The Washington Wizards are counting on two players who were mediocre at best during the team's recently completed preseason (2-6) to be key contributors this season. Christian Laettner and Tyronn Lue are different players with very different backgrounds that look to figure prominently in the Wizards' future, but they'll have to step up their play dramatically when the team begins the regular season Tuesday in New York.
   
During the preseason, Laettner averaged 5.1 points and 3.5 rebounds. Lue averaged just 4.3 points.