WIZARDS INSIDER
Butler Is Back From Knee Injury
Thursday, March 29, 2007; Page E06
All-Star forward Caron Butler returned to the starting lineup against the Philadelphia 76ers last night after missing six straight games with a left knee contusion. Butler was officially listed as a game-time decision throughout the day but it was obvious all along that he would be in the lineup.
The Wizards are 2-7 without Butler this season. They lost five straight games when he was out with a thumb injury late last season. Butler entered last night's game averaging 19.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals in 39.5 minutes this season.
TRACKING THE WIZARDS Andray Blatche will attend 'John School,' a day-long seminar on the ills of solicitation. The Wizards re-sign forward Andray Blatche to a multiyear deal. After a delay, the Wizards finalize a trade of guard Juan Carlos Navarro to Memphis for a draft pick. Wizards Insider Ivan Carter and Michael Lee with exclusive coverage and analysis on the Washington Wizards. |
After last night's win, the Wizards are 22-8 with a starting lineup consisting of Butler, Gilbert Arenas, DeShawn Stevenson, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood; 16-24 with all others.
Butler, who originally injured the knee in a loss at Atlanta on March 7, was eager to get back and even tried to talk his way into joining the team during its recent five-game road trip but said the extra rest was just what he needed.
"I was trying to inch my way back to the court," Butler said. "If I would have gone out there, [athletic trainer Eric Waters] would not have kept me from playing. I'm bigger than he is. I did the right thing. I feel that if I would have shut it down sooner, I probably would have been able to make the West Coast trip."
Blatche Out
Injured forward Andray Blatche missed his second consecutive game with a left knee sprain and is listed as day-to-day. He was inactive, along with Mike Hall and Donell Taylor.
UP NEXT Tomorrow vs. Raptors7 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 Sunday at Bucks3:30 p.m. WTEM-980
