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Washington Wizards: Time to Panic

ByKyle Andrews|
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) sits on the bench during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) sits on the bench during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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 giveJoakim Noaha maximum contract.

Wizards supposedly offering Joakim Noah 4 years/120M.

Meanwhile, Robin Lopez for 3years/41M looks pretty good.https://t.co/nHzHhPwrMP

— Dan Molloy (@DanMolloyTV)June 24, 2016

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.

Jan 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dislocating his shoulder against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dislocating his shoulder against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

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.
  • Jan Vesely– At 6’ll, Vesely was drafted as a Small Forward to be a running mate forJohn 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 nextDirk 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 receiveMike JamesandJavaris 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 oldAntawn Jamisonfor $50 Million.
  • Signing an injuredGilbert Arenasto $111 Million for 6 years. His knee problems were well-documented.
  • Traded away a first round pick forMarkieff 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.

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