The Washington Post reports that the Wizards are excited about rookie center Brendan Haywood. The seven-footer has made an immediate impact in the interior after sitting out the first 12 games because of torn ligaments in his left thumb. Haywood has come off the injured list to grab 14 rebounds, block three shots, alter several others and give the team a low-post presence.

With help from starting center Jahidi White, Haywood played a huge role in containing 76ers center Dikembe Mutombo in the Wizards' 94-87 victory. Mutombo collected just five rebounds and six points and routinely was shielded from blocking shots or was boxed out of rebounding position by Haywood.

"Defensively, he changes everything for us," Wizards Coach Doug Collins said of Haywood. "He gives you a long, active guy, plus Brendan has energy. He can cover, he can get back, he bothers guys' jump shots. With Brendan [on offense], we feel very good that we can throw the ball in there and he can pass out of it.

Collins said one of the main missions of the franchise is to find out if Haywood could develop into the team's starting center. However, there is no rush at this point and Haywood will continue to play as a reserve.