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| Friday, October 12 Updated: October 15, 10:34 AM ET Users: Wiz likely to succeed in time ESPN.com |
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Wizards fans seem pretty pumped about their franchise these days, but will Michael Jordan's presence either on the court or off make this a title contending outfit? While most of the feedback we received said the Wiz had a bright future, some was skeptical.
Your Wizards Feedback Yes, this team can eventually be successful, but it would entail NOT playing Michael Jordan, at least not where he wants to. Seriously. This team's future is Richard Hamilton and Courtney Alexander (Kwame Brown is at least three years away), and both play SG/SF -- the positions Jordan played for the bulk of his career. Unless Jordan returns to PG (where he played a bit in '89) and decides to pass, all he is doing for the next two years is taking shots away from the two young players whom this team should really be developing around. As for this year, I don't care if Michael comes back and leads the league in scoring -- this team is going nowhere, they're THAT bad (other than at SG/SF). Jordan alone couldn't win championships in the '80s (he needed Phil Jackson and either Pippen/Grant or Pippen/Rodman) and he certainly won't win championships in this millennium either (barring unforeseen trades).
Jeff Rader
Everyone seems to be forgetting one thing, this is still basically the same Wizards team that won only 19 games last year. There's no telling how long it will take Jordan to get his legs back and Kwame Brown might take up to three years before we really see where he's at. Other than those two the only ones with star potential is Courtney Alexander and Richard Hamilton. They have a couple of decent spare parts in Jahidi White, Etan Thomas and Tyrone Nesby but nothing that is a sure thing. I have a feeling this team will be in rebuilding mode a lot longer than people expect.
Taquan
Jordan or no Jordan, this team can definitely be successful in the future given what MJ the GM has done. They have three very talented players in Hamilton, Alexander and Brown who could all develop into top-flight pros. They also have some other young players (Jahidi White, Brendan Haywood and Etan Thomas) who could at least become effective starters to surround the stars with. With the salary cap dollars available next year and the potential for another decent player in the draft, Jordan has done a great job in turning around this team from an old, overpaid group of underachievers to a young team which can only improve (i.e. Clippers east). They may or may not all reach their potential, but at the very least, we finally have something to look forward to on the court here in Washington.
Jim Jarrett
Sure they can. They've already got all the scorers they need. They just need a playmaker and a low-post presence. Personally, I think Jordan should've come back next year. By playing this year, he is guaranteed to hurt the Wizards' chances of snagging that No. 1 lottery pick for next year: Yao Ming or Jason Williams. Both of those players would be immensely beneficial to the Wiz. Think about it, next year, Kwame will be a year older and more ready to make a run for the playoffs, and Hamilton and Alexander will have emerged into premier scorers. Then you add Jordan and either J-Will2 or Ming. Plus, I believed you mentioned that they have money to spend on a free agent next year?? Then maybe you'd have a championship contender instead of a brink of the playoffs team.
Jason Hsu
The return of Jordan to the Wiz has doomed the Wiz for another 10 years. Although there isn't a doubt that this team is better with Jordan, the presence of MJ will hinder the growth of the rest of the team. One can argue that with MJ, Wiz has a chance of making the playoffs... but so what? There is no chance in hell that MJ can make Wizards the champs. Making the playoffs or just missing it only results in a low draft pick. MJ stated that he came back because he wanted to teach the younger players how to play but has he considered the fact that the younger players (even the veterans) will grow into the habit of deferring to him? Just look at the players that played with him during his Chicago days. These "key" players are now nothing but bench warmers. This is not to say that they lack skill but they are just too used to someone carrying them to victory. In my option Kwame Brown will never be the star in the league simply because he will be too use to being MJ's sidekick. With MJ back, look for the Wiz to challenge for a playoff spot but when MJ retires again, look for the Wiz to challenge for the worst team in the league.
Leslie
All these young players mean a fresh start for this franchise. Having Jordan and Collins on board puts them on the right track, and gives them a winning mindset. All the negativity of past years left with Strickland & Howard. The Wizards may get off to a slow start, but look for a winning record after the All-Star break. If they bolster the frontcourt through free agency or trade, get another lottery pick, and Alexander and Brown start living up to their potential, those winning ways will continue into next season with or without Jordan. There is much reason for hope in DC. A Philadelphia-like turnaround is not out of the question.
Trent Higareda
Unfortunately, I think Jordan's return will hurt the long-term future of my beloved Wiz. Michael's presence, along with Collins should result in enough wins to get the Wizards into the playoffs as a 6 or 7 seed the next couple years. But what then? Without getting a top draft pick this season or next, and the CBA making it virtually impossible for top tier free agents to change teams in their primes, where are the Wizards when Jordan retires after two seasons? Hamilton, Alexander and Brown may turn into studs, but they will have minimal talent around them. There may be only one answer: Tim Duncan. With a ton of salary cap room, and coming off 2 playoff appearances with a core group of 3 good young players, Washington may be able to woo the last of the superstar free agents in 2003.
Chris Galione
Definitely. If everything goes as planned, they'll be major contenders in 2-3 years. Picture this scenario: Both their high-scoring swingmen, Courtney Alexander and Rip Hamilton develop into potential All-Stars. Kwame Brown becomes what everybody thinks he can become. They get a decent pick within the top 10 in the 2002 draft, preferably a point guard (if they can get Jason Williams from Duke, that would be huge!). And they sign a major free agent in a year or so, seeing that they have room in their cap -- a big man to go with Brown. That's their first five right there. Add that to the fact that these guys have the greatest player ever to learn from, at least for two years; and what do they have? An up-tempo team in the mold of a Sacramento or Dallas that can certainly stir things up a bit in the East.
Ivan
Will the Wizards eventually be successful? Give me a break! With Hamilton (20 ppg), Alexander (10ppg plus upside), Kwame Brown (golden child?) and Brendan Haywood (NC big man) not only being directly tutored by but also playing alongside Michael, anyone that knows anything about the game of basketball should count on this team making the playoffs next year. This year, watch for Jordan to lead his pupils to a remotely successful season, perhaps challenging the dismal Celtics and/or Pacers for that No. 8 seed in the East. Oh yeah, don't forget about all the money next season that MJ... err, the Wizards will be able to use to get the big free agent that will bring it all together. In less than two years, look what Michael has already brought to this franchise, besides just his name on the roster...
Colby Bohannan
In a couple of years, this team will be one of the most talented in the league after Jordan leaves. Kwame Brown will have developed and Courtney Alexander and Rip Hamilton will both be All-Stars. All who doubted the Grand Wizard's roster managerial ability shall develop convenient amnesia and jump on the band wagon to go see the Wizards of Oz. And the Grand Wizard will be back upon his throne, wearing his business suits again but this time the cigars shall be plentiful.
Charles King |
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