as realistically he was just out of their price range.
With the two top-tier free agents Dwight Howard and Chris Paul no longer on their radar, they will probably target someone like Andre Iguodala.
If they added him to their line-up of Noel, Favors, Gay and Wall, they could have quality depth with Beal and Patterson coming off the bench.

Wizards GM Steve Kerr said, "Honestly, he was always our top target. We wouldn't have been disappointed with [Shabazz] Muhammad though."
"If Orlando had taken Nerlens first instead, we would have selected Shabazz. They are both great talents and either one will improve your team."
Had the latter scenario occurred it would probably have meant that Muhammad would have taken Bradley Beal's spot and sent him to the bench.
Having a top-two pick in a draft which had two players who stood out amongst the draft class was a no-lose situation for the Wizards to end up in.

Noel has decided to take the number 34 with the Wizards because it's the same number that all-time NBA blocks leader Hakeem Olajuwon wore.
"He is an inspiration for me. I mean, I was a little bit too young to see him play live, but I've studied his game through watching DVD's and online."
"I feel that my shot blocking and stealing ability are hugely influenced by what he used to do. I've modelled me game after his to a certain degree."
If he manages to have half as good a career that Hasheem the Dream had, he will be a very good player in the NBA. The potential is certainly there.

Noel joins two former Kentucky Wildcats in John Wall and Patrick Patterson on the Wizards roster. Wall himself was number one pick three years ago.
Kentucky have produced several first round picks per draft in the last few years. They really have a strong conveyor belt of talent at the moment.

2010 - John Wall (1st), DeMarcus Cousins (5th), Patrick Patterson (14th), Eric Bledsoe (18th)
2011 - Enes Kanter (3rd), Brandon Knight (8th)
2012 - Anthony Davis (1st), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (2nd)
2013 - Nerlens Noel (2nd), Ryan Harrow (3rd), Archie Goodwin (12th)

2013 Off-Season Twitter Rumours




Wizards hoping to land a big fish

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Wizards begin next stage of rebuild. Foye, McGuire, Mason, Redd & Haddadi all told today 'don't turn up on Monday'

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
They're supposedly in talks with Howard, Iguodala, Millsap and Jennings. Leonsis really committed to landing a marquee type player

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Washington having no luck in sixth man search

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Y! Sources: Jennings, Teague & Beaubois all agreed offer sheets from Wizards. All were matched by teams within days

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Quality sixth man guard said to be high on Kerr's wish-list. Jarrett Jack & DJ Augustin seem to be main targets. More later

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Wizards out of Howard race?

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Y! Sources: Kerr on Dwight : "Unfortunately it looks like he has his heart set on another team". Wizards to look at other options now

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Y! Sources: Kerr on Dwight : "It was probably a bit too ambitious on our part. There are teams that can offer him more money."

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Y! Sources: Wizards talking with Hickson. Kerr looking to build formidable frontcourt rotation: Hickson, Favors, Patterson, Noel, Maxiell

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Could D12 take over from TD?

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
Y! Sources: Spurs are planning something big in coming days, could involve either Dwight or CP3, or both

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
With Duncan retired, Spurs are looking to completely re-tool roster. Parker & Ginobili allegedly on the block, say Y! Sources

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Familiar face headed back to Detroit?

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Y! Sources: Billups in talks with Pistons. Veteran could return to team he guided to NBA title in '04

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Spurs big three officially over

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Y! Sources: Chris Paul has told Clippers management that he wants a trade to the Spurs, would team up with Dwight Howard in SA

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Breaking News: 1 day after CP3 told Clippers he wanted out, they've agreed deal with Spurs. Parker & Ginobili headed to LA. Amazing

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Have to hand it to Buford. Losing a HOFer, then signing a future HOFer and trading for the league's best PG. A crazy week

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
Seems coach Pop will put off any thoughts of retirement now to focus on getting ring #5

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
Clippers still look the better LA team: Jordan, Griffin, Butler, Ginobili, Parker > Gasol, Jamison, World Peace, Kobe, Nash

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Iggy joins Monroe and Billups in Detroit

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
Iguodala signs 4yr/$49m deal with Pistons, say Y! Sources. Wizards apparently took to long to decide on offer so he picked Detroit

Man big noise made there by the Spurs! I love it. To be honest though, seems odd, Divas like Cp3 and Coward aren't they high character type of guys that the Spurs usually go for. Well Cp3 is probably ok. But Howard might struggle under Pop.

Good pick in Noel, also glad seeing Miami get Poythress that late.

And CP3 and Dwight in SA? Guess it's better then usual 2K sim, when one of them goes to Detroit and the other to Cleveland.

