Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Can A Zebra Save The Wizards? (DDS:PB 19 First Access)

Izulde · 11-16-2018, 09:00 PM

Point Guard
John Wall vs Eric Bledsoe
Intriguing matchup between two excellent All-Star caliber point guards who can score, run the offense, and play defense. Wall has the sexier stats (20.5 points, 8.9 assists, 1.8 steals to Bledsoe's 13.7 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.9 steals), but Bledsoe is a better defender and shooter in almost every facet of the game. His superior drive stopping ability (92.6%) will put Wall to the test, as the Wizards' franchise player is abysmal in the area between 3 feet and the perimeter line before lighting it back up behind the arc. In fact, Wall has shot just 39.1% for the season, and though the owner and fans love him, there have been quiet whispers that the Zebra GM may change Wall's stripes this summer, when the supermax contract kicks in.

Advantage: Draw

Shooting Guard
Ricky Rubio vs Terrence Ross
Neither player is going to light up the board. Ross is here to play defense and not turn the ball over, grabbing rebounds when he can. Rubio's floor general skills are frankly overrated by casual observers, but he does give the Wizards an excellent ball thief and second floor general in the lineup. Still, a look at Washington's recent form suggests he hasn't been the difference maker the team sought when they acquired him, overtaking the Bucks for the 4 seed, HCA, and just barely hanging on notwithstanding. Still, there's little doubt who the best player is in this snooze battle.

Advantage: Washington

Small Forward
Evan Fournier vs Khris Middleton
A matchup of #2 scorers. The big difference here - Middleton can play some defense and is adept at stealing the ball. Fournier can only score. This is going to be a rough matchup for the Wizards.

Advantage: Milwaukee

Power Forward
JaMychal Green vs Giannis Anteotokounmpo
Green had the best season of his career, but he's also up against the best player in the NBA (Sorry, LeBron). It'll be Robert Covington in Game 1, and the 3 & D player who can steal will be a good matchup potentially while Green recovers from a knee injury. The obvious advantage here is to the Bucks, but it'll be closer than you might think - Green and Covington have been surprising keys this season.

Advantage: Milwaukee

Center
Mohamed Bamba vs Brook Lopez
Remember when the better Lopez brother was a star? Well, 30 has not been kind to him. He can still score and D up, but he's not going to grab many rebounds, and his defense is going to be a waste against the rookie whose rebounding, shotblocking, and defense are already stellar. The kid just needs time to grow into his scoring potential and he'll become a franchise cornerstone. Bamba isn't going to put up the points, but he's going to be absolutely vital if the Wizards want to to walk out winners.

Advantage: Wizards

Bench
Robert Covington is one of the most impactful 6th men in the league, and Ed Davis and Walter Tavares are solid rotation pieces. Ditto Kelly Oubre Jr. Known to surprise on occasion is D.J. Augustin. On the flip side, only Ersan Illyasova is noteworthy on Milwaukee's subs. This is a very top-heavy Bucks squad, and an injury to one of their starters would be absolutely devastating.

Advantage: Wizards

Overall Thoughts
The longer this series goes on, the longer the Wizards have a shot at winning. That's how precarious Milwaukee's situation is. They've got the best starting lineup thanks to two star players, one of whom is an MVP candidate. In a short series, it's the Bucks every time. But home court advantage should be just enough to give the Wizards the edge.
Washington in 7

I think that's about right - a short series probably sees us swept or out in 5. Long series, we take it.

Game 1
Things went as expected. Khris Middleton blew up the no-defense Evan Fournier for 38 points and Greek Freak trashed us for 29 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals! But no one else did anything and despite coughing up 23 turnovers for a -10 possession differential, Robert Covington scorched for 34 points and 8 rebounds, Ricky Rubio demanded respect on his name with 18 points and 11 rebounds (yes, rebounds), and John Wall did his thing with 19 points, 13 assists, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. A shocking 45 point 4th quarter roars us back from a huge deficit to pull away for the critical opening victory as we ride the enthusiasm of the home crowd.
Milwaukee 102 Washington 117

Game 2
I still can't believe we lost this game in OT. Just look at this box score.

Suffice to say I'm pretty pissed about this loss.

