There was a ton of criticism levied at Alexander Ovechkin this season.  Some of it right here at DCPSR.  There have been calls to take the "C" off his jersey.  Those calls are fading.

Ovechkin is heating up in a big way.  Aside from scoring, just take a look at how Ovechkin has played since the 5-2 loss to Pittsburgh on February 7.  Ovechkin is skating hard, hitting more frequently, taking more shots, and playing with some passion.  We all may look back to that Pittsburgh loss as the game that woke up Ovechkin.  Ovi put up a goal and assist in that 5-2 loss, but let his displeasure be known. 

Since that loss, the Caps have won 4 of their last 6, games including a huge 5-1 win over the Devils yesterday.  Ovechkin paved the way, racking up his first hat trick in nearly two years.  Ovi also added an assist on Troy Brouwer's 8th tally of the season.  The Caps have been frustrated.  They let that frustration run loss on New Jersey in the third period.  Caps scored 4 goals in a 16 minute period to pay retribution for a 3-2 loss on Thursday to the Devils.  

Besides the raining hats at the Verizon Center, the Caps tallied their first short handed marker of the season as Eric Fehr caught New Jersey net minder Johan Hedberg out of the new with a nice rap around goal. 

Goalie Braden Holtby had another super performance, stopping 16 of 17 shots to improve to 5-6 on the season.  It was Holtby's eighth consecutive start.   

So who's hot and who's not?

WHO'S HOT

Alex Ovechkin:  After a slow start to the shortended season, Ovi is picking up his game.  Over his last 9 games, Ovi has added 11 points, including 6 goals.  In 6 of those 9 games, Ovi has put the puck on net at least 5 times or more each game. 

Nicklas Backstrom:  The assist machine is starting to added up helpers.  Although Backstrom has tallied just one goal this season, he has added 12 assists, 5 of which have come over the last 5 games. 

Troy Brouwer:  Having quite the year this season.  He is tied with Ovi for the team lead in goals with 8.  He has 6 goals and 4 assists in the month of February. 

Eric Fehr:  Fehr got a chance to come back to the Caps after a failed one year stint in Winnipeg that saw Fehr add just 2 goals and 1 assist in 35 games last season.  Fehr chose to return to familiar ground in Washington, where he spent his first six if seven season of his career.  Expected to be a healthy scratch often, Fehr instead has earn ice time.  Fehr has tallied 4 goals and 7 assists in his last 6 games.  His marker yesterday was the Caps first short handed goal of the season.  Fehr has also added 3 goals and 10 shots on net in the third period this season. 

Mike Ribeiro:  You can just keep him here.  He has been on the up all season, easily being the most consistent Washington Capitals in a rather inconsistent season for the Caps.   Ribeiro has 5 goals and 8 assists in 10 games in February.  Ribeiro added two assists yesterday, both coming on two of Ovi's three goals. 

WHO'S NOT

Mike Green:  Injured again.

Jason Chimera:  After piling up a career high 20 goals last season, Chimera has been blanked in the first 17 games this season.  If Washington is going to make a run to turn this poor season around, Chimera must be a part of that turn around.  They are missing his scoring from last year.    

Wojtek Wolski:  The Caps were looking for a turn around season when they signed Wolski.  In 17 games, Wolski has just 2 goals and 2 assists.  He is also on an eight game scoreless streak. 

With the offense in the rear view mirror, attention now turns to the defense at the NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. Monday will feature defensive lineman and linebackers with Tuesday of particular interest to Redskins coaches and scouts with the secondary. With that in mind, we wrap up our combine previews, combining parts three and four together.

The Redskins have no first round picks, with an extra fifth round selection, for a total of seven draft choices. Washington may be seeking two corners, a pair of safeties, an inside and outside linebacker, a nose tackle and a defensive end. Yes, that adds up to eight and with several needs on offense, some roster spots will need to be filled through either free agency or undrafted players.

Defensive Tackle- Barry Cofield has been a solid free agent pickup, but the team would love a strong backup. The Skins would love to not only spell Cofield, but allow him to slide outside on occassion in pass rushing situations. Backup Chris Baker is a restricted free agent, while Chris Neild is coming off an injury. Free agent signing Ron Brace could very well be the answer here.

Kwame Geathers/Georgia 6'5" 340- Technique needs work, but upside is as enormous as his size.

Montori Hughes/Tennessee-Martin 6'4" 330- DC Jim Hasslet doesn't like jumbo NT's, so Hughes may be the choice.