I love your fictional Twitter feed. CP3 and Dwight in SA would be sick, should've-been Lakers without Kobe, haha.

Man big noise made there by the Spurs! I love it. To be honest though, seems odd, Divas like Cp3 and Coward aren't they high character type of guys that the Spurs usually go for. Well Cp3 is probably ok. But Howard might struggle under Pop.

Well that's probably true. But I looked at it from the point of view that the Spurs are a well run franchise and they are capable of a rebuild like this after losing a legend. I think if they're winning games Howard won't be a problem.

Good pick in Noel, also glad seeing Miami get Poythress that late.

And CP3 and Dwight in SA? Guess it's better then usual 2K sim, when one of them goes to Detroit and the other to Cleveland.

I'm really happy to get Anthony Davis 2.0. Poythress sliding that far was a surprise given that he was touted as a top five pick on the draft class I used.

Sometimes I like to mix things up in free agency to add a more interesting story. Truth be told Dwight did actually sign with the Spurs. But CP3 signed with the Cavs and that just didn't make sense as they have Kyrie. I didn't want them to lose Kyrie so I rearranged a few things to move Paul to SA.

I love your fictional Twitter feed. CP3 and Dwight in SA would be sick, should've-been Lakers without Kobe, haha.

I don't think there is a Lakers without Kobe until he retires.

30/9/13

2013 Free Agency Summary

Atlanta
Re-Signed
Jeff Teague - 25 - PG - $17.56m- 3 years
Chris Douglas Roberts - 26 - SG - $2.94m - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
Nikola Pekovic - 27 - C - $25.97m - 4 years
Stephen Jackson - 35 - SF - $1.62m - 1 year

Released
Anthony Morrow (Free Agent)
Kyle Korver (Free Agent)
Zaza Pachulia (Free Agent)
Mike Scott (Free Agent)
Anthony Tolliver (Free Agent)
DeShawn Stevenson (Free Agent)
Johan Petro (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Nikola Pekovic - Al Horford - Josh Smith - Louis Williams - Jeff Teague

Boston
Re-Signed
Avery Bradley - 22 - SG - $2.51m - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Leandro Barbosa (Free Agent)
Chris Wilcox (Free Agent)
Jason Collins (Free Agent)
Jason Terry (Retired)

Projected line-up: Kevin Garnett - Brandon Bass - Paul Pierce - Avery Bradley - Rajon Rondo

Brooklyn
Re-Signed
CJ Watson - 29 - PG - $1.04m - 1 year (PO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Andray Blatche (Charlotte)
Josh Childress (Free Agent)
Keith Bogans (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Brook Lopez - Kris Humphries - Gerald Wallace - Joe Johnson - Deron Williams

Charlotte
Re-Signed
Kemba Walker - 23 - PG - $2.71m - 1 year (TO)
Ben Gordon - 30 - SG - $13.20m - 1 year (PO)
Byron Mullens - 24 - PF - $8.44m - 3 years
Bismack Biyombo - 21 - C - $3.22m - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
Andray Blatche - 27 - C - $22.47m - 4 years

Released
Brendan Haywood (Free Agent)
Reggie Williams (Free Agent)
Jeff Adrien (Free Agent)
Desagana Diop (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Andray Blatche - Tyrus Thomas - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - Ben Gordon - Kemba Walker

Chicago
Re-Signed
Richard Hamilton - 35 - SG - $1.42m - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
Jermaine O'Neal - 35 - C - $3.13m - 2 years
Delonte West - 30 - PG - $1.54m - 3 years

Released
Nate Robinson (Utah)
Marco Belinelli (Free Agent)
Nazr Mohammed (Free Agent)
Vladimir Radmanovic (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Joakim Noah - Carlos Boozer - Luol Deng - Richard Hamilton - Derrick Rose

Cleveland
Re-Signed
Daniel Gibson - 27 - PG - $3.34m - 2 years

Free Agents Signed
JR Smith - 28 - SG - $22.12m - 3 years
Austin Daye - 25 - SF - $4.14m - 1 year

Released
Omri Casspi (LA Clippers)
Luke Walton (Free Agent)
Jon Leuer (Free Agent)
Donald Sloan (Free Agent)
Samardo Samuels (Free Agent)
Jeremy Pargo (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Anderson Varejao - Tristan Thompson - Alonzo Gee - JR Smith - Kyrie Irving

