We’re not jumping to conclusions yet about the Wizards’ starting rotation or even who makes the team, but it’s also impossible to ignore the three lines that the team had going as they practiced various defensive drills and pick-and-roll sets at the end of the first practice on the second full day of camp.
Line 1: John Wall, Gilbert Arenas, Adam Morrison, JaVale McGee, Sean Marks
Line 2: Kirk Hinrich, Nick Young, Al Thornton, Hilton Armstrong, Yi Jianlian
Line 3: Lester Hudson, Cartier Martin, Trevor Booker, Hamady N’Diaye, Kevin Seraphin, Kevin Palmer
Certainly, the prospects appear to be brighter for Morrison and Marks, who are both camp invites. The wild cards, of course, are Andray Blatche and Josh Howard, who are both still coming off injury. Blatche did some of the non-contact work with the second group, and Howard wasn’t a participant in today’s morning session.
Wizards head coach Flip Saunders said he’ll know much more about how the position battles – particularly center and small forward – really shake out after tonight’s practice.
By virtue of what reporters got to observe, zone defense dominated the conversation with Saunders after practice.
“If you play Miami, you better learn to play zone,” he said. “We’re going to. I’m sure [Miami head coach] Erik [Spoelstra] has gone to a lot of colleges to see zone offense. that’s always been a staple. Last year, we played a little bit, but not as much as I would’ve liked to play. We’re back to my hyperbolic, paraboloid, transitional floating zone. So, we’re playing that.”
At 6-foot-4, Wall provides key length up top for that defense, and his hands were busy popping balls loose. He also had his speed on display running off screens in the pick and roll. But the first question he was asked this afternoon was about Dallas rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant and hazing.
“I would have carried the shoulder pads,” said Wall, who said he hasn’t been pranked by anyone and fears all the players, not just Arenas. “That’s what I would have did. I know he’s upset right now, but you got to do your rookie duties.”
Booker was also asked about the hazing: “Nah,” he said, looking at his biceps, “You see these guns right here?” It’s a delicate word to use around the Wizards, wouldn’t you agree?
As for the serious tone and the vocal leadership that Wall has shown already, he said it was just a part of what’s required of him – he said Flip’s going to go right to him if things aren’t happening the way they’re supposed to.
“I’m not coming trying to make a statement,” said Wall. “I’m still going to listen to the veterans as much as I can. Listen to the coach. I’m still learning. At the same time, trying to lead by example, not just by doing drills, but by speaking up and getting everybody in the right places for the plays.”
