The papers covering the Wizards each have an article about their disgruntled young guards, each starters last year, who are now relegated to the bench.

"How does it help me?" Richard Hamilton asks the Washington Times after being asked how he will benefit from his removal from the starting lineup. "That's a good question. I've got to think about that."

Hamilton was removed from the Washington Wizards starting lineup after the Wizards fell to Golden State on Nov. 9. That night Hamilton, not known for his defense, had particular trouble staying with Golden State's Larry Hughes, who scored 11 of his 26 points in the third quarter when guarded by Hamilton.

Since that time Collins has continued to tinker with the lineup, hoping to find some cure for the present six-game skid. One thing Collins has done in benching Hamilton is move Michael Jordan from small forward back to his natural shooting guard position, and inserting rookie Bobby Simmons at small forward.

"Coach [Doug Collins] has made it public that this team needs me to produce," Alexander told the Washington Post. "I want to produce but it's hard because I haven't found a rhythm and the scary thing is I don't know how to find that rhythm. That's a scary thing."

Alexander had an unsteady preseason but started the first regular season game, a two-point loss to the New York Knicks. He has come off the bench since and averaged 5.1 points and 18.6 minutes and is shooting just 35 percent. Those aren't the type of numbers anyone with the team projected for Alexander before the season, especially Alexander.