Wizards lose yet another shooting guard as Glen Rice sprains ankle

Is Gilbert Arenas still kicking around somewhere?

The Washington Wizards are having so much tough luck at the shooting guard position they may soon find themselves searching the free-agent bin for help. Starter Bradley Beal has a fractured wrist and is likely out until December, backup wing Martell Webster's return date from offseason back surgery is unclear, and now Glen Rice Jr. is hurt.

Starting in the team's preseason game Wednesday, Rice sprained his right ankle after 11 minutes of action. Head coach Randy Wittman called Rice day-to-day, but said the ankle was very swollen.

With their top two presumed shooting guards down and a capable fill-in still not healthy (Webster is more of a three than a two), the Wizards may be forced to try a two-point guard look, or give extended minutes to Rasual Butler, Garrett Temple or Xavier Silas.

Butler appeared in 50 games for the Indiana Pacers last year and plays a relatively mistake-free game. He can also knock down a triple. But he's 35 years old and better suited at small forward. Temple has been with the Wizards for two seasons now but is a poor offensive player and shooter. Silas, who scored 13 points Wednesday, is on a non-guaranteed deal and can really shoot, but the Wizards may want to maintain the flexibility of an open 15th roster spot in case Ray Allen decides to come calling.

As for Rice, one of the breakout stars of Summer League this year, it's still possible he's back in time for the team's season opener on Oct. 29. The Wizards are hoping the Georgia Tech product takes a major step forward after appearing in just 11 games as a rookie, but they'd settle for him just being able to suit up.