Dallas
Re-Signed
OJ Mayo - 25 - SG - $4.20m - 1 year (TO)
Chris Kaman - 31 - C - $4.85m - 2 years
Rodrigue Beaubois - 25 - PG - $16.93m - 3 years
Brandan Wright - 26 - C - $8.01m - 4 years
Jae Crowder - 23 - SF - $1.93m - 3 years
Dominique Jones - 25 - PG - $2.30m - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Vince Carter (Indiana)
Elton Brand (Utah)
Dahntay Jones (San Antonio)
Bernard James (Free Agent)
Derek Fisher (Retired)

Projected line-up: Chris Kaman - Dirk Nowitzki - Shawn Marion - OJ Mayo - Darren Collison

Denver
Re-Signed
-

Free Agents Signed
Daniel Orton - 23 - C - $13.97m - 3 years

Released
Andre Iguodala (Detroit)
Corey Brewer (Free Agent)
Timofey Mozgov (Free Agent)
Quincy Miller (Free Agent)
Kosta Koufos (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: JaVale McGee - Kenneth Faried - Wilson Chandler - Andre Miller - Ty Lawson

Detroit
Re-Signed
-

Free Agents Signed
Andre Iguodala - 29 - SG - $48.89m - 4 years
Chauncey Billups - 37 - PG - $3.97m - 1 year

Released
Austin Daye (Cleveland)
Will Bynum (Free Agent)
Martell Webster (Free Agent)
Charlie Villanueva (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Greg Monroe - Tayshaun Prince - Andre Iguodala - Rodney Stuckey - Chauncey Billups

Golden State
Re-Signed
Richard Jefferson - 33 - SF - $11.05m - 1 year (PO)
Brandon Rush - 28 - SG - $4.00m - 1 year (PO)
Andris Biedrins - 27 - C - $9.00m - 1 year (PO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Jarrett Jack (Washington)
Carl Landry (New York)
Charles Jenkins (Free Agent)
Jeremy Tyler (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Andrew Bogut - David Lee - Harrison Barnes - Klay Thompson - Stephen Curry

Houston
Re-Signed
Chandler Parsons - 25 - SF - $927k - 1 year (TO)
Toney Douglas - 27 - PG - $3.10m - 1 year
Cole Aldrich - 24 - C - $3.35m - 1 year
Greg Smith - 22 - C - $884k - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Carlos Delfino (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Omer Asik - Nene - Chandler Parsons - James Harden - Jeremy Lin

Indiana
Re-Signed
-

Free Agents Signed
Kenyon Martin - 35 - PF - $1.27m - 1 year

Released
David West (Utah)
DJ Augustin (New Orleans)
Sam Young (Free Agent)
Jeff Pendergraph (Free Agent)
Lance Stephenson (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Roy Hibbert - Kenyon Martin - Danny Granger - Paul George - George Hill

LA Clippers
Re-Signed
Eric Bledsoe - 23 - PG - $2.63m - 1 year (TO)
Lamar Odom - 33 - PF - $1.08m - 2 years
Trey Thompkins - 23 - PF - $884k - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
Omri Casspi - 25 - SF - $2.88m - 2 years

Released
*Chris Paul (San Antonio)
Chauncey Billups (Detroit)
Matt Barnes (Free Agent)
Ronny Turiaf (Free Agent)
Willie Green (Free Agent)
Ryan Hollins (Free Agent)

*LA Clippers signed and traded Chris Paul to San Antonio for Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Projected line-up: DeAndre Jordan - Blake Griffin - Caron Butler - Manu Ginobili - Tony Parker

LA Lakers
Re-Signed
Metta World Peace - 33 - SF - $7.73m - 1 year (PO)
Antawn Jamison - 37 - PF - $1.54m - 1 year
Jodie Meeks - 26 - SG - $2.00m - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
Samuel Dalembert - 32 - C - $4.25m - 3 years

Released
Dwight Howard (San Antonio)
Earl Clark (Washington)
Darius Johnson-Odom (Free Agent)
Robert Sacre (Free Agent)
Devin Ebanks (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Pau Gasol - Antawn Jamison - Metta World Peace - Kobe Bryant - Steve Nash

Memphis
Re-Signed
Wayne Ellington - 25- SG - $3.10m - 1 year
Josh Selby - 22 - SG - $884k - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Tony Allen (Washington)
Corey Maggette (San Antonio)
Kenyon Martin (Indiana)
Donte Greene (Free Agent)
Chris Andersen (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Marc Gasol - Zach Randolph - Quincy Pondexter - Jerryd Bayless - Mike Conley

