Realistic "wish" list?

[Monty'sBiggestFan]

so what is the guy with the ball? a follower looking over to nash to get told what to do? that dude (forgive me for using the male for a minute) needs to do something positive with the ball, i.e to lead ... to go with the anaology, what good is a football QB without the ball? a symbolic floor leader?

There's the point () at which the QB analogy falls off....when Nash gives the ball up to some other dude and the other dude is trying to figure out what to do with it? If the dude can't figure it out, dude has a safety valve to give the ball back to Nash to reset the offense and try something else. Dude himself is not going to go back to the top of the key and survey the situation and reset it himself. Dude more than likely is going to do something stupid with it ultimately because he is not in a position to see what else is available to him other than what he figured he wanted to do before the defense took that away. This doesn't take away the options dude has under the play that was called, dude still can make some if the other players in the offense are moving to help dude out. If they're not or dude doesn't think he can make a good decision - dude better be finding Nash for a reset.

Tom Brady doesn't get to get a reset, once he gives it up it's not likely he's going to get it back...and there's no chance for a reset if the play breaks down after he passes or hands it off. Moss can't toss it back to him and say, dude, I have no space here, you take this back and call another play.

But the leadership - the idea that the head of the offense knows what should happen and where people should be and what options are happening because of the play and the movement of the pieces? The ability to survey the field and make a quick decision? The ability to be the calming influence, the confidence that when you need a bucket or a score you believe in the personnel you have on the floor and how best you can use them to win? Absolutely the same.

 

[Purple Reign]

Let me ask the philosophical question then, which may or may not be theoretical, I'm not sure. But is Kara not fitting into the "traditional point guard" category because she also played at the off guard spot?

I don't think she fits the traditional point guard role. That's me though, some may disagree. Kara has a high basketball IQ. But I agree with kennadog, I think she is a little slow footed. Her mannerisms and her physical and mental basketball instincts screams "Natural Shooting Guard". I think she is a born leader. And she could fit the bill temporarily (like she did in the 2005 Western Conference Finals). But in my view she is nowhere near traditional, permanent, game changing, ball control. Kara is a shooter and I love her as a shooter, and I don't know about anybody else, I would like to keep her a shooter.

 

[uncommonclay]

If the dudette can't figure it out,

i say either teach that dudette, or trade that dudette ... it's their job to know what to do, cuz it ain't their job to NOT know what to do ... ; )

basically, i agree with what people are saying ... i just like it when everybody out there knows what to do, where to go, how to lead, how to calm etc. ... i.e.: the fewer clueless ball stopping, bad passing, bad shot taking, followers the better ...

i'm a fan of the beautiful game ... which i see in a musical way -- not everybody is Louis Armstrong, but if you can't keep the beat, carry the tune, and hit ALL the notes, than you're out of the band ... everybody knows where they are in the song, where it's going next, and how to get there ... even during wild improvisation ... ; )

 

[kennadog]

so what is the guy with the ball? a follower looking over to nash to get told what to do? that dude (forgive me for using the male for a minute) needs to do something positive with the ball, i.e to lead ... to go with the anaology, what good is a football QB without the ball? a symbolic floor leader?

Essentially the QB has already told the guy what to do by passing the ball (catch/run/avoid tackles) or handing it off (run/avoid tackles).

It does break down here as an analogy to basketball as MBF has pointed out. When the PG directs everybody on what the play is going to be, the person who gets the ball already knows what they are supposed to do by the play that's been called by the PG. They are not initially deciding which play will be run.

Of course, if the play breaks down or a player sees an opportunity created that's better, the player will make a secondary decision. A lot of BB plays are designed with second and third options or, if you have smart players, they can "read" the defense and go with another option.

I don't think anybody advocates players out there who don't know what to do with the ball when they get it, but not everyone can be a point guard and have the responsibility of orchestrating the offense.

There you go....the PG is the conductor of the orchestra. The PG makes sure they are on the same page, playing the same music, in tune, keeping the same pacing, and playing in a organized, together fashion. Everyone knows how to play their instrument expertly and generally knows how to play together. The conductor is the one with the vision of exactly how the whole should sound when they play together and knows how to guide the musicians to achieve that vision.

