Washington Wizards forward Popeye Jones never sold himself short, even though he felt the rest of the league had. Re-signed by the Wizards to a one-year deal this summer to be equal parts bit player and mentor to rookie forward Kwame Brown, Jones entered this season on a different mission.

He wanted to reestablish himself as the tough, blue-collar defender he was before injuries sidetracked his career. So far, that mission has been accomplished.