Miami
Re-Signed
Ray Allen - 38 - SG - $3.23m - 1 year (PO)
Mario Chalmers - 27 - PG - $4.00m - 1 year (TO)
James Jones - 33 - SF - $1.50m - 1 year (PO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Rashard Lewis (Free Agent)
Dexter Pittman (Free Agent)
Josh Harrellson (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Chris Bosh - LeBron James - Ray Allen - Dwyane Wade - Mario Chalmers

Milwaukee
Re-Signed
Monta Ellis - 28 - SG - $11.00m - 1 year (TO)
Brandon Jennings - 24 - PG - $41.70m - 3 years
Trevor Ariza - 28 - SF - $7.73m - 1 year (PO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Marquis Daniels (New York)
Joel Przybilla (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Emeka Okafor - Ersan Ilyasova - Trevor Ariza - Monta Ellis - Brandon Jennings

Minnesota
Re-Signed
Chase Budinger - 25 - SF - $13.20m - 4 years
Dante Cunningham - 26 - PF - $2.11m - 2 years

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Nikola Pekovic (Atlanta)
Josh Howard (Free Agent)
Louis Amundson (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Kevin Love - Derrick Williams - Andrei Kirilenko - Brandon Roy - Ricky Rubio

New Orleans
Re-Signed
Xavier Henry - 22 - SG - $3.20m - 1 year (TO)
Al-Farouq Aminu - 23 - SF - $3.76m - 1 year (TO)
Darius Miller - 23 - SF - $8.18m - 4 years

Free Agents Signed
DJ Augustin - 25 - PG - $23.14m - 3 years

Released
Robin Lopez (Washington)
Samuel Dalembert (LA Lakers)
Raja Bell (New York)
Jason Smith (Free Agent)
Lance Thomas (Free Agent)
Brian Roberts (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Kevin Seraphin - Anthony Davis - Al-Farouq Aminu - - Austin Rivers - DJ Augustin

New York
Re-Signed
Iman Shumpert - 23 - SG - $1.80m - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
Carl Landry - 30 - PF - $8.73m - 3 years
Raja Bell - 37 - SG - $490k - 1 year
Marquis Daniels - 32 - SG - $490k - 1 year

Released
JR Smith (Cleveland)
Ronnie Brewer (Free Agent)
James White (Free Agent)
Pablo Prigioni (Free Agent)
Chris Copeland (Free Agent)
Marcus Camby (Retired)
Rasheed Wallace (Retired)
Kurt Thomas (Retired)

Projected line-up: Tyson Chandler - Amare Stoudemire - Carmelo Anthony - Iman Shumpert - Jason Kidd

Oklahoma City
Re-Signed
-

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Daniel Orton (Denver)
Maurice Evans (Free Agent)
DeAndre Liggins (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Kendrick Perkins - Serge Ibaka - Kevin Durant - Kevin Martin - Russell Westbrook

Orlando
Re-Signed
JJ Redick - 29 - SG - $11.19m - 3 years
Hedo Turkoglu - 34 - SF - $12.20m - 1 year (PO)
Ishmael Smith - 25 - PG - $985k - 1 year (PO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Gustavo Ayon (Free Agent)
Josh McRoberts (Free Agent)
DeQuan Jones (Free Agent)
Kyle O'Quinn (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Glen Davis - Al Harrington - Shabazz Muhammad - Arron Afflalo - Jameer Nelson

Philadelphia
Re-Signed
Dorell Wright - 27 - SF - $10.15m - 3 years

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Nick Young (San Antonio)
Damien Wilkins (Free Agent)
Kwame Brown (Free Agent)
Royal Ivey (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Andrew Bynum - Thaddeus Young - Dorell Wright - Evan Turner - Jrue Holiday

Phoenix
Re-Signed
Wesley Johnson - 26 - SF - $5.42m - 1 year (TO)
PJ Tucker - 28 - SF - $4.22m - 4 years

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Jermaine O'Neal (Chicago)
Sebastian Telfair (Free Agent)
Luke Zeller (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Marcin Gortat - Luis Scola - Michael Beasley - Shannon Brown - Goran Dragic

Portland
Re-Signed
Nolan Smith - 25 - PG - $1.50m - 1 year (TO)
Elliot Williams - 24 - SG - $2.37m - 1 year (TO)
Luke Babbitt - 24 - SF - $2.66m - 1 year

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
JJ Hickson (Washington)
Sasha Pavlovic (Free Agent)
Ronnie Price (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: LaMarcus Aldridge - Luke Babbitt - Nicolas Batum - Wesley Matthews - Damian Lillard