Again, not a perfect analogy.

 

[Monty'sBiggestFan]

That's true, but even during the improv and the symbiosis that happens when you have a group of people who are in tune with each other, somebody's still there with some idea of what the overall idea they started out with was and when to jump back in. I don't disagree, everybody on the floor needs to have a clue - and the clue should be to shoot or get rid of the ball to someone who is in a better position than you are are if you chose not to shoot it. If the W had more playmakers in its league then I'd be more of a fan of organized mayhem, but I know there are times I'm happy as all get out that there is somebody who has a better sense of the seam to exploit or when stuff just goes sideways.

But back to the Kara is slow theme, isn't she just as slow at the two and guarding twos? Running and gunning shouldn't be a manifestation of your point guard's speed should it? If anything your point guard should be the person who initiates the pass that starts the break not running up the floor with it. If she is running up the floor with it, I'd hope it would be from 3 qrtr court because a rebounder got the ball out to her. Hell, whoever rebounds it should be finding somebody as an outlet and THAT person should be finding the two players out on the wings who SHOULD be headed towards the basket at breakneck speed. We have finishers for that. And I think Kara's been one of them when she's stolen the ball or otherwise received a pass and made her way up the floor.

In any event it seems like we've defined the characteristics we want in a pg. more or less.

1. Leadership
2. Court vision/awareness
3. Decisionmaking
4. Ball handling
5. Offensive threat
6. Height (although we haven't fully explicated this)
7. Speed (ditto above)
8. Ability to defend period or other 1's and/or 2's specifically

Anything missing?


Now, of the things on this list, what are the non-negotiables for the heiress apparent to the Penicheiro throne? And what are the non negotiables for a backup (non-understudy) and which would you prefer to draft for this go-round if this draft class can't deliver one out the box ready. I think the room has consensused that the 1st round pick shouldn't be used to for one but what is it we're looking for in later rounds?

 

[Den-Den]

Ok...non-negotiables for the heiress apparent to Ticha. I think that the heiress to the throne has to meet at least six of the eight qualities pinpointed. If they met that, I would be content. However, these are the top five for me:

1. Ballhandling skill
2. Speed
3. Defensive skill
4. Court Vision/Awareness
5. Leadership

I know there will be disagreement with this, as I have not listed "scoring threat". Here's why--I think that a good point guard should have the ability to get the ball into the hands of whoever it is that can score in that particular play. This does not mean that I do not think the point guard should be able to score. If a play is not developing, I think they should be able to take it to the hoop or put it up. Ideally, I would like to see Ticha shoot more, or take it in, where she tends to draw ALOT of fouls from our opponents. Smart playing, puts them in foul trouble, great court vision and awareness.

The Monarchs play an inside-outside game to a greater extent than most teams in the league. We have been blessed with a great inside team for many years now, and Bekka should help that to continue. We have not needed to depend on our guards as much as other teams (Phoenix, Minnesota, Indiana), and that has perhaps been to our detriment. I'm sure that if Ticha put the ball up as much as Taurasi or Poindexter, she would put more points on the board. Thankfully, she has had more options as a scoring threat. Let's not forget how many years we have been in the play-offs.

In comparison to my top five, Kristen Haynie was the most likely candidate to not be protected in the expansion draft. Why? As a point guard, I thought her ball handling skills were not as good as they should have been. She was regularly double-teamed, trapped, and turned the ball over. Her speed (or lack there-of) in bringing the ball up court drove me crazy. While her defensive skills and court vision/awareness were improving, I never felt like she was the leader when she was on the floor in the way that Ticha is. So the heiress to the throne must have those qualities to stay.

As far as back-up point, I would like for them to be more of a combo-guard, more of a scoring threat (what Kristen did bring). This gives us more options to use and more versatility within the 11 player rotation. They still need to be an excellent ball-handler, and must play good defense (white-line and all you know). Leadesrship needs to be there as well--I don't think you can teach someone to be a leader. They either own that, or they don't.

Okay--have at it. I'm a Libra--make me see the other side

 

[Purple Reign]

In any event it seems like we've defined the characteristics we want in a pg. more or less.

