The Wizards have limped into the All-Star break, much like last season. But there are differences. Plenty of them. When Washington dropped its last two before the break in 2006, it left them at 26-25. After losing four of six before this break, the Wizardsare 29-21.
Last season, hitting .500 was celebrated. This season, Washington had the best record in the Eastern Conference for a spell, and only trails Detroit by 2.5 games for that mark now.
Here’s why this season is different:
» Caron Butler. At this time last year, Butler was a relatively new starter for the Wizards en route to an 18.6 points per game average. This season he’s blossomed into an All-Star, averaging career highs in points (20.5), rebounds (7.8) and steals (2.12) while shooting a personal best 47.4 percent. He has 18 double-doubles, twice as many as all last season. With Butler as a starter, Washington is 62-42 the past two seasons; without him, the Wizards are 9-19.
» Center play. Brendan Haywood and Etan Thomas will not intimidate any team. Ever. Still, this one-two punch — get it? — is more productive. Combined last year, they averaged 12 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. This year, those numbers are 13.2 and 12.7, respectively. It’s a start.
» Settled rotation. The Wizards spent last season’s first half searching for the right combinations, in the starting lineup and off the bench. They had eight players start at least nine games; this year, barring no more injuries, only six will hit that number. Equally as important, the bench players have better defined roles. That is, when Antawn Jamison is healthy.
» Reason for hope: Depth and talent. When Jamison returns, the Wizards should have a deeper bench, thanks to the improving Andray Blatche, the recovering Darius Songaila and the healthy Michael Ruffin. Their emergence allows Jarvis Hayes to play more off-guard. And, with Jamison, they have three legitimate scorers who scare every team; Butler, Jamison and Gilbert Arenas combine for 68.8 points per game (1.4 more than last year).
» Reason for concern: The defense. The Wizards were better last season, partly because of Jared Jeffries’ versatility and longarms. They allowed fewer points (99.8 all of last year; 106.1 through 50 games this year). Also, opponents are shooting 10 percentage points higher (47.5) from the floor and 15 points higher (38) from the three-point line. The Wizards won’t advance far without improved defense.
