Washington Wizards forward Rashard Lewis eyeing a revival in the 2011-12 season: NBA Update
During this time when majority of the NBA players are busy playing for their countries in the FIBA tournaments; looking for opportunities overseas or completing unfinished educational business, Washington Wizards power forward
Rashard Lewis is busy refining his game.
Lewis used to be one of the most dominating power forwards on the NBA scene in the early 2000’s, but in the last few years, the 13 year veteran has experienced a dip in fortunes. Rashard however is still one of the most highly
paid superstars in the league and it was because of his nonexistent performances as compared to the big bucks he is earning, that his case is being used by the NBA owners as an example of things wrong in the old CBA setup.
With all the criticism being pointed at him, Lewis has decided to take some concrete steps and during this off-season, the 32 year old forward is looking to rediscover his game. Lewis used to be the 20-point plus scorer when he
was with the Seattle Supersonics.
However when the combo forward came to Orlando Magic, they changed his role. The Magic used him more as a spot-up shooter rather than allowing him to work in the low post or give him the freedom to drive down the lane. The result
was that the performances of Lewis started to dip. This complemented with the fact that the age started to catch up with him, forced the Magic to trade Lewis to the Wizards late last year.
At the moment, Lewis is participating in the Impact Basketball Competitive Series or the “lockout league” in Las Vegas along with 40 to 60 other NBA players. It is where, Rashard is pouring in hard minutes in his practice to develop
a new set of weapons for the next season and make a strong comeback.
During an interview Lewis said, “I’m trying to get away from being just a spot-up shooter. My whole goal is to get back to attacking the basket, posting up and being a small forward like I was in Seattle. I’m not complaining about
being a spot-up shooter in Orlando because it was great and I’ll do anything for the team to help win games. That’s how we won ball games, by spreading the floor and having Dwight [Howard] inside. Now, for me, I have to get back to being aggressive and attacking
the basket as well as shooting the three.”
Although, Lewis seems determined, but at this point in his career and after having so many injuries it looks bit tough for Rashard to pull the kind of effort, he displayed in his last three seasons with the Super Sonics.
However, the lockout has given Lewis some extra time to rest and prepare. Being with a relatively young team, which needs an on court leader, might also help Lewis in re discovering his lost niche. Lewis has got the experience
and players like John Wall and JaVale McGee have got the talent and if the combination clicks, the Wizards might be able to cast a spell on NBA in the years to come.
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