Game 3
We've thrown away home court advantage and now have to try and rally in the Bradley Center. As it turns out, we're the only team that failed to defend homecourt in the East. 21 points, 14 assists, and 8 rebounds from John Wall aren't even close to enough when Giannis is rampaging for 31 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, and Ersan Illayova contributes 14 points, 7 boards off the bench in an ugly defense fest.
Washington 83 Milwaukee 99

Game 4
It's the rare game Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't flirt with a triple-double, but he hangs 31 points and 17 rebounds on us anyway, with 5 blocks to boot. Khris Middleton continues to torment with 23 points and 5 steals, but 22 points from Ricky Rubio and John Wall's 17 points and 10 assists, plus just enough help from everyone else gets us over the line *just* enough to walk out with HCA once more in our back pocket.
Washington 94 Milwaukee 91

Boston swept Orlando and Golden State did the same to Houston (no challenge this year!). The biggest surprises - Kawhi Leonard waking up and leading Toronto to a 2-2 dogfight with Indiana in the East, and the Minnesota Timberwolves so unified they've got Russell Westbrook's Thunder on the 1-3 ropes.

Game 5
For once, a drama free game goes our way. They score the opening bucket, and then we control it going away thanks to John Wall's 25 points, 14 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals and Robert Covington and Jeff Green of all people scoring 14 and 11 off the bench respectively. Yes, Giannis put up 24/11/7/2/3 and Khris Middleton netted 23 points and 8 rebounds, but our bench play was just far too superior in this vital win.
Milwaukee 100 Washington 113

The 76ers showed Atlanta the door, and I'm surprised the Hawks even got one win. New Orleans, Jackson Ayorinde's favorite to challenge Golden State, shoved aside the Clippers in 5, and Minnesota completes the shocker by upsetting the Thunder in Oklahoma City. Okay, I guess you chuckleheads were right not to trade me Jimmy Butler after all.

Game 6
Getting in the passing game is Khris Middleton with 22 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals - what an amazing series he's had. Giannis Antetokounmpo does his thing with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Ersan Illyasova and Christian Wood combine for 22 points off the bench. But it's not enough as Evan Furnier gets God damned sick and tired of being picked on all series and blows up for 33 points and 7 rebounds to earn PotG honors. John Wall scores 21 with 16 assists, and 3 bench players break double digit points: D.J. Augustin (10) Ed Davis (12 in stepping for Mohamed Bamba, who fouled out in 18 minutes), and of course, Robert Covington (14).
Washington 109 Milwaukee 99

We're on to the second round, boys!!!!

The King James era is over as the eternally great San Antonio Spurs dismiss the Lakers in 6. Toronto fights for a Game 7, and 8 beats 1, 121-105 in Indiana!!! HOLY (EXPLETIVE)!!!!!! Kawhi Leonard with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists.

What a playoffs already!

