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Former Wizard Rasual Butler killed in car crash

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Los Angeles Clippers v Washington Wizards Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

Rasual Butler, a 13-season NBA veteran who spent a season with the Wizards, died in a car crash along with his wife early on Wednesday morning in California, according to TMZ and USA Today.

Butler had a brief, but memorable stint in Washington. He signed shortly before the start of the 2014-15 season to an unguaranteed deal and made the roster with some strong play during the preseason.

Most assumed he would just be someone to help fill out the bench that season — he only played 10 minutes over the team’s first five games — but after Glen Rice Jr. struggled to start the season, coach Randy Wittman gave him steady playing time and he exceeded everyone’s expectations. Over the next 20 games, he averaged over 11 points per game, shooting over 50 percent from the field and behind the arc while Washington went 15-5 during that stretch.

Butler’s shooting fell back to earth after his blistering hot start, and he didn’t factor much into the team’s playoff run that season. But Wizards fans will always remember him fondly for how he clawed his way back into the NBA through the D-League to earn a spot in Washington and the key role he played in a wonderful start to the 2014-15 season.

Several Wizards past and present have shared their condolences on Twitter.

R.I.P OG!! @rasualbutler8 !! Love you big bro!!!

A post shared by Otto Porter Jr. (@ottodayporter22) on

Here are some highlights of some of his best moments in Washington: