Wizards Without Wands

How does it happen? The Washington Wizards don’t have any players of note whom they actually drafted. Seven footer Brendan Haywood, one of the NBA’s top rebounders and shot blockers, was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2001 draft; the rights were traded to Orlando almost immediately; the rights...

By Greg Baker

March 2, 2006

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How does it happen? The Washington Wizards don’t have any players of note whom they actually drafted. Seven footer Brendan Haywood, one of the NBA’s top rebounders and shot blockers, was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2001 draft; the rights were traded to Orlando almost immediately; the rights were then traded to the Wizards a few weeks later. Star guard Gilbert Arenas was selected by Golden State (in the second round!) that same year and was signed as a free agent two years later by the Wizards. How they got Antawn Jamison would take several pages to explain. They acquired former Miami Heat-er Caron Butler, a young player with potential limited only by a second season injury that ended his budding star status. Their senior player, tough ol’ Antonio Davis, just turned 31. Young and full of talent, the Ws are nothing more than a .500 team. How does that happen? Find out at 7:00 p.m., when they visit the American Airlines Arena. Tickets range from $10 to $300. Call 305-577-HEAT, or visit www.heat.com.
Wed., March 8

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