Andray Blatche

Left for dead by the Wizards, Blatche was signed to be Brook Lopez's primary backup and will almost certainly be an upgrade at a position that previously featured a rotation of Shelden Williams, Jordan Williams, Johan Petro and an undersized Kris Humphries. He's one season removed from a campaign with averages of 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks, so the potential is there. It's up to Avery Johnson to motivate him.


Finally given a starting role from day one of the NBA season, Blatche developed into a valuable fantasy commodity in 2010-11. The 25-year-old power forward finished the season with averages of 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals. While those numbers are solid on the surface, Blatche did struggle with his efficiency (44.5 FG, 2.7 TO) in his newly expanded role. He also battled a few minor injuries, causing him to miss 18 games. Blatche quashed any lingering injury concerns though after returning in late March and playing his best ball of the season. In his final eight games, Blatche posted averages of 23.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.3 blocks while shooting 50.1 percent from the floor and 72.6 percent from the free-throw line. His bouts of inconsistency can be maddening at times, but Blatche is an athletically gifted big man (6-11, 260) who can contribute in multiple categories when properly motivated.

Blatche was a mid-second round pick in 2005, but whenever given the opportunity he consistently produced, albeit in limited minutes. Then, with the help of some injuries and trades last season, Blatche became quite possibly the best waiver wire pickup in fantasy leagues, averaging 20.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks while shooting 48.1 percent from the field over 36 starts. He's not a sinkhole at the free throw line (74.4% last year) and even adds the occasional three-pointer. Unfortunately, Blatche broke his left foot during the offseason, and it required surgery. He's expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, but his inability to work on his game over that three-month period is hardly ideal. Still, Blatche enters the year as Washington's unquestioned starter at power forward, and it's clear the guy can play. Just don't forget last year's circumstances in the second half were perfect and unlikely to recur, as backup PF Yi Jianlian and center JaVale McGee are emerging players in the frontcourt, not to mention the return of Gilbert Arenas, who will obviously command plenty of FG attempts. Rookie John Wall will bring his excellent passing ability to the table, but he'll also be yet another scorer the Wizards didn't have last season. Blatche is unlikely to be a fantasy secret at this point, and while that doesn't necessarily mean he won't be undervalued, it might be best not to expect a repeat of last year's pace as a starter with all the changes in Washington.

Although he has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his short career, he has never quite lived up to expectations, in part because of his questionable work ethic and decision-making on the court. Apparently Blatche has been training hard this offseason, but unless injuries strike the team again it is doubtful he will be able to play 24 mpg again this season. Blatche is very versatile as he can play all three forward positions and is a decent scorer, rebounder and shot blocker.

Blatche’s career seems to be similar to those of several other notable players originally drafted out of high school – marked with flashes of considerable potential, but marked also by growing pains associated with learning the game at the NBA level. In his three years with the Wizards, he’s been most productive as an injury replacement – he’s had stints filling in for Etan Thomas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. An athletic 6-11, Blatche has the size to be a really interesting option at center for the fast-paced Wizards, but to win big minutes at that spot he’ll need to improve his post game significantly.

Blatche, who was the Wizards' second-round draft pick in 2005, has appeared in 85 games in two seasons, displaying enough upside for the Wizards to sign him to a multiyear contract extension despite some embarrassing off-court issues. It hasn't been easy for Blatche, who was shot in the chest a couple of months after being drafted. At 21, he still has time to realize his immense potential, highlighted by plus skills and versatility for a player of his size (6-11, 250). On the flip side, he still has plenty of personal and professional development to go through before he turns into the "poor man's Kevin Garnett" that some have projected him as.

Blatche, who was selected with the 49th pick in last year's draft, remains highly regarded within the Wizards organization a year after he missed all of camp last season after being shot in an attempted carjacking. He has plus skills for a player of his size -- 6-foot-11 and a bulked-up 250 pounds. But at 20 years of age, he is raw and his impact will be felt later rather than sooner. As he matures in practice, the Wizards may deploy him more, but look for the team to break him in slowly in low-pressure situations.

The 6-11 Blatche entered the June draft out of high school and was selected 49th overall by Wizards. While his impact in the NBA wasn't expected to be felt this season, the start of his pro career has been delayed as he recovers from gunshot wounds he suffered in an attempted carjacking in Late September.