1. Leadership
2. Court vision/awareness
3. Decisionmaking
4. Ball handling
5. Offensive threat
6. Height (although we haven't fully explicated this)
7. Speed (ditto above)
8. Ability to defend period or other 1's and/or 2's specifically

Anything missing?


Now, of the things on this list, what are the non-negotiables for the heiress apparent to the Penicheiro throne? And what are the non negotiables for a backup (non-understudy) and which would you prefer to draft for this go-round if this draft class can't deliver one out the box ready. I think the room has consensused that the 1st round pick shouldn't be used to for one but what is it we're looking for in later rounds?

It sounds like we are preparing a job description. I like it!!!

Non Negotiable #1 - Ability to Defend
That is a must in the Monarchs system. If she does not have the passion to defend, I am not even looking at her

Non-Negotiable #2 - Offensive Threat
For too long teams have played their defender two sometimes three feet off of the ball because our point guard can not shoot. The player must, and I emphasize MUST be able to consistently knock a shot down.

Non-Negotiable #3 - Ball Handling
No turnovers. That was the problem with our previous back up. What I love about Ticha is that she does not turn the ball over. She is in my opinion the very best in the history of women's basketball of controlling tempo. If she wants to speed the game up, she speeds the game up. If she wants to slow the game down, she slows it down Why? because of her ball handling skills. VERY IMPORTANT!!

Non-Negotiable #4 - Leadership
That to me brings in all the intangibles a point guard should have.

And although I do not know this player and plan to check her out in the tournament THIS PLAYER.........

Kimberly Beck 5’8” Senior – George Washington
Current Per Game Stats through 22games
37min 41% FG 40% 3P 82% FT 13.5pts 2.8reb 6.2ast 0.5 blk 2.2stl a/to 2.5



.........................MAY FIT OUR PROFILE Make it happen Whiz!!!!

 

[uncommonclay]

I wince even thinking about lowering our offensive threat ...

Non-Negotiable #1 - Offensive Threat
For too long teams have played their defender two sometimes three feet off of the ball because our point guard can not shoot. The player must, and I emphasize MUST be able to consistently take and knock a shot down.

Passing up a good shot is like playing insane lock down defense on your self, freeing the defensive team to go 5 on 4 against the rest of the team ...

I think we are too offensively challenged as it is ... points are SO important, that the W or L is determined, by which team has more of them, at the end of the game ... ; )

POINTS, PONTS, POINTS !!!

 

[Luv13fan]

Beck is my Choice

 

[Purple Reign]

Beck is my Choice

CAN I GET ANOTHER AMEN FOR BECK!!!!!

 

[Den-Den]

Amazingly, we seem to all agree on Beck!

I still have a wish for Leilani Mitchell...I think she may be this draft's sleeper. Beck is 1st choice though for a pg.

 

[kennadog]

So who's sending the e-mail to Whiz?

 

[MamaBristow]

For the "realistic" portion of this thread, what/who do we give up to acquire the necessary pick that would allow us to select Beck if that's who we want?* I think we would need one of the following picks to select her:

#14 - New York (last pick of the first round, and they need a backup PG too)
---------------
#15 - LA (could be in the market for a backup PG, but may be fine with Baker/TJ/Marta)
#16 - Minny (if they draft another PG their GM should be fired)
#17 - Houston (NEEEEEEDS a PG!)
#18 - Detroit (should NOT need another PG, but we'll have to see who re-signs)

I think that's the window to look for Beck/Zoll to be taken. So who would willingly trade with us to let us get one of them, and what would we have to give up?

*I have yet to officially endorse a candidate for Heir To The Throne since I haven't seen any of them actually play--except Erica White, who should be available in the 3rd anyways... and is shrimpy... not my cup of tea--and I must see a PG in action in order to properly evaluate

 

[kennadog]

--and I must see a PG in action in order to properly evaluate

How ridiculously rational of you.

