"Justify the Dynamite" Doesn't Apply This Time

When is became obvious that the Wizards weren't going to make the playoffs this season, there was a call from fan base for the franchise to give the younger players more time on the court. The hope was this would enhance their development as complimentary pieces to the Big Three of Arenas, Jamison and Butler and maybe even reveal a diamond in the rough. If the supporting pieces didn't seem to fit, then we'd ahead of the curve in terms of trades and free agent signing.

GM Ernie Grunfeld's response was simple: let's keep the young guns on a short leash, and not talk about roster changes (at the least) or blowing up the team (at the most) until until we see a healthy squad. I call this approach wanting to "justify the dynamite."

Normally, a wait-and-see approach would be a welcome sign in a League prone to making questionable moves. Anyone brave enough to call his or herself a Wizard's fan knows too well that patience is a premium in the NBA. But I submit that in this case, it's only delaying the inevitable fire sale.

Why? Because the Wizards do not have a full-time coach...yet. Even considering what Ivan Carter said, there is a possibility that whoever the new coach is, he may feel that the team can do better without one of the Big Three or one of the key role players.

The bottom line is that management-level person who can best evaluate players is the coach who's going to play them. The GM is supposed to look at what the coach is doing, and try to get players who fit into the offensive and defensive schemes. GMs who try to create their own roster, outside the influence/input of their coaches, are just setting those up guys to fail. Grunfeld is looking at this backwards.

Example: if Grunfeld acquires a defensive-minded head coach, I can't see him wanting to keep a roster that's allowing 102 ppg, can't stop the pick-and-roll, and has poor transition defense. The guy is going to want some players who can take a charge, set a screen, and stifle the opposing team's offensive rhythm. That's not happening with this roster, regardless of health. So when Defensive-minded Coach begins to complain (publicly or privately) will Ernie make a move, or say, "We need to give them more time?"