Shooting for that ring
Hi everybody,
Since Gilbert Arenas no longer wants to blog, I guess it’s my turn now. You can read me here throughout the season with my thoughts on the Wizards, the NBA and more. So here were go. Hope you like it.
You know this has been kind of a different preseason for us in Washington. We had a coaching change and that obviously affects the whole thing. Besides, I see a more focused team this time around. I mean, this locker room is still unlike any other I’ve been in the NBA in that guys are real fun, we have a good time and root for each other. But it’s a little different from years past. I definitely think we’re a championship contender now and my teammates do too, so there’s a more serious approach to things that maybe wasn’t there before. Not as many jokes and laughs as in previous seasons.
The key thing for us is that we have all our guys healthy. Gilbert is showing more and more flashes of his old self. You have already seen that in our preseason games. Some days he’s been more of a facilitator, but against Detroit he was more aggressive. Can’t tell you which version of him I like the most. To me he’s a star and mostly and fourth-quarter guy. He can both create for others and then kill it in the last minutes. Either way, it’s great to have him back.
With Gilbert, myself, Jamison, DeShawn, Haywood, Mike Miller, Randy Foye, Oberto (nice pickup) and the rest of the guys, I think we have more than enough to compete with the big dogs in the East. Now we just have to get it done. Boston and Orlando would be great to beat, but you know I have a special place in my heart for Cleveland for putting us out all those years in the playoffs.
It’s a good rivalry we have with them, but there’s no actual hate. I wasn’t raised to hate nobody. I respect LeBron James and the rest of them. In fact, I speak with LBJ often. That said, I tell you right now that Mike Miller, whom I love, has to take those LeBron shoes off. That’s just not acceptable around here. You heard that, Mike!
I followed the offseason moves of other teams with interest. Everybody tried to get better. Atlanta with Jamal Crawford, Boston with Rasheed Wallace, obviously the Cavs with Shaq… And the Lakers getting Artest. He’s going to give them defense and rebounding and not just that because he’s a two-way player. It’s going to look good for L.A. if you put him together with Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and the best player in the last decade in Kobe Bryant, who’s one of my closest friends in the league.
Anyway, I’m not scared of anybody. Look out for the Wizards. This is a big year. Guys came in the best shape of their lives and we’re really motivated to go out there and prove doubters wrong.
Talk to you soon. Bye!
jer.22.shoes Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:09 am
LUV THE BLOG …. YOU AND AGENT ZERO ARE DEADLY , HUGE WIZARDS FAN
Gerard Himself Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:10 am
Caron Butler writing on hoopshype.com, this is great. I liked reading that Caron. Good luck on the season man.
frank b Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:25 am
Caron,
We miss you in LA! It was a sad day to see you go to Washington especially given the talent, or lack therof that we got back.
you know Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:26 am
I simulated my season in 2k10 to see who would win the championship…and the wizards won in 6 over the lakers. Lol that counts for something riiight…
MartyMar Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:29 am
As much as I like watching the Wizards, they are an injury-prone team that never has its best players on the floor. I hope that this season is different but history is against them.
DMV: Buy Dibble's Priceless Treasures | Mr. Irrelevant Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:53 am
[...] Caron Butler picks up where Gil left off, begins blogging. [Hoops Hype] [...]
owidaill Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:54 am
PLEASE HAVE A HUGE YEAR.. I MIGHT PICK YOU UP IN MY FANTASY POOL ! HEHE U R SICKKK
G-Wiz Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
Caron first off love the blog and look forward to being able to get your thoughts/opinions on the season and everything else - you’re right somebody’s got to come out since Gil is playing possum about talking to the media. (I don’t believe for a second that’ll continue thru 82-games).
As for the Wizards I’m a huge fan was at the pre-season game against the Mavs and I’m liking the new vibe the whole team has. Everybody seems healthy, conditioned and committed - Wood’s ankle scared me for a sec but I’m sure he’ll be okay.
Keep working and keep winning “Tough Juice” the fans are behind you and the expectations are high.
Herbal_Tea Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 12:11 pm
That’s dope that you are gonna be blogging here man. Nice. You guys gotta stay healthy the full season, get Mr.Miagi herbs down there or something…
You guys got lucky against Detroit the other night! Haha, no foreal good game, always been a fan of yours and I expect you guys to be a 3-5 seed if healthy. Just don’t try to cross over Will Bynum, he’ll snatch that sh*t up man!
the spaniard Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
Are U kiddin´me? The wizards are obviously not a contender for the ring. You´ll be fighting for the last playoff spot, if everything goes really well. You have nothing in the frontcourt except from you. Who´s gonna score in the paint? Haywood, he didn´t do that in his hole career, will he start now? If you go far in playoffs, this will mean east competitve leverl is lower than the ground.
I can not believe these words, that makes me laugh a lot…
Scrappy Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
Tough Juice -
You finally have the squad to get it done…please keep leading on the defensive end and all will fall into place.
NOTE: From what I’ve seen NYoung should get the starting 2 guard spot…that’s not a knock against the other guys, but Nick looks like he could be the missing link.
gbkdc Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
Yaaay Caron is blogging!!! You are my favorite! Good luck tonight, I hate the Cavs so much!
Paul Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
I’m all for optimism, but shouldn’t the wiz worry about making the playoffs first? There are at least 15 teams in the NBA who are clearly better, even if the wiz are healthy. Baby steps.
knock knock Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
Look, if the cavs are considered an elite team. Then Washington can become one. As Gilbert always has lebrons number, although the refs have lebrons number as well. EX: see lebron carrying the ball while taking 6 steps ala football from the three point line, playoffs 05 i believe.
