Photo Courtesy of Ned Dishman/NBA.com/Wizards
Today the Washington Wizards introduced the newest member, the #6 pick overall, Jan Vesely. Him and his tall girlfriend along with her pretty sister, sat near by to watch as he answered questions from the media (myself included).
His English isn't that bad at all, I actually understood most of it. Someone in the media asked If he was the European Blake Griffin and he simply said, "Um, I don't know......I think so." It brought out laughter from media to the owner Ted Leonsis.
I asked Daddy (my nickname for him) aka Ted Leonsis, what he thought and he simply just stated that he loved it and was loving the fact that they got 3 solid steals in the draft.
Wizards General Manager described Jan Vesely, "has a great motor, very competitive, plays hard all the time, has a high basketball IQ, is a team player, he brings alot to the table."
Welcome to Washington DC: Jan Vesely/Chris Singelton video made by WE's very own Roni aka @BballWiz330
Check out the video he made!
*REMINDER* Today is the day when the Wizards introduce Jan Vesely. Stay tuned as WE bring coverage of that. Follow us on twitter @WizardsExtreme and @AsadNaqviDMV
The Wizards have gone international selected Jan Vasely with #6 pick of the NBA Draft. Usually when you win or are excited, you kiss the baby, but not Jan, he kissed his girlfriend (who is tall as hell) and the crowd went nuts. Vesely is a 6`11 240lbs small forward who can play the 4 (power forward) will come right in and see significant playing time if he can listen to coach Flip Saunders.
Check out this in depth scouting report by Dave Locke (@LockedOnSports), who is the radio voice of the Utah Jazz. He did a wonderful job of breaking him down to the T. This is a must read.
"When he gets going he plays with passion. He plays fearlessly. I was left with the impression he wanted to be the man. He made the biggest impression when the game was in the 4th quarter and tight.
Athletically he wows you with above the rim slams and his length. Not sure about his pure speed or his laterally movement. It really depends if he is a 3 or a 4 and that is not clear," wrote Dave Locke of the Utah Jazz.
According to NBAdraft.net, there is a 3 team deal being discussed between the Washington Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Utah Jazz.
" The deal would send the 6th pick and players (and/or cap relief) to Minnesota.
Utah would get the 2nd pick and is targeting Derrick Williams.
Washington would get the 3rd pick and is targeting Enes Kanter."
Minnesota reportedly would make this move in order to shed salary and add depth to their front court with a player like Jazz power forward Paul Milsap. The Timberwolves are then rumored to be interested in moving further down the draft board by trading the sixth pick for "established veterans."
Names that are said to be floating around in this deal include Utah's Devin Harris, who they acquired from the New Jersey Nets in the Deron Williams trade. Minnesota's former sixth overall pick in 2009, Jonny Flynn, has also been mentioned.
Utah fills the void left by departed All-Star Deron Williams with another potential star that could expediate their rebuilding process. The Jazz also own the 12th overall pick which they could be free to use on a point guard like UCONN's Kemba Walker or BYU's Jimmer Fredette.
This trade would ensure the Wizards added the highly coveted Kanter, who has been linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers with the fourth pick, without sacrificing their second first round (18th overall) pick.
A day before the draft Kanter was quoted saying:
"I would love to go to D.C. It doesn't matter which team, but I would love to go to D.C. It's (an) international city, and Obama loves basketball. I would love to play with John Wall. I think it's a great team."
A case for why the Washington Wizards should trade out of the 2011 NBA draft.
With only a few hours remaining before the 2011 NBA Draft, which will be in Newark, New Jersey instead of it’s decade long home at Madison Square Garden, and the forecast for the Wizards is as murky as the night they dropped to sixth in the selection order.
If you’re Wizards General Manager Ernie Grunfeld, you are now on the clock for the next 6-7 years to build a competitive team around franchise corner stone John Wall. Do you risk your teams’ next most significant move on such a lukewarm draft crop? Considering that Derrick Williams or Enes Kanter falling to the sixth pick is a long shot and the fact that the Wizards have openly refused to part ways with current veterans in order to move up to get one of those guys, it seems that staying put is the game plan.
So then what is the team’s best alternative?
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According to SB Nation's BulletsForever.com by way of DraftExpress.com are reporting that the Wizards have gave insurrance to SF/PF Jan Vesely.