 

[Monty'sBiggestFan]

Here's the letter/email template

Here's a little something I threw together...we just need to settle on somebody

===
John Whisenant
General Manager
Sacramento Monarchs
1 Sports Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95833



Re: Draft Instructions


Dear Mr. Whisenant:

Recently, we, your thoughtful fans, have caucused to come up with a strategy for you to employ during this year's draft given that we have a roster spot to fill at the point guard position. We trust that you have given this some thought in your scouting and as you develop your draft board. We respectful offer the following player for your consideration:

[insert name of realistically acquirable point guard]​

We further respectfully request that you "make it happen" (i.e. draft her STAT!).

If you need any other information or have any questions? Please consult the following background information we have identified as prerequisites for the position as it contains our carefully deliberated criteria - which we believe you will find helpful. Please feel free to contact us if you need us to elaborate on any point there that may not be clear.

Thank you for your consideration and best wishes on draft day and for the 2008 season.

Sincerely,

Monarchs Fans With the Team's Best Interest At Heart

 

[StevenHW]

[snip]...#16 - Minny (if they draft another PG, their GM should be fired)...[snip]...

...which will probably not happen since the Lynx G.M. happens to be the owner's son-in-law.

 

[kennadog]

Perfect, MBF! How could he refuse to consider such reasoned advice from kingsfans.com experts?

 

[Purple Reign]

Perfect, MBF! How could he refuse to consider such reasoned advice from kingsfans.com experts?

I CONCUR!!! PERFECT LETTER

So we all agree that #10 should be used for a post. In my opinion in no particular order:

Laura Harper
Chrystal Langhorne
LaToya Pringle
Tasha Humphrey

Is that right am i missing anybody. Who is your preference here? I have no clue, the only player I have seen is Humphrey. She has offensive skills, but that is all I know about her.

Then the Monarchs should make a trade to try to get into the Top part of the Second Round. Here is my suggestion:

One (maybe two) of Three 2008 Third round picks, 2009 Second Round Pick and a player (Atkinson) for #14, 15 or 16. Just throwing it out there

 

[MamaBristow]

===
John Whisenant
General Manager
Sacramento Monarchs
1 Sports Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95833



Re: Draft Instructions


Dear Mr. Whisenant:

Recently, we, your thoughtful fans, have caucused to come up with a strategy for you to employ during this year's draft given that we have a roster spot to fill at the [edit] guard position. We trust that you have given this some thought in your scouting and as you develop your draft board. We respectful offer the following player for your consideration:

Candice Wiggins
​

We further respectfully request that you "make it happen" (i.e. draft her STAT!).

If you need any other information or have any questions? Please consult the following article, in case she has slipped under your radar. [edit for content] Please feel free to contact us if you need us to elaborate on any point there that may not be clear.

Thank you for your consideration and best wishes on draft day and for the 2008 season.

Sincerely,

Monarchs Fans With the Team's Best Interest At Heart

Hey, she can run point in a pinch!

("realistic" might have flown out of the window though, oh well...)

 

[Monty'sBiggestFan]

It looks like from the quick peek I've done this morning that everybody on the wish list or mentioned somewhere in the forum should get some national TV face time during the upcoming NCAA tournament. With their upset in the WCC tournament yesterday, San Diego(and point guard Amanda Rego) received an automatic bid.

Louisville and their point Patrika Barlow upped their tournament profile with their upset of Rutgers. Zoll's Virginia team upped its profile too. Beck's GW team may have hurt theirs after being upset by Xavier, but they're still heading to the tournament.

And um, yeah...the very realistic point guard in a pinch Wiggins should get a little bit of TV in the upcoming weeks as well. White's and Bobbitt's teams will be #1/#2 seeds in the NCAA.

Utah's Mitchell is headed to the NCAA, and the Mountain West tourney is coming up as is the Big 12's, home of Franklin and Tisdale.

All of the wish list posts we've seemingly settled on will be in the tournament as well.

LeNoir I believe will return to USC - her season is done anyway regardless.

 

[Purple Reign]

Non Negotiable #1 - Ability to Defend
That is a must in the Monarchs system. If she does not have the passion to defend, I am not even looking at her

Non-Negotiable #2 - Offensive Threat
For too long teams have played their defender two sometimes three feet off of the ball because our point guard can not shoot. The player must, and I emphasize MUST be able to consistently knock a shot down.

