Of course it all starts with coach Flip Saunders, who I've said can't coach his way out of a paper bag. Just look at how a loaded Detroit Pistons team imploded after he took over. After the game Monday night there were fingers pointed at Flip and others.
Forward Andray Blatche questioned his offensive role and rookie Chris Singleton questioned the team's will to win. Also, center JaVale McGee left the locker room without speaking to reporters after being benched for the last 4 1/2 minutes of the game. Wow, Singleton's first game as a pro and he's already questioning teammates. I wonder how that'll go over in the clubhouse. Of course Saunders had an answer for the loss, disharmony and selfish play.
“It’s a fine line. Is it trust? Or is it, ‘I think that I can make a play to get us going again’ and you try to do it individually,” Saunders said. “In our league, you can’t do it, unless you’re one of the elite players. We don’t have anyone that’s at that elite status right now like [Nets all-star guard] Deron Williams.”
The Wizards have some raw young talent, but it'll take a while for them to put it together, but don't throw them under the bus because New Jersey has Deron Williams. You have to build up young players sometimes at the same time give them no excuses when going against an elite performer.
Blatche was left questioning his role on the team, at least offensively, because he felt he wasn't utilized properly in the post.
“I said that I need the ball in the paint to be effective. You can’t keep having me pick and pop and shooting jump shots. Give me the ball in the paint,” Blatche said after going 5 for 13 from the field. “That’s what I’m most effective at. I’ve been saying that since training camp — I need the ball in the paint. I don’t want to be the pick and pop guy that I used to be. Because it’s not working for me. I’m not saying the offense has to flow through me, but I prefer to be in the paint.”
Maybe Saunders had you shooting jumpers because you complained about playing in the post in the past. Also being torched by Kris Kardashian, i mean, Humphries (21 points, 16 rebounds) didn't help your cause. Maybe if Blatche excelled at a defined role instead of complaining about it, he would be a better player.
Nick Young kind of defended Blatche on his issues of his role in the offense.
Young said, “’Dray’s trying to be a leader this year, and sometimes he lets things get to him. You’ve got to let things bounce quick and get back in the game. I say he’s going to learn from this game.”
In other words, get over it and grow up.
Singleton hasn't been in the league that long but already sees why the Wizards aren't thought of as the most functional bunch in the NBA.
“After that, I feel like we shut down,” Singleton said. “I feel like all the energy was gone and we didn’t want it anymore. It’s something we’ve got to change around here.” Referring to the blown lead.
The Washington Wizards, team harmony.
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