After leaving Verizon Center about an hour and 15 minutes before the game, because he didn't bring any clothes and visibly upset because team doctors didn't clear him to make his comeback today, Gilbert Arenas returned to the arena by the start of the second quarter and sat on the bench.
Agent Zero was wearing blue jeans, a white button-up and a tan sportscoat. A few minutes after returning, he went on with ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters.
"Even though I wasn't playing, it's still about the team. I still had to come back and support them," Arenas told Salters.
On what happened tonight that kept him from playing:
"I said I was 90 percent and that 10 percent with the docs kept me from playing. I thought we had an understanding that this would be the day I made my comeback, but I guess they want to wait another week and see how things are."
On how his knee feels:
"It feels fine. I can't let the fear of getting a hurt again get the best of me, which was what was hampering me the last few weeks. And today I was ready to play, but they went out there with a fishing pole and yanked me back."
-- Mike Jones
Comments (8)
Gil's anxiousness makes me think that he will try to do too much upon his return.
Do you think he is even capable of limiting himself, or playing effectively in stretches?
Posted by Truth About It | March 23, 2008 9:59 PM
No, I don't think he will be able to hold back for long. And he might not have to. In the locker room before and after the Pistons game DeShawn Stevenson and Antawn Jamison said Gil looks great and they're expecting him to really open things up even more. If he's feeling as good as they say he is, the Wizards could have a potent starting lineup and an extremely deep bench since those backups have gotten so much playing time this season. But it's definitely a good sign to see Gilbert so upset that he couldn't play. He's hungry.
Posted by mike jones | March 24, 2008 3:50 AM
Let Arenas go. Use the money to sign a legit big man (not easy to come by, maybe Elton Brand?). Don't tie up the franchise with a shoot first PG. We all know that you don't win championships with point guards that look to score first (ie Stephon Marbury, AI, Steve Francis...etc.). We need a PG to manage the game and a big man down low that can score. Along with Jamison and Butler, that would give the Wizards a better chance at a title in the future then tying themselves up financially with $100 million dollar Arenas contract.
Posted by Anonymous | March 24, 2008 8:24 AM
Let Arenas go? That is about stupid. Would you let Kobe go because he shoots. Remember Gil averaged 5 assists a game. How many is AD averaging? 5 game you say? Hmmm, logic get away from me as there is none is those who want to get rid of Gil. Too many days out in the sun.
GAR
Posted by Bridgewater, VA | March 24, 2008 1:19 PM
Kobe is a 2-guard. They have Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar running the point. They manage the game. Kobe is a SHOOTING guard. He SHOOT's. Think before you speak.
So you want to give a PG that shoots first a $100 million contract because he averages 5 assists???? You can get someone off the street for the league minimum to get you 5 assists. Antonio Daniels has done an adequate job running the point and he plays defense.
Wizards: Don't pay Arenas more then $10million a year. Even that is a stretch. This is the NBA. Build up your front court and a PG that can manage the game. Along with Butler and Jamison, you have a better chance at the title.
Posted by Anonymous | March 25, 2008 8:09 AM
No wonder you are anonymous - who is the shooting guard on the Wizards? Deshaun Stephonson! And you want a PG that defers to him. Think before you speak and take that shoe out of your mouth.
Posted by Bridgewater, VA | March 25, 2008 2:06 PM
Gil needs to take it one day at a time, the medical staff (Dr.Ben Casey,Dr Marcus Welby and Dr Vinny Boom Botzz) are terrified of making another mistake concerning the Wizards franchise player and Gil, whether he realizes it or not isn't operating from a position of strength.The teams that can pay Gil max money are at the bottom of the ladder record wise, for the most part so it is imperative that he proves he is healthy enough to demand a max contract.They could sign and trade,but for who? Gil and his agent and the Wizards braintrust need to find a way to make this work.
Posted by DARGREGMAG@AOL.COM | March 25, 2008 7:28 PM
Obviously your basketball IQ isn't very high. They have Butler and Jamison who take most of the shots. The Wizards would take the money they save with not resigning Arenas and build up their front court where they would also get scoring from. Deshawn has been more then adequate at shooting guard (if you've been paying any attention to the Wizards games). He's turned into a decent scorer and very good defender. That's what you want.
The NBA is a big man's game. College Basketball is where you need guards taht can score to win championships.
Posted by Anonymous | March 25, 2008 9:11 PM