Wizards Summer League Clip Clippers

Wizards vs. Clippers

 

The Wizards pregame warm-up was like a university midnight madness, just full of oohh’s and aww’s. JaVale McGee, Nick Young, and even John Wall showed off to the crowd their athletic display. John Wall showed not only his talent but his toughness. As he was going for a layup, the clippers defender landed right on top of him, and it seemed to me the clippers defender on the way down, kicked Wall in the head. He got up slowly and went straight to the bench, but came right back out to shoot his free throws. Wall sat on the bench and Michael Lee from the Washington Post reported that he was having ‘sharp pains’ in his neck, but came in shortly showing no signs of pain.

 

John Wall finished with an And 1 while showing off his muscles afterwards as he hung in the air to do so. The crowd was wild because it was lead by the infamous Blue/Red suit wearing Clipper Darrell. At one point, Clipper Darrell called him over rated with a John Wall smile. The loud and passionate fan, Clipper Darrell converted to a John Wall fan, at one point screaming, “John Wall, WE Love You.” Later on he added, “I paid $28 dollars and I got to see John Wall for 45 minutes, PUT IN JOHN WALL!” I must say, he was entertaining and made my experience in Vegas that much better. He looked like a walking Blood and Crip. At one point I thought he was supposed to be Spider Man but I saw a big Clippers Logo on the back of his jacket.

 

 

 

One connection that nobody expected to hear would be John Wall to Kevin Palmer. Kevin who? Yeah that’s exactly what you thought I bet. Kevin Palmer is a 6`6 shooting guard from the University of Texas A&M by way of CC of Islanders. He was hustling as well and made some key jumpers. He took it inside and showed some flashes which surprised quite a few people.

 

Lester Hudson was quiet but productive. He had something I like to call the “Antawn Jamison” where you catch it, don’t pass, and shoot it. But he was affective on defense as well on offense. He was aggressive and that was very nice to see because he took charges and had his share of steals. Hudson kept the ball alive with 2nd chances by his hustle play. That’s how you make the team.

 

Nick Young had himself a nice little game, scoring a game high 18 (sharing game high with 18 as well, was John Wall). Shooting 6 for 11 from the field and shooting 4 of 7 from 3 point range. Nick is a guy who never stops smiling and I bet he hasn’t stopped smiling for his performance. One person who didn’t smile at all was JaVale McGee. McGee had probably his worst game so far after two games. He shot 3 of 10 and was being abused by DeAndre Jordan. DeAndre Jordan reminds me of what the Wizards wish they had in JaVale. JaVale still looks a little raw overall. From what I’ve noticed, he wants to dunk it every time he gets the ball in the paint. Once McGee learns a few moves like a turnaround jumper or just a jumper in general, he will be dangerous offensively. The Wizards and the fans of Washington have to be patient if they want to see McGee blossom into a great player.

One player that Joe G and I are really high is Trevor Booker. Booker shows that tenacity and toughness the Wizards wanted from him since they drafted him. He hit another college 3 point shot from the floor which looked beautiful. It’s scary to think of a 6`8 power forward that can fight down low and shoot the open shot. Booker has a bright future with the Washington Wizards and it’s very exciting to see.

 

With this win, the Washington Wizards Summer League team are 2-0 making Coach Sam Cassell 2-0 so far this year. Sam Cassell is very exciting to see from the bench as he is animated and shows a passion for the game even as a coach and not just as a player. Whenever Sam screamed out a play or said something, he had the whole team’s ultimate respect. Flip Saunders has taught Sam a lot and it shows in game. Next up for the Wiz Kids, they play the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday July 15th.

 

Check out me next to John Wall during the interview! (Gotta love the pony tail)