12 Oct 95. NY Knicks 110, Washington Bullets 88 (pre-season record: 0-1)
Game leaders: Howard, Cheaney (17 points), Duckworth (10 rebounds), Webber (6 assists)

The Washington Bullets were blown out of their first pre-season game of the season. It wasn't even close, as they fell behind by over 20 points in the first quarter and never really had a chance to catchup. Turnovers were plentiful, shooting was atrocious (except for Cheaney). I'd rather forget this game.

By now, you may have been hearing about a possible three-way deal that would send Don MacLean to Boston and bring Isaiah Rider to the Bullets. It's probably dead now, as the Timberwolves have signed Terry Porter. But Chris Webber continues to push for the acquisition of Rider, even if this isn't the deal. The holdup supposedly isn't GM John Nash, but executive vice president (and former coach) Wes Unseld. The stories that Unseld is hearing from current Wolves head coach (and former Bullets assistant coach) Bill Blair is causing Unseld pause.

I almost agree that Rider's attitudinal problems (on and off the court) make him a shaky acquisition. But his talent is oh-so-apparent, and he would bring another outside shooter (and slasher) to this team. Stay tuned here for more updates.

17 Oct 95. Chicago Bulls 112, Washington Bullets 87 (pre-season record: 0-2)
Game leaders: Howard (17 points), Duckworth (9 rebounds), Overton, B. Price (4 assists)

Another of the ugly games. At least the Bullets stayed in this game until the half. Without Webber in the second half, the team fell apart. Scary to think that our leading rebounder is Duckworth, the man the Bullets are desperately trying to trade. Scouts from three teams (Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks) were at the game to watch Duckworth.

I'm sure you want to know about the Webber fight. Just before the end of the half, Luc Longley of the Bulls and Webber got in a shoving match that escalated into some thrown punches. The rough stuff had been going on all game and boiled over at that point. As a side issue, Rasheed Wallace threw the ball at Longley during the scuffle, but wasn't ejected; Webber and Longley were. More from the NBA office later.

Well, guess who got traded? Kevin Duckworth. The Milwaukee Bucks, desperate at the center position, acquired Duckworth for essentially a ham-and-cheese sandwich (otherwise known as forward Bob McCann). The Bullets also agreed to pay most of Duckworth's salary, though Duckworth's salary will count against the Bucks cap. It is doubtful that McCann will make the Bullets roster.

Luckily for the Bullets, they are now down to 12 guaranteed contracts and have some space under the cap. But don't look for them to sign a free agent; the market has pretty much been cleaned out. But they have a glaring need--backup PG--that has been exposed by the injury to Mark Price. Their lack of point production can be traced, at least in part, to turnover and shooting problems at the PG position. MacLean for Robert Pack, anyone? (I've been wanting this one for a while, although never stated here; who cares if we have 4 PGs on the roster, we need at least 2 competent PGs!)

Well, a couple of negatives have come out of the Longley/Webber fight on Tuesday. First, Webber has been fined $7,500 and suspended for one regular season game. He will miss the season opener at Philadelphia on November 3. Also, Wallace was fined $5,000, but not suspended, for his participation in the incident.

More cautionary, however, is that Webber awoke the day after the incident with a sore left shoulder that had limited range of motion. Odds are, he reinjured the shoulder he separated last December, though the severity of the reinjury is currently unknown. He has since participated in other practices, but it raises some questions about how susceptible this shoulder will be to future problems. If it continues to cause problems, surgery on the shoulder may be necessary. Keep your fingers crossed on this one.

17 Oct 95. Washington Bullets 109, Indiana Pacers 99 (pre-season record: 1-2)
Game leaders: Howard (19 points), Howard, Wallace, McIlvaine (6 rebounds), Cheaney (5 assists)

Well, the Bullets finnaly win a game. But not without a price. Chris Webber, after scoring 8 points and collecting 5 rebounds in the first 10 minutes of the game, re-separated his left shoulder. He did it reaching in to strip the ball from a driving Reggie Miller. This is exactly what I feared might happen to Webber (see previous tidbit). This is a major problem. At the very least, he is probably going to need corrective surgery to reset and possibly strengthen the joint, though there is no guarantee that this will prevent future problems.

