Official End of Season thread..

[Santheb]

Was a pretty damn magical season, if I must say so myself. Nobody expected this of the team, they expected us to be down in the dumps, but we overcame a lot of obstacles and had a great season and a lot of core guys will be back next season. Everyone counted us even from the seasons beginning, they counted us out when we went down 2-0 against Chicago, but so much for that. Was a great season and I can't wait to see these guys next year.

Just one thing...resign Hughes.

Thanks Wiz for 90 games of enjoyment this year!

[IndianBaller27]

After this series, I'm questioning resigning Hughes. We could get someone better. Don't bash me!! But we need to resign Dixon. I see some serious potential in that man. But can you guys believe it?? It's over for us. This Cinderella-like season is over. Nothing to root for anymore. It's......... over :(

[Santheb]

If we don't resign Hughes, I hope we can make a stab at Michael Redd. Not a great defensive player like Hughes is, but he's a great offensive player. Probably wouldn't be the best move though.

[GolfFreak]

I don't know the how the cap works and what certain guys can make, but my question is - can we keep Larry?

I hope Dixon stays too, he's good off the bench.

[IndianBaller27]

I don't know the how the cap works and what certain guys can make, but my question is - can we keep Larry?

I hope Dixon stays too, he's good off the bench.
Yeah I think we can keep him and Dixon.

[Santheb]

I totally forgot about Jarvis, too. He's been injured and everything. Maybe we don't need to sign (or resign) anybody at all. I hope we resign Larry, though.

[IndianBaller27]

I totally forgot about Jarvis, too. He's been injured and everything. Maybe we don't need to sign (or resign) anybody at all. I hope we resign Larry, though.
No he can't fill Larry's shoes just yet. Maybe in the '06-'07 season.

[Dre-The-Great]

After this series, I'm questioning resigning Hughes. We could get someone better. Don't bash me!! But we need to resign Dixon. I see some serious potential in that man. But can you guys believe it?? It's over for us. This Cinderella-like season is over. Nothing to root for anymore. It's......... over :(

I was thinking the same thing...great season....thanx Wizards, but I think I'd rather sign Michael Redd than Larry Hughes in off-season.

[akhhorus]

The last thing the Wiz need is a stronger perimeter game. They should consider packaging Hughes and Hayes for a real inside presence. Someone like Troy Murphy in GS, Zach Randolph in Portland, Shareef Abdul-Rahim(not an inside player, but a true SF), Chris Kaman of the Clippers, Wilcox of the Clippers, or trade into the high first for someone like Channing Frye or the Brazilian center.

[Dre-The-Great]

The last thing the Wiz need is a stronger perimeter game. They should consider packaging Hughes and Hayes for a real inside presence. Someone like Troy Murphy in GS, Zach Randolph in Portland, Shareef Abdul-Rahim(not an inside player, but a true SF), Chris Kaman of the Clippers, Wilcox of the Clippers, or trade into the high first for someone like Channing Frye or the Brazilian center.

That's a good consideration...and we need to trade Kwame also...maybe we can get draft pick or a quality big man...I was hoping we could sign Tyson Chandler...but i'd stay away from Abdur-Rahim.

[whitskins]

Great season. 25 wins the year before to 45 wins and 2nd round of the playoffs. We have one player over 30 and our franchise player is 23, let's hope this is the beginning of a long stretch of competitiveness. Great job guys, many picked us to be in the bottom quarter of the league this year, hopefully the Skins can step up just as well.

