We talk about the emergence of rookie Tristan Vukcevic, whether they've found a diamond-in-the-rough in Jared Butler, and if Jordan Poole has finally turned a corner. We also talked about Deni Avdija's recent play and how he's been the Wizards' best player the last few months. Also, Matt asks what the benefit there is from playing Anthony Gill over some of the young guys, if any other young players have a chance to contribute long term, and gives a recap of the Capital City Go-Go's playoff elimi...
Apr 04, 2024•57 min•Ep. 270
American University head coach Duane Simpkins joins the podcast this week. Simpkins provided his perspective on how American's season went, having some key players returning for next year, bringing out the best in his players, and the type of program he wants to build and style of play he wants to implement. He also talks about playing at the University of Maryland for Gary Williams and what he's learned from other coaches he's worked for in the past. Simpkins provides some really detailed insig...
Apr 01, 2024•45 min•Ep. 269
Domo (@Domo8186 ) of the Wizards of Gallery Place podcast joins Matt Modderno this week to talk about NBA Draft prospects the Wizards could take with their three 2024 draft picks. With the NCAA tournament coming up, this episode is primarily focus on guys who are competing in March Madness this year so Wizards fans will know who to keep an eye on during the tournament. Prospects covered include: Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, Cody Williams, Stephon Castle, Ja'Kobe Walter, Dalton Knecht, Donovan ...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 268
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno break down what they want to see from the Wizards the rest of the year and what they need to address to improve next season. They also talk about the late-season addition of Tristan Vukcevic. Jahadi gives advice to Vukcevic and they go over things the Wizards can do to help him acclimate more seamlessly. Jahadi explains how a young center can improve his defense and rebounding, the two biggest areas for growth in Vukcevic's game. Additional topics will include: Den...
Mar 17, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 267
In the episode, Matt Modderno and Nick Kalinowski (@kalidrafts) covered NBA draft prospects who are currently playing at schools in the greater DMV area. We break down their games and the likelihood of them making it onto an NBA roster. Find more detailed DMV basketball coverage on our separate Bleav in DMV Hoops feed: https://bleav.com/shows/bleav-in-dmv-hoops/ Virginia: Reece Beekman, Ryan Dunn Maryland: Julian Reese, Jahmir Young, DeShawn Harris-Smith Outside the DMV: Malik Mack (Harvard), Bu...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 266
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno covered: -the Lakers game and any positive takeaways -whether Jordan Poole has turned the corner & his fit next to Tyus Jones -what the team needs from Kyle Kuzma moving forward -the positives of Marvin Bagley's game -Is Deni Avdija on the best contract in the NBA? -pregame routines based on an article from Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports -the Wizards giving Johnny Davis every opportunity to show something -what to expect in the Clippers game -Jahadi responds...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 265
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno react to the All-Star game, share what they'd do to fix it, and discuss what the top Wizards-related ASG moment is. They weigh in on Jordan Poole being moved to the bench and his post-game comments about the move, while also reviewing the Denver game as a whole. For the last half of the show, new member of the BIW team Laura Shaughnessy joins the show to ask Jahadi and Matt listener questions from the mailbag. Thanks to all who submitted them! Also, please follow t...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 264
Eran Soroka (@sorokman) of Sport5 in Israel (@sport5il) and the Osim NBA Podcast (@OsimNBA) joins the show to talk about Deni Avdija's breakout and what that means for the Wizards moving forward. Soroka has seen Avdija play from a young age so he's particularly well-suited to point out the areas that he's improved in. We discuss Avdija’s growth, whether his defense has fallen off with his increased offensive role, which lineups best maximize his skills, his pairing with Kyle Kuzma, his coverage ...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 263
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno discuss the Wizards buy out of Delon Wright and what that means for their rotation and Johnny Davis moving forward. The Wizards also reportedly gave Kyle Kuzma a choice on whether he would be traded or not. Are these types of actions an attempt by the front office to rehab the image of the Wizards organization throughout the league? They also address Deni Avdija's recent break out, what it means for the team moving forward, how he and Kyle Kuzma can best co-exist a...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 262
Wizards forward Deni Avdija has a career night against the Pelicans and Wizards superfan Will Clayton (@WillCIayton) joins the podcast to discuss! Avdija recorded 43 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block. He was 13-24 from the field, 6-10 from three, and 11-13 from the free throw line. Yes, the Wizards lost the game 133-126, but who cares? Just let us enjoy our nice moments when we can get them! Presented by betonline.ag! 0:30 - Intro 1:00 - What was working for Deni Avdija tonight? 3:38 -...