Looking at the positives for the game, the Bullets shot over 50% from the floor, held the Pacers under 40%, and had 6 players in double figures (including 3 reserves). The players continued to step it up, even without Webber available. McIlvaine played well defensively, including 5 blocked shots in the 2nd quarter (6 total for the game). A couple of concerns that cross my mind in the three pre-season games thus far. 1) Muresan is struggling with his play, especially avoiding fouls. He's not getting extensive minutes and staying out of foul trouble. 2) The backup PGs are not getting the job done. They aren't dishing out the assists too well, turning the ball over, and generally not shooting well. And with Mark Price probably being a day-to-day question mark on playing, the Bullets need a PG they can count on. I don't believe that they have one on the roster.

As a side note, for those of you who continue to believe that Webber is a jerk, wake up and smell the coffee. After the Indiana team doctor treated Webber and reset the shoulder, Webber asked the doctor if the doctor's son was at the game. Webber then gave the doctor his shoes to give to the son. Further, Webber then suggested that the doctor bring his son down so that Webber could autograph the shoes.

Yes, Webber may rant and rave on the court when he makes a good play. Tell me a player among the Young Turks (including Grant Hill and Penny Hardaway) who doesn't. But off the court, he is responsible and kind. This is the player that the Bullets have seen since trading for him.

23 Oct 95. Washington Bullets 99, Toronto Raptors 89 (pre-season record: 2-2)
Game leaders: Howard (20 points), Howard (11 rebounds), B. Price (9 assists)

Well, it's another win for the Bullets. Some quick points from the game: 1) Muresan avoided foul trouble in this game and played over 30 minutes. Odds are, the season will be filled with on-again, off-again nights for Muresan. 2) While Price dished the ball well, both PGs continue to shoot poorly and turn the ball over. I don't think Mark Price can return any too soon. 3) Wallace will be the starting PF for the Bullets when the season starts. Don MacLean will come off the bench, and Howard will continue to play SF.

With that said, Howard is showing that he's a stud. He's holding up well at the SF position (offensively and defensively) and is definitely the best player on this team right now. He will be the leader while Webber is out. And this is probably a good thing, because he will rock solid, game in and game out. It's great to have him on this team.

The Webber shoulder injury saga continues. He wants independent medical advice on his situation, and I don't blame him. But he's just putting himself at further risk (see Dale Davis for a recent example) if he chooses the rehabilitation path this season (over surgery). Especially if the Bullets are closing in on a playoff spot and he reinjures the shoulder. You know how I feel (surgery now), let's see what he decides.

Also, for those who have questions, the Bullets will have 6 unrestricted free agents after next season: Juwan Howard, Mitchell Butler, Don MacLean, Jim McIlvaine, Doug Overton, and Mark Price. If Kevin Duckworth returns to the Bullets (the Bucks have until October 26 to decide if his sore knee will pass the physical or not), that will make 7 free agents. Nash will have a fun time redoing the roster for next season.

Also, as far as I can determine, they have no draft picks next year. They sent 1st round picks in 1996, 1998, and 2000 to Golden State to acquire Webber. They received a 1996 1st round pick and cash in exchange for a 1996 2nd round pick when they acquired Scott Skiles. They sent a 1996 1st round pick to Cleveland to acquire Mark Price. They acquired two 1997 2nd round picks (LA Laker and NY Knicks) in exchange for a 1995 2nd round pick. The only possibility next year is that the Bullets might get a 2nd round pick from Charlotte; they sent Michael Adams to Charlotte in 1994 in exchange for two future 2nd round picks (though I'm unsure of which year). So don't expect a Bullets draft party next season. Though definitely plan on that Juwan Howard re-signing party.

Two medical updates to pass along. First, Chris Webber has opted for the rehabilitation course of action, and not surgery, for his dislocated shoulder (no, it's no longer dislocated, just loose). He is expected to be out 5-6 weeks, although doctors and team officials suggest that there is no timetable, only that the rehabilitation be successful. He won't return to the Bullets lineup before December.

