Andray

Blatche

He won’t have any fantasy value this year, but he averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 boards in the Wizards summer league.

Blatche is the most tenured Wizard and is finally starting to show signs of maturing. He’s hoping that John Wall and Rashard Lewis will show up on Tuesday, while many of his other teammates are in Vegas for the Imapact games, or live in California.

Barring a setback, Blatche is fully expected to make his return for Saturday’s matchup with the Cavs. It’s unclear exactly what role he’ll have after missing 15 straight games, but the Wizards’ lineup is certainly in flux as they’ve lost six in a row. A timeshare with current starting power forward Trevor Booker is a good bet initially, with upside for more if Blatche keeps his head on straight.

Fantasy owners should definitely temper expectations for the next week or so, as Blatche is bound to be rusty and will have to fight to claim minutes over starting PF Trevor Booker. We know what he’s capable of, however, so consider stashing him if you have a likely spot on your roster.

Blatche is just a roster stash at best right now. Though he gets a boost with the exits of Nick Young and JaVale McGee, it is offset by the acquisition of Nene who plays his position. Kevin Seraphin started at center tonight, too, scoring 12 points with nine boards and two blocks in 29 minutes. Factor in Trevor Booker (14 points, five boards, two blocks), and Blatche is in a real mess. All of that said, though, when teams get shook up it’s a good time for a talent like Blatche to try to right the ship.

Blatche’s injuries, attitude and work ethic contributed to a nightmare season that saw the Wizards essentially send him home. He’s now on the trading block and a candidate for the amnesty clause. Blatche is no better than a 50-50 bet to be back with the Wizards next season.

Blatche has been “working diligently” to return, and he said that his leg is feeling much better. He plans to practice on Thursday and Friday, and is confident he’ll be able to return on Saturday. Owners should make sure Blatche isn’t floating around waiver wires with his return right around the corner. He’s averaging 10.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Trevor Booker’s outlook will take a hit with Blatche’s return.

Blatche will be worked into the mix and won’t be given too much playing time upon his initial return. He and Trevor Booker will share time at power forward, but Blatche will see an increased role once he works himself back into the mix and and provided he doesn’t aggravate the injury.

Trevor Booker (11 points, three rebounds) wasn’t great tonight, but he has held his own and then some while Blatche was out with his shoulder injury. This has put Blatche on the slow track back, and while tonight’s result was the slightest step in the right direction he’s creeping very close to ‘do not stash’ territory.

Booker’s owners will be looking over their shoulder at Andray Blatche for the foreseeable future, but we’re not rushing to drop him just yet. Blatche hasn’t shown anything to prove that he will re-take his starter’s minutes, and Booker has averaged 12 points, eight boards, 0.6 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game in his last five contests.