He rejected a larger payday, gambling, at least a little bit, on himself to prove his worth.
That did not mean he would embark on a quest to post gaudy numbers. All DeShawn Stevenson wanted to show was his value to a team, not how many baskets he could make. The Wizards say he’s done just that.
He’s become the defensive presence they hoped for. He’s averaged around 10 points a game, getting a bump with Antawn Jamison sidelined. And he’s fit in well in the locker room.
“He’s been better than I thought he would be,” Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said.
Washington (28-19) will need him to be again tonight when it hosts the San Antonio Spurs (32-16).
“You have to move the ball around against them because they have a great scheme,” Wizards center Brendan Haywood said. “If you lock into playing one on one, it’ll be a long night.”
Fortunately for Washington, Stevenson is not one who looks to go one-on-one often. He knew what his role would be when he signed with the Wizards this past summer, agreeing to a one-year deal with a player option for the second year.
“They know I want to stay here,” Stevenson said. “I had to come in and do the things they wanted me to do to get a long-term deal. I want to be here. I feel good in this organization – and we’re winning. Everything else will work out; I’ll be all right this summer.”
The Wizards clearly like him: Jordan already is talking about wanting Stevenson to be a more vocal defensive leader next season.
“I understand that’s not his personality,” Jordan said. “I’ve egged him on, but it’s not happening. But he is a solid defender and his offense is better than I thought.”
Said Stevenson, “I’ve been trying to do that [be more vocal] the last couple games. People listen to me, but it’s hard to go from not saying anything to saying something.”
Still, Stevenson has provided a strong defensive presence and the ability to hit open jumpers. On another team, he might be able to average close to 15 points a game; with scorers such as Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Jamison, the Wizards don’t need that.
“I know what I can do and I don’t do more than that,” Stevenson said. “I know my game. I try to go out and do the things I’m supposed to do.”
Stepping up his game
» Stevenson rejected a deal from Orlando last year, after averaging 11.0 points per game, that would have paid him $3 million a year. He eventually fired his agent and signed with Mark Bartelstein.
» Stevenson wipes his right hand in front of his face after some made baskets, signifying he “can’t feel my face” borrowing from the lyrics of a 50 Cent song.
» In the four games where Antawn Jamison has either not played or got hurt, Stevenson has averaged 14.3 points — nearly five points over his season average. He’s made 21 of 36 field goals in this stretch. He’s the only Wizard who has scored above his season total with Jamison out.