It should be further noted that Mark Price is not responding to therapy and the inflammation and pain still exists. He cannot even perform light running or shooting drills. He is probably going to get another cortizone shot in the affected area, hopefully deadening much of the pain. But it doesn't solve the problem, and doctors are stumped.

Does anybody else wonder what kind of advice the Bullets training staff is dispensing to its athletes? Is this why Webber sought outside consultation before submitting to the team doctor? Why are the Bullets so wracked with injuries, year in and year out? You're better off not trying to ponder the imponderables.

25 Oct 95. Detroit Pistons 98, Washington Bullets 89 (pre-season record: 2-3)
Game leaders: Howard, MacLean (15 points), Wallace (9 rebounds), Overton (5 assists)

Suffice it to say, the Bullets shot under 50% and allowed the other team to shoot over 50%. It's hard to win games like that. The PGs shot better in this game, but it still wasn't enough. Howard continues his solid play, bench play outside of MacLean is shaky (and MacLean doesn't alway show up).

26 Oct 95. Minnesota Timberwolves 119, Washington Bullets 110 (pre-season record: 2-4)
Game leaders: MacLean (25 points), Howard, Wallace McIlvaine (6 rebounds), B. Price (9 assists)

Well, this was an ugly mess. The Bullets fall behind big early because of numerous turnovers and poor shooting, then the rally is cut short by injuries to key personnel. Three Bullets scored over 20 points (MacLean, Howard, Cheaney), but only one other player scored in double figures (McIlvaine, 12 points). The consistency was not there, so they lose another game.

The injuries should really both you. Overton sprains his left ankle in the first half and doesn't return. Cheaney pulls his right hamstring during a fourth quarter rally. So, now the Bullets have 5 injured players that may be out for several games: Cheaney, Legler, Overton, M. Price, and Webber. All figured to get significant playing time with the Bullets this year. Overton's early injury meant that Mitchell Butler spent some time on the court playing PG. What to do, what to do...

The Duckworth trade is final, despite the fact that Duckworth is going in for immediate arthroscopic surgery on his knee. The Bucks were obviously desperate for a big body to plug into center. That means Bob McCan got some playing time last night, and responded with 3 blocks and 2 rebounds. But with all of the injuries, he might actually remain on the roster.

28 Oct 95. San Antonio Spurs 125, Washington Bullets 107 (pre-season record: 2-5)
Game leaders: Howard (20 points), Howard (9 rebounds), B. Price (8 assists)

It was ugly. It wasn't close early, the obviously superior Spurs ran away with this one. The opponent once again shot over 50% from the field and outrebounded (significantly) the Bullets. Overton and Cheaney both sat out this game.

The one positive is that the Bullets shot well from 3-point range (11 of 15), including the rookie big forwards Wallace and Webster (2 for 2 each). But it wasn't enough to make up for the poor defense early. Maybe they'll stand a better chance tomorrow against the Pistons. But don't hold your breath.

29 Oct 95. Detroit Pistons 110, Washington Bullets 99 (pre-season record: 2-6)
Game leaders: Howard (23 points), Wallace (10 rebounds), B. Price (6 assists)

Well, I hope you didn't hold your breath too long. The Bullets once again fell behind early, caught up just before halftime, and were nip-and-tuck the rest of the way until their patented late 4th quarter collapse. Tonight, they didn't defend the 3-point arc well and didn't shoot well from it. Further, they didn't rebound well. Hence, they lose.

Tim Legler played his first game of the pre-season today, but was of limited effectiveness because of stomach flu. Don MacLean didn't play at all with the stomach flu. (What's up with this team's medical staff? Can't they tell them, don't drink the water and don't breath the air?) Cheaney and Overton again sat out this game. At least this hellacious road trip (6 games in 10 nights, with the last 8 days on the road) is over. Time to prepare for the regular season start at Philadelphia on November 3.

Okay, time to assess these Washington Bullets. In a word, it's ugly. Mark Price, more than likely, will not play the first few games of the season. Chris Webber is out for a minimum of a month. That's two-fifths of what should have been a very solid starting 5 (with Gheorghe Muresan, Juwan Howard, and Calbert Cheaney). Even Calbert Cheaney will probably be of limited effectiveness with a pulled hamstring.

