Jamison Remains Strong as Wizards Sink

ORLANDO -- Veteran forward Antawn Jamison was so excited to start this season -- so high on his team's chances -- that back in October he tacked up a life size photo of the NBA Championship Trophy in his locker, a daily reminder of his goal.

He hardly can stand to look at it now.

Jamison, now in his 12th NBA season, was crushed emotionally by the implosion of the Washington Wizards that started early with injuries and chemistry problems, then culminated with the pistol-waving and season-ending suspension of Gilbert Arenas.

Jamison, a two-time All-Star and still well-respected around the league, was anticipating the most successful season of his career. Now he is standing in the midst of the ruins and the rubble, left to survey what is left behind.

"We can go one of two ways at this point. Either guys can get serious enough, come together and start playing the right way, or we continue to do the things we've been doing, and dig ourselves an even deeper hole,'' Jamsion told FanHouse Friday morning before a workout. "It's the toughest thing I've ever been through.''

The Wizards (16-32) were preparing to play the Orlando Magic Friday night, trying to salvage anything from a lost season. With several teammates hoping to leave before the trade deadline in two weeks, Jamison remains the captain of what looks like a sinking ship.

"It's been tough because at this stage of my career, when I really expected more, when I thought the organization was showing signs of reaching the pinnacle of what I wanted to accomplish, this whole thing happened,'' he said. "It's been difficult.''

Jamison has been the subject recently of numerous trade talks, most prominently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are looking for a reliable, frontcourt veteran to help them win an NBA title.

"A lot of people here would like to escape, try to find a better situation, but I signed a contract to be in Washington for four years, and I want to finish here."
- Antawn Jamison But as attractive as it sounds -- and he likely is privately hoping it happens -- he refused Friday to lobby or encourage his departure. It was just the opposite, which is surprising because he has been saddled to mostly bad teams throughout his career. He is attractive to most of the contenders now because of his career averages of 19.9 points and 8 rebounds.

"A lot of people here would like to escape, try to find a better situation, but I signed a contract to be in Washington for four years (he is in just the second year), and I want to finish here,'' he said. "I plan to be here for two more years after this one.''

Despite the turmoil and despite missing the first nine games with a shoulder injury, Jamison is having another good season. In his first game, he had 31 points and 10 rebounds in a victory over the Cavaliers. He has scored 30 points or more 10 times. Last week, he had 21 points and 23 rebounds in a victory over New York. He is averaging 20.9 points and 8.8 rebounds.

"My name has been in trade talks every year since I came into this league. That just goes in one ear and out the other. I can deal with that better than other guys whose names are out there,'' he said. "For me, if they aren't talking about trading me, then I might get traded.''

Wizards coach Flip Saunders, in his first year in Washington, also said he never has dealt with anything in his 14-season NBA career as disruptive as what has happened this year. He has started 18 different lineups.

At least nine players were questioned by law enforcement officials and NBA investigators before both Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton were suspended for the rest of the season last month.

"We'll see what happens with the roster. We've had distractions, from injuries to the gun situation, which had so many ramifications, for everyone in the organization,'' he said. "It's unprecedented.''

Like everyone, Saunders hears the trade rumors and knows the real trade talks. He has heard the grumbling of those left behind. He has seen how the season has torn apart his roster.

"We're not going to fall apart. That's not going to happen. If I have to play five guys for all 48 minutes, that's what we'll do. If guys don't want to play, or are not committed to playing, they won't play.''