Washington Wizards: Midseason Report Card

Caron Butler

Butler's performance this year has been nothing less than spectacular, averaging about 21 points with seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals.  His play and determination on the court have energized the team.  

Having lost seven straight games without him (due to a hip injury), it is now confirmed: the Wizards need Butler to win.  

Grade: A+


Antawn Jamison

Jamison, like Butler, is having an impressive year.  Averaging 22 points and 11 rebounds, he has not only played with consistency but has also stepped up in the absences of Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler.  Jamison gets all of his teammates involved and is really becoming a leader for his team.  

Grade: A+


Gilbert Arenas

Well, he’s missed all but eight games this season, in which he’s averaged 22 points with six assists and five rebounds.  Since Arenas has functioned mainly as a spectator these past three months, there’s really little to evaluate here.

Grade: I (incomplete)


Brendan Haywood/ Roger Mason

Both of these players are having great seasons.  Haywood is averaging career highs in both points and rebounds, while Mason is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.  Their aggressive offense, developed over the last couple of weeks, has demonstrated excellent reliability.  

Grade: B


Antonio Daniels

Floor leader Daniels has averaged career highs in assists, while chipping in nine points a game.  He attacks the basket and regularly sets up teammates for open looks.  

Daniels has shown that he can play in the clutch, hitting a key shot in a victory against Boston, and has been a great vocal leader all season.  

Grade: B


DeShawn Stevenson

After a dismal start to the season, Stevenson has really stepped up his game, with emphasis on rebounding and defense.  He does tend to be a little uneven on offense, but he is still a meaningful contributor.  

Grade: C+/B


Andray Blatche/Nick Young

Both of these players are still young and have shown a lack of experience through inconsistency.  Blatche is having a good season—averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and blocks—but he has gotten into foul trouble and sometimes loses confidence after a bad play.  

Young has developed an excellent offensive game, but at times he appears out of control and does not look to create opportunities for others.  

These players have a lot of talent, and with a little wisdom they should be stars in the future.  

Grade: C-


Darius Songaila/Dominic McGuire/Oleksiy Pecherov

Songaila has played well, but has not provided the same offensive spark that he brought to the team last year.  This is probably due to the increase in playing time for Jamison and Butler.  

McGuire has proven himself worthy on defense, actively rebounding and protecting his squad.  But on offense, this player fails to contribute.

Pecherov, at seven feet, has become a great three-point shooter.  Still, he needs to make himself more of a low post threat.  

Grade: C-/D+