Q on the move?

[Big Easy Pony]

Heard a story on the radio that the Washington Wizards have suspended Kwame Brown, the super-talented (and extremely knuckleheaded) PF they drafted #1 overall a few years ago. Word is they're going to ditch him after the season, because he's a team cancer, etc.

The guys on the radio were talking about how if they trade him, it likely will be to a Western Conference team, and suggest as a possibility the idea of sending him to the Clippers for Chris Wilcox (former Maryland stud who hasn't exactly set the world on fire in L.A.) and .... Quinton Ross.

Of course, they're in a playoff series, so they're not even dealing with this right now. But I would think he's out of there. Just thought it was interesting that Q (who they called a "defensive animal") would get added to the rumor mill.

[Dooby]

Not to burst your bubble, but whoever was saying that doesn't know what he is talking about. The Q is a free agent and can go to any team he darn well pleases. He is regarded in NBA circles as a good defender.

[EastStang]

The Wizards suspended Kwame for the remainder of the season (you don't call in sick during the playoffs). He is to say the least a great disappointment and Eddie Jordan has been extremely patient with him and put up with a bunch of crud from him. They will undoubtedly make him a qualifying offer (he is a restricted free agent) and then dump him for whatever they can get (a second round choice, a couple of journeymen who knows). As Michael Wilbon wrote in Today's Washington Post, there is some NBA GM who will see that body, see those flashes of brilliance, and make a deal for him. He's played his last game as a Wizard.

[smupony]

He signed a two year contract on 8/16/04...So obviously he would have a year left under contract...

[Roach]

I would bet there's a team out there with a coach who thinks "I can reach this guy, I can teach him" and a GM dumb enough to give up a first-round pick, as long as it's lottery-protected.

[EastStang]

I'm sure TNT tonight will have lots of stuff about it in their pregame show. I'll bet Barkley will weigh in with something along the lines that Brown's a punk and a crybaby who broke one of the foremost unwritten rules in the NBA. By the way the contrast to Brown was Juan Dixon, after a crappy game in game 3, he apparently went to the gym and shot 100's of jump shots and it paid off with 30+ points the next night. I guess that's why he led the Terps to a national title.

[Swamp Gas]

For a guy who barely outweighs his own shadow, Juan Dixon is about the toughest guy I've seen this side of Allen Iverson. His performance in that NCAA run was amazing. He's the kind of guy I find myself rooting for.

[Dooby]

He signed a two year contract on 8/16/04...So obviously he would have a year left under contract...

I go to two sites for NBA salary info, Hoopshype and Patricia's salary list. Both have the same info 99% of the time. But Patricia has Ross signing a 4 year deal (which I know can't be true) and Hoopshype says Ross has only a 1 year deal. So your info is as good as anything else.

[giacfsp]

If Washington could get Wilcox straight up for Brown, they should do it. Brown has all the talent in the world, but he's a complete knucklehead. They need to cut their losses and get anything they can for him.

[smupony]

He signed a two year contract on 8/16/04...So obviously he would have a year left under contract...

I go to two sites for NBA salary info, Hoopshype and Patricia's salary list. Both have the same info 99% of the time. But Patricia has Ross signing a 4 year deal (which I know can't be true) and Hoopshype says Ross has only a 1 year deal. So your info is as good as anything else.

From Clippers Website

Quinton Ross reminds Coach Dunleavy of "a young Michael Cooper."
After spending last season playing for the Telindus BC Oostende (Belgium) basketball club, former Southern Methodist University basketball standout Quinton Ross inked a two-year deal with the Clippers in August and has been one of the bright spots at training camp. A new name to many, Ross is no stranger to the Clippers organization, having spent the 2003 preseason with the club before being the last player cut prior to last season.

Admittedly disappointed, Ross signed on to play in Belgium but kept his dreams of the NBA in the front of his mind. Although he moved across continents last year, playing professional basketball overseas in Belgium, Quinton surprisingly found himself in not so different an environment. The biggest thing that helped with the transition was that the people who lived around him spoke fluent English.

Ross found that it was easy to talk with the locals, however the task of communication became more difficult when touring other countries because the language barrier was certainly a more noticeable issue. Another factor that made the adjustment easier was that Ross and his teammates were able to find comfort foods found in the US

"I ate a lot of Pizza Hut,” joked Ross.

While fast food did not ensure his return to the NBA, his style of play and unselfishness did.

"Hard work and dedication to the game is what enabled me to get another opportunity with the Clippers,” said Ross. "This is a dream come true to play in the NBA and I plan to make the most of this opportunity. This is what you think about as a kid and it means a lot to finally be here.”

Ross grew up in Dallas and spent countless hours playing basketball in his family’s driveway with the friends. All had NBA dreams but Ross is the only one to realize them. Quinton’s family and hometown could not be happier for him as they eagerly anticipate the upcoming season.

"Everyone back home is excited for me,” said Ross. "They’re all excited for me, but it’s going to be a lot of work.”

Although he is happy to be in the NBA, Ross valued his taste of International play.

"Basketball is very popular in Europe,” said Ross. "The fans are so passionate about their team in each city and country. The game is a little slower, but it is pretty rough. The referees let a lot of stuff go and don’t call that many fouls. You get beat up but it makes you tougher.”

Joining Telindus BC Oostende in October 2003, Ross made a strong impression on his adopted team by averaging 16.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, with equally strong numbers in the FIBA Europe Cup playoffs.

A visit from Dunleavy during the summer encouraged Ross, who was told by the coach that he stood an excellent chance at making the team if he would accept an invitation to play in summer league and to attend training camp. Ross’ strong play over the summer made him a favorite among the coaching staff and his improvement led Elgin Baylor to sign him to a two-year contract. With the issue of making the roster not an issue, Ross is focused on what he can do to help the team.

"My biggest expectation of myself this year is to just make the team better,” said Ross. "I want to help the team the best I can. I want to give Coach Dunleavy good quality minutes whenever my name is called.”

Ross joins Shaun Livingston and Lionel Chalmers as rookies the Clippers are counting on to help in the backcourt. While Livingston played in high school and Chalmers in the college ranks last season, Ross feels the international experience and a year of professional basketball will help his NBA adjustment. With the season less than a week old, Ross has already made a good impression.

[Dooby]

Didn't doubt you after I saw the conflict in my own stuff. I would bet anything that second year isn't guaranteed. I also bet that the Clippers intend on keeping him around.

[Higher Authority]

If Washington could get Wilcox straight up for Brown, they should do it. Brown has all the talent in the world, but he's a complete knucklehead. They need to cut their losses and get anything they can for him.

That would give Washington three former Maryland stars, right? Juan Dixon, Steve Blake and Wilcox? Or are there more? I know Lonny Baxter and Obinna Ekezie had stints with the team, but I don't think they're still there.
I'm with you -- I'd do a Brown-for-Wilcox swap in a heartbeat if I'm Washington, and I think there's still enough potential in Kwame B that the Clippers just might consider it.

Then again, if he's as much of an idiot/ingrate as people say, then he seems to be almost guaranteed to spend the rest of his life as a Portland Trail Blazer.

[Ikus]

Your proposal (Wilcox to Washington) would give the Wizards four former Maryland guys -- they also have Hall-of-Fame-bound Laron Profit somewhere behind the media relations interns at the end of the bench.

And who needs Kwame Brown? Just beat the Bulls without them.

But how sad is it that the team actually printed "ROUND TWO - BEAT THE HEAT" T-shirts?

Aim high, fellas.