Wizards coach Eddie Jordan just told us that he can't see Gilbert Arenas returning from knee surgery by Arenas' projected date of March 2.
"No. I'm not," Jordan said when asked how optimistic he was about Arenas returning next week. "And I'm very close to repeating what Rick Pitino said a few years ago, but I'm not gonna repeat that. There's nobody coming in to save us right now. It's what we have in the locker room. I've got 10 guys in the locker room that I'm coaching tonight and that's the only that matters right now. I'm not in the prediction business because I can't."
Arenas went through some light non-contact drills in practice on Monday, and missed the practice both Wednesday and Thursday. He did play rookie Nick Young one-on-one a few time this week, but soon after Jordan spoke, echoed the coach's sentiments that he is further away from returning than expected.
"It may take me longer to get in shape," said Arenas, who has missed all but eight games this season after having knee surgery in November. "That's why I'm out there with Nick trying to get some rhythm back in my legs, get some cardio in and that's all I'm working on. Truthfully, it's hard to tell. If I really wanted to get out there, I can go play now, but you're going to get two good minutes out of me right now. But I'm trying to get in shape, get my body used to playing again."
Forward Caron Butler remains inactive after missing the last seven games with a strained left hip flexor. Jordan said he isn't sure when Butler will return to action either, and that the Wizards' athletic trainers may scale back on the rehab work they have been doing with Butler in hopes that complete rest will help Butler heal faster.
