2007 Washington Wizards Season Preview

2007 Washington Wizards preview from the Maddux Sports experts. In addition to the free seasonal outlooks we provide, Maddux offers NBA predictions against the NBA pointspread throughout the hoops season.

The Washington Wizards went 41- 41 last season and made it into the playoffs for the third straight year. This season, the club could become a real contender. They’ve certainly got the offense and the potential to play some defense.

Power forward Antawn Jamison (.450 FG%, .364 3P%, .736 FT%, 8.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 19.8 PPG) and small forward Caron Butler (.463 FG%, .250 3P%, .863 FT%, 7.4 RPG, 3.7 APG, 19.1 PPG) can both score and put in the minutes. The Wizards possess two possible starting centers— 7’ 0” Brendan Haywood (.558 FG%, .000 3P%, .548 FT%, 6.2 RPG, 0.6 APG, 6.6 PPG) and 6’ 10” Etan Thomas (.574 FG%, .000 3P%, .558 FT%, 5.8 RPG, 0.4 APG, 6.1 PPG). Each is starting his seventh season. Both have been inconsistent and difficult with which to deal. Both are noted for participating in fights in the locker room and on the practice court.

At point guard is Gilbert Arenas (.418 FG%, .351 3P%, .844 FT%, 4.6 RPG, 6.0 APG, 28.4 PPG), while DeShawn Stevenson (.461 FG%, .404 3P%, .704 FT%, 2.6 RPG, 2.7 APG, 11.2 PPG) is the shooting guard. Arenas, who’s coming back from his first serious injury, has yet to put his energies towards defense. Stevenson, who was durable and consistent on both sides of the ball, is back for his eighth NBA season and second with Washington. He’s the best shooter on the team from downtown. Off the bench, Antonio Daniels (.442 FG%, .302 3P%, .832 FT%, 1.9 RPG, 3.6 APG, 7.1 PPG) can play either guard position and is a sure ball handler and a fine defender.

The future of this club is all contained in this upcoming season. It’s contract year for Arenas and Jamison and the youth on the Wizards looks ready to match-up with some of the best in the NBA. The big worry for the Wizards has to do with “D.” Without it, it’s near impossible for any team to go deep into the playoffs. Can coach Eddie Jordan finally get his team all on the same page? If he can’t, he’s out.

If you liked the 07 Washington Wizards team preview read up on the rest of their Southeast Division basketball rivals like the Hawks, Bobcats, Heat, and Magic.