Haywood's Role Expected to Expand

Washington Times

RICHMOND -- The Washington Wizards know they can depend on All-Stars Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison for scoring, and Caron Butler and Jarvis Hayes can help replace the scoring of Larry Hughes.
But what would excite the Wizards to no end is the prospect of throwing the ball inside to center Brendan Haywood for some post scoring.
"I think Brendan has to score more in the post," Jamison said matter-of-factly. "I told him, when you score for us in games, it's easy. When you have the 17s and the 15s, everything opens up. On those nights when it's hard for us to give you the ball, we find ourselves in a dogfight."
Last season, Haywood, the team's starting center, showed a more complete game than in his three previous years. He has become more willing to use his jump hook in favor of the fade-away jumper that he used to rely on.
His scoring average increased for the fourth consecutive season, topping out at a career-best 9.4 points, and that was with the Wizards calling few plays for him.
However, by working hard every offseason -- and this offseason was no exception -- Haywood has showed up in progressively better shape for training camp.
Not only has he earned the respect of his teammates, but Wizards coach Eddie Jordan says Haywood can improve even more.
"He has been a key to our success," Jordan said following the team's morning workout at the Siegel Center on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth. "Brendan can be an All-Star in the East. The way he has worked and the dedication he has put into it, he can be an All-Star in the East."
Jordan also said the offense will include an expanded role for Haywood.

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It's true, when Haywood scored last year, the Wizards rarely lost. I think he can put up 12 points a game, too. He just needs the touches, our guards need to find him in the post and let him operate.