It was a horrible start for the Washington Wizards (2-12) who were expected to be a legitimate playoff team this season.With injuries in the starting line-up, guard Gilbert Arenas out with an injured knee coupled with center Brendan Haywood out for four to six because of an injured hand, the Wizards were stuck in neutral.The 1-11 start cost head coach Eddie Jordan his job.The organization wanted to move forward in a positive direction according to a source.Interim head coach Ed Tapscott, who served as director of player development/ programs, replaced Jordan.Despite the awful start, the Wizards can still can turn their season around, but effort on both ends of the court will be the key for a positive turn around.
The Wizards lost a few close games last month.In December, they must finish the winable games and compete to have a shot in others.The biggest issues with the Wizards are poor team defense and lack of ball movement on the offense to get easier baskets.Opposing teams just don’t respect the Wizards as they come straight down the middle because of their lack of physicality the front court.Opponents don’t respect the Wizards guards because they can not hit from the perimeter consistently (Stevenson will shoot out of his slump).As a team only a few players like guard Dee Brown, guard DeShawn Stevenson, forward Caron Butler, and forward Dominic McGuire (when he plays) can play straight up defense, The Wizards must play better defense by rotating and communicating on the floor.On offense, they have to be more patient and run the offense.
Co-leaders Butler and forward Antawn Jamison are still in all-star mode.Butler is leading the team in scoring averaging 21.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Jamison is leading the team in rebounds with 9.7 per game and averaging 20.8 points a game.Despite the frustrating losses, Jamison and Butler are still patient and encouraging the young players.“It can be trying at times and they know we (him and Butler) need him,” said Jamison.“But everybody is making adjustments and everything will work out.”The young Wizards can’t say that Butler and Jamison aren’t leading by example.
The starting line-up was changed a few times to find out what worked better for the Wizards.Center Etan Thomas was replaced by forward/center Andray Blatche for one game.Because of Blatche’s lack of effort, rookie center JaVale McGee has took over in the middle.Due to guard Antonio Daniels injury, guard Juan Dixon started three games, then Brown stepped in.Because of reasons unknown, Dixon is not in the starting line-up and hasn’t played much at all in the last couple of games.Brown is a good defender, takes care of the ball, lightning quick, and brings great effort.Brown has come a long way from trying to make the team to starting.“It is truly a blessing, I tell you,” said Brown.“I’m glad the coaches believe in me, but I’m not content, I still and will continue to work hard and be there for my teammates.”
Guard/forward Nick Young started off hot and cooled off a bit averaging 11.9 points a game but the surprise of the month was McGee.McGee was projected to probably start mid-season because of the absence of Haywood, but with his effort and athleticism he is starting now.“It was difficult getting use to the physicality of the game,” said McGee.“I’m still learning a lot and I’m glad the coaches believe in me and my talent.”
The eastern conference has improved, but it is not out of reach. Only five teams in the east have double-digit wins,the Boston Celtics (17), Orlando Magic (13), Atlanta Hawks (10), Cleveland Cavaliers (14), and the Detroit Pistons (10) and the other winning teams are 8-8 at best.The Wizards are at least six games behind the single-digit winning teams.Out of the sixteen games, the Wizards have in the month of December, six teams with losing records, the Chicago Bulls (8-9), Philadelphia 76ers twice (7-9), Indiana Pacers (6-10), Charlotte Bobcats (6-11), and the Oklahoma City Thunder (2-16).The Wizards should win those six games because of their experience.While the east continues to beat each other up, the Wizards could creep back in. There are 10 games against some powerhouse teams like the Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, Pistons, Cavaliers, New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Houston Rockets.It’s going to be a long shot for the Wizards considering the way they have played but if they do not have consistent effort from everybody every night this month they can hang this season and their playoffs hopes up.