Non-Negotiable #3 - Ball Handling
No turnovers. That was the problem with our previous back up. What I love about Ticha is that she does not turn the ball over. She is in my opinion the very best in the history of women's basketball of controlling tempo. If she wants to speed the game up, she speeds the game up. If she wants to slow the game down, she slows it down Why? because of her ball handling skills. VERY IMPORTANT!!

Non-Negotiable #4 - Leadership
That to me brings in all the intangibles a point guard should have.

And although I do not know this player and plan to check her out in the tournament THIS PLAYER.........

Kimberly Beck 5’8” Senior – George Washington
Current Per Game Stats through 22games
37min 41% FG 40% 3P 82% FT 13.5pts 2.8reb 6.2ast 0.5 blk 2.2stl a/to 2.5



.........................MAY FIT OUR PROFILE Make it happen Whiz!!!!

This from Graham hays Women's Basketball Expert from ESPN. Article today http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/ncaatourney08/columns/story?columnist=hays_graham&id=3298703

Which overlooked player could be this year's Armintie Price?

A four-year force of nature on the defensive end known all too well by SEC fans, Mississippi's Armintie Price closed her college career in the national spotlight. With Price leading the way last year, Mississippi knocked off Maryland and Oklahoma before a loss to eventual champ Tennessee stopped the run a game shy of the Final Four.

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
Kimberly Beck and George Washington are looking to make a splash in the tournament.


Like Price, George Washington senior point guard Kimberly Beck has long been a fixture on award lists. And after a trip from the heart of entrenched power in Washington, D.C., to the heart of fight-the-power thought in the Bay Area, she might be a candidate for the same kind of popular uprising Price enjoyed.


Beck's sixth-seeded Colonials have their work cut out for them in the first two rounds at Stanford, but a first-round game against No. 11 Auburn is manageable. And while knocking off No. 3 Cal in a potential second-round game wouldn't be easy, the Colonials are well equipped to trade defense with the Pac-10 runner-ups.


George Washington is a quality team with the ball in its hand, but veteran coach Joe McKeown makes his mark when the other team has the ball. The Colonials enter the NCAA tournament ranked among the top 30 in the nation in scoring defense, despite playing at a quick enough pace to lead the Atlantic 10 in scoring at 68.6 points per game.


And although McKeown's "Blizzard" zone is less frenetic than former Mississippi coach Carol Ross' full-court pressure, it has the same potential to exaggerate an opponent's predilection for turnovers or exacerbate its shooting woes. That was the case for Auburn, which enters the NCAA tournament shooting 42.5 percent from the floor but managed just 37 percent shooting in a 68-66 loss against George Washington in January.
Beck has been at the forefront of that attack, literally and figuratively, almost from the day she stepped foot on campus. Stats don't always tell the whole story, but Beck's 67 steals and 14 blocks this season are all you need to know about how quickly she moves both laterally and vertically at 5-foot-8.

And once Beck takes the ball from you, it's likely going through the net before it finds your hands again. She ranks among national leaders this season in both assists per game and assist-to-turnover ratio, as she has throughout her career. And despite an unorthodox release that's more Jim Furyk than Jerry West, she shoots 38 percent on 3-point attempts.


MAKE IT HAPPEN WHIZ. BE AGGRESSIVE. We need a point guard to go along with a post at the number 10.

 

[Monty'sBiggestFan]

If she's this year's Armintie Price, you're going to have to give up an asset to get her if you want a post at 10 too.

Since we're still in the reality thread...How badly do you want her? (I have a sense from the all caps and mad face ) but what assets are you willing to give up to get her? That is, once you assess her value, she's right now projected low 1st middle 2nd. I can't see her moving that far up right now even if she does "Price"ify herself in the tournament. This draft it too post rich. The earliest she theoretically could go is 4 or 5 and those two teams conceivably need point guards.

I think Amanda Rego and Lelanli Mitchell (two other defensive minded point guards who distribute the ball well) will come cheaper...take a look at these two players and see if they are alternatives to Beck that also could work here. Both Beck and Rego are playing early tomorrow morning/afternoon in Palo Alto. Rego's game against Cal definitely should be part of the local ESPN wraparound coverage - so if folks aren't headed to Stanford, that game will be on tv locally, I'm suspecting Beck's game @ 11am will be as well.