Sacramento
Re-Signed
DeMarcus Cousins - 23 - C - $4.92m - 1 year (TO)
Aaron Brooks - 28 - PG - $1.65m - 1 year (PO)
Jimmer Fredette - 24 - PG - $2.57m - 1 year (TO)
James Johnson - 26 - SF - $3.95m - 1 year
Isaiah Thomas - 24 - PG - $884k - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Francisco Garcia (Free Agent)
Tyler Honeycutt (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: DeMarcus Cousins - Thomas Robinson - Tyreke Evans - Marcus Thornton - Aaron Brooks

San Antonio
Re-Signed
Kawhi Leonard - 22 - SF - $1.99m - 1 year (TO)
DeJuan Blair - 24 - PF - $19.94m - 4 years
Cory Joseph - 22 - PG - $1.18m - 1 year (TO)

Free Agents Signed
Dwight Howard - 27 - C - $52.69m - 3 years
*Chris Paul - 28 - PG - $52.17m - 3 years
Nick Young - 28 - SG - $8.67m - 2 years
Corey Maggette - 33 - SF - $1.50m - 1 year
Dahntay Jones - 32 - SF - $4.41m- 3 years

*LA Clippers signed and traded Chris Paul to San Antonio for Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Released
Stephen Jackson (Atlanta)
Boris Diaw (Free Agent)
Tiago Splitter (Free Agent)
Gary Neal (Free Agent)
Matt Bonner (Free Agent)
Patrick Mills (Free Agent)
James Anderson (Free Agent)
Tim Duncan (Retired)

Projected line-up: Dwight Howard - DeJuan Blair - Kawhi Leonard - Danny Green - Chris Paul

Toronto
Re-Signed
Ed Davis - 24 - PF - 3.15m - 1 year (TO)
Linas Kleiza - 28 - SF - $4.60m - 1 year (PO)
Aaron Gray - 28 - C - $2.61m - 1 year (PO)

Free Agents Signed
-

Released
Mickael Pietrus (Free Agent)
Alan Anderson (Free Agent)
Quincy Acy (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Andrea Bargnani - Amir Johnson - Landry Fields - DeMar DeRozan - Kyle Lowry

Utah
Re-Signed
Paul Millsap - 28 - PF - $9.20m - 1 year (TO)
Marvin Williams - 27 - SF - $7.50m - 1 year (PO)

Free Agents Signed
David West - 33 - PF - $18.29m - 3 years
Nate Robinson - 29 - PG - $16.88m - 3 years
Elton Brand - 34 - PF - $4.02m - 2 years

Released
Earl Watson (Free Agent)
Jamaal Tinsley (Free Agent)
DeMarre Carroll (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Al Jefferson - Paul Millsap - Gordon Hayward - Eric Gordon - Mo Williams

Washington
Re-Signed
Daequan Cook - 26 - SG - $3.37m - 2 years

Free Agents Signed
JJ Hickson - 25 - C - $21.32m - 3 years
Jarrett Jack - 30 - PG - $6.40m - 1 year
Earl Clark - 25 - SF - $3.37m - 2 years
Tony Allen - 31 - SG - $1.30m - 1 year
Robin Lopez - 25 - C - $5.32m - 2 years

Released
Michael Redd (Free Agent)
Randy Foye (Free Agent)
Dominic McGuire (Free Agent)
Roger Mason (Free Agent)
Hamed Haddadi (Free Agent)

Projected line-up: Nerlens Noel - Derrick Favors - Rudy Gay - Bradley Beal - John Wall

20/9/13

CP3 joins Dwight on new-look Spurs



It's a move that has been rumoured and speculated about for years. But finally Dwight Howard and Chris Paul are team-mates.
Ever since LeBron's 'decision', the whole idea of superstars joining forces to create so-called super-teams has been all the rage.
Allegedly the pair have been trying to make this a reality since they were still playing for the Magic and Hornets respectively.
They appeared to both be headed to the Lakers to join Kobe a couple of seasons ago, but Paul's trade was vetoed at the death.
He instead found himself traded to the Clippers and their plan ruined. Dwight then got his move to the Lakers a season later.
The Mavericks were touted as a potential home for the pair this season, but their Texas neighbours beat them to the punch.

They may not have Kobe or Dirk on their team, but there are a few great guys that will be able to help them push for a championship.
Kawhi Leonard is an emerging star who is an excellent defender. Coach Pop will be delighted with his new group's defensive talents.
Nick Young will take up some of the offensive slack that Ginobili's absence leaves. He was a big part of the 76ers success last year.
Then you have some solid role players coming off the bench like Danny Green and veterans like Corey Maggette and Dahntay Jones.