That means what should have been a solid bench (MacLean, Wallace, Legler/Butler, B. Price/Overton) has to fill in the gaps in the starting lineup and leaves a shallower bench. B. Price and Overton both showed that they don't belong in the NBA, but they're here because management hasn't deigned to get anyone else (because they locked Overton and Price into guaranteed contracts). I don't think we'd see any other team eager to sign those two if they were cut. The Bullets need a real backup PG; while Mitchell Butler doesn't fit the bill, he's a better defensive player than the other two and will probably get some significant try-outs (unfortunately, during games) to see if he might provide a spark.

If you can't tell, I'm extremely pessimistic about the start for the Bullets. But I see one-and-a-half bright spots for the Bullets thus far. One is Juwan Howard. He gives his all every night. And he has great skills and is very knowledgeable about the game. The half star is Rasheed Wallace. He shows his youth and inexperience often. But he has a load of talent, and the peeks at it are spectacular. He should grow immensely by sharing the starting floor with Juwan Howard. We'll see.

Provided the injury situation for the Bullets doesn't change over the week, the Bullets prospects don't look good. Mark Price will probably play a maximum of 55 games this year (off and on with the injury). Webber will return in December, play about an month-and-a-half before re-injuring the shoulder, finishing his season. Wallace will be named rookie of the month in February. Juwan Howard will be an All Star alternate. Jimmy Lynam, and probably John Nash, will not return next season. The Bullets are looking at a better record than last season, but it still will be 31-51, not good enough to make the playoffs. And I have to suffer through some of the uglier games as a season ticket holder. *sigh*

Well, Nash has done it to me again. But it's a deal I really like. The Bullets sent Don MacLean and Doug Overton to the Denver Nuggets for point guard Robert Pack and future condsiderations (whatever those might be). Pack is young (26), has playoff experience (remember the Denver's upset of Seattle two years ago?), and plays an aggressive, up-tempo game. Expect him inserted into the Bullets lineup quickly. His career stats:

Yr    Tm   FGA  FGM   FG%  FTA  FTM   FT%   3PA  3PM  3FG%   
PPG
91-92 Por  272  115  42.3  127  102  80.3    10    0   0.0   4.6
92-93 Den  606  285  47.0  311  239  76.8     8    1  12.5  10.5
93-94 Den  503  223  44.3  236  179  75.8    29    6  20.7   9.6
94-95 Den  395  170  43.0  175  137  78.3    72   30  41.7  12.1
Totals    1776  793  44.7  849  657  77.4   119   37  31.1   8.9

Yr       G   Min   MPG   Reb   Ast  Blk   St   TO   PF(DQ)
91-92   72   894  12.4    97   140    4   40   92  101 (0)
92-93   77  1579  20.5   160   335   10   81  185  182 (1)
93-94   66  1382  20.9   123   356    9   81  204  147 (1)
94-95   42  1144  27.2   113   290    6   61  134  101 (1)
Totals 257  4999  19.5   493  1121   29  263  615  531 (3)

Other recent news: The Bullets will probably start the season with both Webber and Mark Price on injured reserve. Both players must miss a minimum of 5 games before be reactivated. Looking at the Bullets roster, they now have a player shortfall (Thomas Elliott and AJ English were cut yesterday). The Bullets are going to start the season with Webber and Mark Price on the IR. This is the probable roster on Friday:

Starters: Muresan, Wallace, Howard, Pack, Cheaney
Bench: McIlvaine, Jeff Webster, Bob McCann, Butler, Legler, Brent Price
IR: Webber, Mark Price

In case you can't add, that only adds up to 11 on the active roster. But these are the only players left on the Bullets roster after yesterday's cuts (and probable IR assignments). Boy, is that frontcourt weak. McIlvaine is the first front court player off the bench. Expect to see a lot of three guard lineups on the court until Webber returns. Could Anthony Tucker get a return ticket?

I still don't change my predictions for the year (yet). But I think Pack is a very positive addition to this team, and could be with the Bullets for a long time. Get ready for Friday's game (stuff those Sixers).

wtf 30 October 1995

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