The two-way player from the Washington Wizards takes advantage of his opportunity

Washington Wizards guard Jared Butler is one of just 88 players in the NBA on a two-way contract.

These 88 players play most often in the G League and rarely get a chance to play in the NBA ahead of their teammates. However, for a team like the Wizards that is struggling with restructuring and injuries, Butler will get a longer chance.

Butler scored 17 points in the team’s game Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans after not playing more than 10 minutes in a game since Dec. 15. After the game, he explained how difficult it can be to stay ready.

“Yes, it is extremely difficult,” Butler said. “I think that’s why things like the G League and yesterday’s games helped me kind of stay in the rhythm. “And as far as basketball goes, it’s just difficult because you want to play and compete as a competitor. It’s like you only need it every now and then, so that’s the hard part.”

Just a day before playing for the Wizards, Butler dropped 19 points for the Capital City Go-Go, and playing in that game helped prepare him to play for the NBA team the next night.

Now that Malcolm Brogdon is out of the lineup and Bub Carrington and Jordan Poole are dealing with injuries, Butler could have more success with the Wizards.

“It’s the NBA. Opportunities come and go. It’s a numbers game. You have to be patient, so I think the most important thing for me is when I get the opportunity to make the most of it. That’s my philosophy about it.”

Butler and the Wizards are back in action tonight as they welcome the Houston Rockets to town. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena.

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