Wizards Can Stand Tall Over Opponents
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By DERON SNYDER
Wes Unseld embodied toughness for the Washington Bullets throughout the ‘70s, providing an imposing presence in the paint. The same was true of the “Bruise Brothers,” Jeff Ruland and Rick Mahorn, whose picks and elbows were a menace to opponents in the early ‘80s.
No one is suggesting that the 2011-12 Wizards will remind you of your father’s Bullets. But whatever Washington lacks in might, it has the potential to overcome through height.
“It’s intimidating to look at our team,” owner Ted Leonsis said Thursday during the Wizards’ media day at Verizon Center. “We go 7-feet, 6-11, 6-11, and we’re bringing guys who are 6-11 off the bench. Our 6-9 and 6-8 players play with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. It’s a big person’s league.”
Guards and wings get most of the NBA love. But the best way to stop them, or slow them down, or prevent second-shot opportunities, is with formidable bigs near the basket.
That could be a Wizards’ strong point this season.
