Stats and Quotes

The Wizards were 10-18 in games decided by six points or fewer last season and were in position to win three of the playoff games against Cleveland in the closing seconds before letting those games slip away.

"Myself, Antawn, Gilbert, Antonio, Etan, Brendan and we have DeShawn now -- we all got better this summer because we don't want to let that [losing buzzer beaters last season] happen again. I'm glad people are sleeping on us. It's just going to feel that much better when we wake them up." - Caron Butler (Washington Post 11-1-06)

Arenas, Jamison and Butler combine for 67.4 points per game, the highest-scoring trio in the league last season.

The Wizards averaged 20.6 turnovers in eight preseason games, and that number wasn't solely a product of increased playing time for reserves. The starters each averaged at least a turnover per game. The Wizards ranked 10th in the league last season with 13.9 turnovers per game.

"What we saw as the preseason concluded, and after all of our evaluations, was that Etan showed a little bit more force and a little bit more aggressiveness," Jordan said. "We are looking to protect the rim and the paint." - Eddie Jordan (on Etan Thomas starting at center over Haywood)

"Having Mike as an Associate Head Coach is of great significance to me because we share the same philosophies when it comes to basketball," said Wizards Head Coach Eddie Jordan.
"He has an outstanding work ethic, a great reputation with our players, a knack for player development, and a strong ability to conceptualize and implement a game plan. On top of that, he comes from a rich basketball tradition at North Carolina, and in the professional level, he's been to two NBA Finals as an assistant. I have the utmost trust in Mike, and I'm thrilled to continue to work with him in his new role. His contribution is invaluable." (on Mike O'Koran promoted to Associate Head Coach of the Wizards)

"It's that time when it's not about talking anymore, it's about actions," said Jamison. "We know what kind of team we have and we're all anxious to get out there and play." (on the Wizards 2006-07 season)