The Wizards are going to be without starting power forward Andray Blatche for the next 3-5 weeks due to a left calf strain. Blatche has played in 17 games (13 starts) for the Wizards so far this year and he is averaging 28.5 minutes, 10.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. 21-year old rookie Jan Vesely and 24-year old Trevor Booker are going to split time until Blatche is ready to return to action. Vesely has played in 13 games (2 starts) for the Wizards so far this year and he is averaging 14.8 minutes, 2.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. Booker has played in 20 games (5 starts) for the Wizards so far this year and he is averaging 17.6 minutes, 5.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 1.0 steal per game. Booker is shooting 55.3% from the floor so far this year. The Wizards are hoping that Vesely and Booker can hold the fort until Blatche is ready to return to action.

The Wizards have lost 28-year old power forward Ronny Turiaf for the next 5-6 weeks due to a broken left hand. Turiaf has played in 4 games (0 starts) for the Wizards so far this year and he is averaging 14.0 minutes, 1.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 blocked shots per game. The Wizards will miss Turiaf’s leadership and know how, but this will give the Wizards a chance to get more P.T. for some of their younger big players.

The Wizards have shut down SG Nick Young (knee), SG/SF Josh Howard (knee), rookie center Hamady N’Diaye (ankle) and SF Cartier Martin (ankle) for the rest of the 2010-11 season. 25-year old Nick Young had a breakout year for the Wizards. He played in 64 games (40 starts) for the Wizards this year and he averaged 31.8 minutes, 17.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Young will be a big part of the Wizards’ future. 30-year old Josh Howard has likely played his last game for the Wizards. He played in 18 games (10 starts) for the Wizards this year and he averaged 22.7 minutes, 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. 24-year old rookie center Hamady N’Diaye played in 15 games (0 starts) for the Wizards last year and he averaged 4.7 minutes, 0.9 points and 0.4 rebounds per game. He didn’t play too much so it’s hard to evaluate him right now. 26-year old small forward Cartier Martin played in 52 games (1 start) for the Wizards this year and he averaged 10.4 minutes, 4.0 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game. The Wizards can’t wait for this season to end due to the gigantic rash of injuries they have suffered.

UPDATE: (4/7/2011) - The Wizards have waived Cartier Martin.

The Wizards have decided to shut down 31-year old forward Rashard Lewis for the rest of the year due to a knee problem. Lewis played in 32 games (27 starts) for the Wizards after coming over from he Magic in the Gilbert Arenas deal and he averaged 31.7 minutes, 11.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Lewis was so/so with the Wizards but you would have to think that they would be a lot better with him.

23-year old rookie forward Trevor Booker is likely done for the season as he has a crack in his right foot.  This is a big blow to both Booker and the Wizards as he was in line for some big time P.T. the rest of the year.  Booker played in 65 games (14 starts) for the Wizards this year and he averaged 16.4 minutes, 5.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game.  Booker shot 54.9% from the floor this year which is pretty impressive for a rookie.  I really like Booker and I think he will be a key to the Wizards new rebuilding plan.