Terence Barnes/Georgia Tech 6'6" 370- Intriguing size, figures to be situational player at next level.

Defensive End- Stephen Bowen was another solid pickup, as the team successfully rebuilt the entire defensive line to suit the 3-4 scheme. Adam Carriker missed a good chunk of the season and rumors continue to circulate that he may be a salary cap casualty. Long time backup Kedric Golston is an unrestricted free agent. Jarvis Jenkins played what was effectively his rookie season with Doug Worthington working in reserve. Pass rush must be improved, but the return of Brian Orakpo should help. Phillip Merling was brought in and has untapped potential.

Devin Taylor/South Carolina 6'7" 270- Jadaveon Clowney gets all the pub and attention, which helped Taylor excel.

Damion Square/Alabama 6'2" 295- Waited his turn and became senior leader on nation's most stout defense.

William Gholston/Michigan State 6'6" 285- Underachieving Spartan brings loads of potential and size to match.

Margus Hunt/SMU 6'8" 280- My favorite player in the draft, would the Skins spend a pick high enough to get him?

Linebacker- London Fletcher has not announced his plans, but rumors persist that he has played his last down. Lorenzo Alexander is an unrestricted free agent and should be a high priority due to contributions on and off the field. Rob Jackson emerged with Orakpo going down and is restricted. Bryan Kehl is unrestricted and may become a priority if the numbers become a problem. Keenan Robinson is also returning from injury.

Jon Bostic/Florida 6'1" 245 ILB-- Very productive leader of the Gators defense, limited range and struggles in space.

Nico Johnson/Alabama 6'2" 250 ILB- Strong technique and very experienced playing inside in 3-4 scheme.

Jelani Jenkins/Florida 6'0" 245 OLB- Local product has potential to be among league's best cover backers in time.

Kevin Pough/Howard 6'2" 240 OLB- Another local product with great athleticism, only question is level of competition.

Cornerback- DeAngleo Hall obviously is facing a restructured contract, or a new employer. He could also be tried at free safety, depending on how things sort out in free agency and the draft. Cedriic Griffin is unrestricted. Will the Chase Minnifield gamble payoff? Josh Wilson and Richard Crawford return and possibly Jerome Murphy.

Darius Slay/Mississippi State 6'0" 190- Teammate Jonathan Banks gets all the pub, but Slay is player in his own right.

Tyrann Mathieu/LSU 5'9" 190- How high will the "Honey Badger" go? Kick return ability value added.

Blidi Wreh-Wilson/Connecticut 6'1" 195- Big, tough corner may lack deep speed, but excels in zone coverage.

David Amerson/NC State 6'1" 205- Led nation in interceptions (13) in 2011, took step back, but you can't teach size!

Safety- Major changes coming here. Tanard Jackson is unrestricted, hard to imagine him returning since he can't even speak with the team until the Fall. Brandon Meriweather is probably more valuable in cap savings than in reliability on the field. Madieu Williams is unrestricted and done. Jordan Bernstine returns from injury. Who is coming back? DeJon Gomes, Jordan Pugh and what would we do without Reed Doughty?

Bacarri Rambo/Georgia 6'0" 215 SS- Big time playmaker has all the measurables, but off the field concerns?

Phillip Thomas/Fresno State 6'0" 210 SS- Made a great recovery from injury in '11, tackling is only major concern.

Eric Reid/LSU 6'1" 215 FS- A MUST HAVE in my opinion, Reid had a stronger season in '11, but will be big time pro!

Robert Lester/Alabama 6'1" 220 FS- Prototype size, but stock has dropped due to weakness in man coverage.

T.J. McDonald/USC 6'2" 220 FS- Son of a former Pro Bowl safety, times in quickness and speed will be telling.

John Cyprien/Florida International 6'0" 220 FS- Seems to be a popular Redskins choice among "experts".

The Washington Wizards dropped their first two games after the All Star break -- by 11 points in Detroit and, worse, by eight points at home to the Raptors -- both sub-.500 teams. The Wiz gathered themselves this weekend, though, and came storming back against two of the better teams in the Western Conference. On Friday night the Wizards hosted the Denver Nuggets and completed their season sweep of that team, winning 119-113 after surviving a furious 4th quarter comeback. Last night, Washington hosted the high-scoring Houston Rockets, second in the NBA in points this season to the OKC Thunder. 

