A few days before the All-Star game, Caron Butler wanted to shake the honor from his mind. He wanted the game to be a launching point, not an ending one.
Since then, however, though his effort has remained steady, the Wizards small forward’s numbers have dropped. While there was little doubt he was putting up All-Star numbers before that game, he hasn’t done the same thereafter.
In the 14 games since Butler was named to the All-Star team, he’s averaging just 14.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting 41 percent from the field. In the 14 games prior, he averaged 20.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and made 44 percent of his shots.
He’s also played lately with a contusion above his knee that caused swelling. X-rays proved negative and coach Eddie Jordan saidhe thought Butler’s knee was fine.
However, some teammates see a difference.
“Once you make that team, they’re coming after you,” said Antawn Jamison, an All Star in 2004-05. “But I put my money on this guy, more than any other guy in the league. He’ll find a way to get it done sooner rather than later. When I wasn’t playing well, he was the one guy that really stepped up and picked it up for me. I wouldn’t say he’s struggling, but you can tell he’s a little tired.”
Butler is attempting nearly three fewer shots per game over the past 14 games. The past two games — losses at the buzzer to Miami and New York — he scored a combined 14 points on 7-of-21 shooting.
“Teams are loading up on me a little more, but that’s no excuse,” Butler said. “I can pass out of double teams and get guys open looks because there’s more focus on me. I’m an unselfish guy.”
He’s also learning how hard it is to sustain a high level of play.
“Injuries and things like that disrupt your rhythm,” Butler said. “But at the same time you have to be professional and do what you can for your team.
“I’m a guy who will rebound — that’s my niche — make hustle plays, get in passing lanes and do the little things.”
But teammates aren’t worried about what he’ll do in the final 20 games.
“With the All-Star appearance, it’s the end of the season … I know that feeling where your body is extra tired and you’re a little extra sore,” Jamison said. “But it’s a matter of time before he gets into a rhythm. This is just one of those things and you have to play through it.”
As he goes …
The tough stretch for Butler has turned into a rough one for Washington as well. The Wizards, losers of three straight entering Wednesday’s game at Indiana, are 7-10 in their past 17 games, three of which Butler missed with back spasms and 12 of which Antawn Jamison missed with a sprained knee.
