Sportsfrog.com

The good news from last season:
The team was resilient, winning 43 games in spite of suffering a couple of major injuries, including one that sidelined All-Star Gilbert Arenas for most of the season. The Wizards marked their fourth consecutive playoff appearance by earning the fifth seed in the playoffs, but once again were bounced in the first round by Cleveland. In spite of Arenas’ absence, the team finished 11th in three-pointers made. They also valued the ball, turning the ball over the seventh-fewest times in the league. Brendan Haywood had his best season, taking advantage of being the unquestioned starter for the first time.

The bad news from last season:
Arenas played in only 13 games, coming off the bench in five of them, while Etan Thomas missed the entire season. Throw in Caron Butler missing 24 games and the Wizards’ struggles were understandable. The team finished last in three-point baskets allowed and 29th in three-point percentage allowed, but were mostly near the league average in most statistics. After getting a six-year contract extension, Arenas had another surgery over the summer, which is expected to hold him out until late December.

The revolving door:
IN: G Juan Dixon, C JaVale McGee
OUT: G Roger Mason

Team overview:
Arenas’ eventual return could provide the jolt this team needs to propel it in a tougher version on the Eastern Conference. When he tried to make an in-season comeback from last season’s injury, Arenas was not the same player he had been in previous seasons and, after an excellent performance in game one of the first round, was unable to give the Wizards much help in the postseason. His healthy return is key for their success and a strong stretch drive. Like last year, Antonio Daniels will start at the point while Arenas is injured. Daniels provides steady play (45.9 percent field goal percentage, 3.74-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio) and veteran leadership. When Arenas returns, Daniels will slide back to his bench role, either replacing Arenas at the point or pushing Agent Zero to the two. DeShawn Stevenson started every game for the Wizards last season and provided an outside threat for the Wizards. Stevenson buried 158 triples on the season, which led the squad and placed him 15th in the NBA. Juan Dixon returns for his second tour with Washington. Dixon will be a role player off the bench, providing offense and some mid-range shooting. Dee Brown and Nick Young will be the third guards at point and shooting spots, respectively. Neither should have a major impact on the season unless one makes a splash while Arenas is on the shelf.

Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison will be the strength of the team from the forward spots. Butler had his best statistical season, topping 20 points per game for the first time in his six NBA seasons. He improved his shooting, making and taking the most three-pointers in his career (66-for-185) at a personal best accuracy rate (35.8 percent) as well as making a personal best 90.1 percent of his free throws, which placed him sixth in the league. He also contributed on defense, finishing fourth in the NBA in at 2.2 steals per game. Jamison was the leader of the team last season, averaging a double-double for the first time in his career at 21.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Jamison logged 44 double-doubles on the season while hitting on 120 three-pointers, the third straight season he cracked the century mark. Stevenson and possibly Young will get some minutes at the three while Butler rests. Andray Blatche is coming up on a make-or-break season. Blatche played in every game last year, including getting 15 starts, and has a major opportunity in his fourth year. Blatche finished 15th in the NBA in blocked shots with 114 while playing just over 20 minutes per night. At 22 years of age and entering his fourth season, Blatche will be the first man off the bench, logging minutes at power forward and center. Darius Songaila will return for another season of throwing his body around on defense and the boards. Songaila appeared in 80 games and had 13 starts and provides a solid option. After a personal best season last year (10.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game), Brendan Haywood suffered a torn ligament in his wrist during the preseason. The injury may keep him out up to 6 months. In will come Etan Thomas, who missed last season due to heart surgery. When he last played two seasons ago, Thomas posted impressive per-40-minute rates (12.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.9 blocks), but it remains to be seen if the oft-injured center can remain healthy for a full season, which the Wizards will need.

Fantasy note:
If Thomas gets injured again, Blatche will be a must-add. The developing big man would be first in line to take over the starting spot in the middle after some impressive performances in limited time last season. In his starts last season, Blatche averaged 31.0 minutes and posted 11.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.

Best case scenario:
Arenas comes back completely healthy and does not take long to get back in the flow, powering the team to being an offensive juggernaut again. The “Big Three” will combine to pile up about 70 points per night while the young players contribute in their roles. The Wizards win 49 games and finally pull a first round upset.

Worst case scenario:
Arenas struggles getting back to his usual form and the team’s weaknesses up front keep them from being a consistent team. The team limps to 38 wins and snaps their postseason streak.