Wizards Lose Butler's Services

What a terrible weekend for the Washington Wizards. First, they lose a game on some serious bad luck. Now, Caron Butler, their third All-Star and an absolutely pivotal presence in last year's playoffs, is gone for the season. The fractured hand he sustained last night should keep him out indefinitely, with the second or third round a hypothetical glimmer of hope.

The Wizards are going to miss him, big time. Eddie Jordan will tell you as much, and his words should chill Wizards fans. From Wizards Insider:

"Caron is probably going to be gone for a long time, maybe the season...We're going to miss his numbers obviously, that's plain and simple. His mindset, his toughness, his aggressive nature, and the blue-collar approach to the game."

So maybe you think Jordan is just paying respect to the fallen. Well, chew on the numbers: this season, the Wiz are 2-7 without Butler. This isn't as bad as losing Arenas would be, but arguably worse than life without Jamison.