Feb 15, 2024•37 min•Ep. 261
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno react to the Wizards deadline trade that sends Daniel Gafford to Dallas and brings back Richaun Holmes and a late first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. They discuss why the Wizards likely made the deal, what they get back in Holmes, the value of a late first in this year's reportedly weaker NBA Draft, and what that means for the rotation. They discuss potential buyout candidates, whether Tyus Jones re-signs this offseason, free agent options like Killian Hayes, w...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 260
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno discuss Bradley Beal's return to DC, what reception to expect from fans, what Beal is likely feeling, predictions on how the game, and who will step up for the short-handed Wizards. Kyle Kuzma and Tyus Jones are the subject of lots of trade rumors these days so we discuss their likelihood, what would be a worthwhile return, and what other players might also get moved. Jahadi, a former Wizards center, weighs in on the status of the Wizards' current center rotation. ...
Feb 04, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 259
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno go more in-depth on what caused the Wizards to move on from Wes Unseld Jr. now and what we should take away from the comments made by the front office and the players. They also discuss the promotion of Brian Keefe to interim head coach and whether he's likely to get the job longer term. Jahadi provides from really great insight in what type of head coach would be the right fit for this group and which key player needs to step up and lead more. They address several...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 258
Osman Baig joins the podcast to discuss the Wizards moving on from Wes Unseld Jr. as head coach. We discuss the timing of the move, what caused it, what his new front office role will look like, his overall job performance, and whether the development of Bilal Coulibaly played any role in this move. Lead assistant Brian Keefe has been named interim head coach so we discuss his background and fit with this group. We also discuss whether he's got a chance at keeping the job long term. We close the...
Jan 25, 2024•53 min•Ep. 257
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno recap the Marvin Bagley trade briefly to start before getting into the latest trade rumors and reporting regarding Wizards players like Kyle Kuzma, Tyus Jones, and Daniel Gafford. They discuss who is likely to be traded, who is actually on the block, what they could potentially get back in return, and who they would prefer to see stay. They also discuss Daniel Gafford's head injury and who is likely to fill the void in the interim. Plus, Jahadi gives some insight i...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 256
The Washington Wizards are trading Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala to the Detroit Pistons. In return, they will receive Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers, and two second-round picks. Bryce Simon of Motor City Hoops and the Pistons Pulse podcast joins to dissect the move. He tells Wizards fans what to expect from Bagley and Livers and we address which picks are coming over as well. Presented by betonline.ag! Check out Bryce's podcast for more details on the trade as well! https://www.youtube.com...
Jan 14, 2024•25 min•Ep. 255
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno discuss Ryan Rollins being waived by the Wizards and the reporting by Josh Robbins of The Athletic about Rollins being accused of shoplifting. Jahadi talks about seeing weird behavior from some teammates in the past but neither of us remember anything quite like this. Hamidou Diallo has been signed to a 10-day contract to fill the open roster spot so we break down that addition. We also give our thoughts on the trade value of Tyus Jones and Kyle Kuzma and whether t...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 254
Rafael Barlowe of NBA Big Board, Locked on NBA Big Board, and NBA Draft Junkies joins the podcast to break down all of the names for Wizards fans to know in the lottery range, plus a few sleepers later on. Prospects covered: Nikola Topic, Alexandre Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, Ron Holland, Ja'Kobe Walter, Tyler Smith, Rob Dillingham, Stephon Castle, Isaiah Collier, Tidjane Salaun, Reed Sheppard, Jaylon Tyson, Ajay Mitchell, and Keyshawn Hall. Presented by betonline.ag!
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 253
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno open the show by breaking down what happened in the Wizards' blowout loss to the Cavaliers, specifically keying in on their defensive shortcomings. Have the players and coaches already thrown in the towel on the season? Jahadi then provides a player's perspective on whether the Wizards moving to a shiny new arena would help them recruit better free agents in the future. They round at the show by discussing the results of a fan poll that asked who the Wizards' best ...
Jan 04, 2024•48 min•Ep. 252
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno are back to catch up on all things Wizards! Rookie Bilal Coulibaly's usage has been trending downward recently and Wes Unseld Jr. seems unconcerned. We weighed in on if this could potentially limited Coulibaly's long-term development and if fans should be worried. Jahadi also explained what's missing from this team from a mentality standpoint and what the mood is probably like in the Wizards' locker room with a 5-25 record. We also covered the team's effort levels,...
