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Hearing the new Stars single
America Celebrates Its Independence Day by Stealing Spain's Best Guard
In 2002, the Wizards selected both Jared Jeffries and Juan Dixon in the first round, two picks that didn't work out so well. It was on that same night, however, that Les Boulez quietly chose 6'3" Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro 40th overall. Five years later, as first reported by the Post's Ivan Carter and later confirmed by ESPN's Henry Abbott, Navarro is leaving Barcelona and coming to DC. Well, he's at least coming to America, and Washington is first in line with the rights to sign him on the line that is dotted.
If the Wizards do get a deal done, he'll be part of a crowded backcourt along with Gil, Antonio Daniels, first-rounder Nick Young and possibly DeShawn Stevenson. Plus, he could be used as bait to lure his friend and fellow Spaniard Pau Gasol to Washington. I mean, look how close these two are. They would make beautiful music together in the Verizon Center.
But how good is JCN? From what I've read, his offense is electric while his defense is not so much. FanHouse has a highlight reel showcasing what a commenter aptly describes as "an exciting collection of ball fakes and jab steps." And Bullets Forever has a breakdown of Navarro's game. Comparisons are drawn to Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker along the way, although La Bomba (great nickname) is smaller than the former and seemingly less athletic than the latter.
No matter how it shakes out, this furthers a mega-interesting offseason in DC. Blatche is developing, O-Pech is joining, Arenas is healing, NY is adding, Jarvis, DeShawn, Etan and Brenda may or may not be departing ... and now this. The '07-08 Wizards promise to be epic, not because they'll win a title but because they'll be impossible to ignore.
Update: Here's a great fan-cam video of La Bomba hitting a Parker-esque teardrop buzzer beating game-winner (via this Real GM message board thread).
Update No. 2: Henry Abbott over at True Hoop is following the story, and it sounds like the Spaniard wants to sign with the Wiz.
Update No. 3: Ivan Carter says the Wiz are leaning towards trading JCN. The only way that makes sense is if they can use him to dump Etan or Haywood in the deal.
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7/5/07 8:55 AM