There was a high-spirited, but business-like tone to the Washington Wizards practice Monday at Verizon Center. To ensure it stayed that way, coach Eddie Jordan stopped the proceedings during a rare lull.
“We’re hunting for fourth [place],” announced Jordan. “You’re not gonna be hunting, sitting on your [butt].”
Jordan’s message left little doubt about what he wants to see in the final five regular-season games — aggression. Washington (40-37) can catch Cleveland (42-35) for the No. 4 slot in the Eastern Conference and earn the home-court advantage in a first-round series matching the teams.
“I just wanted them to practice hard the last five, ten minutes of practice. That’s all,” said Jordan. “I don’t want to put that out there as a mission statement for us, but I just had to say something to make them practice harder. If the cards fall right, maybe we have a chance.”
For one of the few times this season, the Wizards practiced with all 13 players, including Antawn Jamison, who missed the previous two games with a sprained right shoulder. The All-Star forward is expected back Wednesday when the Wizards host powerful Boston (61-15).
“No ill effects, no soreness whatsoever,” said Jamison. “A couple of days off has really helped me out. I feel real good right now.”
Getting Jamison, the team’s leading scorer (21.5 ppg) and rebounder (10.2 rpg), back into the flow will not be a problem. Integrating guard Gilbert Arenas, who missed 66 games after November knee surgery, is a more delicate proposition.
In Arenas’ absence, the Wizards thrived by valuing possessions in their Princeton offense, milking the clock, and zealously defending the lane. But according to Jordan, the team will have to adjust its style to Arenas.
“Gil’s role is to be who he is. He’s gonna be a guy that pushes the tempo for us. You see how many fast break points we have because he’s in the game,” said Jordan. “We want him to be solid defensively. I think he wants to be solid defensively … He’s going to get better defensively in our schemes.”
Jamison takes a big-picture approach to Arenas’ return. To dream big, the Wizards need all their horses.
“We can play any way [with Arenas],” said Jamsion. “We beat some of the best teams in the NBA without our superstar. Now he’s back. Mentally it gives us the psychological advantage to know we can do it.”