The Clippers are still shocked at losing the guy they gave up talented youngster Eric Gordon for. But they shouldn't get too down.
You could even argue that their team is better now than before this trade. They've added a wealth of championship experience.
Who better to replace the guy who fed Griffin so many assists than the guy who played alongside Tim Duncan for over a decade.
Their roster now boasts 9 rings combined. Lamar Odom, Jamal Crawford and Grant Hill on the bench only add to the experience.

It will be interesting to see how both of these teams do this season. Both will no doubt have Oklahoma City firmly in their sights.
The Thunder had a perfect season last year. They topped the western conference before winning the NBA Finals against the Bucks.

LA Clippers receive
Manu Ginobili - 36 - SG - $13.78m - 2 years (86)
Tony Parker - 31 - PG - $25.00m - 2 years (84)

Projected line-up:
DeAndre Jordan - Blake Griffin - Caron Butler - Manu Ginobili - Tony Parker
Bench:
Eric Bledsoe, Jamal Crawford, Lamar Odom, Malcolm Lee, Trey Thompkins, Grant Hill, Omri Casspi

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San Antonio receive
Chris Paul - 28 - PG - $52.17m - 3 years (96)

Projected line-up:
Dwight Howard - DeJuan Blair - Kawhi Leonard - Nick Young - Chris Paul
Bench:
Danny Green, Corey Maggette, Dahntay Jones, Rudy Gobert, Nando De Colo, Cory Joseph, Kenny Kadji

Lots of teams looking solid. Should be a competitive 13-14 season.

Spurs ain't old anymore. Sad that Thunder released Liggins. Hustle boi.

shocked to see James McAdoo drafted so late, but will probably be a great player for Philly in years to come. He is usually a top 5-10 pick in my draft but o well. Dwight and CP3 to the Spurs definitely a shocker, but nice to see how well the Spurs are rebuilding after the retirement of of Timmy.

1/10/13

Washington gearing up for season of improvement



Less than one month out from the new NBA season, the Washington Wizards are in camp preparing themselves for a turnaround in fortunes.
It's been five seasons since they've had a winning record and by consequence five seasons since they have participated in the post-season.
Additionally it's been eight long seasons since they have won a playoff series. In other words they've been pretty rubbish for a fair while now.
There is fresh optimism amongst the fans, players and management this year though, with an exciting young roster that has a lot of potential.
Last season they made big trades for Rudy Gay, Derrick Favors and Patrick Patterson. The trio formed a solid frontcourt in the last few months.
Add to that three top lottery picks in the last four drafts selecting John Wall (1st - 2010), Bradley Beal (3rd - 2012) and Nerlens Noel (2nd - 2013).
This off-season they've added some quality depth through free agency including Jarrett Jack, JJ Hickson, Tony Allen, Earl Clark and Robin Lopez.

Jack gives them a veteran backup point guard who can take over when John Wall is resting on the bench. It's something they lacked last season.
Hickson adds another powerful big man to their already impressive frontcourt and Lopez is far from the worst option to have as a sixth big man.
Then there are two specialist players in Daequan Cook and Tony Allen. Cook is a big perimeter threat whilst Allen is a great lock-down defender.
And Earl Clark provides a decent back-up for Rudy Gay, who can only improve by competing with the former Memphis forward for playing time.
The Wizards eventually finished with a 27-55 record last season after the worst start in NBA history. They started out losing 23 straight games.
They open the season in Milwaukee against the team that went to game 6 of the finals last season. A perfect test for their newly formed team.

2012-13 Season Player Statistics

_______________
_____• John Wall - Washington - 79 games
19.8 PPG - 3.8 RPG - 8.0 APG - 1.3 SPG - 0.3 BPG
_____FG% .504 - 3PT% - .258 - FT% - .725


_______________________________________________________
________________________________________• Rudy Gay - Memphis/Washington - 82 games
________________________________________20.1 PPG - 6.8 RPG - 2.1 APG - 1.1 SPG - 0.8 BPG
_____________________________________________FG% .485 - 3PT% - .298 - FT% - .805


_______________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________• Bradley Beal - Washington - 72 games
________________________________________________________________________________14.0 PPG - 4.3 RPG - 2.5 APG - 1.1 SPG - 0.3 BPG
_____________________________________________________________________________________FG% .450 - 3PT% - .357 - FT% - .654


_______________________________________________________
________________________________________• Derrick Favors - Utah/Washington - 87 games
________________________________________11.4 PPG - 6.5 RPG - 1.3 APG - 0.5 SPG - 1.1 BPG
_____________________________________________FG% .567 - 3PT% - .000 - FT% - .600


