Player Preview: Andray Blatche

Andray Blatche has had quite a struggle this past year. He's been labeled as lazy, out of shape and a knucklehead. After being amnestied by the Washington Wizards this past offseason, Blatche had two offers come his way that he had to decide between. One offer came from the defending champion Miami Heat while the other one came from the new kids on the block, the Brooklyn Nets. He wound up signing a veterans minimum deal for 1 year with the Nets. Being that he is the only player on the bench taller than 6'9", he will serve as the backup center behind Brook Lopez. 

Going back to his days in Washington, we know that the knucklehead label was true. He was on a team filled with them. But after being amnestied, he admits that his days of being immature are over. This leads to the reason behind him choosing his new number, 0. Blatche says he chose zero because that's where he was when the Wizards had amnestied him in July. 

“I was at rock bottom. I felt like after that, nobody felt I was going to make it back into the league after last season, so zero reminds of me how everybody gave up on me.”

With this second chance, expect Blatche to be the player he was expected to be and then some. A talent like Andray Blatche isn't one that you want to see go to waste. With a little discipline and help from his teammates, he will make the best of this opportunity.

He struggled to stay in shape last year and wound up eventually getting benched indefinitely. He finished the season averaging 8.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in just 26 games. This was following a season in which he averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds back in 2010-11. Some would call that a career year. I wouldn't. I'd say that he's just getting started. Blatche has an incredible amount of talent. He just hasn't gotten to his full potential. He is 6'11" and can shoot a jumper while also being able to bring the ball to the basket. Also, his ability to crash the offensive glass is key. We expect to see a new, revamped Andray Blatche this season in Brooklyn. He is now in the perfect situation. A tough, strict coach and a locker room filled with class act guys. He'll be kept in check by veterans like Jerry Stackhouse and Reggie Evans. We can fully expect him to break through this season behind Brook Lopez and he will show all the people who ever doubted him that he means business.

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