WHO'S NEXT?
at Chicago
Tomorrow, 8:30
|
_____ Wizards in '05 _____
Note: This is an unscientific survey of washingtonpost.com readers.
| | |
|
Comcast SportsNet
WWRC-1260
The Wizards activated forward Kwame Brown and guard Larry Hughes last night, placing guard Juan Dixon (right ankle sprain) and center Peter John Ramos (right plantar fasciitis) on the injured list.
Hughes, who broke his right thumb against Phoenix on Jan. 15, was given medical clearance to play before the game against Memphis, but Hughes said he probably won't play until Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. "Sunday is way more realistic," Hughes said about his return. "Sunday definitely is a big possibility because I do get a chance to practice a couple of times and I don't want to rush. It's my right hand and my right hand will take a lot of hits."
Hughes has missed 18 games after averaging 21.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.82 steals. He has participated in two practices but was limited to light contact. "I want to compete. I feel like I can do a lot of things that I'm capable of doing right now."
Brown entered last night's game with 4 minutes 35 seconds left in the first quarter after missing the past 26 games with complications in his ankle. He finished with two points, two rebounds and three assists in 10 minutes.
Brown, who'll be a restricted free agent this summer, missed the first 12 games recovering from surgery on a broken bone in his right foot and returned to average 5.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 14 games. He said he is healthier for this return. "We're winning, so there is not a lot of pressure on me," he said. "I'm not worried about individual goals. If I can make the team better, with defense and on offense, giving them an inside presence, then I've done my job."
Dixon was averaging 8.8 points before spraining his ankle Feb. 15 against Houston. He will miss at least five games. . . .
The Wizards appear content to let today's 3 p.m. trade deadline pass without making a move. "I feel good about it," Coach Eddie Jordan said. "We've never talked about anything serious regarding trades. Our plan, which was put into effect last year, was to develop and monitor our guys and to see their growth -- and we see significant growth. We made the changes in the deals in the summer that enhanced our team. And we're only going to get better."
-- Michael Lee