Coming into this weekend the Wizards had not given up 100 points to an opponent in 11 games, a stat reflecting the team's relatively new focus on winning with good defense. That went away on Friday and Saturday, though, as the Wiz gave up 113 points to the Nuggets and 103 points to the Rockets. Partially this reflects the fact that the Nuggets and Rockets are good offensive teams, but the Wizards allowed Denver to shoot 48% from the field and take 37 free throws. The Rockets shot 45%, but fired up 46 3-pointers, the most in the NBA this season and second-most by any team in NBA history. Houston made 13 3-pointers in the first half alone, just one shy of the record they tied earlier this month. 

Against the Nuggets the Wiz never trailed and put seven players in double figures in scoring, including all five starters. Emeka Okafor and Bradley Beal both scored 17 points against Denver, which topped the team on Friday night. Both player also hit the boards hard, with Okafor's 13 rebounds tops for the game and Beal's career-high 12 caroms next-highest. Apart from too many turnovers [18], the Wizkids did pretty much everything else on offense very nicely, shooting 48% from the field, 46% on 3-pointers, getting to the line 33 times, dishing 27 assists and demolishing the Nuggets on the glass by a 49-33 margin. 

Trevor Ariza  made a critical contribution off the bench against Denver, scoring 16 points on 11 shots, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing 3 assists and playing his usual fine defensive game. 

The next night against Houston, things went somewhat differently. The Wizards trailed often during the game, by as much as 17 points, and were 11 back at halftime as the Rockets dropped a bewildering array of 3-pointers from all angles. The Wizards countered by going big and spreading the ball around, putting 5 players into double figures in points. Beal's 21 points led the team and he also contributed 5 rebounds and 4 dimes. Emeka Okafor came back with a similar game to the one he had the night before, scoring 17 and pulling down 11 boards. For the weekend, Okafor scored 34 points on 16 of 30 shooting, grabbed 24 rebounds and finished with a +29 court ratio. Okafor's strong play in the paint in recent weeks has been a much-overlooked part of their surge, as most of the attention has been focused on John Wall. 

Wall and Martell Webster, with both scoring 12 points and 11 and 4 assists, respectively. For the weekend, Wall finished with 26 points and 21 assists, a sign of his growing comfort running the offense and the fact that his teammates are now hitting the shots he's setting them up to make. Once again, of the bench, Ariza was critical, scoring 18 points on 8 of 12 shooting, grabbing 6 rebounds, dishing 4 assists and stealing the ball 4 times. A Wizards team that gets that kind of offensive and defensive production from such a fine defensive stopper is going to be a tough out against almost any opponent. 

The Wizards had 31 assists on 41 made baskets against the Rockets and spread the ball around nicely as the two teams dueled back and forth for the lead in the game's final minutes. While the Wizards hit only 7 3-pointers, one fewer than Houston made in just the first quarter, Washington's decision to go big resulted in shooting over 51% from the field, while Houston's over-reliance on the outside shot eventually brought them back to Earth. In the final moments of the game, with the game tied at 103, the Wizards ran an actual play rather than just clearing out for Wall or Beal. As Wall dribbled the time down outside the 3-point arc, his teammates got into position. Beal raced over to take the pass from Wall, but rather than shoot, the rookie guard found center Emeka Okafor on the blocks being guarded by the 6'6" Carlos Delfino. Okafor made his move and got fouled as he went to the hoop. His free throw proved to be the winning point for the Wizards. Here's the play: 

The Wizards have improved to 17-37 and are 11-4 against teams with winning records since January 7. 

NEXT GAME: Monday at 7 PM in Toronto against the Raptors. Revenge is a dish best served Canadian cold. 

Good news Redskins fans.  The Doctor has spoken.

According to Ian Rapoport, from RapSheet, who spoke with Robert Griffin III's surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, RG3 is 'way ahead of schedule' in his rehabilitation from off-season ACL and meniscus surgery.  Dr. Andrew reportedly joked that at times you almost have to hold RG3 back in his rehab. 

Dr. Andrews did caution that Griffin's rehab is not about being tready for Week 1, but for his career.  The good news is, all the leaks and vibes and now the surgeon's comments have overall been pretty positive.  The one thing we have not heard are any set backs.  That's a good thing. 

These statements from Dr. Andrews seem to go along with the optimism from Redskins Park a few weeks ago that Griffin may be ready to start the first regular season game of the season.  Dr. Andrew performed the reconstructive knee surgery on Griffin and also serves as the Redskins team Orthopedic Surgeon. 

