As the Wizards consider their future, it’s essential to look at the past.
It was the 2007 All-Star break. The Wizards were healthy, had the best record in the Eastern Conference, and the future seemed limitless. But 15 months later, injuries to All-Stars Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler have contributed to back-to-back first-round playoff defeats to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
As Wizards’ management ponders the free agency of Arenas and Antawn Jamison, the question looms: Can it ever be like it was in February of 2007?
“It seems like a long way,” said coach Eddie Jordan. “Maybe one day, we’ll haveeverybody for a long stretch of time.”
Sunday, after the Wizards coaches conducted exit interviews with players, all echoed the hope that everyone would be back next year and healthy.
With the player development accomplished by Jordan and the defensive mind-set assistant coach Randy Ayers helped instill in this season, there is reason to believe that with their major pieces finally healthy, the 2008-09 Wizards could be even better positioned than 15 months ago.
Retaining Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson were wise decisions by President Ernie Grunfeld. Both had the best seasons in the NBA and remain in their primes at ages 28 and 27 respectively. In addition, the Wizards have more bench depth than at any time in Jordan’s five-year tenure.
As the Wizards look to an interesting off-season, these are the major questions:
Will Gilbert Arenas return? This is the most important decision President Ernie Grunfeld will make this offseason as he weighs whether to retain the All-Star guard, let him go, or sign and trade him. Much depends on his twice-repaired knee.
“When you’ve been through two surgeries, it may take a while,” said Jordan. “I do believe with his diligent rehab this summer, he’s gonna be close to being the Gil we know.”
Will Antawn Jamison return? Where would the Wizards have been without Jamison’s professionalism, his 21.4 points and career-high 10.2 rebounds per game? Certainly not a playoff team.
“I wouldn’t feel complete without having those guys back,” said Butler. “I’m almost positive, that will be the case that Gil and Antawn will be back.”
Will Eddie Jordan return? This was to be a make-or-break season for Jordan, hinging on the postseason. But considering the successful juggling act he performed in a season full of injuries, expect him to return.
“Coach Jordan was a rock for us this season,” said Daniels. “Different things he went through, he came in and was still optimistic to us, which made us believe in ourselves.”
Will Roger Mason return? After averaging twice as many points (9.1 per game) and shooting at career-high rates from the floor (44.3 percent) and the arc (39.8 percent), Mason could receive significant attention on the free-agent market. The Wizards know they can’t re-sign him for the $895,341 he made this year.
“I’m from D.C. I love it here. This is where I got my first opportunity,” said Mason. “I’ve told my agent I’d love to sign back. Who knows what’s going to happen?”
