The problem in Washington, as it is in Toronto and Charlotte, is stagnant young talent. The Wizards are filled with prospects who would likely flourish in a more refined system, but in Washington, they are like a pack of teen-agers left to fend for themselves in a teacherless classroom.
They have spent the past two years firing spitballs at each other, so much so that even the good kids (i.e. John Wall) are taking part. Wall’s regression was so profound that Saunders had to pay with his job, because the former Kentucky star is the centerpiece of the Wizards’ rebuilding plan.
Wall’s numbers are down across the board, and he was moping and sulking during games because of large deficits, such as Monday against Philadelphia, when the Wizards trailed by as many as 30 in the first half. Saunders was fired the next morning.
The consensus among NBA experts is that the Wizards have a wealth of potential in Wall and JaVale McGee, but the rest of the crew is just not that talented or is uncoachable (Andray Blatche).
While management blamed Saunders for the team’s 2-15 start, the fans are turning on the perpetually troubled Blatche, who was booed during pregame introductions in consecutive home games and has been blamed for the team’s turmoil the past few years.
Blatche has the potential to become a front-line small forward but he has shown up to camp in less than optimal condition and continually allows opponents to pester him with mind games. The Celtics’ Kevin Garnett privately considers Blatche one of his favorite trash-talking targets because of its dramatic effect.
“Randy Wittman and Flip, I mean, they worked together,’’ Blatche said. “I can’t say that we needed a new voice. We just needed somebody to actually check us like Wittman did [after his first game as coach]. That’s what we need. You put everybody on front street and tell them about themselves and tell them what it’s going to take to win.’’
