Insider Special: Camp Battles ~ Wizards

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Wizards still searching for small forward

By Chad Ford

NBA Insider

Send an Email to Chad Ford Tuesday, October 14

Updated: October 14

12:05 PM ET

The Washington Wizards used the No. 11 pick in the 2002 NBA draft to select small forward Jared Jeffries.

In the 2003 NBA draft, the Wizards used the No. 10 pick in the draft to select small forward Jarvis Hayes.

Three games into the pre-season, the Wizards are still wondering whether they have their small forward of the future, prompting them to use Jerry Stackhouse at the three until they sort the mess out.

Washington Wizards

Small Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

Jerry Stackhouse 8 6-6 21. 5 ppg, 4.5 apg in 39.2 mpg Stackhouse's natural position is at the two. But his ability to post up defenders in the paint allows him to play some three, as well. If either Hayes or Jeffries emerges this season, Stack will move back to the two, and Larry Hughes might have to pack his bags.

Jarvis Hayes R 6-7 -- Hayes is a remarkable athlete and a solid perimeter shooter -- two things the Wizards desperately need. He looked good in the summer league and should be able to win the starting job down the road if he stays healthy and keeps sinking those 3s.

Jared Jeffries 1 6-11 4.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg in 14.6 mpg He's long and versatile, but his development keeps suffering setbacks due to injuries.

Center Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

Brendan Haywood 2 7-0 6.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg in 23.8 mpg Has a lot of talent, but he's pretty soft. At some point, the Wizards need to upgrade here and bring Haywood off the bench.

Etan Thomas 2 6-10 4.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg in 13.5 mpg He's strong and aggressive, but can he stay healthy?

Jahidi White 5 6-9 4.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg in 14.4 mpg Bruising center doesn't fit into Eddie Jordan's plans. He needs big men who run the floor and can pass the ball. White does neither well.

Power Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

Kwame Brown 2 6-11 7.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg in 22.2 mpg Has Kwame turned the corner? With Michael Jordan and Doug Collins down, his confidence and playing time are up. No one expects all-star numbers from him this year, but 13 ppg and 8 rpg would be nice.

Christian Laettner 11 6-11 8.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg in 29.1 mpg Will take a backseat to Kwame this year.

Shooting Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

Larry Hughes 5 6-5 12.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg in 31.9 mpg Hughes spent most of the past three seasons playing out of position at the point. He's better suited to the two and will get plenty of minutes here as the team waits for Hayes and Jeffries to develop. He'll also see a few minutes backing up Gilbert

Arenas at the point. However, if Hayes or Jeffries breaks out, Hughes may be headed back to the bench. He won't be happy.

Juan Dixon 1 6-3 6.4 ppg, 1.7 rpg in 15.4 Another combo guard better suited to play the two. He can really score but may find his minutes squeezed behind both Hughes and Stackhouse. Will play a little point guard but struggled at that position last season.

Point Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

Gilbert Arenas 2 6-3 18.3 ppg, 6.3 apg in 35 mpg Arenas wanted to play someplace where he'd be a star and have a chance at the playoffs. He'll be a star in Washington, but unless people like Brown, Haywood and Hughes step up, the playoffs may be out of reach.

Chris Whitney 10 6-0 7.0 ppg, 2.8 apg in 20.6 mpg Wizards need him to sink some 3s.

Steve Blake R 6-3 -- He's the very definition of a pure point guard. But will his defense and offense ever get to the point where he can be a significant player in the league?