The latest evidence to exonerate Nats starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez is in. 

Two days after Gonzalez was linked by a Miami news report to Biogensis clinic in Miami, a clinic under investigation for allegedly dispensing performance enhancing drugs, Gio took a drug test through Major League Baseball.  Today, according to the MLBPA (Player's Association), the results of Gonzalez blood and urine tests were found to be negative, further bolstering the case the innocence of Gonzalez. 

Gonzalez took to Twitter to defend himself the night the report was published, vehemently denying ties to the clinic.  Gio did acknowledge that his father purchased weight loss products from the clinic.  Days later, after reviewing additional documents from the clinic, ESPN reported that up to 20 additional players were linked to the Clinic and PEDs, but that Gonzalez did not purchase any PEDs.  

The fact that Gonzalez was selected to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, managed by MLB executive Joe Torre, was an early indication that Gonzalez would come out without discipline.  The ESPN report seem to bolster that theory.  The negative drug test result seems to be just another piece of evidence that supports Gio Gonzalez's denial.   Gonzalez announced the results of the drug test, stating the negative result "was just like I expected."

As we reported late yesterday afternoon, the Nationals signed veteran pitcher Chris Young to a minor league deal that includes a spring training invite.  More on Young from CSN.  And from District Sports Page. 

The Nats kickoff their Grapefruit League season tomorrow against the New York Mets.  Stephen Strasburg will be the Nats opening pitcher and take the mound for the Nats for the first time since September 7, 2012, when the Nationals shut him down.   

Ross Detwiler likes the position he is in.  For the first time since being drafted in the first round by the Nats, there is no question on whether he will make the roster.  Detwiler is guaranteed the fifth start role in the Nats rotation and enters the season with full confidence in himself and from Davey Johnson. 

Detwiler will use this spring to try to step forward, at 26, as one of the best left-handed starters in baseball. Overshadowed by the rest of the Nationals’ rotation, Detwiler spent the final two months last season as perhaps their best starter, a lefty who could hit 96 mph and, on some nights, take over a game with one pitch. He marked his performances with newfound body language, all smiles and shrugs.

“It just comes with being comfortable, really,” Detwiler said.

Another starter, Jordan Zimmermann, is working on his change up to make the pitch another member of his impressive pitching arsenal. 

Christian Garcia is OK in terms of his stomach ailment, but awaits an MRI on forearm tightness.  Garcia is confident he will be fine given the fact the tightness is in the forearm, not the elbow, which he had surgically repaired three times. 

“As long as it’s not my elbow or shoulder, it’s something that at minimum we can get it fixed, in a short amount of time, too,” Garcia said.

More on Garcia from the Wash Times and CSN. 

Bill Ladson reports that ctacher Kurt Suzuki likes Washington and woudl love to stay past this season. 

“I love it here. I love the guys in the clubhouse. It’s a fun clubhouse. I got know quite a few of these guys really well,” Suzuki said.  “They are just great guys to be around. The other part that doesn’t hurt, it’s a really good team. It’s going to be a really good team for a long time.”

Nats owner Mark Lerner appeared at the Nationals spring training yesterday.  You can read from Adam Kilgore what he had to say about an All Star Game in DC, Mike Rizzo's future, a new Spring Training home, and more.  Good read.  More from the Wash Times.  One thing Lerner said that was really postive for the franchise iis the increase the Nats have season in season ticket sales. 

One thing that Lerner did say is because of timing and logistic issues, don't expect the Nats to have a new spring training home in 2014.  They will likely be back in Viera. 

Federal Baseball previews perhaps one of the larger battle of spring training, playing time at second base between Danny Espinosa and Steve Lombardozzi. 

In part two of our four part preview of the NFL scouting combine, we take a look at the positions that will take center stage on Sunday at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. Sunday is skill day, with quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers getting a close look from coaches and scouts from across the league.

Who should you be following on the NFL network? We have identified a trio of players at each of the three positions. These aren't the best prospects as the Redskins don't have a first round pick. They aren't necessarily second round material either, as the team will seek help at other positions. Nevertheless, these are players that could, under the right circumstances eventually contribute on the 53 man roster.

