Whether or not Caron Butler suffered a season-ending injury Sunday now depends on his teammates.
The only way Butler will return this season is if Washington advances to the second round of the playoffs. And that, of course, will be difficult minus its All-Star forward.
Butler will miss six weeks after breaking the second metacarpal bone of his right hand in Sunday’s win over Milwaukee.
That leaves open the possibility of a return.
But keep this in mind: Washington has lost 12 of its last 14 minus Butler, who averages 19.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
“This will give some other players the opportunity to pick up the slack that Caron leaves behind,” Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld said. “We have plenty of players who can do that. We are still looking forward to the stretch run.
“Things happen and you have to move forward. That’s why you have to have a good bench. Our bench has been very productive as of late and they’re going to have to be more productive.”
The Wizards likely will choose from Jarvis Hayes, Darius Songaila and Andray Blatche to start. They’ve also started Calvin Booth and Michael Ruffin in these situations in the past.
Butler broke his right hand when he hit it on the backboard while trying to block a third-quarter shot.
“I am really disappointed because we finally had everyone back from injuries for the playoff run,” Butler said. “I am going to stay positive and continue to support my teammates, and hope to get back as soon as possible.”