[IndianBaller27]

The last thing the Wiz need is a stronger perimeter game. They should consider packaging Hughes and Hayes for a real inside presence. Someone like Troy Murphy in GS, Zach Randolph in Portland, Shareef Abdul-Rahim(not an inside player, but a true SF), Chris Kaman of the Clippers, Wilcox of the Clippers, or trade into the high first for someone like Channing Frye or the Brazilian center.
How about our first next year, our second this year, and Larry for the first overall pick... Andrew Bogut

[akhhorus]

How about our first next year, our second this year, and Larry for the first overall pick... Andrew Bogut

Any team that does that deal should be eliminated from the NBA. Second rounder are worth nothing, the Wiz's first next year almost certainly wont be a lottery pick, so you're getting two picks that probably wont be worth much and a good player for a potential great player. The Wiz would be lucky to get up to the top 10 with a package including Hughes.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

Are you guys smoking???? Its amazing how some of us FORGET how good larry hughes was for us during the regular season. This guy was making big play after big play, WHY would we trade him? If we trade him, we could be ruining our core group of players, and all of this could be a one year wonder. Damn, just one series and you guys forget how valuable larry is to us. He's probably the leading captain on defense and offense. He calls out all the plays, and basically plays point guard for us. Sure he takes some shots that I dont agree with, but hes only 25!!!!!!! and you guys wanna trade that?

[ShaggySkins]

First off let me say regardless of being swept by the Heat this season has be GREAT! At the beginning of the season to think this team would not only make the playoffs but get to the 2nd round was considered a joke. This team really impressed and improved.

NOW for the offseason:

They need to resign Hughes if possible, I think it will be very likely to resign him there are other better SGs out there then Hughes that teams will be more likely to pursue (Michael Redd and Ray Allen). IF we cannot resign Hughes I immediately turn my attention to Flip Murray. He was a starter for the Sonics when Allen was injured and was VERY productive when a starter. Is a solid offensive and defensive player and is a restricted FA a deal with Kwame for him straight up would benefit both teams if Hughes left in FA.

Kwame needs to be dealt, we are not going to get anything great for him. I would like to get a defensive minded player. Anyone thinking of getting a superstar or young good big man for Kwame straight up is dreaming. Among the possibilities for Kwame is the Knicks (Kwame for Kurt Thomas), Golden State Warriors (Kwame for Mikael Pietrus and a pick), and the Timberwolves (Kwame for Trenton Hassel and another player or pick). We need a defensive minded player first and foremost, ESPECIALLY if Larry leaves in FA.

I know a lot of people are going to hate me for saying this but I let Dixon walk at the end of the season. I know he provides a spark off the bench at times but he is also a defensive sieve. He is a liability on the floor defensively and was lite up like crazy in the playoffs. If this team is ever going to be able to compete at the top of the Eastern conference it is going to need to gain better defensive players and to get these players we need to let some talented offensive players go. By letting Dixon go we can save cap room and go after a better defensive player.

Guys I go after in FA:

Antonio Daniels- Can play PG or SG and is very willing to come off the bench. He has a player option so it really depends on whether he wants to be a FA or not. But can fill in any production lost by letting Dixon go and is much better defensively.

Luke Walton- Nothing more then a solid roleplayer who can fill in at SF and is a pass first player. With as many shooters as we have a pass first player is what we need.

Mark Madsen- High energy defensive minded player. Not a go to scorer but is the type of hussle defensive player this team needs more of.

Jon Berry- Roleplayer and excellent shooter. Was near top of the league in 3pt % and is willing to come off the bench. I highly doubt he would come here, he wanted to when Jordan was owner and was alienated when Jordan said "I don't need anymore slow white guys".

Mikki Moore- This is the closest thing to a scoring big man that won't make us break the bank. He is a center for the Clippers and would come cheap. In his starts this year he's averaged 14ppg and 7 boards.


If you notice I didn't go after any flashy players. This team has enough scorers, we need defensive minded role players now and to build around our current nucleus.

[Dre-The-Great]

First off let me say regardless of being swept by the Heat this season has be GREAT! At the beginning of the season to think this team would not only make the playoffs but get to the 2nd round was considered a joke. This team really impressed and improved.

