Washington Wizards: Time to Panic

Washington Wizards General Manager Ernie Geunfeld is making some questionable decisions this offseason.

Usually, I’m pretty neutral on the Wizards’ moves during the offseason and during the season. However, General Manager Ernie Grunfeld may possibly make a decision that could ultimately cost him his job. That decision is to give Joakim Noah a maximum contract.

Why would anyone think that this is a good idea is beyond me. I love Noah as an energy and hustle type of player, but in what world is he worth a max contract? Apparently this one, according to Grunfeld. Noah only averages 9.3 PPG over the life nine NBA seasons. 9.4 RPG sounds great, but if he isn’t an elite scorer from the block, then the Wizards will have some major issues.

As seen in this picture, Noah is injured. His shoulder still bothers him. I don’t get why the Wizards, who have made foolish decisions in the past on signing injured players, would attempt to sign another one. Oh yeah, by the way, Noah is 31 years old. That’s not young for a ball player.

I couldn’t list how many horrible moves that he has made since he’s been Washington’s GM…or maybe I could:

• Jordan Clarkson – (who’s a combo guard that the Wizards so desperately need) in the 2014 NBA Draft. They would trade Clarkson away for cash considerations to the Los Angeles Lakers. Clarkson is now averaging 10.2 PPG and 2.8 AST for Los Angeles.

• Peter John Ramos – Standing 7’3 and drafted in 2004. Averaged 1.8 points and 0.7 rebounds in 6 games. He barely touched the floor and was in and out of the D-League. He would be released in 2006.

• Andray Blatche – Signing him to a big deal was a horrible decision because of his weight issues and lack of hustle on the court.

• JaVale McGee – McGee averaged 8.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks as a Wizard. Grunfeld passed on Ryan Anderson, Serge Ibaka, and Nicholas Batum.

• Jan Vesely – At 6’ll, Vesely was drafted as a Small Forward to be a running mate for John Wall.  He ended up moving to Power Forward and was a complete bust. Also, he was pushed around on the block on a regular basis.

• Oleksiy Pecherov – Drafted with #18 Pick of the 2006 Draft. Passed up on Rajon Rondo and Kyle Lowry. The 7’0 Pecherov was supposed to be a standout or the next Dirk Nowitzki, as thought by some in the Wizards’ camp. In three seasons he only averaged 3.9 points.

• They trade for a 1st round draft pick in 2007 from the Memphis Grizzlies and then the following year and gave back the pick. This was through a 3-team trade with the New Orleans Hornets. They would receive Mike James and Javaris Crittenton (who is now in prison for murder).

Now we get to the fun part:

• He gave a 4-year extension to a 32-year old Antawn Jamison for $50 Million.

• Signing an injured Gilbert Arenas to $111 Million for 6 years. His knee problems were well-documented.

• Grunfeld traded the #5 Pick in the 2009 Draft for Mike Miller and Randy Foye. He passed up on Steph Curry, Ricky Rubio, and Brandon Jennings by trading away this pick.

• Traded away a first round pick for Markieff Morris (We’ll see how this one works out).

Next: Washington Wizards Draft Preview

All that I must ask Ernie is, why have you forsaken the Wizards? This team could be so much better without his boneheaded decisions. I understand that hindsight is 20/20, but some of these moves shouldn’t have been made at all. He could correct those decisions this offseason if he gets a big time 2-way player. That remains to be seen, so as of right now, if you are a Wizards fan, it’s time to panic.