Wizards Report Card 2007: Pinch the Bench
With Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas out, and the season likely a wash, let's look at the Wizard's bench now:
KEY BENCH PLAYERS
Antonio Daniels: Again, his started of kinda rocky. But this time around his resiliency has really shown. Last nights game against the Bobcats showed that he can run a team if necessary (and with Gilbert out, he'll have to. Bottom line: he's a good scorer and defender, but hasn't had the playing time to make me say he can do this every night. Grade: C
Jarvis Hayes: My winner for the Tyronne Nesby "Even-Steven Player of the Year" award. Factoring his injuries, his 3 years in the league almost equates to one full season of playing (which may account for some of his mental mistakes). I personally think he's destined to be one of Crucial Playoff Role Players, but it remains to be seen when that's gonna happen, and if it's gonna happen with the Wizards. Grade: C
Andray Blatche: We can excuse some of his early mistakes, with him being sidelined due to almost dying an all. Has the potential to be everything Wiz fans wanted Kwame Brown to be with none of the emotional baggage. Still raw, but definitely worth keeping. Grade: C
Darius Songaila: Based on his performances so far, could be a crucial weapon of the bench. Seems to have the right balance of offense and defense that caoch Eddie Jordan has been looking for in his players. Has instantly become a post option. Grade: C+
OVERALL: This group could spell the starter during games, but I'm not sure that any of them is ready to be a "starter-sub" (as in, start in place of an injured Starter for a long period of time). Still, they're good enough to "git 'er done" on any given night (assuming the Starters have done their jobs). Grade: C
KEY BENCH PLAYERS
Antonio Daniels: Again, his started of kinda rocky. But this time around his resiliency has really shown. Last nights game against the Bobcats showed that he can run a team if necessary (and with Gilbert out, he'll have to. Bottom line: he's a good scorer and defender, but hasn't had the playing time to make me say he can do this every night. Grade: C
Jarvis Hayes: My winner for the Tyronne Nesby "Even-Steven Player of the Year" award. Factoring his injuries, his 3 years in the league almost equates to one full season of playing (which may account for some of his mental mistakes). I personally think he's destined to be one of Crucial Playoff Role Players, but it remains to be seen when that's gonna happen, and if it's gonna happen with the Wizards. Grade: C
Andray Blatche: We can excuse some of his early mistakes, with him being sidelined due to almost dying an all. Has the potential to be everything Wiz fans wanted Kwame Brown to be with none of the emotional baggage. Still raw, but definitely worth keeping. Grade: C
Darius Songaila: Based on his performances so far, could be a crucial weapon of the bench. Seems to have the right balance of offense and defense that caoch Eddie Jordan has been looking for in his players. Has instantly become a post option. Grade: C+
OVERALL: This group could spell the starter during games, but I'm not sure that any of them is ready to be a "starter-sub" (as in, start in place of an injured Starter for a long period of time). Still, they're good enough to "git 'er done" on any given night (assuming the Starters have done their jobs). Grade: C
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