NOW for the offseason:

They need to resign Hughes if possible, I think it will be very likely to resign him there are other better SGs out there then Hughes that teams will be more likely to pursue (Michael Redd and Ray Allen). IF we cannot resign Hughes I immediately turn my attention to Flip Murray. He was a starter for the Sonics when Allen was injured and was VERY productive when a starter. Is a solid offensive and defensive player and is a restricted FA a deal with Kwame for him straight up would benefit both teams if Hughes left in FA.

Kwame needs to be dealt, we are not going to get anything great for him. I would like to get a defensive minded player. Anyone thinking of getting a superstar or young good big man for Kwame straight up is dreaming. Among the possibilities for Kwame is the Knicks (Kwame for Kurt Thomas), Golden State Warriors (Kwame for Mikael Pietrus and a pick), and the Timberwolves (Kwame for Trenton Hassel and another player or pick). We need a defensive minded player first and foremost, ESPECIALLY if Larry leaves in FA.

I know a lot of people are going to hate me for saying this but I let Dixon walk at the end of the season. I know he provides a spark off the bench at times but he is also a defensive sieve. He is a liability on the floor defensively and was lite up like crazy in the playoffs. If this team is ever going to be able to compete at the top of the Eastern conference it is going to need to gain better defensive players and to get these players we need to let some talented offensive players go. By letting Dixon go we can save cap room and go after a better defensive player.

Guys I go after in FA:

Antonio Daniels- Can play PG or SG and is very willing to come off the bench. He has a player option so it really depends on whether he wants to be a FA or not. But can fill in any production lost by letting Dixon go and is much better defensively.

Luke Walton- Nothing more then a solid roleplayer who can fill in at SF and is a pass first player. With as many shooters as we have a pass first player is what we need.

Mark Madsen- High energy defensive minded player. Not a go to scorer but is the type of hussle defensive player this team needs more of.

Jon Berry- Roleplayer and excellent shooter. Was near top of the league in 3pt % and is willing to come off the bench. I highly doubt he would come here, he wanted to when Jordan was owner and was alienated when Jordan said "I don't need anymore slow white guys".

Mikki Moore- This is the closest thing to a scoring big man that won't make us break the bank. He is a center for the Clippers and would come cheap. In his starts this year he's averaged 14ppg and 7 boards.


If you notice I didn't go after any flashy players. This team has enough scorers, we need defensive minded role players now and to build around our current nucleus.

Thats a good list Shaggy...personally I wouldn't mind seeing Antonio Daniels or Jon Barry or Luke Walton in a Wizards uni. Maybe we can get 2 of them.

[gbalzac]

I like Moore...seen him play a few times on tv and he looks like a decent player

[akhhorus]

Are you guys smoking???? Its amazing how some of us FORGET how good larry hughes was for us during the regular season. This guy was making big play after big play, WHY would we trade him? If we trade him, we could be ruining our core group of players, and all of this could be a one year wonder. Damn, just one series and you guys forget how valuable larry is to us. He's probably the leading captain on defense and offense. He calls out all the plays, and basically plays point guard for us. Sure he takes some shots that I dont agree with, but hes only 25!!!!!!! and you guys wanna trade that?

I agree fully, BUT:
-The core of the Wiz is Arenas and Jamison. Hughes was very good, but he's the most expendable one now.
-You hate to get rid of a 25 year old player, but he has been in the league 6-7 seasons, he has alot of wear on him.
-You can fill a major need by dealing him, and you still have Dixon, Jefferies and Hayes.
-If you can get a good post player for Kwame, Hughes and something else, by all means go for it. This team has a major hole in the middle, and they will never get past the 2nd round of the playoffs if they don't get an inside player. They don't need Shaq, but they need a physical presence.

How about this off the wall idea:
Hayes, Kwame, HUghes and something else for Pau Gasol?

But I think the best deal would be this:
Hughes, Hayes, Brown and a future 1st rounder to the Clippers for:
Marko Jaric, Chris Kaman, Chris Wilcox and a first rounder.

