Crittenton has a lot to learn, but he’s starting to get the point
Leaning on a railing on a catwalk above the practice floor at the Verizon Center Monday, Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott lectured Javaris Crittenton on proper basketball footwear and foot care.
“You’ve got to tape those ankles, if you’re going to wear those low-tops,” said Tapscott.
Wizards at NetsWhen » Friday, 8Where » Izod CenterTV/Radio » CSN/980 AM
After a solid start, New Jersey (24-30) has lost 11 of its last 16, but many of the defeats came with starting Fs Jianlian Yi and F Bobby Simmons out of the lineup. Both were back for the Nets’ loss Tuesday at Houston. New Jersey features the high-scoring backcourt of All-Star Devin Harris (21.8 points per game) and Vince Carter (20.8 ppg). The Nets have a 2-1 edge on the Wizards, with each of the games won by the visiting team.
Looking up, Crittenton had the countenance of a disobedient teenager. It was an appropriate reaction from the second-year man as Tapscott’s gentle advice sounded more fatherly than like that of an NBA coach.
Guiding a team that has six players age 23 and younger, Tapscott walks a fine line when taking corrective measures. He needs to instill discipline, but not at the expense of the confidence of his young charges.
Tuesday night, in the Wizards’ 111-103 win over Minnesota, there were indications that Tapscott’s approach is paying dividends as Dominic McGuire, 23, Andray Blatche, 22, and Crittenton, 21, provided much of the clutch work as Washington overcame a six-point deficit in the final five minutes.
It was only Minnesota (17-35) and it was only one win. But the showing was the most encouraging sign yet that some of the young Wizards are progressing.
Blatche (14 points, 7 rebounds), playing his first game in three weeks, resumed the consistency he had begun to demonstrate before suffering a knee injury.
“One of the things I think gets underplayed with Andray is his intelligence on the floor,” said Tapscott. “People see his skills, but he makes good plays both offensively and defensively. He’s going to be out there because I know I can rely on him to make positive plays for us.”McGuire (8 points, 10 rebounds), often skittish in the crunch, hit a jumper with 3:45 left and added two free throws that helped clinch.
The play of Crittenton (11 points, 4 assists) was a revelation as he took command of the ball and created offense by driving the lane.
“I’m getting more and more comfortable every game,” said Crittenton. “I feel like I’m getting my swag back, how I used to play. The coaching staff is letting me play my game, so I feel like I’m getting everything back. I’ve got a lot more to do.”
Like wearing the correct shoes.