 

[Purple Reign]

Then the Monarchs should make a trade to try to get into the Top part of the Second Round. Here is my suggestion:

One (maybe two) of Three 2008 Third round picks, 2009 Second Round Pick and a player (Atkinson) for #14, 15 or 16. Just throwing it out there

That is what I proposed some days ago. I still stick with that. If you go back to past WNBA Drafts, not many of the bottom of the first, top of the second round picks have amounted to much. And if all Phoenix got was one player (who was a veteran) for the #1 overall pick last year, it should not take much to get to the top of the second round.

 

[uncommonclay]

one title is a lot ...

And if all Phoenix got was one player (who was a veteran) for the #1 overall pick last year, it should not take much to get to the top of the second round.

Yeah, BUT, that player was beloved former Monarch Tangela Smith, AND they took home the trophy ... more than worth the # 1 ...

 

[Purple Reign]

Yeah, BUT, that player was beloved former Monarch Tangela Smith, AND they took home the trophy ... more than worth the # 1 ...

But at the time when that trade went down, I said is that all Minnesota had to give up? I love Tangela and all, but at the time was a 30 year old, non-franchise player in Charlotte averaging only 13pts and 5 plus rebounds a night. It wasn't like she was a young piece to build around. Now in hind sight with hardings season ending injury, and Tangela helping Phoenix to a championship, then yes I would now say it was well worth it.

I am saying that it should not take "THE WORLD" to move up to the top of the bottom of the first or top of the second. Let's look at those teams in those slots:

#15 - Los Angeles
#16 - Minnesota
#17 - Houston
#18 - Detroit
#19 - Chicago
#20 - Washington

These are the spots where a point guard is needed either to start (Houston, Chicago or Wahsington) or to be young backups. Beck, Rego, Zoll and Mitchell could go at any or all these slots except maybe Minnesota. I just don't think any of these players will available by the time the Monarchs pick late in the Third Round. If the Monarchs could get up to that Minnesota #16, maybe a veteran player and next year's 2nd round Pick could get it done.

 

[uncommonclay]

"I am saying that it should not take "THE WORLD" to move up to the top of the bottom of the first or top of the second. Let's look at those teams in those slots:"

point taken ... whom - of not the world - would the M's have available to trade, and who would want them ... just asking ... A-Dub ?

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

But at the time when that trade went down, I said is that all Minnesota had to give up? I love Tangela and all, but at the time was a 30 year old, non-franchise player in Charlotte averaging only 13pts and 5 plus rebounds a night. It wasn't like she was a young piece to build around. Now in hind sight with hardings season ending injury, and Tangela helping Phoenix to a championship, then yes I would now say it was well worth it.

That was not a move that you had to look at in hindsight to say that it was a good move on Phoenix's part. I knew when the trade went down that it was a good move for Phoenix.

I think that you are too beholden to the idea of rebuilding around a young core. That might be a good idea for us, but that doesn't mean that it was a good idea for Phoenix. And again, this isn't even something that you have to look to the end result for in order to have proof. They already had Tarausi, Pondexter, Taylor and Miller: common sense should tell you that they were in "win now" mode, and acclimating a rookie into their starting rotation would more than likely only have retarded their championship aspirations. I suspect that Tan Smith was hand-picked by either Westhead or Meyers-Drysdale, in terms of being the best available bet, who fit their needs, that could be had for what they were offering.

Now, the Monarchs are in a different situation than the Mercury were last season: I don't think that we're a player away. As much as I'd love to see it happen, the prospects of Yo Griffith riding off into the sunset on top are highly dubious. So it is probably incumbent on Whiseneant to start looking towards the future, and giving strong consideration to what assets he should be building around in the post-Griffith/Penicheiro era. Obviously Brunson and Powell should be considered core players, as they are two of the best i the league at their respective positions... but, after that, I don't think it's at all clear cut. I have concerns about Walker's health that make me uncomfortable relying on her to play a full season + the playoffs, and I'm not sold on Lawson as a starter at either guard position. And, I think it almost goes without saying that everybody else on the team is expendable...

