Atlantic 6: Washington Wizards

Basketball Digest, Nov, 2003 by Tom Worgo

2002-03 Record: 37-45/Tied for fifth in Atlantic Division * 2003-04 Projection: 36-46 * Coach: Eddie Jordan

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Not even the greatest player of all time could lead Washington to the playoffs. The Wizards extended their postseason exile to one appearance in the last 16 years despite Michael Jordan's standout play.

NEW FACES: Signing point guard Gilbert Arenas was a coup because Washington has not been a favorite destination for top-tier free agents. Arenas could quickly become one of the Eastern Conference's top point guards. He was the NBA's Most Improved Player last season after averaging 18.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds for the Golden State Warriors.

Washington also signed Chris Whitney, a former Wizard, to back up Arenas. He will be counted on to improve chemistry and provide much-needed leadership for a young team. Rookie Jarvis Hayes, the 10th overall pick in June's draft should get significant minutes at small forward along with Larry Hughes and Jared Jeffries.

Pollin also must get credit for luring head coach Eddie Jordan to Washington from the New Jersey Nets, where he was the offensive architect on Byron Scott's staff After all why would a reputable coach come to Washington? The Wizards have the third-worst winning percentage in the league over the last 15 years, and since 1997, they've had eight head coaches. Eddie Jordan brings with him two NBA Finals appearances on his resume with the Nets.

ON THE COURT: Arenas' explosiveness makes the Wizards potentially dangerous if he can continue his stellar play. Plus, he'll be playing in the backcourt with a more comfortable Jerry Stackhouse, who moves from small forward to shooting guard.

Eddie Jordan will need to get more consistency from two other starters: center Brendan Haywood and power forward Kwame Brown. Former coach Doug Collins did a poor job of utilizing his bench, and Eddie Jordan must to a better job of that.

OFF THE COURT: MJ had planned to return to the front office as president of basketball operations before owner Abe Pollin fired him. It was perceived that Michael Jordan created a negative attitude within the organization and turned the players against management. Collins and MJ's front office buddies, Rod Higgins and Fred Whitfield, were also dumped.

In MJ's two years in D.C., the team sold out 82 straight games. Plenty of good seats should be available this year, though. The fans may come to watch a few players who got into trouble with the police over the summer. Brown (DUI), Stackhouse (assault), and Arenas (carrying a concealed weapon, driving without a license) all had brushes with the law.

WHY THEY WILL FINISH SIXTH: Eddie Jordan is arguably Washington's best coach in a decade. Stackhouse will get the ball more, regain his All-Star form, and not have to watch Michael Jordan take the clutch shots in the final minutes.

ON THE SPOT

KWAME BROWN IS EAGER FOR A FRESH Starts under new coach Eddie Jordan Because Doug Collins benched him frequently. Look for the top overall pick in the 2001 draft to emerge as an effective starter this season.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP

POS.  PLAYER                                                  KEY STATS

  PG  Gilbert Arenas *                       18.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 6.3 apg
      Moves across the country as the new heart of the offense.
  SF  Jerry Stackhouse                       21.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.5 apg
      Has settled nicely into minor superstardom.
  SG  Larry Hughes                           12.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.1 apg
      This Arenas guy is following him everywhere.
  PF  Kwame Brown                            7.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.00 bpg
      It's put up or shut up time for the phenom.
   C  Brendan Haywood                        6.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.47 bpg
      Put up a very nice "comeback" season.

* In 82 games for Golden State.

TOP RESERVES

  PF  Christian Laether                       8.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.1 apg
      Veteran continues to offer solid production.
   C  Jahidi White                          4.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 47.2%, FG
      Injury shackle this overachiever.
PG/SG Juan Dixon                            6.4 ppg, 1.0 apg, 38.4%, FG
      Fan favorite can be a good role player off the bench.

2002-03 SEASON LEADERS

Scoring                                      Jerry Stockhouse, 21.5 ppg
Rebounding                                  Christian Laettner, 6.6 rpg
Assists                                       Jerry Stackhouse, 4.5 apg
Blocked shots                                 Brendan Haywood, 1.47 bpg
Steals                                      Michael Jordan **, 1.50 spg

** Retired.