Dec 29, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 251
Matt Modderno runs down the holiday gifts he would give to each member of the Wizards. Some of them are a little tongue-and-cheek but most could actually help, or at least make Wizards fans feel a little better. After that, we include an older conversation that Matt had with former Wizard Sam Dekker on February 11, 2023. Dekker provides a lot of valuable insight that could help his fellow Wisconsin Badger Johnny Davis, and I think his suggestions are still applicable today almost a year later. F...
Dec 26, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 250
Longtime Wizards insider Troy Haliburton joins the podcast to address the Wizards' potential move to Virginia. Troy wrote a great piece on his Substack (link below) about the move and what, if any, responsibility Ted Leonsis had to the District of Columbia after taking their money to support various projects throughout the years. We covered the series of events that led to this, why this move is good for Monumental's bottom line, who is to blame for the move, what this will do to traffic in the ...
Dec 16, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 249
Bleav in Wizards Draft: Matt Modderno is on the road this week and was able to check out a couple of intriguing mid-major prospects during the Utah State at Santa Clara game. Adama Bal, a 6'6 French wing, is the go-to guy for Santa Clara, a program that recently produced Jalen Williams and Brandin Podziemski. Could Bal be next? Matt shares his perspective after seeing him live. He also gives a scouting report for Johnny O'Neil, a 6'9 wing for Santa Clara who transferred in from American Universi...
Dec 14, 2023•19 min•Ep. 248
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno start the show by recapping the Nets & 76ers game and talking about the impressive flashes by rookie Bilal Coulibaly. Jahadi also gives his take on Coulibaly’s equally, if not more so, impressive comments in an article with Chase Hughes about learning the game and film study. They also talk about Kyle Kuzma's mentorship of Coulibaly. From there, they weigh in on what they’d like to see Wes Unseld Jr. do differently, potential schematic changes, rotation changes...
Dec 10, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 247
Osman Baig (@Obtoojiveforyou) of Bullets Forever joins the podcast today. We basically just gush about Bilal Coulibaly for the first third of the show and share some interesting stats to support our love affair with him. The Wizards seemed committed to moving the ball more against Philadelphia and that's a trend we'd like to see continue. Next, we addressed whether the Wizards' rumored interest in the Bulls' Patrick Williams actually makes any sense. We close the show by discussing the Wizards w...
Dec 08, 2023•45 min•Ep. 246
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno address what happened in Wednesday's Magic game, including the lack of rebounding, the porous perimeter defense, and the forwards playmaking more than the guards. They also cover Kyle Kuzma's reaction to tweets about trading him, Kuzma and Bilal Coulibaly's comments about the team's defense, and Jordan Poole's comments about being atop opponent's scouting reports. From there they answers questions from fans about trading Kuzma, biggest surprises with Coulibaly's ga...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 245
Keyshawn Hall of George Mason Men's Basketball is currently averaging 17.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1 steal for the 5-1 Patriots. He was recently named A10 Co-Player of the Week for his performance, including a game-winner in a 73-71 win over South Dakota State. Hall went from not having any D1 offers out of high school and recently lost 60 pounds to now he's excelling in college basketball and finding himself in NBA Draft conversations. He talks about what motivates him, getting ...
Nov 28, 2023•32 min•Ep. 244
Kevin Broom of Bullets Forever and the #SoWizards Podcast joins Matt Modderno for a live reaction podcast after the Wizards' 136-108 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. They give their thoughts on the game and what went wrong, assess the Wizards defensive deficiencies, and answer listener questions. They evaluated the play of Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija, Corey Kispert, Bilal Coulibaly, and Landry Shamet specifically. Kevin also provides some really good insight into how the Wizards' offensive compares to oth...
Nov 26, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 243
Jahadi White and Matt Modderno recap the Wizards game against the Bucks, including the glimmers of improvement they saw from Jordan Poole and the high praise the Bucks' stars had for Bilal Coulibaly. They also discuss which players are most likely to get traded first, why the national media only seems to be focused on the negative things going on with the Wizards, and Matt sort of compares Bilal to Giannis. They close the show by saying what they're thankful for from each member of the team so f...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 242
The Good: Bilal Coulibaly and everything about him The Bad: the Wizards handling of Johnny Davis The Ugly: the whole Jordan Poole situation Plus: the Wizards defense and how much of it is effort related, could someone like Rajon Rondo make a good addition to the coaching staff, and a Capital City Go-Go update. Presented by betonline.ag!
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 241