Based on discussions I've had on this board a few years ago, I'd say that I'm pretty much the exact opposite of the "typical" women's basketball fan, in that I am by far more interested in the pro game than the college game (which, not coincidentally, is the same way I feel about the men), so I don't know a whole lot about who the top prospects are coming out of the draft. I'll defer to MBF on college matters, but I do feel that we should be building towards 2011, when I think the league will be wide open, as opposed to front-load to try and compete in the next couple of years, when I think it may well be a three-team race out west (between LA, Seattle and Phoenix).

 

[Luv13fan]

That was not a move that you had to look at in hindsight to say that it was a good move on Phoenix's part. I knew when the trade went down that it was a good move for Phoenix.
...Now, the Monarchs are in a different situation than the Mercury were last season: I don't think that we're a player away.
...but I do feel that we should be building towards 2011, when I think the league will be wide open, as opposed to front-load to try and compete in the next couple of years, when I think it may well be a three-team race out west (between LA, Seattle and Phoenix).

Okay so are you saying that we should shift into rebuild mode?

I am not sure how that makes me feel. Although I am inclined to agree with it. I think we are closer than 2011 tho.

We are pretty much out of the TP/Yo era.
The sooner MFO gets that, the better off this franchise will be. For Now Powell and Brunson are the pieces to build around. So the complimetary pieces have to be pieces that work with their talents.

I think we are a few pieces away. But that all depends on how people develop. But the key is Brunson and Powell assuming leadership roles, and everyone else following their lead.

That is why based on what we have draft wise, we have to take the BIG with the 1st round pick. We won't be great. We probably won't be bad either. But that is the biggest need IMO.

I would like to have a PG, but I don't think we will have a service able one in the 3rd round. The wings we have can help bring the ball up the floor if necessary. Kara has played PG and can bring the ball up. Nicole can bring the ball up on occasion. Along with Newton and Sho. Will they be as effective as a "True Point"? No... but they can be serviceable. Nicole more so because she may be matched up with a 3 guard rather than a 1 or 2.

If we are trying to move up in this years draft I would rather use this years assets. A player, and our 3rd round picks. Personally I would even be willing to give up 2 players if we can move into the 15-20 spot. Washington hasn't been as active as other teams in the FA market. They may the target team.

Otherwise, I would rather go with what we have now, Keep our 2009 2nd round pick in play and try to upgrade in the draft next year.

BTW have we signed anyone for training camp contract yet...

 

[Purple Reign]

I would like to have a PG, but I don't think we will have a service able one in the 3rd round. The wings we have can help bring the ball up the floor if necessary. Kara has played PG and can bring the ball up. Nicole can bring the ball up on occasion. Along with Newton and Sho. Will they be as effective as a "True Point"? No... but they can be serviceable. Nicole more so because she may be matched up with a 3 guard rather than a 1 or 2.

If we are trying to move up in this years draft I would rather use this years assets. A player, and our 3rd round picks. Personally I would even be willing to give up 2 players if we can move into the 15-20 spot. Washington hasn't been as active as other teams in the FA market. They may the target team.

Otherwise, I would rather go with what we have now, Keep our 2009 2nd round pick in play and try to upgrade in the draft next year.

BTW have we signed anyone for training camp contract yet...

I would be with all of that. Keep your draft picks, get players in the two later rounds. But in the history of the "W", you can count on two hands how many players were selected in the 2nd and 3rd Rounds that even stuck in the league. That may change for this year, but I am not willing to take that chance. I think 3rd Round picks are useless. Now if any of those point guards are around come 3rd Round, they may not be worth having anyway.
IMHO, if you can move up, move up. If not I guess we go with serviceable.

 

[Monty'sBiggestFan]

It definitely could change this year, this will be the year of the post and not all of them will go in the first. A lot of back court talent is going to get pushed further down in the draft. The math dictates that. This was also the year of the ACL blow, you can use some of your third rounders on those players (cough...Lauren Ervin..cough) or on internationals you don't need to suit up this season. They can have value if you have roster spots you expect to have open, have done some scouting, have some patience and have a plan. And shoot, you don't even need to draft anybody to get somebody who can eventually have impact. Again, pointing to Becky Hammon or the third roundedly selected Jia Perkins who was pregnant her senior year.