"Yi Jianlian isn't sure he'll return to the Wizards, but he isn't worried about what his future may hold. At the least opportune time -- his contract year -- Yi had the worst statistical season of his career, averaging just 5.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 63 games.

But as he left Verizon Center last week for possibly the final time, Yi wasn't dwelling on the right knee that cost him 19 games, the midseason trade for Rashard Lewis or even the late-season development of Trevor Booker that pushed him out of the rotation for a few weeks.

"Things happen. I can do nothing about injury. For me, it's not like it's the last year I play in my career," Yi said with a laugh.

Yi will be a restricted free agent this offseason, and if the collective bargaining agreement doesn't change too much, you can guarantee that the Wizards won't tender the $5.4 million qualifying offer required to have first right of refusal on any offer sheet he may sign elsewhere. It's never a good sign when several months after his arrival, the team sounded more excited that it virtually rented his services for free than with his production on the court. Yi made $4.1 million this season, but the New Jersey Nets dealt him, along with $3 million, and took back Quinton Ross's $1.1 million salary. That doesn't mean that Yi isn't coming back, just certainly not at that price. When asked about Yi's prospects for returning, Coach Flip Saunders said, "I think we do like him and he likes it here in DC."

Yi became a bit of a fan favorite in his one season with the Wizards, with crowds at Verizon Center chanting his last name every time he elevated for a jumper or grabbed a rebound. The "Yiiiii!!!" chants held -- unless he missed, which happened more often than not and fans often reacted with the kind of disappointment reserved for a kid failing to connect on a swing while playing T-ball."