IMHO, Doug Collins has done a horrible job with the Wizards. I think he's a good X's and O's coach but an absolutely horrible motivator. He even admitted he did a bad job last year with Kwame. It's almost like he didn't even realize he was going to have to be patient with a high school kid. I mean, how clueless can you be? I think Kwame makes a good case. He doesn't try to step on anyone's toes or come off as as a jerk, he just stated his case. If only other NBA players could speak that articulate. However, his work ethic has been questionable, and I think most of that is because he takes everything personally. He obviously doesn't respond to being yelled at. I don't know if anyone remembers a really great article last year about Kwame's experience in the NBA, but it was pretty harsh. Wizards players would push him over in practice, and rather than helping him up, they would yell "get up you p***y!" Collins would yell at him, Kwame would get defensive, then Collins would kick him out of practice. At at least one practice he was even brought to tears by the coaches and players. That's just not how you bring a high school kid into the NBA, and I'm amazed that noone realized this. Basically, the Wizards are just a horrible organization. In the past they've traded "big and young" for "old and small." Just look at some of these players they traded away: Rasheed Wallace, Chris Webber, Ben Wallace. I think the same thing will happend to Kwame. Other than Amare Stoudamire and possibly Ben Wallace, Kwame is the biggest "freak" in the NBA; referring to the combination of size and athleticism. All you have to do is look how he played at the beginning of the season, and you'll realize he's going to be a solid player. Bottom line, Wes Unseld needs to go, and I guestion MJ as a talent evaluator. They need someone with experience and past success in the front office or they're never going to get any better. I predict the Wizards will have the worst record in basketball next season.
I hate it when teams call out their players in public especially a 19 year kid. I think that is why Rudy T is so well liked and respected by players in the league. He never calls out his players in public. He does it behind closed doors like a good family should. Don't say Rudy doesn't scream at his guys because I've sat behind him during a game and he throws out profanity like you wouldn't believe. Even when Mad Max quit on us during the playoffs and was kicked off the team, Rudy never came out in public and said why specifically.
I certainly find it hard to disagree with anything you said, DCkid, and I think we should be grateful for the organization we have in Houston. There are always things to bedevil us here, but the bottom line is that the Rockets are a class act. The Wizards, the Knicks, the Clippers etc. are not anything we want to get within smelling distance of. Brown has not been handled well at all. And whether he is worth his spot in the draft or not is way too early to determine, imo, just like with Griffin. I just believe that the gripes and complaints should stay in-house. I don't believe the coaching staff should belittle or abuse their players in public, and I think it should be the same with the players in regards to their coaches and teammates. If you end up becoming a superstar, like Jordan or Sir Charles, I think it still applies (although they have a hell of a lot more latitude for their attitude! ). That's just how I think a team should be. Behind the closed doors of practice, or even sometimes on the court, it's a different story.
See.....Rudy is a good coach!!! And Eddie is a good man!!! Basketball is just sports entertainment. No need to be so serious... Good thing we picked Yao Ming!!! Jay Williams is terrible!!! Kwame Brown...well he is going to get to play once Michael and all his oldies leave.
Wow, I never really understood why so many people complain about your posts until now. Anyway, I think him being yelled at in practice is no big deal. He shouldn't have everything handed to him or be babied just because he's a highschooler number one pick. Public outlash by the coach or fellow teammates is different, however. But not trading the pick for Brand when he had the chance really really ranks up there with one of the worst draft mistakes of the past couple years. I'm sure over at the Wizards BBS they talk about it almost as much as we talk about Rashard Lewis.
Its sounds like he's just trying to be careful and not saying to bad, but he still kinda comes off as someone who is just whinning.
I know the dj who was working Kwame's birthday party last week and he said that I was lucky I didn't go, because Kwame got a little bit drunk and then started throwing his cake all over the dance floor. They said it was funny at first, but then it kinda ruined the party because nobody could dance anymore. Just a little tid bit. Nothing too bad, but it reminds you, he's just like the rest of us at that age. Pretty much a goof.
Are you a big-time Bucks fan or something? Payton has done NOTHING to improve their defense. Mil will not make the playoffs.
I don't blame Kwame... But remember, at the time of the pick...MJ was in mgmt. for the Wiz... You can't yell and scream your way to make a good, productive playa... I know everyone loves MJ and that players respect him,but... I bet the players can't wait for him to get out so they don't have a second head coach every damn day... At least in mgmt., he won't be traveling with the team...
I don't think it's fair to put all these pressure on a kid barely out of high school and clearly not mature enough to handle it. As for if Kwame is a bust, he's going to be a decent player. Just a thought: if MJ has a chance and get Yao Ming, Washington would be the eastern champion by now.
