1. Many people wrote off the Wizards after Arenas went down, yet they've managed to remain not only a potential playoff team but currently sit in 4th position in the East. What is the explanation for their success?

Jake Whitacre: Well, I think it's been a combination of a few things. You have to start with the play of the Wizards' two forwards, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. A lot of people thought Caron might have peaked after making the All-Star team last season but he's exceeded everyone's expectations this year. He's increased the range and effectiveness of his shot, become a better passer, and managed to become a better defender at the same time. Caron has been playing at an All-Star level all season and should be a lock to play again this February. Antawn has stepped up his game as well, he's quietly been putting up 20 and 10 all season and could be headed to New Orleans as well.

Another factor that I think a lot of people have overlooked has been the play of the Wizards' center, Brendan Haywood. After Etan Thomas had to undergo open heart surgery before training camp, Haywood was handed the starting position at center, which he'd never been able to fully wrestle away from Thomas over the last few years. Once Haywood finally started getting consistent playing time, he's in turn responded with consistent play and he's been one of the key components in the team's improved defense this season.

Finally, the Wizards are fortunate that they have a great backup for their star player. A lot of teams crumble when their star player goes down because they don't have a capable backup that can step in and not be a major liability. With Antonio Daniels, Washington doesn't have that same problem - it's nice to have someone off the bench that's consistently among the top 10 in assist-to-turnover ratio.

2. Speaking of Arenas, there has been talk of late that he may not come back this season after all. What is the latest on that situation?

Jake Whitacre: Recently Gilbert mentioned that if the Wizards didn't have a chance to "go far in the playoffs" that he'd "shut it down" for the season. Obviously after rushing back from his injury this summer he doesn't want to make the same mistake this time in coming back too soon. With that said, I think he'll be back this season. It looks like the Wizards should still be in a position to make a playoff run when Gilbert plans on returning (he recently said that his new target date is March 15th) but if they're not, I don't think anyone would want him to risk getting another injury playing for a team with no playoff shot anyway, so I don't think it will end up being a problem. As long as Gilbert's knee heals in time to help the Wizards make their final run to the playoffs (which they show every sign of doing) then Agent Zero will be back this season.

3. Nick Young had a huge game against the Hawks a couple weeks ago in DC. Was that an aberration, or has he become a permanent fixture in the Wizards rotation?

Jake Whitacre: Nick has put up enough strong games to say that it's not an aberration. He's been a great option off the bench for quick scoring when the offense gets bogged down. Like any rookie, he has his issues with consistency and focus from time to time but he's shown enough to warrant a spot in the rotation (and hopefully a spot in the dunk contest).

4. There have been whispers in the past that if the Wizards didn't perform well that Eddie Jordan's job might be in jeopardy. Would you say he is pretty safe at this point?

Jake Whitacre: I think so. If the Wizards make the playoffs this year, he'd be taking them to the playoffs for the fourth year in a row (which hasn't happened in D.C. for 20 years) and if they don't he'll get a pass because of the injuries to Arenas and Etan Thomas. Either way I can't envision a scenario where Eddie Jordan isn't the coach next year.

5. What do you think will make the biggest difference in whether or not the Wizards do or do not make the playoffs this season?

Jake Whitacre: The play of the bench is going to be the key for this team. The starters all know what's expected of them and they deliver on that night in and night out, but the bench has been up and down all year. Recently, the veteran players rearranged the lockers so that the younger players would be near a veteran teammate which will hopefully cut down on bad performances from the younger players on the bench. Getting Gilbert healthy in time for the playoffs is still the key to a deep playoff run, but the bench needs to step it up to keep the Wizards in the hunt while he's out and keep the key players from wearing down.