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Rasual Butler makes final roster over John Lucas, Xavier Silas, Damion James

That's not what was expected, but given Butler's experience and the need for wing shooting, it makes sense.

By Mike Prada
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

In a mild surprise, it appears that Rasual Butler will make the Wizards' final roster as the 15th man, according to CSN Washington's J Michael. That means that Xavier Silas, Damion James and John Lucas III will be released.

Butler seemed like a long shot to make the team, especially after the Wizards signed the well-traveled Lucas late in training camp. In the end, though, his shooting and experience won him the final roster spot after Silas struggled and James didn't impress other than in the final preseason game. Lucas apparently really was only here to provide a practice body for a week or so.

The Wizards may actually need the 35-year-old to play minutes early in the season behind Paul Pierce and Otto Porter. He's a career 36 percent shooter and hit nearly 42 percent in limited minutes for the Pacers last season. He also has a non-guaranteed contract, so he can be cast aside anytime before Jan. 10.

UPDATE: It's now official.