Washington Wizards 2009-10 NBA Preview

Last season the Washington Wizards were the worst team in the Eastern Conference. This season expectations are high and have some talking of them as a dark horse to advance deep into the playoffs. What’s the difference? The team is finally (somewhat) healthy, getting its star scorer Gilbert Arenas back from two injury riddled years. However, there has been an injury in the preseason to one of the Wizards’ Big Three, Antawn Jamison, who has hurt his shoulder and as of now it is appears that he will be out four to six weeks. With that it seems that Washington will already have to do without and be able to hold it’s own to start the season without one of its best players. The Wizards look to be a good team when all of their parts are operational and the terrible defense they played last season should improve as they get more guys back. Let’s take a look at their players:

The point guard position will be locked down by the oft-injured Gilbert Arenas. Gilbert is one of my favorite players in the league and I really hope that he can return to his old form now that he is finally healthy. When he is on Agent Zero is a scoring machine but will he be able to get back to the 28-29 points per game level or will his impact on the team be less than hoped for? Randy Foye is entering his fourth season in the NBA and his first with the Wizards since being acquired from the Timberwolves. His role barring injury will be as a backup to Gilbert Arenas and some time as the back up shooting guard. The guard rotation is deep and one of the team’s strengths so it will be interesting to see how minutes are doled out. Javaris Crittenton will see very limited minutes this season as the third point guard option.

At the 2 spot, Mike Miller, who was also part of the Minnesota trade that brought in Randy Foye should start. Miller is a very good shooter that can help spread the defense but he needs to be more aggressive at times and isn’t a great defender. Miller will be backed up by either DeShawn Stevenson or Nick Young. Stevenson has been getting more time recently this preseason so he may be the man to see significant playing time.

At small forward is the dynamic Caron Butler. Butler is a two time all star and a very talented all around player. Some lineups may feature Mike Miller playing at this spot or time from Dominic McGuire who played fairly well for the team last season.

The power forward spot belongs to Antawn Jamison when he returns sometime in early December. When he’s healthy expect a guy who averages 19 and 8 per game. Andray Blatche and Fabricio Oberto will help fill in at this position while Jamison recouperates.

At Center Brendan Haywood is also back after missing most of last season due to injury. He’s not the best scorer on the team but he does provide good interior defense and rebounding which the Wizards desperately need. JaVale McGee is a nice young player and should see plenty of time in a backup role.

The team on paper is very solid, not great but definitely in the hunt for the number 4 seed in the East. Even if they were at full strength for the entire season they are not as talented as the Cavs, Magic, and Celtics. Now that Jamison will miss a month or more of basketball I don’t think they will have home court during the first round and should settle somewhere between the number 5 and 7 spot in the conference. They have the talent for the second round but I highly doubt they get any further than that.

Starting five:

Gilbert Arenas

Mike Miller

Caron Butler

Antawn Jamison (when healthy)

Brendan Haywood

Contributers:

DeShawn Stevenson

Nick Young

JaVale McGee

Randy Foye

Andray Blatche

Fabricio Oberto