Wizards visit Dwight Howard and the Magic

November 8, 5:26 PMWashington Wizards ExaminerGeorge Panagakos

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The Howard Effect: Dwight first intimidates opponents with fear
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

After another cut in the loss column yesterday, the Washington Wizards had to cart it on up, raise their chins, and prepare for the Orlando Magic.  Dwight Howard's, Orlando Magic.

The man is a beast.  He averaged 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks in his first three games of the season.  I'm really not sure what "Next Year Starts Now," means.  It's safe to say Orlando doesn't need any confusing, time-travel slogans, when they have the current most dominant center of the game.  Sure, Shaq is still playing (and not bad for a 16 year vet), but the new Sheriff in Orlando is playing more like Wilt Chamberlain right now.  Oh--right.  That would require more like 30 points and 30 rebounds per game.  But still, "Superman" is being super so far, leading the Magic to their 3-2 record on the season.  

Which turns into uncontrollable laughter and joy
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

The 0-4 Wizards are still looking for some Magic.  The Wizards have given up a league-worst 109.5 points per game so far this season, due mostly to a lack of rebound control, and presence in the paint.  Rookie reserve center, JaVale McGee, is coming off his first double-double of the season last night against the Knicks, with 12 points and 10 boards.  Andray Blatche has had less total success this season thus far, and Etan Thomas has had a few issues which have prevented him from chalking up minutes.

With none of the three candidates able to play a 30 minute game as center, much less a 20 minute game, the Wizards are in trouble.  In fact, Darius Songaila beats them all out with a shade over 19 minutes a game.  JaVale is good in bursts, but his high-energy play leaves him tired.  Blatche prefers to play a sort of point-power forward position, and turnovers and quick fouls keep his minutes in check.  Thomas most recently tweaked his ankle, and is still recovering.

Of course, Songaila didn't even play yesterday, from a coach's decision, and neither did Oleksiy Pecherov, due to injury.  Pech was the last rookie before JaVale to earn a double-double in a game, 10 points and 10 boards against none other than the Orlando Magic in 2006. 

The latest Wizards Wire has all of that and more (PDF).  Most noticeably, the pronunciation guide:

Andray Blatche: ann-dray blatch
Antawn Jamison: ann-twan
JaVale McGee: Ja-Vell
Oleksiy Pecherov: a-lek-see pesh-er-off
Darius Songaila: son-guy-luh
Etan Thomas: eh-tahn