Dear Kevin

Growing up as a DC sports fan has been brutal. I mean, really, really brutal. It would be one thing if every team was terrible, year in and year out, but DC teams rip fans hearts out. Whether it is the Nationals losing to the Cardinals or Giants in nail biting October playoff games, the Caps finding a way to lose almost every pivotal series or RG3 tearing his knee apart twice while being watched over by the nasty Dan Snyder, DC teams never cease to amaze me. These teams all seem to be cursed and even recently, the Wizards fell to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference semi-finals in six games, after leading the series 2-1 after three games. A John Wall hand injury and a called off game tying buzzer beater by playoff legend Paul Pierce later, the Wizards went into the off-season with a bad taste in their mouths.

The Rangers celebrate their game 7 win over the Capital this May

         Do I sound negative? I’m sorry if I do, but 0 conference finals appearances by any of the four teams since 2000 usually does not bring out an upbeat attitude in fans. However, if there is one thing to be said about DC fans, it is the fact that they remain loyal and continue to believe because when the nation’s capital brings home a championship, it is going to be so much sweeter. If that day ever comes…

         While the Caps showed promise in the playoffs this year and the Nationals are primed for another NL East Division title, the Wizards are in fact the closest DC franchise to a championship. It may not look that way on paper right now, but the NBA is the only major sports league in the United States where the acquisition of a single player can totally change the outlook of a franchise’s chance to win a championship.

         As LeBron James has taken “his talents” both to and from South Beach, proving the argument mentioned above, Kevin Durant has stayed put in Oklahoma City. Because of Durant’s recent injury, people are starting to forget  his incredible loyalty to the Thunder and the people of Oklahoma City. Not only has his play been out of this world, he has also won over the fans with his loyalty, integrity and overall low key, relatable persona. He even played flag football with Oklahoma St. students during the 2011 NBA lockout. Durant could have opted out of his rookie contract in 2010 after averaging 30 points per game on his way to a scoring title, in hopes of pursuing more money in a big market like New York or being surrounded by a better team, but he decided to stay in Oklahoma City because he appreciated his fans, teammates, coaches and executives for their loyalty. Since then, with the exception of this past injury filled campaign, Durant exploded into a major superstar and was considered the second best player in the world behind LeBron. Between 2010 and 2014, Durant led the Thunder to an appearance in two Western Conference Finals and one NBA Finals, while winning three more scoring titles, an Olympic Gold Medal and the 2013-2014 NBA MVP award.

         In 2010, Durant signed a 5 year, $86 million contract, which will end after the 2015-2016 NBA season, giving Durant an opportunity to enter free agency and look for a team that gives him the best chance to win his first NBA title. While LeBron proved that one player can almost single handedly lead a team to a championship, the blueprint for winning an NBA title requires a roster with at least one superstar as well as several other all star level players. Each of the past five NBA championship teams has had a slightly different dynamic, but each team was filled with at least one superstar, coupled with several other studs. The Warriors had Steph Curry as their superstar to go along with all star caliber players like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala. The Spurs had Tony Parker in his prime with an emerging Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili still performing at an all star level. The Spurs are somewhat of an exception, not having had a dominant player that completely stood alone, but one could argue that Parker or Leonard reached superstar heights during their latest championship run. 

Draymond Green played like an All-Star this postseason

         Durant must look at which franchise provides him the best chance to win his first NBA title, but there are other factors to his decision as well. In this day and age where even the freakish LeBron James cannot win a title without a strong supporting cast, Durant should selfishly pick a team fits him well. Unfortunately for Oklahoma City, the Thunder are not as experienced and talented as other teams. Durant has mentioned that he is interested in joining the Warriors, who are obviously the most complete team in the NBA right now. But, the very few superstars in the NBA tend to think differently than others, with their decisions based around their legacy and ability to win titles as the number 1 guy. If Durant chose to play for the Warriors, he would have a great opportunity to win a championship, but playing on a team that has already won a title without him and along side a fellow superstar in Steph Curry would take away from the glory and Durant’s lasting legacy in the NBA history books.

         There have been a lot of rumors surrounding Durant leaving Oklahoma City to play for his hometown Washington Wizards after this upcoming season. While the Wizards do not posses the level of experience and talent that the Warriors do or even the big money market that the Knicks or Lakers present, the #Zards have a lot going for them. Not only is DC a significantly bigger market than OKC, the Wizards core group of John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter, Marcin Gortat and recent first round selection, Kelly Oubre Jr, is filled with upside and decent playoff experience. Durant would come in as the absolute go to guy, playing along side a tier top and pass first point guard as well as All Star caliber shooting guard and a solid supporting cast. With Durant, the Wizards would immediately become a legitimate contender to win not only the Eastern Conference, but also the NBA championship. To put the icing on the cake, Durant has a lot of pride in his hometown. He grew up in Suitland, Maryland in Prince George’s County as a die-hard Wizards and Redskins fan. Whether its posting selfies with a Redskins flat brim before a Sunday game or playing offseason pickup games in Southeast Washington’s legendary Barry Farm Recreation Center, Durant has always had a strong allegiance to his home city.