_______________
• Patrick Patterson - Washington - 81 games
8.5 PPG - 5.0 RPG - 0.9 APG - 0.5 SPG - 0.8 BPG
_____FG% .509 - 3PT% - .500 - FT% - .667


_______________________________________________________
________________________________________• JJ Hickson - Portland - 82 games
________________________________________10.6 PPG - 9.8 RPG - 0.4 APG - 0.5 SPG - 0.9 BPG
_____________________________________________FG% .492 - 3PT% - .125 - FT% - .639


_______________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________• Jarrett Jack - Golden State - 81 games
________________________________________________________________________________15.9 PPG - 3.9 RPG - 7.1 APG - 0.7 SPG - 0.3 BPG
_____________________________________________________________________________________FG% .446 - 3PT% - .344 - FT% - .879


_______________________________________________________
________________________________________• Tony Allen - Memphis - 71 games
________________________________________9.6 PPG - 3.6 RPG - 2.5 APG - 1.9 SPG - 0.6 BPG
_____________________________________________FG% .469 - 3PT% - .226 - FT% - .800


_______________
• Jason Maxiell - Detroit/Washington - 87 games
5.0 PPG - 6.4 RPG - 0.5 APG - 0.3 SPG - 0.3 BPG
_____FG% .472 - 3PT% - .000 - FT% - .523


_______________________________________________________
________________________________________• Robin Lopez - New Orleans - 77 games
________________________________________3.9 PPG - 1.9 RPG - 0.1 APG - 0.1 SPG - 0.5 BPG
_____________________________________________FG% .524 - 3PT% - .000 - FT% - .702


_______________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________• Daequan Cook - Washington - 78 games
________________________________________________________________________________6.6 PPG - 1.7 RPG - 0.5 APG - 0.1 SPG - 0.1 BPG
_____________________________________________________________________________________FG% .384 - 3PT% - .363 - FT% - .789


_______________________________________________________
________________________________________• Earl Clark - LA Lakers - 38 games
________________________________________2.1 PPG - 0.2 RPG - 0.1 APG - 0.2 SPG - 0.2 BPG
_____________________________________________FG% .427 - 3PT% - .000 - FT% - .739


_______________
_____• Nerlens Noel - Kentucky - 39 games
10.7 PPG - 9.4 RPG - 1.7 APG - 2.5 SPG - 4.2 BPG
_____FG% .571 - 3PT% - .000 - FT% - .571

I'm changing the difficulty down to Pro for this season. Hopefully I can grab a win or two by myself.

Beastly acquisitions, you'll definitely grab some Ws right now.

Damm SA got scary !

Nice job with the off season.

Beastly acquisitions, you'll definitely grab some Ws right now.

That's the plan. Hopefully I don't collapse in games when my starters are resting now.

Damm SA got scary !

Nice job with the off season.

They may not be finished either. I've heard rumours that Dwight wants them to trade for another star player.

30/10/13

Milwaukee Bucks [0-0] vs Washington Wizards [0-0]

Wizards have no answers for Ellis in season opener



MIL - 31 18 19 28 96
WAS - 26 21 17 27 91

Player of the Game: Monta Ellis
(40pts, 5reb, 5ast, 2stl)


Top Scorers
Monta Ellis - 40
Rudy Gay - 29
John Wall - 17
Nerlens Noel - 16
Brandon Jennings - 14
Trevor Ariza - 13
Bradley Beal - 11
Emeka Okafor - 10

Assists
John Wall - 16
Bradley Beal - 5
Monta Ellis - 5
Brandon Jennings - 5

Rebounds
Emeka Okafor - 9
Nerlens Noel - 6
Derrick Favors - 6
Rudy Gay - 6
Ekpe Udoh - 6
Ersan Ilyasova - 6
Trevor Ariza - 5
Monta Ellis - 5
Patrick Patterson - 5

This is actually a re-played game. The first time I lost in double overtime but the game froze. Even though I lost it, I was still pissed off because Wall had 40/14 and Noel had 19/9/6 on debut.

Close game. You're Wizards are definitely better.

Jennings got into foul trouble early, so Ellis had the ball for most of the game. He drove past my defenders so easily and often.

I'm happy with my team though after one game. I think Gay can be my KD, scoring 30+ and closing out games.

2/11/13

Smith joins Spurs' revolution as they go all-in for a title push



It's probably been the most speculated move in recent years by experts and fans, now Josh Smith is finally on Dwight Howard's team.
This is a move that has been mentioned ever since Dwight was playing in Orlando since the pair are supposedly really close friends.
No one questions Howard's basketball ability, but keeping him happy off the court has always been the major issue for every team.
The Magic and Lakers failed to do it. Now San Antonio has decided to pull out all of the stops to make sure that he remains happy.
It's rumoured that when he was negotiating to join the Spurs he asked them to try and acquire Smith as part of getting him to sign.