Lorrell Thomas Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
what up caron we miss u like hell out here in la I know your in washington and that is your main focus with a much bigger role but did you like it out here… and if possible would u ever want to comeback
aaron Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
Hey Caron,
Just remember if you do play Cleveland, the refs won’t allow you to beat LeFraud and the boys.
Jason Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
Get Brendan the ball down low! Inside post presence on the offensive end- opens all the rest of the stuff!
Bucky Reed Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
Hey Caron, how are you doing?
Remember the name? Yeah thought you might!
We used to play hoops at Lewiston courts in Racine. People are still impressed when I say I played hoops with an nba all-star, I held my own too. I was Andrew Driver back then, nickname was ‘Bucky’ though, now I’m just straight Bucky!
Good to see you thriving in the NBA, give me a holla on the web when you’re next in the badger state, we’ve got some unfinished business (lol).
A Driver
NBAFan Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
When Gil, Caron, and Jamison were all healthy, this team couldn’t get out of the first round…what has changed? Mike Miller and Foye? Please. As someone said, they still lack any kind of post presence. Jamison is a SF who moonlights as a PF. Despite his numbers, he ends up hurting the team as much as he helps because he prevents them from playing a real PF who can score with his back to the basket.
The only way the Wizards have a chance at the 2nd round is if they get the 5 seed.
Earl Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 4:53 pm
I mainly want yall to stay healthy because i think we have yet to see yall at full strength in the playoffs.
Jams Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 6:00 pm
He’s not serious thinking he can win the championship is he? Try getting out of the first round first or make the playoffs even.
Stephen Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 8:12 pm
Lots of doubters and haters around here. Anyone playing in this league should think about winning the ‘chip, and when players do talk about it, you got these bumbling idiots hating on em rofl. Just let em fuel you and the squad more Caron. Hope to see you guys shots firing on opening night at the VC center.
BTW everyone on the team looks good. Ya’ll came to training camp in great shape. GJ on that.
Derwinn Magruder Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 8:24 pm
Glad to see a great guy like Caron join the Hoopshype family. I’m a season ticket holder(sec 118) and had a chance to meet Caron and the rest of the Wizards at their Bowling Party last March. Caron’s a class act. My son, Devinn (9 at the time) still talks about how Caron talked to him the whole night(even though Caron had his son with him). The Wiz really have some quality guys on their team. Guys lik Nick, Andray, Dominic, and JaVale took Devinn along with them like they knew him all his life. What really impressed me was how JaVaris took Devinn all over the bowling alley and kept introducing him to everyone. Finally Caron and JaVaris had a great battle on the pool table with my son
calling the play by play(Caron won). Keep up the good work Caron, you’re one of a kind…… PS - Of course Devinn had on a Caron jersey that Caron signed. He won’t let anyone touch that jersey!!!!!!!!
Gil iz Back Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 8:55 pm
I see one hater…two haters…three haters….heck, is this hatershype????
Gil iz Back Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 8:57 pm
Spaniard, I’m all for you trying but man pick up Rosetta stone for English before talking smack.
Bryant Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 10:36 pm
Bulter I wanted to know do you thank that you can be a starting shooting guard in the NBA? Also have you ever called up NBA players and said hey come to dc? Do players do that?
dallas Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 5:21 am
come to dallas youll get your ring…
George Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 5:39 am
i’m not really a wizards fan, but you’re one of my favorite players, caron! became a fan when i saw you and wade carry the heat to the 2nd round of the playoffs years ago. great to see you here with a blog…i’ll be following it. much love, and i hope you can stay healthy.
lin Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 8:43 am
great blog caron. lookin’ forward to day ur back in LA with Kobe. we miss u out here. i hear u on the lebron shoes too. not to mention them joints is butt ugly!
NBA Fan Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 11:05 am
Caron, I love your game but a rivalry with the Cavaliers? Don’t you need to beat them every once in a while (who cares about the regular season) when it matters?
They were beating you when Eric Snow and Sasha Pavlovic was their starting backcourt. It’s not gonna happen…
and who said Gilbert has LeBron’s number? haha I remember LBJ saying something to Gilbert about him missing free throws in the first series, which of course he missed that would have clinched game 6.
Sorry Wizards, you will never beat the Cavaliers. Good luck against the Knicks, Nets, Bucks, 76ers getting that 8th spot…then losing to the Cavs AGAIN.
Toineson Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 12:35 pm
Good luck Caron, I’m pulling for you guys this year.
justin Said,
October 16, 2009 @ 11:55 am
I wish you were still a Laker. Everyone I know was so pissed off about that trade. I wish Caron Butler and Ron Artest would play a 1 on 1 game to 100 for charity. Imagine those two beasts going at each other.
Tony Said,
October 23, 2009 @ 9:51 pm
Caron, are you high right now? Compete for a championship? An NBA Championship? Yes, you must me high. As stated earlier, you don’t have a rivalry with Cleveland, because you’ve never beaten them. It like the Generals saying they have a rivalry with the Globetrotters. You should be more concerned with staying healthy. I mean doesn’t Gilbert get hurt lacing up his sneakers? Orlando adds Vinsanity, Lakers add Artest, Cavs add Shaq, Celtics add Sheed and Washing adds MIKE FREAKING MILLER??? WTF???? You couldn’t get Darko??? Or some other sorry big man. No worries bro, you’re invited to my house to WATCH the playoffs. Late.
chazmin Said,
October 25, 2009 @ 7:03 am
caron butler im a truwizfan i expect big things this year im glad we focous on d more now i see us upseting boston or magic , or cavs in playoff luv u butler and all the other wizkids.
Tywon Said,
October 28, 2009 @ 12:29 am
Good luck on the season Big Racine
frank b Said,
October 30, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
Frank B: You Moron. No Caron for Kwame trade = No Kwame for Gasol trade = No Ring!!