Wizards lock up Haywood.

[fixer26er]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=1914243

Not 100% sure about the numbers, but I read on realgm that it's 5 years/$16 million. If that's true it's a bargain.

[bofluid]

That's a great signing. I give Brendan a hard time, but he's more than competent on the court.

[fixer26er]

Just watching him in some of the preseason games he looks much improved. If those contract numbers are correct his contract is a real bargain.

[fixer26er]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17010-2004Nov1.html

5 years/$25 million, not 5 years/$16 million. Still a great deal considering the way league execs handed out $40 million contracts last year.

In other NBA news, Shaq may miss the season opener. Hopefully the injury keeps him out the first couple of games.

[Gamebreaker]

Haywood is adequate, especially for the East. It was a good signing, but a bit premature.

[fixer26er]

I wouldn't say that it was premature. He is a 25 year old seven footer who should put up decent numbers. They probably saved themselves 10-15 million.

[DonMagicJuan]

we need kwame to sign...but hes gonna test the waters....as for haywood, i dont konw if its me or what, but hes been different lately...his jump shots are wayyyy bettter!

[Zen-like Todd]

Thats cheap considering what we paid Etan. The way it looks like Haywood is developing, he's far more valuable to the team than Etan.

And yes, Brendan looks like a completely different player this year. He's far more mobile and active.