Washington Wizards forward Nene still dealing with foot soreness

The important ice pack was underneath Nene’s right foot Friday night. He had others, one on each knee, after the Wizards picked apart the Los Angeles Clippers. But the one beneath his aching foot was the most important.

Nene missed five games this season because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Since his return, the Wizards have brought Nene off the bench and managed his minutes. Nene has averaged 19.5 minutes in the four games he’s played. He missed one game in the middle because of a sore knee.

“Working, working,” Nene said of his health. “My foot. That’s why I still on timeplan. My foot is still hurting, but we have a plan, we have a program, and we need to respect that.”

The power forward has been effective in his limited role because of the injury. He’s 10-for-16 from the field in his last two games, including a few power dunks and a surprise behind-the-back pass on the fastbreak to Andre Miller on Friday night. Miller did not score, but was fouled. Nene said there will be no fine for the lack of conversion.

He remains crucial to the Wizards. Kris Humphries, who has started in his place, allows the Wizards more floor spacing. Though, the Wizards can run their halfcourt offense through Nene in the post when he is able to play. He can score from that spot and is equally adept at passing in the post.

Instead of Humphries, Nene became the lone big man when the Wizards used a small lineup late in the game against the Clippers. The Wizards moved Paul Pierce to power forward and Nene over to center. They stayed with that lineup, even when the Clippers put Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan back into the game.

“We had our four best offensive players, we could knock down free throws if it became a free-throw game, so I stayed small,” Wizards coach Randy Wittman said.

Nene will continue to manage his foot and the Wizards will continue to massage his minutes.

“Well, I always prepare myself to battle,” Nene said. “The game’s a battle to me. I come early. I’ve been like that since I was young. I come here see the video and prepare myself. They way he play. I’ve been doing that for long years.”