The second-year big man posted a career-high one night and remained active the next. The once-seldom used 7-footer triggered a run in a victory, swatting shots and delivering nice passes.
Yes, Andray Blatche and Calvin Booth have performed about the way the Wizards could expect with Antawn Jamison sidelined three-to-six weeks with a sprained left knee. Both players have their moments, good and bad. That’s to be expected.
It’s why the Wizards (28-20) are 1-3 minus Jamison, allowing teams to shoot 55 percent from the field and losing by an average of 17.7 points.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Here are three other players who could make a difference but have not yet elevated their play:
» Jarvis Hayes. In the past four games, Hayes has made just 13 of 34 field goals, failing to do what he was advertised to be able to do: hit open shots. He was supposed to be a defensive help, too, but that hasn’t materialized yet, partly because he’s now often paired against taller players. Jamison averages 7.9 rebounds a game; Hayes has grabbed 10 boards in four games.
“He runs the offense well, he blocks out and plays help defense well,” Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said. “We’d always like to see him make more shots.”
His play could force Jordan to start Booth, a taller shotblocker, against bigger teams.
» Darius Songaila. After missing the first 45 games following back surgery, Songaila is not really in a position to offer immediate help. The career 49.8-percent shooter has made just two of eight field goals and is not yet a factor on the boards. Eventually, he should provide depth with his defense and shooting; when signed he was considered an excellent fit for those reasons. But right now he’s behind.
» Antonio Daniels. The reserve guard plays a much different spot than Jamison, but his veteran presence should serve as a calming influence during tense times on the court. However, Daniels has not responded with his best games. He’s averaged just 16 minutes a game the past three contests. In that stretch, he’s averaged just 3.7 points per game — almost half his season average — with six assists and two turnovers.
Gil to take his shot
» Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will participate in the three-point shootout during the All-Star weekend in Las Vegas. Arenas finished second to Dirk Nowitzki last year. The event will take place on Feb. 17, the night before the game.
