Martell Webster nearing return to action for Wizards

As if the 16-6 Washington Wizards need even more reason for optimism.

The team could soon get a boost to their depth on the wings, perhaps their most glaring weakness, as Martell Wesbter is nearing a return to action.

Webster had offseason back surgery to repair a herniated disc. His timeline for a return has generally been kept vague. Webster practiced in full on Thursday for the first time since the surgery, and he's now said to be targeting a return around Christmas.

That could mean a minutes crunch at shooting guard and small forward, with both Otto Porter or Rasual Butler standing to lose time. Butler has been red-hot from long range all season and Porter's a high draft pick who needs time to develop, so the team can afford to bring Webster along slowly if necessary.

Last season, Webster averaged 9.7 points in 27.7 minutes for the Wizards, hitting 39.2 percent of his 3-point attempts.

The back issue first arose for Webster last November, when he was floored by Xavier Henry of the Los Angeles Lakers. The surgery was the third on Webster's back, leading him to speculate that he'll retire at age 30 in 2017.