(a sorta) League Preview: Washington Wizards

The sorriest and the lottery likelies enter the season with bleak prospects. The Clippers and the Thunder have a little something to be excited about. Though they were horrible last year, getting to the playoffs and possibly making noise is a realistic possibility. Enter the 4^th best team in the Southeast Division.

Washington Wizards

PG Gilbert Arenas Randy Foye

SG DeShawn Stevenson Mike Miller Nick Young

SF Caron Butler Dominic McGuire

PF Antwan Jamison Andray Blatche

C Brendon Haywood Fabrico Oberto JaVale McGee

The word in the Wizards organization is that they are in the mix for the championship. The return of star Gilbert Arenas and center Brendon Haywood, and the additions of Mike Miller, Randy Foye and Fabrico Oberto certainly strengthen the ‘Zards. But Washington is essentially banking on the same core from 04-05, when they won 45 games and lost in the Eastern semis. This group has never been known for defense. Stalwart Antwan Jamison is now 33 years old with 829 NBA games to his credit. Arenas true health remains a question mark. Championship? No way. Post season menace? Quite possible.

The Wizards can fill it up. Arenas, Caron Butler, Jamison, Miller, Foye, and Nick Young all get you buckets. Coach Flip Saunders will do well with this crew on the offensive end. Saunders’ teams generally move the ball well, share the scoring, and shoot a high percentage. He has a team that already trusts one another. Expect Washington to race past 100 points most games.

They will probably need to score 106-107 pts to win games, because stopping opponents is going to be an issue. Arenas’ quickness will be tested nightly at the point. Stevenson is a joke as a stopper. Butler is tough but inconsistent. Jamison is undersized. The new guys have barely a clue on defense. Having Haywood back will help some. The Carolina alum had found himself as a pro before losing the past season to injury. A strong shot blocker, he gives the ‘Zards a toughness the sorely need. He is also a polished post defender that can dance with the East’s big boys. Bottom line is Washington gave up a lot on D much of last year. It was ugly, and many of the prime participants are still part of the team’s core.

Assuming that Arenas is healthy enough to play 70+ games and really run the team, the Wizards could roll a lot of the sucker teams with their fire power and depth. Butler is in his prime, averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and over 1.5 steals over the past two seasons. Jamison is older, but the wiley scorer can still get it done. Foye and Miller provide strong bench scoring. Even Haywood and the young bigs McGee and Blatche have offensive skills.

As for the Wizards ability to challenge the elite of the East? Do not see it. Washington could possibly get in the discussion with Atlanta and Miami, but they could also get locked in a dog fight for the 8 seed with Philly, Detroit, and the like. Defense wins and Washington does not D.