KD doesn't forget where he is from

         With Paul Pierce opting out of the second year of his contract, the Wizards traded up to draft Kelly Oubre Jr., a freshman wing from Kansas. Oubre’s numbers (9 ppg, 5 rpg, 1apg) at Kansas were less than impressive, especially for someone taken 15^th overall, but his 7’2 wingspan and skill set show signs of great potential as an elite defender and transition rim attacker. While all of these skills sound great, there is one thing that is much more important. Oubre is great friends with Durant and has trained with him often during the past summer off-seasons. Some critics thought general manager Ernie Grunfeld should have taken a more established and NBA ready player like Bobby Portis from Arkansas or Jerian Grant from Notre Dame, but at this point the Wizards should do everything in their power to sign Durant. Even if is something as little as drafting one of his boys.  

KD and Oubre working out in the offseason

Below I have put together a mock payroll for the Wizards in 2016. Numbers are estimated, but to my knowledge it is mathematically possible for the Durant to join the Wizards.

2015-2016 Washington Wizards Mock Payroll

Roster

1. Kevin Durant (SF, Texas)- $20 million
2. John Wall (PG, Kentucky)- $17 million
3. Bradley Beal (SG, Florida)- $15 million
4. Marcin Gortat (Center, Poland)- $12 million
5. Otto Porter (SF, Georgetown)- $5.9 million
6.  Martell Webster (SG, Seattle Prep)- $5.8 million
7. Kris Humphries (PF, Minnesota)- $4.8 million
8. Kelly Oubre Jr. (SG/SF, Kansas)- $2.8 million
9. Aaron White (SG/SF, Iowa)- $2.2 million
10.   
11.   
12. 
    

 Notes

• Approximately $86 million between the first 9 players
• $3.5-$4 million remaining to be split between final 3 roster spots
• Sources are predicting that the NBA Salary Cap will increase to $90 million by 2016

Team Needs (In Order)

1. Banger/Physical Front Court Player (Traditional 4 that plays big, rebounds and plays hard on both ends).
2. Back up/reserve point guard to spell Wall and play 15-20 minutes a game (low high assist: turnover ratio, calm under pressure and can provide good minutes/ plus minus. Also important that he plays well with Beal and other wings).
3. Back up/reserve Center to spell/split minutes with Gortat (with Gortat getting older and no 7 footers on the roster, a young, athletic and defensive minded center would be helpful).
4. Back up/reserve shooter or wing (spell Beal/Porter/Durant and add a knock down shooter to come off the bench and provide a spark).

Potential 2016 Rookies for Final 3 Roster Spots

Melo Trimble would be a perfect young backup behind John Wall

Banger/Physical Forward (4)

• Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin
• Marcus Lee, Kentucky
• Perry Ellis, Kansas
• Brice Johnson, North Carolina

Reserve Point Guard (1)

• Kris Dunn, Providence
• Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame
• Carris Levert, Michigan
• Melo Trimble, Maryland
• Marcus Paige, North Carolina
• Gary Payton Jr., Oregon State

Reserve Center (5)

• Mike Tobey, Virginia
• AJ Hammons, Purdue
• Amida Brimah, Connecticut
• Kaleb Tarczewski, Arizona
• Mamadou Ndiaye, UC Irvine
• Kennedy Meeks, North Carolina

Reserve Shooter/Wing (2/3)

• Ron Baker, Wichita State
• Buddy Hield, Oklahoma
• Zac Irvine, Michigan
• Michael Gbinije, Syracuse
• Troy Williams, Indiana

Potential 2016 Unrestricted Free Agents for Final 3 Roster Spots

David Lee is bruiser down low with a soft touch

Banger/Physical Forward (4)

• JJ Hickson, North Carolina State
• David Lee, Florida
• Udonis Haslem, Florida

Reserve Point Guard (1)

• E’twuan Moore, Purdue
• George Hill, IUPUI
• Raymond Felton, North Carolina
• Randy Foye, Villanova
• Mario Chalmers, Kansas
• Luke Ridnour, Oregon
• Steve Blake, Maryland

Reserve Center (4)

• Joey Dorsey, Memphis
• Chris Andersen, Blinn College
• Chris Kaman, Central Michigan

Reserve Shooter/Wing (2/3)

• Kent Bazemore, Old Dominion
•  Evan Turner, Ohio State
• Matt Barnes, UCLA
• Wilson Chandler, Depaul
• Jamal Crawford, Michigan
• Courtney Lee, Western Kentucky
• Chase Budinger, Arizona
• Eric Gordon, Indiana

Federer, Switzerland Seek Davis Cup Crown Amongst Criticism

On August 8^th, 1981, a tennis god graced this planet. 33 years, 3 months and 13 days later, the man by the name of Roger Federer has won 17 major titles, 82 ATP titles, 995 career matches, an Olympic Gold Medal and has spent 302 weeks at number 1 in the world, 237 of them being consecutive. Oh and he has made $88,611,538 in career prize money as well as hundreds of millions more from highly lucrative sponsors such as Rolex, Mercedes Benz, Gillette, Nike, Wilson, Moet and Chandon, Lindt Chocolatier and Credit Suisse. The Swiss Maestro has an extremely loyal wife and highly dedicated parents as well as two sets of young twins.

