ESPN

Brendan Haywood

  (2:08 PM)

I'm here!

Graham (Burlington Vt)

What do think of Kobe's elbow to Artest? Do you think it warrants a suspension?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:09 PM)

I don't think he should be suspended but it does warrant a flagrant one foul. The rule states any elbow thrown above the shoulders is a flagrant one foul.

Chris (Denver)

Denver has got one of the most physical defenses in the NBA right now. As a player does it effect you when you know your not getting any easy baskets?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:11 PM)

As a player it defiantly affects you. It makes you think a little bit before you drive into the paint.

Shawn (NY)

What are the Wizards biggest needs this off-season?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:12 PM)

I think our biggest need is a backup power forward and a magic wand that will help everybody stay healthy.

Dolph (Arlington, VA)

Brendan, if you were GM of the Wizards who would you draft with the #1 overall pick and why?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:13 PM)

I think if your a GM for the Wizards, you would have to go with Blake Griffin. He's someone that can get physical and play hard. In the future he is somebody that can lead a team.

Bryan (Xenia, OH)

Hey Brendan! Thanks for doing this chat. Which NBA centers do you think are the best at defending the pick and roll?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:14 PM)

The best at defending the pick and roll is Ben Wallace even though he's not a true true center. He moves well and can get out to defend well.

Kevin Tang (Pasadena, CA)

Hey Brendan, I have a best friend who is a die-hard UNC fan. Do you think if teams were formed based on their college, that UNC would win it all? I am thinking UCLA with Kareem and Walton in the middle.

Brendan Haywood

  (2:17 PM)

UCLA has a lot of history but I think UNC will win it because they have the best player of all-time in Michael Jordan. They consistently have players coming into the league and making an impact on which ever team they play for.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

With the team having to deal with injuries all season. Do you think with all of the young players playing on a regular basis is good for the Wizards?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:18 PM)

I think the younger players playing on a regular basis will be good for us going into the future. But playing them all of the same time wasn't the best for us at all times because it left them on the court without any leadership. It's tough to play in this league as a youngster without leadership or guidance.

Eddie Long Beach

Did you get a chance to meet Barack Obama, if so what was said?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:19 PM)

I didn't get to meet him because his security circle was tight. I was cool to he the President in casual clothes enjoying the game with a beer. That's not something you see everyday.

Jeremy (Memphis)

Who do you like to win it this year?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:21 PM)

I think everybody knows that it will come down to the Lakers and the Cavs. I like Kob'e fourth quarter ability so I'm going to say the Lakers.

Phil (LA)

Who is tougher to guard, Dwight Howard or Yao Ming?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:22 PM)

Yao Ming is tougher to guard to me. Yao has more of a post game. Dwight is athletic and can move well but Yao can score on you all day long.

Michael (LA)

Pacquiao or Mayweather - who you got?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:24 PM)

All day ...Money Mayweather. Pacquiao is a great fighter but Mayweather's speed and skill will have him with the win.

CL Arlington VA

When you're back on the court this fall, what can you do to help the younger big guys (Blatche, McGee) with trapping up top but still getting back on their guy in the post, something you've gotten quite good at?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:25 PM)

Both those guys have the skill but it come down to being in shape and wanting to do it. It's nothing I can do to help them, they have to what to do it on their own.

Justin Behling (Boyceville, WI)

Do you see the Wizards getting back into playoff contention next season with a healthy lineup?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:26 PM)

If we're healthy then we will be one the top 4-5 teams in the East. It's not a question if we will make the playoffs, it's what seed we are going to be.

Steven (NJ)

What is your favorite moment of you career?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:27 PM)

I would say when I hit the game winning shot against the Knicks. I grew up as a Knick fan and that shot was big for me.

Jason (New York)

What did you learn from spending your first 2 seasons with Michael Jordan?

Brendan Haywood

  (2:27 PM)

I learned what it was to be a professional. He was working hard on his game everyday as a 40-year old pro. He showed what you can achieve if you work hard at your craft.

Brendan Haywood

  (2:28 PM)

Thanks for the chat! Look forward to big things from the Wizards next season!