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 Wednesday, November 10
Strickland pulled for undisclosed reasons
 
Associated Press

  WASHINGTON -- Point guard Rod Strickland was yanked from the Washington Wizards' starting lineup for undisclosed reasons 45 minutes before Wednesday night's game against the Seattle Supersonics.

Earlier in the day, Washington announced that shooting guard Mitch Richmond would miss Wednesday's game because of a sore left knee. Richmond is expected to be ready for Friday's home game against Miami.

Rod Strickland
Strickland

Rookie Richard Hamilton, the seventh overall pick in June's NBA draft, started in place of Richmond, while Chris Whitney was inserted for Strickland.

Wes Unseld, Washington's executive vice president and general manager, said Strickland was removed from the starting lineup following a decision by Wizards coach Gar Heard. Unseld would not elaborate on the move.

Strickland was unavailable for comment. The decision was announced after the team's dressing room was closed to reporters following pregame interviews.

Heard inserted Strickland into the game with 6:24 remaining in the first quarter and Seattle leading 15-8. Strickland's first shot, a layup attempt beneath the basket, was blocked by Vin Baker.

Strickland scored four points in the first quarter on 2-for-3 shooting. He had no assists.

Strickland and Richmond's struggles this season have mirrored the Wizards' 1-3 start. Strickland, who averaged 17.1 points per game entering this season, is averaging only 12.3 through four games. Richmond, who is averaging 10.8 points per game, has connected only 37 percent of his field goal attempts.