Atlanta finally decided to cash in on Smith and ship him out after several years of rumours surrounding his future with the franchise.
They have never made it past the conference semi finals during their time in Atlanta. Keeping Smith really wasn't going to change that.
Last season they finished with a disappointing 36-46 record and missed the playoffs altogether. This season they really hope to improve.
So they've shaken things up and gotten some good pieces that will hopefully help them re-shape their roster around big man Al Horford.
Impressive youngster Kawhi Leonard is another gem that the Spurs plucked from obscurity. He is a great defender and is a potential star.
Danny Green and DeJuan Blair give them a couple of solid rotation guys for their bench who are both on very reasonably priced deals.
Blair had been considered a fair risk coming into the league because he lacks anterior cruciate ligaments in his knees following surgeries.
He has been a pretty good player for the Spurs though with career averages of 10 points and 7 rebounds per game in his four seasons.
Another positive for the Hawks in this trade is that they no longer have Smith's huge contract draining their resources for years to come.



Re-united: Howard and Smith played together on the Atlanta Celtics in 2003


San Antonio have now committed fully to the Dwight Howard project after this trade. They find themselves with an exciting new 'big three'.
The core of Howard, Paul and Smith is just about a match for those in Miami and Oklahoma City. This could be a power-shift in the league.
Age wise they are younger than the Heat, but a few years older than the young Thunder stars. Their championship window is wide open.
The Spurs' star trio are all in the 27-28 year age range and just entering the prime of their careers. Exciting times are ahead for Spurs fans.
Smith will be playing in San Antonio for the long term, having signed a very lucrative five-year $67m extension on December 21st last year.
He finally earned an all-star call-up last season after nine seasons in the league. He was also named as the defensive player of the season.
It was a good season for him as he was named on the all-NBA and all-defensive first teams. He averaged 23 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.
One potential problem that they may face after this deal is a lack of bench depth. They will probably find some foreigners to help though.

Atlanta receive
Kawhi Leonard - 22 - SF - $1.99m - 1 year (82)
DeJuan Blair - 24 - PF - $19.94m - 4 years (75)
Danny Green - 26 - SG - $7.79m - 2 years (73)
Spurs 2014 first round pick
Spurs 2015 first round pick


Projected line-up:
Nikola Pekovic - Al Horford - Kawhi Leonard - Louis Williams - Devin Harris
Bench:
Ivan Johnson, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Danny Green, Jeff Teague, Trey Burke, DeJuan Blair, Stephen Jackson

-----



San Antonio receive
Josh Smith - 27 - PF - $66.86m - 5 years (87)
John Jenkins - 22 - SG - $1.26m - 1 year (64)
Robert Covington - 22 - SF - $669k - 1 year (61)

Projected line-up:
Dwight Howard - Josh Smith - Corey Maggette - Nick Young - Chris Paul
Bench:
Dahntay Jones, Rudy Gobert, Nando De Colo, Cory Joseph, Kenny Kadji, Robert Covington, John Jenkins

Everyone has been talking about this trade for years, so I figured I'd actually do it.

Atlanta get cap relief, more depth and future picks. San Antonio get a new 'big three' and Dwight's BFF.

Scary Spurs team but can they play together #Lakers

3/11/13

Wizards hand Liggins another shot at the NBA



Washington have today announced that they've signed guard DeAnde Liggins on a two-year contract as cover for the injured Daequan Cook.
Cook may be out for up to a month after suffering a strained abdomen during a training drill yesterday. Liggins will wear the number 23 jersey.
The Wizards are the third team in three years for the 25 year old Chicago native. He has previously played for both Orlando and Oklahoma City.
He is something of a lock-down defender in the mould of Thabo Sefolosha or Bruce Bowen. His length and quickness are truly his best assets.
Oklahoma City released him at the end of last season because he was behind Kevin Martin, Thabo Sefolosha and Jeremy Lamb in their team.

Washington depth chart

C - Noel, Hickson, Lopez
PF - Favors, Patterson
SF - Gay, Clark
SG - Beal, Allen, Liggins
PG - Wall, Jack

Inj./Res. - Maxiell, Cook

Scary Spurs team but can they play together #Lakers

Yep. Although I'd imagine that having an established championship-winning coach there will help keep Dwight in line and also help them on the court.

Damn. Spurs are definitely contenders. Nice signing of Liggins! Did you see how he plays with the Thunder?

The Spurs look great! I'm liking this story more and more!