Washington Wizard Andray Blatche and the Dangers of Potential

Since joining the Washington Wizards in 2005, Andray Blatche has been consistently inconsistent both on and off the court. If it isn't his poor work ethic that bothers fans, it is his inability to stay out of legal trouble.

With all of his critics front and center for the start of the NBA season, Blatche summarily silenced them by showing up big against the Mavericks.

Whenever Blatche's name showed up in a story, it was about a flash of something special in a game or a bonehead move on the streets. In 2007, he was charged with sexual solicitation. In 2008, he was arrested on reckless driving charges.

Blatche desperately needed to grow up.

Then the Wizards hired Flip Saunders following the abysmal 19-63 record of the 2008-2009 season.

Without fail, the proverbial switch seemed to flip for Blatche. He showed up to training camp in shape, instead of using camp to get into shape. He wasn't slacking off in practices or pulling any sort of off the court stunts.

Blatche's growth, as well as the growth of other young players on the team, looked to be on the fast track with Saunders as the coach. Everyone showed up to camp lighter and in better shape than seasons past.

Everything happening around Blatche has added to his growth as a player and a person.

Last season was a wake up call to the entire Wizards organization that something had to change. Blatche seemed to epitomize the culture of the team without their best players on the floor.

Brendan Haywood being injured for the majority of last season forced Blatche to put up or shut up. And Blatche put up.

Blatche started more games last season than his first three seasons combined and raised almost every statistic measurable with the increase in playing time. The Wizards had to rely on Blatche, and sooner or later he was bound to respond.

There is no better evidence of Blatche's response than his performance in the Wizards' season opener at Dallas.

Antawn Jamison injured his shoulder during the preseason and is out until late November. Fabricio Oberto started against Dallas, but Blatche took the bulk of the minutes.

In 35 minutes of play, Blatche 8-of-14 from the floor, 4-of-4 from the free throw line, good for 20 points and seven rebounds, an assists and a block.

Blatche let his presence be known to the Mavericks, the NBA and especially the Wizards. There is no better time than the present for Blatche to prove his worth to the team and the fans.

The Wizards are going to miss Jamison for the weeks that he is out. But with the maturity that Blatche is playing with right now makes the loss a little less painful for the Wizards.

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