Quarterback- If Robert Griffin III were not coming off a major injury, we might not even need to evaluate this position. When the Redskins traded four elite draft picks for the chance to draft RGIII, I thought it was too much. Most have evaulated the deal based on RGIII's obvious ability and considered it worthwhile. But what about his durability? How many times can he have his knee rebuilt? If mobiility becomes a lesser factor in his game,  how does that impact his effectiveness? Kirk Cousins appears to be a capable backup, but there will be much more pressure if he is forced to carry the team if Griffin is unable to go until later in the season. Do the 'Skins have to keep Rex Grossman around now, under the circumstances? I believe the team must draft a quarterback late in the draft, if for nothing other than insurance.

Matt Scott, Arizona- 6'3" 200 Scott took a redshirt prior to his senior season so he could take over after Nick Foles moved on to the NFL. Scott ran Rich Rodriquez' wildcat offense to perfection last season. Scott completed more than 60% of his passes and added more than 500 yards rushing. Scott can throw the deep ball and has the running ability that is value added in the Skins new scheme. Scott tends to force throws at time and is in need of some work on technique.

Collin Klein, Kansas State- 6'5" 230- Klein is a personal favorite of mine, due in large part to his versatility. Some project him as a H-Back, others somewhere in the back seven on defense. If not for a bad game late in the season, Klein probably would have won the Heisman Trophy and played in the National Championship game. On the season, the first team All-Big 12 selection threw for 16 touchdowns and rushed for 23 more. Klein is powerul, displays leadership and has a high football IQ. Klein does have an unusual delivery and needs alot of work on footwork.

MarQueis Gray, Minnesota- 6'4" 240 Much like Klein, Gray is projected at a number of different positions, including wildcat quarterback. Gray rushed for nearly 1000 yards last season, but the passing porting of his game is certainly a work in progress. Gray spent his first two seasons at Minnesota as a wide receiver, but may have grown out of that position into more of a tight end. On the positive side, Gray has the raw ability, is very athletic and has good arm strength. If an NFL team brings him in as a quarterback, he will certainly be a work in progress. Project.

Running Back- Alfred Morris may have been the biggest surprise in the NFL last season. Morris put up huge numbers and has the kind of attitude that coaches and fans alike love. Mike Shanahan almost always takes a running back, no matter the depth at the position and figures to grab one at some point. Will Roy Helu Jr. ever be healthy again? The 'Skins could really use a speed option in their attack, something that was filled by wide receivers last season. Evan Royster is a capable reserve, but more of a backup to Morris, than a change of pace back.

Kenjon Barner, Oregon- 5'11" 195 Barner probably will require a draft pick higher than the Redskins are willing to spend at the poisition in April. Barner rushed for nearly 1800 yards last season and added 21 touchdowns. Barner is a threat to go the distance on every play and has a particularly great feel on stretch plays. Barner has great vision and is also a weapon out of the backfield. Barner tends to run upright and at times lacks balance. Some have concerns about his ball security as well.

D.J. Harper,  Boise State- 5'9" 205 The success of rookie Doug Martin certainly doesn't hurt Harper's stock. Harper served as Martin's backup until his senior season last year. Harper made the most of his chance, rushing for more than 1100 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2012. Speed, speed and more speed. Harper is not afraid of lowering his shoulder and was a capable receiver in a limited role. Harper has injury concerns, having torn his left ACL twice. Probably not an every down back which is OK in how the 'Skins would use him, but gets overpowed in pass protection.

Chris Thompson, Florida State- 5'8' 190 A serious back injury nearly ended Thompson's career in 2011. Thompson showed dedication in rehab and returned with his sprinter speed last Fall. Florida State has a stable of backs, but Thompson excelled in his role, culminating with an MVP performance in the Chick-fil-A bowl win over South Carolina. Thompson would certainly be a situation back at  the next level, with change of pace breakaway speed and reliable hands. Chris tends to  juke too much in space and as you might expect, doesn't break many tackles due to his smaller stature.

Wide Receiver- Do the Redskins need to address wide receiver? It's likely something will be done to reduce Santana Moss' salary if he is brought back. Pierre Garcon turned out to be one of the best free agent acquisitions the team has made in recent memory and they were very hard to beat when he was healthy. The money spent on Josh Morgan could have been better alllocated given the players already on the roster. Brandon Banks is a free agent, hard to imagine him returning. Leonard Hankerson needs to take the next step in his progression and Aldrick Robinson and Dezmon Briscoe should get a long look in camp. Robinson has a nice upside and Briscoe remains a sleeper than could help take the passing game to another level.

