Dallas had no answer for new-look backcourt
Gilbert Arenas and Randy Foye hardly played together during the Wizards’ preseason games. But practice was a different story, and a sly grin from Flip Saunders after Thursday’s practice said that particular backcourt pairing — one crucial to Washington’s opening-night victory at Dallas — wasn’t all he had waited to reveal about his rotation until the regular season.
“I was wondering when it was going to happen,” said Foye, who led Washington (1-0) with eight of his 19 points off the bench in the final quarter, the final 7:34 partnered with Arenas. “But I guess [Saunders] probably didn’t want people to see it, because then they’d probably be waiting for it. I think when he put us in together, Dallas really didn’t have an answer.”
Combined with who he didn’t play against the Mavericks — Nick Young and Mike James both received dreaded DNP-CDs (did not play, coach’s decision) on Tuesday — Saunders gave an indication of how he plans to utilize his deep roster this season. Or did he?
“I think I can change it,” Saunders said. “JaVale [McGee] has played extremely well … Now we’re playing a team [Atlanta] that relies more with athletic ability, where a guy like JaVale should have an impact.”
Despite his reputation as an offensive guru, Saunders has told the players they cannot rely on making shots as the sole criteria to determine playing time. Andray Blatche was reminded that 20 points off the bench in Dallas wouldn’t be enough.
“Right after the game,” said Blatche. “Flip came and said the last game don’t mean [expletive] — excuse my French — the last game doesn’t mean nothing at all. Let’s see if you can do this every night from here on out.”
Blatche, who changed his number to seven this offseason to reflect a renewed dedication to basketball seven days a week, was inspired to meet assistant coach Sam Cassell for an 11 p.m. workout Wednesday night.
“It was kind of scary, I’m not gonna lie,” said Blatche of being alone late at Verizon Center. “I brought my best friend. I had to go in the locker room by myself. I was a little scared. It’s so quiet, and it was dark a little bit. I promise you, it’s different at nighttime, but I was alright. I’m going to bring my dog with me next time.”
