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Washington Wizards 2003-04 Player Review(25+ games)
Washington Wizards 2003-04 Player Review
Gilbert Arenas - Was sometimes the only offense during games for us. Last year he was the Most Improved Player by honing his fundamentals. This year he honed more of the advanced points of basketball such as ball handling, slashing, three point shooting, and anticipating passes. The skills really did show while he was healthy and ready to lead his team. He also prooved to be clutch in the final minutes of play. The only negative things you could say about him this season were his turnovers, his attitude, and his FG%. But all of those can be easily brought up if he works hard enough.
Overall Performance: 82% B-
Larry Hughes - Larry was probably the MVP of this season primarily due because he lead the Wizards while Arenas and Stackhouse were out. He was considered a role player to help Arenas and Stack, but he turned up his game while they were out including a 43 point showing, the Wizards season high points by a player. His attitude was always positive. Throughout the little injuries he kept seeming to get he still fought back to keep his Wizards in playoff contention even though it didn't seem reachable. He improved a lot this year and should be good for next season. Even though his rather gunning shot and ofensive fouls were random at some games, he was still the Wizard who lead the way through tough times.
Overall Performance: 90% A-
Jerry Stackhouse - Poor ol' Jerry had to deal with knee surgery early in the season which kept the Wizards from having their dangerous trio play together for much of the season. He came back about half way through the season even though he wasn't 100%. Heck, he wasn't even 70%. But you have to give him props because he just wanted to get on the court and try to help his teammates win some games. He got adapted to the offense EJ was trying to implement and this led to more passing by him, but that led to more turnovers. He seemed to not be as confident with his passing as he had been in previous seasons and threw away a lot of easy looks. This year was a really tough year for Stack, but I'm glad he tried to help his team in any way he could.
Overall Performance: 65% D
Kwame Brown - Our future star PF has really improved this season. His offensive game flew into another level as his post moved improved VASTLY. But that's not to say his defensive game didn't either. He stopped many elite PF's such as Chris Webber and Jermaine O'Neal. When you look at this guy's future you can see nothing but good things. He lead the Wizards in rebounds per game. His attitude was awesome besides the disputes with him and Arenas. He will be our primary offensive threat in the post for years to come.
Overall Performance: 86% B
Brendan Haywood - Our big man was also another player who improved greatly on the offensive end. He is improving his jump hook and it's looking sweet. When you 7' tall and you can shoot the jump hook well you can't be stopped. His defense is just as good as last year. He is one of the fierce shot blockers the Wizards have and knows when to block and when not to. His catching is still a big negative, but I wouldn't be surprised if the big men coaches worked with him a lot about that aspect of his game.
Overall Performance: 78% C+
Jarvis Hayes - Our rookie SF really came out with a bang the first part pf season. He has some explosive offensive games and it seemed like he couldn't miss with his shot. As the year went on, he seemed to have hit the rookie year and got into the injuries but nonetheless, he bounced back and came off the bench with intensity. I really liked his offensive game. He can shoot well of the dribble and can finish strong on fast breaks. What I'm worried about is his consistancy, but then again he is just a rookie.
Overall Performance: 74% C
Etan Thomas - Recently voted to the All-Lunchpail Team, which is made for guys on losing or otherwise forgotten squads that are doing work night in and night out, Etan has had a pretty exciting season as a reserve. I give Etan the Most Improved Wizard award. This year he has had a more ferocious mindset on both sides of the court. He lead the Wizards with 1.58 blocks per game. He was also 2nd in rebounding. His dunks just keep coming no matter where he is in the post.
Overall Performance: 84% B
Steve Blake - Probably one of the best steals in the 2nd round of the 2004 Draft. While Arenas was hurt, he helped lead the Wizards down the floor. He likes to run a lot and since the Wizards are so young it probably is the way to go. Critics thought he didn't have a good enough shot to do very good in the league, but he shot the lights out some nights. As a rookie point guard, he had his troubles with almost 2 turnovers to only about 3 assists, but he has potential to be a valuable back-up guard.
Overall Performance: 70% C-
Jared Jeffries - Injured most of his rookie year, this year was really his rookie year to him. He was the only Wizards to play in all 82 games which is pretty amazing considering he only played about 25 games last season. He was quiet the beginning of the season, but later in the season he was given the starting position to fill in for the hurt Stack and Hayes and put good use to it. He has a knack for getting rebounds no matter where they are. What I didn't like this season about Jeffries was that he doesn't have any offensive talent. He gets lost in the post and sometimes takes ugly outside shots. Look for him to improve his offensive game over the summer.
Overall Performance: 61% D-
Christian Laettner - This veteran forward has really stepped into a mentor role to the younger Wizards. I don't think it is really time for him though. He has a dead-on 15 footer and has a great basketball IQ. But the talent in the young big men on this team just overshadow Laettner's ability to do more than he can. I don't expect Laettner to be with the Wizards next season, but he did mentor the Wizard's players well.
Overall Performance: 68% D+
Juan Dixon - Maryland star must of had a fun season playing with his 2 Maryland teammates. He had a decent season as a spark off the bench like last year. 3rd in steals on the Wizards, Juan played suffocating defense which turned to many steals and points for the Wizards. His shot was a little more streaky this year, but he still improved from his rookie season.
Overall Performance: 71% C-
Mitchell Butler - The veteran guard of the Wizards was probably the most influential while on the floor. He was always helping the younger players. He set a good example on how to run the offense and when to take shots. I don't know where he'll be next year, but I'd like him to be with the Wizards still mentoring the younger players.
Overall Performance: 60% D-
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Washington Wizards 2003-04 Player Review(25+ games)
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