"Vesely appears to have received assurances from the Wizards that he's indeed the pick, according to reports from NBA teams who have spoken with his camp."
no commentsESPN.com's NBA draft expert Chad Ford released his latest mock draft this morning. He is expected to release a final mock draft before the Cav's finally go on the clock tonight. Here's his latest Wizards projections:
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Enes Kanter has been the number one guy on the Wiz wish list and if God does us a solid we will land him somehow although its not that likely. Enter Jan Vesely. He has intrigued the Wizards as of late with his athleticsim, size and outstanding rebounding skills. He stands 6-11 with tremendous length, which will allow him to reach over defenders for rebounds as well as defend the ball in the paint. His high energy and solid jump shooting will fair well for him offensively as a 3, while his size and reach will allow him to defend players at the 4. He has also been highly commended for his work ethic. Vesely was set to enter the draft LAST year but opted to return Partizan college in Serbia for one more year to improve and develop his skills. This is the type of presence the Wizards are in dire need of on the court and in the locker room....and practice (cue Allen Iverson soundbite).
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Washington |
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Position: SG Height: 6-6 Weight: 193 Age: 19 Scho |
At 18, Ford projects one of the biggest sliders in the draft so far this year. Initially projected as a lottery pick and even top 10 in most mock drafts, Burks' stocks have fallen as of late. He's definitely a scorer but is very undersized (less than 200 pounds), considering his height. This will also add a 3rd shooting guard for the Wizards, behind Nick Young and Jordan Crawford, so I'm not sure how that will work out. If the Wizards do go with a big man for their first pick instead of my projection of Kawhi Leonard, then I still like Jordan Hamilton or Chris Singleton as their second pick.
Jordan Williams | C | Maryland
Previously, Ford had Travis Leslie, a shooting guard out of Georgia slated as the second round pick for the Wiz. This pick will most likely depend on what direction the Wizards go in the first round. Needing the presence of a strong big man on offense and defense is inevitable for the Wizards so somewhere along the line they will make that move. Jordan Williams will bring that to the table if anything. Not the most mobile or quickest guy on the court but he's a tough rebounder and has a strong post-presence. Although a bit undersized to play the 5 in the NBA, he could shape into a solid rotation player behind Javale McGee.
Chad Ford of ESPN.com released his latest NBA Mock Draft.
Here is his Wizards selections (along with my analysis in blue):
| PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | VITALS |
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Washington |
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Position: SF Height: 6-7 Weight: 228 Age: 19 School: San Diego State |
WizardsExtreme.com Writers Pick of Choice (1st Round)
First starting with the newest writer, the very witty and funny,
Abdullah Sharif:
@Abdu11ah
#6 - Kawhi Leonard (SF - San Diego St.)
#18 - Jordan Hamilton (SF - Texas)
The Wizards need a solid swingman, a SF that can run the floor, play good defense and have a solid jumpshot. Kawhi Leoanard would be the most reasonable option for the Wizards 6th pick. He has great length, terrific speed and uses a lot of energy up and down the floor. His athleticism reminds you of a Gerald Wallace. Something that point guard John Wall can take advantage, especially on fast breaks. His jump shot has improved since his freshman year. Chris Singleton may be another option. Like Leoanard, Singleton also would also bring a substantial amount of energy. He is explosive when going up for rebounds and a great spot up shooter. However, his defense is what has been intriguing. His terrific athleticism and energy is what fuels his intense defensive abilities and can guard multiple positions.
Although the Wizards should look to attaining another point guard, which they may in the 2nd round, the 18th pick may go to another small forward. Jordan Hamilton from Texas maybe the choice here. He is probably the best scorer of the 3 SF's mentioned. This would accommodate well for John Wall as Hamilton has proven he can shoot from almost anywhere on the floor. He has great ability of creating his own shots and is a solid rebounder. His downside is primarily on the defensive end. He lacks physical style of play which allows opponents to blow past him and gambles a lot on steals. Option B for the Wizards at the 18 spot would probably be Tobias Harris from Tennessee. Although a bit less athletic than the other prospects and not much of a high end scorer, Harris still manages to display a great physical presence on both ends of the floor. He handles the ball very well, has a solid frame and upper body and a lot of strength allowing him to be very effective in the paint. Has a great work ethic and a mature attitude, something the Wizards can build on, especially in the locker room.
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