Washington Wizards Odds to Win the 2011-12 NBA Championship
Thursday, December 22, 2011
by WagerWeb Sportsbook
The Washington Wizards are rebuilding in a promising way around second-year point guard John Wall and rookie big man Vesely, who will need time to adjust.
Former All-Star forward Rashard Lewis can provide interim help as this team grows patiently through the draft while maintaining cap space for next summer and beyond.
LAST SEASON: 23-59, missed playoffs.
STARTING FIVE: G John Wall (16.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 8.3 apg), G Nick Young (17.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.2 apg), F Rashard Lewis (11.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg), F Andray Blatche (16.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.3 apg), C JaVale McGee (10.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg).
KEY ADDITIONS: F Ronny Turiaf (trade, Knicks), G Roger Mason (free agent, Knicks), F Jan Vesely (draft, No. 6), F Chris Singleton (draft, No. 18).
KEY LOSSES: F Josh Howard (free agent, Jazz), F Yi Jianlian (free agent)
WAGERWEB.COM NBA BASKETBALL ODDS TO WIN EAST: +8000
The Wizards were, in a word, a poor defensive team last season. And that was mostly due to being young. They are highlight-driven and motivated only occasionally to put the same effort on the other end. They were 24th out of 30 teams on D, which is unforgivable for such an athletic squad. Any dreams of the playoffs must begin with a better effort on defense.
It’s been a while since Washington had a big man in the mold of Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes and Chris Webber. So they’re thinking they’re due and that maybe JaVale McGee is next in line. Well, we do know McGee can dunk. And block a shot or two (2.4 last season). But putting it all together? The Wizards are being patient and giving him time, realizing that big men take longer. The good news is he can only get better by catching Wall’s passes.
Jordan Crawford’s first name may ring a bell, but the complete name remains a mystery. As in: Who does Jordan Crawford think he is, comparing himself to Michael Jordan? Yes, he did, and with a straight face. If nothing else, give the guy props for being bold if not delusional. But: The second-year guard does own some talent and if given the green light, will try to score on anybody. He was a steal from the Hawks, who took an unhappy Kirk Hinrich in return at the trade deadline.
Coach Flip Saunders has his work cut out with a roster filled by young players — and no veteran additions of real significance — and the coach lashed out after a poor showing at both ends of the court in Washington’s first exhibition game. There figure to be plenty of other opportunities for him to lose patience in what shapes up as a trying regular season. But in Wall they have a franchise building block.
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andray blatche - chris singleton - chris webber - elvin hayes - flip saunders - jan vesely - javale mcgee - john wall - jordan crawford - josh howard
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