11-16-2018, 09:00 PM	#8
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	Point Guard John Wall vs Eric Bledsoe Intriguing matchup between two excellent All-Star caliber point guards who can score, run the offense, and play defense. Wall has the sexier stats (20.5 points, 8.9 assists, 1.8 steals to Bledsoe's 13.7 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.9 steals), but Bledsoe is a better defender and shooter in almost every facet of the game. His superior drive stopping ability (92.6%) will put Wall to the test, as the Wizards' franchise player is abysmal in the area between 3 feet and the perimeter line before lighting it back up behind the arc. In fact, Wall has shot just 39.1% for the season, and though the owner and fans love him, there have been quiet whispers that the Zebra GM may change Wall's stripes this summer, when the supermax contract kicks in. Advantage: Draw Shooting Guard Ricky Rubio vs Terrence Ross Neither player is going to light up the board. Ross is here to play defense and not turn the ball over, grabbing rebounds when he can. Rubio's floor general skills are frankly overrated by casual observers, but he does give the Wizards an excellent ball thief and second floor general in the lineup. Still, a look at Washington's recent form suggests he hasn't been the difference maker the team sought when they acquired him, overtaking the Bucks for the 4 seed, HCA, and just barely hanging on notwithstanding. Still, there's little doubt who the best player is in this snooze battle. Advantage: Washington Small Forward Evan Fournier vs Khris Middleton A matchup of #2 scorers. The big difference here - Middleton can play some defense and is adept at stealing the ball. Fournier can only score. This is going to be a rough matchup for the Wizards. Advantage: Milwaukee Power Forward JaMychal Green vs Giannis Anteotokounmpo Green had the best season of his career, but he's also up against the best player in the NBA (Sorry, LeBron). It'll be Robert Covington in Game 1, and the 3 & D player who can steal will be a good matchup potentially while Green recovers from a knee injury. The obvious advantage here is to the Bucks, but it'll be closer than you might think - Green and Covington have been surprising keys this season. Advantage: Milwaukee Center Mohamed Bamba vs Brook Lopez Remember when the better Lopez brother was a star? Well, 30 has not been kind to him. He can still score and D up, but he's not going to grab many rebounds, and his defense is going to be a waste against the rookie whose rebounding, shotblocking, and defense are already stellar. The kid just needs time to grow into his scoring potential and he'll become a franchise cornerstone. Bamba isn't going to put up the points, but he's going to be absolutely vital if the Wizards want to to walk out winners. Advantage: Wizards Bench Robert Covington is one of the most impactful 6th men in the league, and Ed Davis and Walter Tavares are solid rotation pieces. Ditto Kelly Oubre Jr. Known to surprise on occasion is D.J. Augustin. On the flip side, only Ersan Illyasova is noteworthy on Milwaukee's subs. This is a very top-heavy Bucks squad, and an injury to one of their starters would be absolutely devastating. Advantage: Wizards Overall Thoughts The longer this series goes on, the longer the Wizards have a shot at winning. That's how precarious Milwaukee's situation is. They've got the best starting lineup thanks to two star players, one of whom is an MVP candidate. In a short series, it's the Bucks every time. But home court advantage should be just enough to give the Wizards the edge. Washington in 7 I think that's about right - a short series probably sees us swept or out in 5. Long series, we take it. Game 1 Things went as expected. Khris Middleton blew up the no-defense Evan Fournier for 38 points and Greek Freak trashed us for 29 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals! But no one else did anything and despite coughing up 23 turnovers for a -10 possession differential, Robert Covington scorched for 34 points and 8 rebounds, Ricky Rubio demanded respect on his name with 18 points and 11 rebounds (yes, rebounds), and John Wall did his thing with 19 points, 13 assists, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. A shocking 45 point 4th quarter roars us back from a huge deficit to pull away for the critical opening victory as we ride the enthusiasm of the home crowd. Milwaukee 102 Washington 117 Game 2 I still can't believe we lost this game in OT. Just look at this box score. Suffice to say I'm pretty pissed about this loss. Game 3 We've thrown away home court advantage and now have to try and rally in the Bradley Center. As it turns out, we're the only team that failed to defend homecourt in the East. 21 points, 14 assists, and 8 rebounds from John Wall aren't even close to enough when Giannis is rampaging for 31 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, and Ersan Illayova contributes 14 points, 7 boards off the bench in an ugly defense fest. Washington 83 Milwaukee 99 Game 4 It's the rare game Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't flirt with a triple-double, but he hangs 31 points and 17 rebounds on us anyway, with 5 blocks to boot. Khris Middleton continues to torment with 23 points and 5 steals, but 22 points from Ricky Rubio and John Wall's 17 points and 10 assists, plus just enough help from everyone else gets us over the line just enough to walk out with HCA once more in our back pocket. Washington 94 Milwaukee 91 Boston swept Orlando and Golden State did the same to Houston (no challenge this year!). The biggest surprises - Kawhi Leonard waking up and leading Toronto to a 2-2 dogfight with Indiana in the East, and the Minnesota Timberwolves so unified they've got Russell Westbrook's Thunder on the 1-3 ropes. Game 5 For once, a drama free game goes our way. They score the opening bucket, and then we control it going away thanks to John Wall's 25 points, 14 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals and Robert Covington and Jeff Green of all people scoring 14 and 11 off the bench respectively. Yes, Giannis put up 24/11/7/2/3 and Khris Middleton netted 23 points and 8 rebounds, but our bench play was just far too superior in this vital win. Milwaukee 100 Washington 113 The 76ers showed Atlanta the door, and I'm surprised the Hawks even got one win. New Orleans, Jackson Ayorinde's favorite to challenge Golden State, shoved aside the Clippers in 5, and Minnesota completes the shocker by upsetting the Thunder in Oklahoma City. Okay, I guess you chuckleheads were right not to trade me Jimmy Butler after all. Game 6 Getting in the passing game is Khris Middleton with 22 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals - what an amazing series he's had. Giannis Antetokounmpo does his thing with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Ersan Illyasova and Christian Wood combine for 22 points off the bench. But it's not enough as Evan Furnier gets God damned sick and tired of being picked on all series and blows up for 33 points and 7 rebounds to earn PotG honors. John Wall scores 21 with 16 assists, and 3 bench players break double digit points: D.J. Augustin (10) Ed Davis (12 in stepping for Mohamed Bamba, who fouled out in 18 minutes), and of course, Robert Covington (14). Washington 109 Milwaukee 99 We're on to the second round, boys!!!! The King James era is over as the eternally great San Antonio Spurs dismiss the Lakers in 6. Toronto fights for a Game 7, and 8 beats 1, 121-105 in Indiana!!! HOLY (EXPLETIVE)!!!!!! Kawhi Leonard with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. What a playoffs already! __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)