Roster questions will dominate offseason
The idea of an emptying locker room took on a new meaning after the Wizards’ season-ending win over Indiana on Wednesday. Only four of the 12 players present after the game have contracts with Washington for next season. OK, five — if Quinton Ross’ player option is included. Gilbert Arenas makes six.
“Right now, we have an open canvas,” said Wizards head coach Flip Saunders.
Whether or not some of the departed players can be persuaded this summer to come back will play a large role in shaping the Wizards next season. So too will Washington’s salary cap space in free agency and its three picks among the first 35 players available in the 2010 NBA draft.
“Obviously, at some point, I want to win,” said Mike Miller. “I’ve had playoff teams, and I’ve made pushes in the playoffs, but I haven’t had the opportunity to win and be successful.”
Miller professed some loyalty to the Wizards, since they in part gave up the fifth pick in last year’s draft to trade for him and Randy Foye. But Shaun Livingston made no such promises despite fitting neatly into Wizards head coach Saunders’ system and resurrecting his career in Washington after three years in a wilderness of injury and recovery.
“At the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for my situation,” said Livingston.
The Wizards are unlikely to pick up Josh Howard’s expensive team option ($11.8 million) but he is certain to be a priority to be retained at a lower salary. The Wizards are also fond of what James Singleton brings as a rebounder and strong character in the locker room.
The standing of veterans Fabricio Oberto — “I want to play basketball. I don’t know what’s going to be the decision of the team,” — and Earl Boykins are more uncertain.
“I definitely want to come back here next year because I still feel that it only takes a couple of players to get into the playoffs,” said Boykins. “It only takes a couple of players, a couple of personalities to turn this thing around. And with the salary cap room that the team has, you should be able to acquire the players that you need.”
