Fixing the Washington Wizards: Six Steps to Glory

After embracing first-round playoff mediocrity for the past few season, the Wizards have taken giant steps backwards this season. Yes, this backslide has a lot to do with injuries to Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood. 

But it goes deeper. 

The Wizards have been operating in the also-ran zone for at least a quarter of a century. This year they have simply hit rock bottom. If you really want a legitimate NBA team in Washington DC, here are six steps to glory.

1. Abe Must Go

Yes, we all appreciate all the wonderful charity work the Pollin's have done and how many owners build a new arena revitalizing a city and don't ask for a penny from the local government. 

Abe is a good person. But Abe is not a smart basketball owner.  25 years of mediocre to bad teams led by Susan O'Malley, Gene Shue, Wes Unseld, Kevin Loughery, Jim Lynam, Ledell Eackles, Manute Bol and Bob Ferry speaks for itself.

This fish rots at the head and Ted Leonsis waiting in the wings seems like a nice option.

2. Grunfeld Must Go

Ernie made some good decisions early on. Winning the Arenas bidding war, cultivating Caron Butler, getting Jamison for nothing. All good. Then he shut it down, content on first round playoff exits.

No trades that get value for an aging Jamison, awful draft picks, failing to resign Roger Mason, no nothing.  But blame it all on Eddie Jordan and fire him with no real "whats next" plan? Give me a break.

3. Get a Point Guard

Who runs the Wizards offense?  Perhaps Gilbert, when healthy, but he is much more effective at the 2. Javaris Crittenton and Mike James?  See step No. 2 above.  The Wizards need someone to run the show and distribute.  Seems like former Wizard Steve Blake is doing that quite effectively out in Portland.  See step No. 2 above.

4. Change the Chemistry

Even if this roster is healthy, its not good enough.  The pieces don't fit.  Gilbert is not a point guard. Caron is not a shooting guard.  Haywood doesn't score enough.  Jamison is old. Blatche, Etan Thomas, Young and the rest of the litter are inconsistent at best. 

The Wiz don't need to blow it up but they need to do something big that involves anyone but Arenas.  Saying the Wizards have the right pieces already is like saying coal is clean.

5. Don't Give Up on Gilbert

I am not one to criticize the resigning of Gilbert Arenas for over $100 million.  He is the only legitimate star of the franchise since Moses Malone circa '86 putting up 22 and 11 numbers every night.

He can drop 30 with little effort. Others have come back from worse injuries. The gamble has already been taken and with the right role players he can still be a star.

6. Back to the Bullets

Raise your hand if you think the name Wizards is stupid. There was never anything wrong with the Bullets.  Yes, Abe had good intentions not glorifying the violence.  Who cares. The uniforms were better. 

The Bullets are Elvin Hayes, Bullets Fever and Tiny the dachshund mascot who pulled a miniature chuckwagon around the court during halftime and timeouts. The Wizards are a fat G-Wiz. Enough.

If you want to enter the Verizon Center feeling like you might get your money's worth, heed my words.