The Wizards also are in jeopardy of posting the franchise's worst record since Abe Pollin bought the team in 1964 and since the NBA expanded to an 82-game schedule.

That distinction belongs to the 2000-01 Wizards, who finished 19-63.

Pollin last month told The Washington Times, "This has been as frustrating as any season I can remember." But as frustrating as this injury-riddled season has been, the 2000-01 campaign was worse, according to former Wizards swingman Laron Profit.

"Wow, man, the 2000-01 season? A lot of losing," Profit said. "It was a lot of change. You had a new coach coming in, a college coach trying to adjust to coaching in the league. You had an older group of guys like Rod [Strickland] and Mitch [Richmond] on the down slide of their careers. You had a group of young guys like myself, Rip [Hamilton], Felipe [Lopez], who were trying to establish themselves in the league.

"So you had a really interesting mix with a young coach fresh from college and a new owner in Michael Jordan trying to establish an imprint. It was a lot of transition, a lot of change, not a lot of continuity. It was a difficult year for us."

The Wizards opened that season with a starting lineup of forwards Juwan Howard and Lopez, center Jahidi White and guards Strickland and Richmond. They finished with a different team thanks to injuries, trades and buyouts.

"It was injuries, if I recall. Then we made some trades, brought in new players and chemistry was a challenge for us," said Howard, whom the Wizards traded to the Dallas Mavericks that February. "In this league, we all know teams and fans - their patience is very short."

Those Wizards had plenty of off-court distractions. Strickland was arrested three times that season for drunken driving and suspended one game for missing a team flight. The Wizards bought out the final year of his contract in March and also bought out Richmond.

That left an odd collection of young, unproven players and coach Leonard Hamilton, who struggled in his jump from the college ranks and at times had trouble remembering his players' names.

Profit played the 2004-05 season in Washington, was traded to the Lakers and later played overseas. He underwent surgery last year to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon and has spent much of this season rehabbing at Verizon Center.

That proximity - and his close relationship with Juan Dixon, a fellow standout at Maryland - allowed Profit a close look at the Wizards' struggles this season.

In some areas, things are different - injuries caused this Wizards team's downfall. But Profit said the young members of this team are in a similar position to the one in which he and Richard Hamilton found themselves eight seasons ago.

"I try to talk to a lot of the young guys about seizing and taking advantage of this," Profit said. "It looks like it's a bad situation, but it's good in the sense that you're getting the opportunity to play. ... Richard

Hamilton took full advantage of that The last 30, 25 games, he went on a tear. He really showed and gave a glimpse to Doug Collins that this guy is somebody we need to keep. He used it as a springboard."

Howard, now a member of the Charlotte Bobcats, considers continually working to improve as the easiest way to cope with losing.

"I'm similar to how Antawn Jamison is dealing with it," Howard said. "I competed with pride every night. I might not have played as well at times and had the great game like the fans or the media might have thought I should've played. But I tell you one thing: No one ever questioned my heart, my toughness and my professionalism with a fight to win."

Profit can vouch for that.

"Juwan Howard had a $100 million contract. He got booed at home. He came to work every single day to practice to work hard," Profit said. "He didn't take one practice off. He lifted his weights. He conditioned himself. And that's the same thing I see Antawn do. Every time I come in here, Antawn's lifting. He's preparing himself. Here's a guy that's made a gazillion dollars, and every day you see him preparing himself for the next game, the next practice. I hope the young guys [take] that from this. Because that's the one thing that impressed me from the 2001 season."

Jamison said he doesn't worry about the records of the old Packers or the 2000-01 Wizards. His motivation for a strong finish lies in getting wins that help lay a foundation for next season.

"It wouldn't make a difference if we won 19 or 20 games to me," Jamison said. "It's something we never expected to happen, and it has happened. That's motivation in itself right there. For us, just put it behind you and just try to do everything possible to learn from this as quickly as possible."

With four games left, the Washington Wizards need two wins to avoid posting the worst record in the modern history of the franchise What are their chances?

Today at Cleveland: The Cavaliers own a league-best 37-1 record at home and are in a fight for homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. Chances: Not good.

Friday at Toronto: Like the Wizards, the Raptors made the playoffs last season but are well out of the picture this year. Gilbert Arenas likely will play Wednesday, but his status is uncertain for Friday. Chances: Possible.

Monday vs. Toronto: In their final home game of the season, the Wizards likely will aim to give their faithful fans a victory to savor. Chances: Good.

April 15 at Boston: The Wizards are 0-3 this season against the Celtics, but Gilbert Arenas has said there's a good chance he will play in Boston. The Celtics could have their seeding in the Eastern Conference locked up and could rest their workhorses for the playoffs. Chances: Possible.

WASHINGTON Wizards at CLEVELAND Cavaliers

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Quicken Loans Arena

TV/radio: CSN, ESPN 980

Probable starters: Wizards - F Antawn Jamison, F Caron Butler, C Brendan Haywood, G Dominic McGuire, G Gilbert Arenas. Cavaliers - F LeBron James, F Darnell Jackson, C Zydrunas Ilgauskas, G Delonte West, G Mo Williams.

Injuries: Wizards - Questionable: G Juan Dixon (right Achilles tendon), G Nick Young (knee). Out: G Mike James (broken finger), C Etan Thomas (knee), G DeShawn Stevenson (back). Cavaliers - F/C Anderson Varejao (bruised wrist), F/C Ben Wallace (fractured fibula), G Eric Snow (knee).

Notes: The Wizards are bracing for a fired-up Cavaliers squad following Washington's win over Cleveland at Verizon Center last week. "I expect them to come out and try to embarrass us," Antawn Jamison said. With their second win of the season over Cleveland last week, the Wizards joined only the Lakers, Celtics and Magic as teams with multiple wins over the Cavaliers. But only the Lakers have managed to beat the Cavaliers at home this season. Entering Tuesday, Cleveland (37-1 at Quicken Loans Arena) held a one-game edge over the Lakers in the race for the best record in the league.