Late in the third quarter against Toronto on Tuesday, Darius Songaila finally checked into the game. Eleven Wizards already had played. But Songaila remained seated for one reason. The Wizards did not yet need him.
“That,” said Wizards forward Antawn Jamison, “is a luxury.”
And one the Wizards haven’t always had. Inthe past, the Wizards needed anyone who could play and Songaila can play. Now they can pick their moments for who gets in. It’s a sign of what they hope is a deep roster, one that still needs tweaking in the future but also one that provides coach Eddie Jordan more options.
“A couple years ago it seemed coach only trusted seven or eight guys,” Jamison said. “Those days are definitely behind us. This team is really deep.”
Jamison, in part, can be thanked for the depth. His 12-game absence to a sprained knee created an opportunity for second-year forward Andray Blatche to get more time. Same with Calvin Booth, who is limited but can help.
And Songaila’s return from his back injury also strengthens the bench. Songaila said he’s still only “70-75” percent recovered and won’t be 100 percent until next year.
“The legs are still not there,” he said.
But he’s starting to get his shot back and his passing is a help in the Wizards’ offense.
Also, the return to health of the Big Three has enabled players such as Blatche and Jarvis Hayes to play more familiar roles. Blatche developed during Jamison’s absence, showing he can provide energy and displaying confidence in his shot. Reserve guard Roger Mason has averaged 5.8 points in the past 10 games.
In each of the past four games, 12 players have seen action for Washington. This reduces playing time for the starters, allowing them to be fresher at season’s end. Also, if a starter is hurt down the stretch or in the playoffs, the Wizards won’t be using rusty players.
“That’s how you develop trust in each other,” Wizards reserve guard Antonio Daniels said.
There are holes in the bench. It lacks a solid consistent scorer. Daniels has struggled with his game for much of the past two months, save for his 18-point outburst against Toronto on Tuesday. Hayes hasn’t found his full rhythm. Booth is limited; Blatche is young.
In some cases, their limitations are why a deep bench is needed.
When the playoffs come, rotations are naturally shortened to eight, or nine, players. But Jordan knows he has options.
“I want to play a lot of people,” Jordan said. “I want everyone to feel a part of it.”
EAST SHOWDOWN
» Who: Wizards (34-26) vs. Knicks (28-34)
» When: 7 p.m.,
Saturday
» Where: Verizon Center
WIZ NOTES
» The Wizards have a three-game lead over Miami in the Southeast Division. But the Heat have won four straight. Meanwhile, the Wizards play seven of their next eight games on the road.
» DeShawn Stevenson dubbed himself “Mr. 50” when his shooting percentage rose above 50 percent for the season. But, since Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison have returned, Stevenson has gone cold. In the four games since they came back, he’s made just 10 of 30 field goals and his season field goal percentage is now at 48.9.
