Empty the Bench

Washington Wizards rookie JaVale McGee is fastly becoming a fan favorite in our nation’s capital, and for good reason. The 18th-overall pick in this summer’s draft is a freak of nature, and with each game his legend is growing in the blogosphere. We gave him a very brief mention in this Bloggers Southwest Previews post, saying, “Keep an eye on JaVele McGee as well, the kid was impressive in preseason play.” That was after watching him drop 20 points, 8 boards and 3 blocks on the Grizz. It wasn’t just that though, the guy seemed to be everywhere, finishing a game-high +15 in the +/- column. Yeah, it was preseason - but the potential and physical skills were undeniable.

For those of you who have kept an eye on him, you haven’t been disappointed. The guys at Mr. Irrelvant are speculating McGee can dunk on a 12-foot rim (McGee’s standing reach is 9′6.5″ and vertical is 32.5″), the Wizards are installing new camera technology just to keep up with him, he’s making highlight reels, Chris Paul is putting McGee in Dwight Howard’s class and even Superman himself has been impressed. Yeah, people are taking notice.

If Andray Blatche continues to play uninspired, lazy basketball it shouldn’t be long before JaVale’s stealing most of his minutes. After that, look out Etan Thomas, McGee could be starting by Christmas.

But let’s let JaVale’s ups speak for themselves…

(Hat tip on the video to Mr. Irrelevant)