Washington Wizards (2024-25)

[imref]

If we get Flagg, this team competes sooner rather than later.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/12/31/justin-champagnie-wizards/

Profile of Champagnie. Improved defense and shooting has made him more than just a guy who is an aggressive offensive rebounder.

Champagnie’s mental fortitude also helped him get to D.C. His self-belief never wavered amid years floating between the G League and NBA, Capel said. Champagnie has long been powered by self-confidence, a trait the coach noticed while recruiting the Brooklyn native in high school.

“He didn’t really care what other people thought,” Capel said, noting some people in Champagnie’s circle were against his decision to join Pittsburgh, believing he wasn’t good enough to merit playing time there. “ … One of the things that I learned pretty quickly about Justin is, whenever you say something like that to him, then that’s like a challenge.”

But even as Champagnie’s faith in himself endured, chances to prove himself were limited. After playing in 36 games for the Toronto Raptors in the 2021-22 season, he split time with them and the Celtics the following season, playing just five total NBA games. Last year, as he spent majority of his time with the Go-Go, his identical twin, Julian, established himself as an NBA regular with the San Antonio Spurs.

[sixthree175]

Happy New Year to all.  One of my New Year's resolutions is to not be so critical of this pathetic excuse for an NBA team.  Just as they all do on the TV broadcast, I'm going to try hard to pretend that the future is bright for the Wizards.

[Natsinpwc]

I’m going to complain until they actually have something to cheer for. For a tanking team they have remarkably little draft capital and no one worth building around.

They had a number two pick last season and probably a top three pick this year.  Those are really the only picks that can get you a difference maker.  And you know that. I don’t care if they don’t have ten second round picks over the next three years.

[HalfSmokes]

They had a number two pick last season and probably a top three pick this year.  Those are really the only picks that can get you a difference maker.  And you know that. I don’t care if they don’t have ten second round picks over the next three years.

I don’t care about the second round, but aside from our own picks, we basically have nothing. We got nothing for Denni, we rolled over for Beal, we’ve already held onto Kuzma way too long

[Natsinpwc]

I don’t care about the second round, but aside from our own picks, we basically have nothing. We got nothing for Denni, we rolled over for Beal, we’ve already held onto Kuzma way too long

So we traded Beal too early. But Kuzma too late?  Ok. Let’s try and hit the sweet spot.  No one else wanted Beal.  Worst contract in the league.

They actually for draft capital for Deni. Who didn’t want to be here anymore. Got a guy already in the rotation at 19 years old. And Brogdon who maybe they can flip at the deadline. 

Actually agree on Kuzma.

Do you understand that they needed to tear it apart because they had so little of value.  I think at some point this year or next someone will want Poole.

[Natsinpwc]

If we get Flagg, this team competes sooner rather than later.

Agree with him or Dylan Harper.  It will still be rough for a year or two. Not many walk into the league ready.

[HalfSmokes]

So we traded Beal too early. But Kuzma too late?  Ok. Let’s try and hit the sweet spot.  No one else wanted Beal.  Worst contract in the league.

They actually for draft capital for Deni. Who didn’t want to be here anymore. Got a guy already in the rotation at 19 years old. And Brogdon who maybe they can flip at the deadline. 

Actually agree on Kuzma.

Do you understand that they needed to tear it apart because they had so little of value.  I think at some point this year or next someone will want Poole.

They waited years too long on Beal. They could have gotten a legitimate haul if they cut ties three years earlier, but Ted prefers selling tickets to long term winning.

[HalfSmokes]

Agree with him or Dylan Harper.  It will still be rough for a year or two. Not many walk into the league ready.

Flagg gives them something to build around. Picking third or fourth keeps us where we are

[Natsinpwc]

Undefeated in 2025

[Natsinpwc]

https://www.nba.com/news/kia-rookie-ladder-january-1-2025-edition

Sarr at number 2.  Carrington at 8.

[Natsinpwc]

Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/01/yves-missi-alex-sarr-named-rookies-of-the-month.html

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Yes, let's hold off on burying the French picks.

[Natsinpwc]

Yes, let's hold off on burying the French picks.

Coulibaly seems to do much better when Kuzma is out.  The latter has requested a trade.  Be nice if he could give some effort to increase his trade value. 

[Natsinpwc]

Must lose game and the kids came through.

[Natsinpwc]

Rematch with the Pelicans tonight.  May the loss be with us. 

[HalfSmokes]

Watching Duke Pitt, every win this year is one too many

[Natsinpwc]

Watching Duke Pitt, every win this year is one too many

From reading some people seem to like Dylan Harper. Have not seen enough to have an opinion. 

[GataNats]

From reading some people seem to like Dylan Harper. Have not seen enough to have an opinion.

Harper is not anywhere near Flagg as a prospect.   Flagg is the best  American prospect since Lebron

[Natsinpwc]

Saw that dunk from Flagg.  Quite a throw down.  Actually he seems the most hyped American prospect since Zion.  Who was the next great thing until he got hurt. 

[Natsinpwc]

Look who's number one.

https://www.nba.com/news/kia-rookie-ladder-january-8-2025-edition

[Natsinpwc]

Two games clear of everyone of worst record. I think as long as they stay top three it’s the same odds. There are quite a few teams lurking behind though. Many teams not competing.

https://www.tankathon.com/

[HalfSmokes]

If the commanders can win a playoff game, I think they win more games this season than the Wizards. I'd say selling off Kuz might help, but he's been terrible this year. Gotta just ride Poole to the number 1 pick. I wonder if it every crossed his mind when he signed the extension that his primary role would be playing so ass with such a high usage rate that his team gets the number 1 pick

[JCA-CrystalCity]

If the commanders can win a playoff game, I think they win more games this season than the Wizards. I'd say selling off Kuz might help, but he's been terrible this year. Gotta just ride Poole to the number 1 pick. I wonder if it every crossed his mind when he signed the extension that his primary role would be playing so ass with such a high usage rate that his team gets the number 1 pick

reminds me of ML Carr coaching the year before Tim Duncan came out. Celts had two potential lottery picks so he started some awful old guy lineups down the stretch on what was called a "sentimental journey" but helped ensure they had the worst record into the lottery. Ended up with the 3rd and 6th pick as San Antonio of course got the #1. Celts used the #3 pick on Chauncey Billups and the #6 on Ron Mercer, then brought in Pitino to run the whole show. Pitino then did the moronic move of dealing Billups midway in the year for Kenny Anderson to make a playoff push even though he was already showing his ability.

[GataNats]

Flagg broke the all time ACC freshmen record for scoring