The Washington Wizards’ official addition of center Fabricio Oberto this week ensures they will enter next month’s training camp with the deepest team in years.
It also means that camp will be extremely intense, as players try to earn prized minutes in new head coach Flip Saunders’ eight-man rotation.
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Here’s the dirty little secret about that rotation: Saunders didn’t invent it, he’s not the only coach trying to use it, and with foul trouble and match-ups, it’s nearly impossible to hold to. But it does serve well to demonstrate how tough it’s going to be to claim part of the 240 minutes of playing time (48 minutes times five players) available in every game:
1. Two guards
(96 minutes)
The optimum » 32 minutes each for two starters and one backup.
The locks » Gilbert Arenas is the key to Washington’s season. Randy Foye will be Arenas’ cover and can play shooting guard. DeShawn Stevenson is a veteran returner.
The contenders » Nick Young was excellent in Las Vegas. Javaris Crittenton and Mike James have lots of work to do.
2. Two forwards
(96 minutes)
The optimum » 32 minutes each for two starters and one backup.
The locks » Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are All-Stars. Versatile Mike Miller is a former sixth man of the year — he provides length in the backcourt or scoring from the wing.
The contenders » This is Andray Blatche’s make or break season — he could become an invaluable defender in late-game situations. Coaches got a lot from Dominic McGuire last year, but this season it might not be enough.
3. One center
(48 minutes)
The optimum » 24 minutes each for one starter and one backup
The lock » Brendan Haywood is gunning for a huge return and is a franchise favorite.
The contenders » JaVale McGee and Oberto both can also backup Jamison. McGee has too much talent to waste on the bench. Oberto knows he won’t play a lot, but his presence on the bench will be as crucial as his minutes on the floor.
*Keep this in mind » A team with depth is a team with options (to make trades) when it’s time for a playoff push.
