Fresh start for Wizards
The Wizards are taking the NBA back to campus when it stages its own midnight tip-off at George Mason’s Patriot Center, an event that will feature Wizards’ DJ Big Tigger, a performance by Mambo Sauce along with free food for the first arrivals and cash prizes for those who stay late. The practice itself starts at exactly 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28 (doors open at 11 p.m. Monday night). The event will also be televised by NBA TV. Washington will conclude training camp with a Fan Fest on Sunday, Oct. 3, including an open scrimmage that tips off at 12:30 p.m.
Storylines
1. There is no last season » Whether it was Gilbert Arenas and guns in the locker room, the departures of Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison or the worthless trade for now-departed Mike Miller and Randy Foye, the Wizards aren’t talking about the past. Of course, Arenas is back after being suspended for 38 games, and he’s still the franchise’s most important and most expensive player, not to mention a constant reminder of the events that helped put Washington into a full-scale rebuild even before new owner Ted Leonsis took over following the death of Abe Pollin. If a few victories come early, so will a return of good feelings. But patience and pragmatism are required because turning the Wizards around won’t happen overnight.
2. The foundation is Wall » Luck appeared to turn for the Wizards even before the franchise changed hands, when Irene Pollin oversaw Washington winning the NBA Draft Lottery in May, and with it the rights to John Wall. The Raleigh,N.C.-native — who after one season at Kentucky became just the third point guard drafted No. 1 overall — won MVP honors in the Las Vegas Summer League and is the new face of the franchise. But while he’s got speed and playmaking skills to spare, he still needs an improved jump shot, fewer turnovers and backcourt chemistry with Arenas. There’s a lot to put on the shoulders of a 20-year-old, but it feels achingly similar to when Leonsis had Alex Ovechkin fall into his lap — and Capitals fans know how that worked out.
3. Foremost thoughts in the frontcourt » When Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld blew up the team in February, the door was opened for youngsters Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee to stake a claim at significant minutes on Washington’s frontcourt. Blatche averaged 22.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists after the All-Star break, but early-season games will be far more meaningful and a summer spent recovering from a broken foot suffered in June could prove a setback for the 24-year-old, sixth-year power forward. McGee, 22, parlayed a second straight strong showing in Las Vegas into nearly making the USA roster for the FIBA World Championship in Turkey, but the high-flying 7-footer wasn’t able to hold his starting spot in Washington last spring. Unless his rebounding and defense improve, it’ll be back to the bench again.