That would give the Wiz:
PG: Arenas
SG: Jaric
SF: Jamison
C: Kaman
PF: Wilcox/Draftee
bench:
Jefferies
Dixon
Wilcox/Draftee
Blake
Ruffin
Peeler

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

like shaggy said, despite being swept by arguably the best team in the east, this was an incredible season. im still very proud of the wiz....in the offseason, id like to see them resign hughes, deal kwame and find a dependable interior scorer who is not a liability on defense. i think it would be best to build around the team and just tweak it a little bit. this was a very green team that we saw this year and some more time together should help them out for next season....

[ShaggySkins]

If a center presence is what everyone wants why not pursue Zyundras Illgauskas? He is older but is still one of the better offensive centers in the league, like I said earlier I'd rather keep what we have and see what develops then spend on a older player but it would make a lot more sense then making an 8 player deal for a still unproven Chris Kamen

[RedskinsVision]

it was a great ride! it brought excitement back to the area.. it was fun.

we need Hughes.. unless we can get a great PF who can give us 18 and 9 a night.
i hope we can do a sign and trade for Kwame.
i'm tossed about Dixon.. he's a great spark plug off the bench but such a liability on D on a team lacking D. if he wants starters money then let him go.. if he gives us the home team discount then great.
Re-Sign RUFFIN!
sign a defensive stopper or 2 who can still score once in a while to keep our big 3 dangerous.
we need a post player! Haywood's going to continue to improve so we don't need a Center.. but we need a PF who can post up and rebound.. Jamison's a natural 3 and Jeffries is also and would be great off the bench.

great season WizLets! now the real critics will come out since we're actually expected to do some damage.

[IndianBaller27]

I agree fully, BUT:
-The core of the Wiz is Arenas and Jamison. Hughes was very good, but he's the most expendable one now.
-You hate to get rid of a 25 year old player, but he has been in the league 6-7 seasons, he has alot of wear on him.
-You can fill a major need by dealing him, and you still have Dixon, Jefferies and Hayes.
-If you can get a good post player for Kwame, Hughes and something else, by all means go for it. This team has a major hole in the middle, and they will never get past the 2nd round of the playoffs if they don't get an inside player. They don't need Shaq, but they need a physical presence.

How about this off the wall idea:
Hayes, Kwame, HUghes and something else for Pau Gasol?

But I think the best deal would be this:
Hughes, Hayes, Brown and a future 1st rounder to the Clippers for:
Marko Jaric, Chris Kaman, Chris Wilcox and a first rounder.

That would give the Wiz:
PG: Arenas
SG: Jaric
SF: Jamison
C: Kaman
PF: Wilcox/Draftee
bench:
Jefferies
Dixon
Wilcox/Draftee
Blake
Ruffin
Peeler
Where's Brendan Haywood?

[akhhorus]

Where's Brendan Haywood?

The bench.

[IndianBaller27]

The bench.
oh, well he's not on your list.

[thecheat48]

My two cents:

I dont think the Wizards need to do a ton of personel changes. I think Jordan and grunfeld want hughes to stay and arent going to give him up to get a big. maybe i'm wrong. The core will probably stay near the same...They'll go after players who can play D and produce in the paint.

- Brown is gone, and will most likely be packaged with someone to get a better power F/C. Swift from Memphis and Randolph from Portland are the best options I've heard. If the wizards trade away for a F who is over 30, I think its a big mistake. You can find experienced Fs who can score and play D who were born after 1975. Kurt Thomas was brought up as a name, and so was a 36 year old dude, I forget who. HELL NO!

- Either Hayes or Dixon. I dont think both will be on the team next year. And as much as I like Juan and want him to stay, I think Hayes will get the nod, for versatility and consistency. They bring similar offensive production, and the wizards need a solid off the bench D swingman or SG.

- Blake is gone. The wizards dont need a true PG and he isnt a great D player. As much as I want to see him stay, he might get packaged with Brown.

- I think Jeffries will stay - he's good off the bench. But not as a starter. And if a team wants him with Brown for someone the Wiz want, I think he's gone.

I could be wrong on all of it.