New acquisition Yi Jianlian was my pick for the Wizards best offseason move. (Photo: Associated Press)

Earlier this week, the fine folks over at DC Pro Sports Report asked me to be a part of their Wizards round table, along with a few other notable basketball writers in this town. They asked me and the other participants a total of six questions about the new-look Wizards, who open up their season in a few hours without Gilbert Arenas (though the team is holding out hope that he'll be back for the home opener against Philadelphia November 2).

After the jump, their questions, and my answers, as well as some parenthetical elaborations.

Q: What was your favorite personnel decision the Wizards made this year, apart from drafting John Wall?

I didn't know what to think of the Yi Jianlian deal when it was first made, but I really like it now. I think being "The Guy" for the Chinese team at the World Championships in Turkey this summer was a valuable learning experience for Yi, and he looked very good coming off the bench in preseason, especially on the defensive end, where his fundamentals and rebounding have improved immensely. Throw in the large Asian community in this area, and the excitement surrounding this group (as opposed to playing in Milwaukee for a year and on two truly terrible New Jersey teams), and I think that going into this season, this is as comfortable and motivated as Yi's felt in his time in the NBA.

Q: Gilbert Arenas will make the Wizards better this year, true or false? And why?

Right now, I'm going to give Gilbert the benefit of the doubt and say true. He played very well in the preseason (when he actually played), and didn't show any evidence that he'd actually lost his speed or basketball sense during his time away. Furthermore, he's seemed to work very well with John Wall, and I've seen no signs of any "who's the alpha dog?" issues in that locker room. He also seems to have the support of a large chunk of the fanbase, which should guard against any awkward situations or taunts at home games. You always have to keep an eye on Gilbert, but for right now, I'll say he'll be back close to his pre-Javaris Crittendon self.

Addendum: I wrote this Monday night, before it was announced that Arenas would miss at least the first two games. However, assuming his injury is not serious and that no surgery is required, I still expect Gilbert Arenas to play big, crucial minutes for this team later in the season

Q: Will John Wall win Rookie of the Year honors? If not, who will? Blake Griffin? Evan Turner? Demarcus Cousins?

Yes, John Wall will win ROY.

Addendum: Having watched Blake Griffin throw up a 20 and 14 last night against Portland, I'm inclined to walk my prediction back. I think that Wall and Griffin will battle it out all season for Rookie of the Year honors if (and it's a big if) Blake Griffin stays healthy.

Q: Are Andray Blatche & Javale McGee ready to become a good starting 4-5 tandem this season?

Now we're coming to the real problem spots in my opinion. There's obvious talent there, but these two absolutely need to put it together if this team is to make any noise in the East this year. And considering that, during preseason:
A. Flip Saunders was both discussing the need for McGee to do "the little things" and
B. Giving Yi Jianlian starts at the 5 position, as well as
C. Saying after the Milwaukee home preseason game, "Andray's a low post scorer, he's just gotta get his big butt down there," which prompted
D. Blatche to respond with "It's tough to stay low when you've gotta set a lot of picks," that tells me that Wizards fans are in for a very inconsistent start to the season from both these guys. Maybe they'll put it together later, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Q: Who will emerge as the starter at quick forward by January 1?

Josh Howard, if he's back by that point. If not, then Al Thornton.

Q: Predict Washington's record, place in the conference [7th, 9th, 11th, etc.] and yes or no on playoffs.

34-48, 10th place in the Eastern Conference, no playoffs. (Note: I erred in having the Wizards play 83 games in the round table, so I decided to dock them one win.)

To check out the full round table, which includes myself and our blog brothers over at Truth About It and at Wiz of Awes, go here.

Enjoy the season opener, everyone.