Washington ? Some things about Caron Butler are straightforward.

His end-to-end hustle, say. His in-your-face defense. And his statistics this season, which are, of course, easiest of all to render in black and white.

Sheets of paper entitled “Caron Butler – All-Star Credentials” are distributed by the Washington Wizards’ PR staff to media members before games, noting that the forward is averaging career highs in points (21.2 entering Friday), rebounds (8.1), assists (3.9) and steals (1.9), among other categories.

There are other tidbits, too. One example: Two NBA players are putting up at least 21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists, game in and game out: Minnesota’s Kevin Garnett – no surprise there – and Butler.

“He’s a big part of our success, at both ends of the floor,” coach Eddie Jordan says. “Most of all, what he brings is an attitude. It’s a toughness. It’s an aggressive nature. It’s a confidence factor. It’s a swagger – they call it ‘swag’ – that says: ‘It’s my time in my career to show that I am special.”‘

Butler is blossoming in his fifth pro season, helping Washington recover from a slow start with a 14-4 run to near the top of the up-for-grabs Eastern Conference.

“When you’re watching the game, you really don’t think he’s doing a whole lot,” Bulls center Ben Wallace says. “After the game, when you look at the tape, or look at the stat sheet, you realize where he’s hurting you. I definitely think he’s playing at the All-Star level.”

Why now?

“The players, the coaching staff and the organization believe in me, and give me confidence. Confidence is everything in this league,” Butler says, leaning back in a stuffed chair in a lounge at the Wizards’ arena after a practice this week. “All you need is an opportunity, and I have that here.”

Straightforward enough.

Then again, when he’s playing, Butler doesn’t come across as someone who possibly could lack for confidence. But some things about him aren’t necessarily what they seem.

Now he’s emerged as a bona fide NBA standout – and, he and his teammates and coach hope, a participant in the Feb. 18 All-Star game.

“It would mean a lot from a personal standpoint,” Butler says. “That was one of the goals that everybody has as a player: ‘Man, I’m an All-Star. I did it.”‘

As he imagines saying those words, Butler’s steely eyes open wide and his straight face breaks into a smile.