<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Etan Thomas will be the Washington Wizards' starting center, coach Eddie Jordan announced yesterday, a decision that does not sit well with backup Brendan Haywood or his agent. While Haywood was unavailable for comment shortly after Jordan went public with his decision, agent Andy Miller said his client felt the decision was made along personal lines -- not based on performance -- and indicated Haywood may want out of Washington.</div> Source
Yeah, after last tuesday's game against the Pistons, Etan had the clear advantage. He should be able to wear down Ilgauskas and get hustle out there. Good setup to bring in Brendan Haywood off the bench and fresh.
Thomas' elevation angers Haywood <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Etan Thomas will be the Washington Wizards' starting center, coach Eddie Jordan announced yesterday, a decision that does not sit well with backup Brendan Haywood or his agent. While Haywood was unavailable for comment shortly after Jordan went public with his decision, agent Andy Miller said his client felt the decision was made along personal lines -- not based on performance -- and indicated Haywood may want out of Washington. "He's got a contract that he's going to live up to, but this doesn't bode well for his future in Washington beyond the contract," Miller said of Haywood. "I'd like to seem him treated with the optimum level of respect, and that's not going to happen in Washington. I don't know how this situation is going to unfold." Jordan explained his reasons for naming Thomas the starter shortly after Haywood outperformed Thomas in practice. "I'm ashamed to say it, but Brendan kicked his [rear] up and down the court, but that's a good thing," Jordan said. "What we saw as the preseason wound down with all of our evaluations and what we heard from our core players was that Etan showed a bit more force and a little more aggressiveness in terms of what we're looking for to protect the rim and the paint. "Brendan is a pro, and I told him I want him to continue to compete, and he will. That spot is always going to be competitive. It was an agonizing decision." </div> Link Brendan better be more aggressive in the paint, if he wants to start over Etan. I think the decision to start Etan was legit, looking at the player units. Sad to see that Brendan is acting up again.
Haywood vs Etan: Haywood is 7'0, Etan is 6'9 - 6'10 Haywood is a better offensive rebounder Etan is a better defensive rebounder, and overall rebounder Haywood is a slightly better shot blocker They have about equal scoring output, Etan a little more, though skill-wise I guess you could say Haywood is better. Etan brings more energy when he's on the floor, and they both foul a lot. I personally prefer Etan as the starter due to his defensive rebounding. Haywood has decent value in the league, but won't get this team a player that can help more than having him does. He needs to accept his role and play himself back into it.
