The young player earned more action, committing youthful mistakes but revealing promise. The veterans coming off injuries received more action, too, as they regained their rhythm. It all stemmed from necessity. And it would pay off for the Wizards in time.
When they had their full roster, that is. Finally, it appears they do.
Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison will return tonight against Atlanta after missing three and 12 games, respectively.
“It’s back to business,” said Wizards forward Antawn Jamison, who missed all of February with a sprained knee. “It’s been hard to sit and watch.”
The Wizards (31-25) still hold a three-game lead in the Southeast Division race, but have lost four straight. They’re 4-8 minus Jamison. Dating to last season, Washington has dropped the last eight games it has played without Butler.
But, for the first time this season, Washington’s top eight players will be available. Only defensive-minded forward Michael Ruffin (ankle) remains a question mark.
“It’s the introduction of what you are going to see the next couple of months and going into the playoffs,” Jamison said. “We are ready to put the pieces together and play like we are capable.”
With Jamison out, second-year Andray Blatche began to establish himself as a contributor. Also, forward Darius Songaila returned from a back injury. Though Jarvis Hayes continues to misfire, the extra minutes have helped him shake off the rust — mental and physical — from missing most of the previous two seasons.
Now the players can return to their more comfortable roles, boosting the bench.
“We feel if we get healthy, we’ll come out on top [in the division],” center Brendan Haywood said.
Butler said his back tightened up during a 16-hour travel ordeal to Minnesota last week. Their flight was diverted and a lengthy bus ride ensued.
“It was real painful,” Butler said, “because you’re not able to be mobile and when you’re not mobile, you’re useless on the court. I didn’t want to go out there and hurt the team. But I practiced real good, I was mobile and I feel I can help.”
Their return will lessen the burden on All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas, who has made just 14 of 65 field goals the past three games, including four of 31 from the three-point line.
“It will relieve a lot of stress and attention off him,” Butler said. “Maybe he can get more lanes and open looks.That’s what we’re hoping for.”
Mason made most of shot
Wizards guard Roger Mason was used to not playing. He wasn’t used to being inactive, watching a game in street clothes. But that’s what happened when Minnesota visited 10 days ago.
“Those next few days in practice, I went after it hard,” said Mason, a Good Counsel High alum. “I wanted to show the coach I can help.”
And that’s what he’s done the past three games, averaging 14 points while making 14 of 26 field goals and 10 of 15 three-pointers.
“That’s why his minutes have been steady [lately],” Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said.
Now that Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are expected to return, Mason’s time could decrease. But that still beats being inactive.
“It was tough, but I’m a team player and whatever the coaching staff feels is best,” Mason said. “I’m willing to do it with a smile on my face. But I’m a competitor and I want to be out there.”
