Haywood’s status in doubt after finale

He left the bench before the final seconds ticked off in Monday’s 97-90 Game 4 loss to Cleveland, holding his right index finger aloft as he headed towards the locker room. His name plate was the only one missing after the game, presumablyremoved by Haywood.

Like his teammates, Haywood will meet with President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld. The players do not meet individually with Jordan. But Haywood’s future will be a main topic for the Wizards’ decision makers.

“That’s something we’ll talk about,” Jordan said. “He’s a contract player and if he’s in our locker room on Oct. 2 [when practice begins], then we’re coaching him.”

He started 49 games, but lost his starting job to Etan Thomas. He did not play five games and did not play against Cleveland on Monday. Haywood declined comment after Monday’s loss and was not available Tuesday.

The 7-foot center has played six seasons for the Wizards, with a career average of 6.9 points and 5.7 rebounds. Some players have rolled their eyes at some of Haywood’s actions in games he did not play. But he has support.

“It’s a distraction we can ill afford to let happen again because he was a distraction this year,” Wizards forward, and team captain, Antawn Jamison said. “You have to be professional about it. … But with Brendan on this team we do have a great chance to win. He’s a guy I definitely want to see back next year.

“When Brendan is competing and he’s at his best, he’s a championship-type center.”

Contractual issues

Jordan’s assistant coaches do not have contracts yet for next season.

“It’s understood that as long as I’m coaching, the people that I want, that should be a sound decision on everybody’s part,’’ Jordan said. “I would like my coaching staff back.”

Nothing is expected to be decided until after the June 28 draft, however.