Within a larger story on the Clippers this week, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer suggested that the Wizards want to trade Spencer Dinwiddie in part because “his teammates don’t want him there.” It’s an eyebrow-raising claim that’s presented as an aside and isn’t attributed to sources, so it’s unclear how seriously we should take it.
There have perhaps been some recent hints that Dinwiddie’s teammates in D.C. haven’t fully embraced him. As we relayed over the weekend, the veteran point guard stated after Saturday’s game that his attempt to be a vocal leader in the locker room earlier in the season “wasn’t necessarily welcomed.”
Asked on Monday about those comments, Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. said he was unsure whether they were directed at the coaching staff or Dinwiddie’s teammates, per Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. Unseld, who said he thinks everyone in the locker room gets along, said that even if the staff doesn’t implement a player’s suggestions, that doesn’t mean those suggestions were “unwelcomed.”
“I think I’ve been open from Day 1 to suggestions from our guys, vets that have been around,” Unseld said. “I’m not sure who [Dinwiddie’s comments were] pointed to. I don’t know if that was directed at staff or teammates, or I’m not sure who that was pointed to, but I think it’s great. I think the more communication we can have and they can have amongst themselves [the better].”
As we keep an eye on the Dinwiddie situation, here’s more from around the Southeast:
- In a column for The Charlotte Observer, Rod Boone argues that the Hornets must make a move at the trade deadline to upgrade their center position. While Boone isn’t advocating for selling the farm, he believes the team would squander a golden opportunity for “significant growth” this season if it stands pat.
- As Victor Oladipo inches closer to a return from last year’s quad tendon surgery, his Heat teammates are encouraged by how he has looked in practices, says Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. “I’ve seen enough to know he’s definitely better than he was last year,” Udonis Haslem said last week. “I haven’t seen any limping. I haven’t seen a lack of confidence. I haven’t seen everything so I can’t make a fair assessment. He looks pretty [good] about where he’s headed.”
- Hawks guard Trae Young, dealing with a right shoulder contusion, sat out Monday’s game vs. Toronto, but the team is hopeful he won’t miss much – if any – more time. “He tried to go out and warm up and wasn’t feeling good, so we’ll give him these next two days to recover,” head coach Nate McMillan said (Twitter link via Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
30.5 mins, 4.5 reb, 5.7 ast, 1.6 tov, 13.2 Pts
These are his stats this yr. Not great but solid. His shooting %s are down. But as you can see he takes care of ball, no mistakes. And his efficiency FG is decent. At this point Wiz are 23-27 same as Knicks.
Now I’m a Dinwiddie guy. Seriously I have not watched him but a few of times. The article claims he’s not back from injury. But those stats say different. Now I don’t know why he wouldn’t get along with his team. Cause he’s never had issues before. He was the Nets leader and closer. Now I can see him still working his way back. Definitely going to watch some gms now. If he’s healthy which by now he should be. Those numbers on Knicks. Sharing the PG with Rose makes us much better. Wash wants to get rid of him then we should be, at least checking him out. Kembas contract is worth 4 mill next yr. So they can get rid of Dinwiddie contract. We’ll throw in 2 second rd picks.
Definitely going to look into this story. And see if has real legs.
Dinwiddie’s a good point guard and I agree NY should be going after him. He’s the wrong PG for Washington. His numbers are great in the games that Beal has missed because it’s hard for a PG to run the floor with a ball dominant/iso off guard. NY doesn’t have a ball dominating guard like Beal so Dinwiddie can be a true general there. RJ and Fournier both like catch and shoot. They just need someone who can throw the right pass.
The article does not state Dinwiddie is still injured lol. He last played 2 days ago.
There are rumors. That he is a shell of himself. The story is out there. Also claims that players don’t like him.
link to sportskeeda.com
Historically players coming from this injury. Are better in second yr. Is what I’ve read. But he only had a partial tear. So I would think by now he should be getting much better, health wise.
Kevin O’Connor always presents things without sources. It’s what he does
OConnor’s source may be only Beal, who is in a contract year. If he heard Beal’s take, he may not bother getting anyone else’s.
Oladipo being better than last year is not exactly a high threshold. Hope he has fully healed before he returns.
Funny how WAS is a much worst team this year than last season as I always said they would be… no rocket science when you swap a top player for a bunch of average dudes, depth is overrated, you need stars & getting rid of your best player of last season never is a good move, unless you get a better player for him, which it would be very rare!