What more could the man ask for?

Well, there is one thing. A Davis Cup Title.

Fed crushing "The Best a Man Can Get Look"

This Friday, November 21, Federer’s native Switzerland takes on France in the Davis Cup finals in Lille against a deep and talented French squad with the likes of perennial top 20 players Jo- Wilfried
Tsonga, Gael Monflis and Richard Gasquet.

Federer is on the heels of one of his most impressive professional seasons in many years, finishing the year ranked number two in the world, accumulating a 72-11 record, which included five titles, five Davis Cup singles wins, a finals appearance at Wimbledon and wins over 21 of the top 25 players in the world (excluding Nadal, Gulbis, Isner and Kolschreiber).

He is also on the heels of some major criticism from fans, experts and journalists after he pulled out of the championship match at the ATP World Tour Finals with a suspicious back injury against world number 1 Novak Djokovic. To Federer’s defense, he played a 2 hour and 47 minute thriller against Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka the night before and stated risking an injury at his age as the reason he defaulted. Federer said, "I tried all year to be ready for the ATP World Tour Finals, and I didn't want it to end this way. It would be too risky at my age to do this right now and I hope you understand.”

Thus, a wide range of criticisms, complaints and arguments ensued.

Fans were justifiably disappointed, but were also genuinely mad at Federer for putting a halt to a clash between the two best players in the world that had been hyped up for many weeks. While people supported Federer’s decision, many did not seem to buy his rationale probably because he sounded ‘soft’ or weak.

Eurosport journalist Alex Chick took the critique to another level writing an article this past Monday titled, “Shameful Roger Federer has betrayed spirit of sport.” Within the content of the article, Chick bashes Federer in an efficient manner, clearly stating his opinion and argument. Chick believes Federer’s withdrawing from the championship match was “imperceptible” due to his last minute decision and the vast importance of the year’s culminating event. He also strongly argues that the real reason Federer pulled out was not a result of Federer being too injured to play, but rather because he was too injured to win. Lastly, Chick states that Federer did not only cost thousands of fans a minimum of 60 euros per ticket, he also cost the sport of tennis a great deal by not living up to his usual standards of being the greatest ambassador the sport has ever seen.

The speech that stirred all the controversy

On top of all of this, Federer received a great deal of heat for an argument between his wife, Mirka and his Swiss Davis Cup teammate Stanislas Wawrinka during their semi final match in London. Wawrinka and Mrs. Federer clearly had a previous history of bickering during matches, the most recently being the Wimbledon quarterfinals, a match Federer won in four sets. This time, it occurred at 5 all deuce in the third set, after Wawrinka had blown three match points. He claimed that Mirka was talking right before Wawrinka was going to return. Wawrinka complained to umpire, but the match went on with Federer ultimately winning in thrilling tiebreak fashion. Both Federer and Wawrinka see the conflict as water under the bridge and are focusing on their Davis Cup tie with France this weekend.

                                         

Wawrinka clearly frustrated with Mirka Federer

The high degree of drama Federer faced last week is something he is not accustomed to. Sure, it was uncharacteristic of Federer to allow his camp to get involved in a match and even more unusual that he pulled out of the final a highly significant tournament. It was a clear mistake of Federer’s, but had he pulled out of any other match and followed it up with incredible results, fans and critics would have moved on. But simply because it was the last match of the season, people will only remember his mistake and have a bad taste in their mouth, rather than remembering his brilliant season.

Fans can complain and journalists can call him soft and weak, but we simply cannot take away from what the man from Basel has accomplished this year, especially considering it came right after the worst season of his career where he finished number six in the world. Federer’s return to the top of mountain in professional tennis is arguably one of his greatest accomplishments. Just a year after of losses to the likes of Daniel Brands (currently number 318 in the world) and Sergiy Stakhovsky in the second round of Wimbledon and countless doubters saying that he was done and would never come close to returning to top form, Federer has had a magical season, proving to everyone that he is right back in contention to win major titles.

Just 17 months ago Federer was shocked by Ukraine's Sergiy Stahkovsky in 4 sets at Wimbledon

With the help of his new coach Stefan Edberg and a bigger Wilson frame, Federer has revolutionized the game for older players in an era where youth, heavy topspin and modern technology is supposed to dominate. He has also proved his Cal Ripken like longevity, competing in all four majors for the 15^th straight year (60 total). So on the eve of tomorrow’s Davis Cup Final, Federer has the chance to complete the one missing piece of hardware from his trophy case.

Federer in action earlier this year vs. Kazakhstan

He has always been the best at moving on from disappointment or a tough loss, but now he will have to forget about the drama he faced last week and try to bring home the all-illusive crown to his homeland. You can be sure that the maestro will bring his A game in what should be a special weekend in Lille.