A promising first game back for veteran center
Now on to the positives of the Wizards’ 95-85 opening-game loss to the New Jersey Nets. Well, make that singular — the positive.
Playing his first NBA game that mattered in 18 months, center Etan Thomas scored 10 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and blocked a shot in 18 minutes, 45 seconds. Coming off heart surgery, performed last October, it was a strong start for the nine-year veteran.
“Definitely happy with that,” said Thomas of his production. “I’ve come a long way. It’s been a long journey. It’s great for me just to be out there playing at all.”
Thrust into a starting role after the loss of Brendan Haywood, who is out until at least March after undergoing surgery on his wrist, Thomas hit 3 of 5 shots, and provided numbers comparable to those of Haywood in his breakout 2007-08 season when he averaged 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 27.9 minutes per game.
“Etan gave a lot of effort. He got some numbers on the stat sheet relative to his time, his minutes,” said Wizards coach Eddie Jordan. “Maybe I should have stuck with Etan a little longer.”
Despite his solid work, Thomas didn’t play in the fourth quarter as Jordan opted for Andray Blatche (13 points, 6 rebounds) and rookie JaVale McGee (2 rebounds, 1 block).
“They went a little small at center and Andray was playing well,” said Jordan. “I brought in JaVale and I felt he gave us a little spark and then stayed with Andray at center since he was playing well.”
The 6-10 Thomas can’t match the skill set or shot-blocking ability of Blatche (6-11) or McGee (7-0), and is unlikely to duplicate the 1.7 blocks Haywood (7-0) provided last year. Thomas, however, did negate Nets starting center Josh Boone (6-10) who had only four points and three boards in 23 minutes.
“I was definitely excited to play the first regular season game,” said Thomas. “I felt good out there. I just wish we would have come out with the win. Collectively, as a team, we have to play better.”
That is the Wizards mission Saturday when they play the Pistons.
Up next
Wizards at Pistons
» Rookie coach Michael Curry made a successful debut Wednesday night as Detroit defeated Indiana, 100-94, behind F Tayshaun Prince (19 points). With a lineup that includes G Richard Hamilton, G Chauncey Billups, C Rasheed Wallace and F Antonio McDyess (45 NBA seasons combined), the Pistons are one of the league’s most experienced teams. Reserve G Rodney Stuckey is an emerging star. Detroit won the series last year, 2-1.
