Will Caron Butler Return for the Playoffs?

Things are really, really not going well for the Washington Wizards. It all began last weekend, with that fluke loss to Toronto. Then, Caron Butler's serious injury. Then, losing Gilbert Arenas, which capped off back-to-back losses to the Bobcats.

Well, here's a shred of hope. According to The Washington Times, Butler is trying come back way sooner than originally planned:

While the team's medical staff has said he will be out at least six weeks, Butler is going to do everything possible to play in the first round this month.

"I'm really looking forward to getting out there in the playoffs," Butler said. "It's going to be hard for them to keep me from that court. I'm seriously thinking about pushing it. I'm going to give it a shot; I'm not ruling it out."

I know Butler's an indomitable competitor, is that team's will, and all that. And certainly, he and Jamison could team up to get the Wizards out of the first round. But that's assuming it's time for him to come back. Last year against the Wiz, Larry Hughes rushed back from a seriously broken finger. He was barely himself, and very nearly did more harm than good for the struggling Cavs offense. Butler might think the team needs him, but unless he's actually ready to play, whether or not he decided to suit up might be a moot point.