Denard Robinson, Michigan- 5'11" 195 Another potential emergency quarterback disquised as a receiver. Robinson struggled in the transition to pass catcher in the post season. We know he can run and is an underrated passer. During his senior season, was used in a multi purpose role and rushed for nearly 1300 yards. "Shoelace" excels in the read option which obviously could be of use in Ashburn. Will he be an elite kick returner? Is he a man without a position? With the success of Russell Wilson its hard to discount him due to his heighth, but inability to stay healthy would be a concern.

Marcus Davis, Virginia Tech- 6'4" 230 Late developing big play threat had a solid senior season for the Hokies. Davis with nearly 1000 yards and five touchdowns as a senior in Blacksburg. Davis could be a diamond in the rough, especially with prototype size and speed for an NFL wide receiver. Was a running quarterback in high school and upon arrival at Tech and it shows in his ability to advance the ball after the catch. Is still developing and may be a few years away. Tends to catch the ball with his body and has not shown an inclination to block.

Marlon Brown, Georgia- 6'5" 220 Brown arrived in Athens as one of the most hotly recruited high school receivers in the nation. Brown found playing time every season for the Bulldogs, but was often plagued by injury. Brown appeard headed for a solid senior season with 500 yards and four touchdowns, but it ended prematurely with a torn ACL. Marlon is not only a big target, but is quick off the line of scrimmage and is a true vertical threat. Is good after the catch and a willing blocker in the running game. Injuries are a concern and he has also had difficulty catching in traffic.

Up next, we will take a look at the defensive lineman and linebackers.

The Washington Nationals have signed free agent pitcher Chris Young to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation.  Young pitcher for the NY Mets last season and made 20 starts.  He finished the season at 4-9 with an ERA of 4.15.  The 6'10" right hander struck out 80 batters in 110 innings. 

Young returned to pitching last season after missing most of 2010 and 2011 from shoulder surgery. 

The Washington Wizards have traded guard Jordan Crawford to the Boston Celtics, a possibility we addressed here earlier today. 

UPDATE: Per Yahoo! Sports, the Wizards have traded Crawford to the Celtics in exchange for Leandro Barbosa and his expiring contract. 

UPDATE: Per Yahoo! Sports, the Wizards also received C Jason Collins in the deal. 

I'm not sure Collins adds much for the Wizards. His best days are well behind him, though perhaps he can mentor big men like Jan Vesely and Kevin Seraphin. I don't see his value extending much beyond that, however. I believe Collins has twice as many fouls [74] committed as points scored [37]. So, that's pretty much what you're getting with him.

Like Barbosa, Collins is playing for the $850,000 veteran league minimum so the Wiz could buy him out and let him go to a contender. I doubt it makes much of a difference to the team either way. 

Why would the Celtics trade Barbosa? Well, he suffered an ACL injury in his right knee earlier this month and isn't going to be playing basketball any time soon so he can't help them on their playoff run. His absence leaves a hole in their backcourt that they needed to fill with another shooter and if there is one thing Jordan Crawford likes to do is shoot. [Even when he shouldn't be shooting.] 

The Celtics also want to avoid paying the luxury tax and there was speculation that they might waive Barbosa outright in order to avoid that. Basically, they got Crawford for nothing. Good for Celtics GM Danny Ainge.

Why would the Wizards do this? I'm not sure. Crawford is a shot-jacker who has been in Head Coach Randy Wittman's doghouse for almost a month and the team seems capable of winning some games without him. On the other hand, Crawford is young, cheap, still on his rookie contract and capable of putting up a lot of points from time to time. The Wizards just gave him away for pretty much nothing. Why would they do that?

I don't know. The deal reduces Washington's cap number by less than $2.2 million next year, a negligible sum. Crawford has not become a team cancer, despite his non-playing status for most of February. He was unhappy with having no role on the team, but that's understandable. I regard Crawford as a fairly limited player, but even limited players have value and the Wizards really didn't get any value for him. 

I doubt this is what GM Ernie Grunfeld intended, but it feels like a gigantic "SCREW YOU!" to all those Wizards fans [roughly 100 percent] who have wanted him fired for years. Crawford is young and talented and might have worked his way out of Wittman's doghouse long enough to make a contribution -- or at least long enough for the team to deal him for something useful in the offseason or on Draft Night. 

The Wizards essentially gave Crawford away. If they're in such a giving mood, the team ought to consider giving tickets away. Only problem is, how many people would want them?

For my further reaction to this trade, see THIS & THIS on Twitter.