Arenas for Vince or dump Arenas for cap space?

[leswizards]

A while back, didn't some mediocre NBA baller tweet that Arenas was killing it in a pick up game against a bunch of elite NBA players?

Um, yeah before the start of last season. Yet, when the season rolled around, Gil looked awful.

He didn't look "awful". In fact, he looked damn good for the first 5 or so games.

After which, he looked like someone who hadn't played a full season in almost 2 years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/g ... ayerId=974

He had two good games to start the season. Other than that he was awful. He shot under 30% in November.

[Wizardspride]

He shot 42% for Dec. with his numbers steadily rising.

And f I remember correctly, he was looking much more explosive around the time he was suspended.

[leswizards]

He shot 42% for Dec. with his numbers steadily rising.

And f I remember correctly, he was looking much more explosive around the time he was suspended.

Yeah, but he was also getting his pocket picked at crunch time in December against a rookie, and missing key free throws down the stretch in winnable games.

I will admit he started looking good toward the end of his season, but all in all, as far as I am concerned he looked awful last season.

[DCZards]

Yeah, but he was also getting his pocket picked at crunch time in December against a rookie, and missing key free throws down the stretch in winnable games.

I will admit he started looking good toward the end of his season, but all in all, as far as I am concerned he looked awful last season.

If you consider the numbers that GA was putting up the last 4-5 games before he was suspended to be "awful," then I'll take a few more of those "awful" performances. There's no question that GA was starting to get his groove back when he was suspended. The numbers don't lie.

I can't wait for the season to begin. Gil's got something for all the haters.

[Ruzious]

Didn't exactly say that, but you can twist my words as you wish.

So, will you or won't you root for the Wiz if they trade Arenas?

Of course I would, but I would end up like you and have to split my allegiances between the Wizards and where ever team Gilbert ended up with.

Ok, my bad. I remember someone saying that and just assumed it was you. So we're both Zards fans in good standing. Maybe we can move on and like... not take swipes or snipes at each other. Fresh start and all that - both root for Arenas and the Wizlets?

[leswizards]

Yeah, but he was also getting his pocket picked at crunch time in December against a rookie, and missing key free throws down the stretch in winnable games.

I will admit he started looking good toward the end of his season, but all in all, as far as I am concerned he looked awful last season.

If you consider the numbers that GA was putting up the last 4-5 games before he was suspended to be "awful," then I'll take a few more of those "awful" performances. There's no question that GA was starting to get his groove back when he was suspended. The numbers don't lie.

I can't wait for the season to begin. Gil's got something for all the haters.

I didn't say he was awful in those 4-5 games. In fact, I said he was starting to look good as his season ended. However, I said all things considered he looked awful for the season, and I stand by that statement.

BTW, the Wizards were 1-4 in those 4-5 games with losses against Memphis and Minnesota. I bet you would take those numbers too, just as long as Gil looks good.

[AceDegenerate]

Ok, my bad. I remember someone saying that and just assumed it was you. So we're both Zards fans in good standing. Maybe we can move on and like... not take swipes or snipes at each other. Fresh start and all that - both root for Arenas and the Wizlets?

Not a problem, I'm here to root for the team to succeed.

[Induveca]

Ok, my bad. I remember someone saying that and just assumed it was you. So we're both Zards fans in good standing. Maybe we can move on and like... not take swipes or snipes at each other. Fresh start and all that - both root for Arenas and the Wizlets?

Not a problem, I'm here to root for the team to succeed.

Same here, just I do certain people need to stop overanalyzing the future. We're in great shape, fans/players/the organization need to taste some success and stability to heal as well. Another major shakeup outside of bringing in a superstar would do little more than keep the franchise unstable for all involved.

Let's just all hope Leonsis steers the ship with a steady hand and sticks to his plan while still keeping the fans in mind.

[JonathanJoseph]

Ok, my bad. I remember someone saying that and just assumed it was you. So we're both Zards fans in good standing. Maybe we can move on and like... not take swipes or snipes at each other. Fresh start and all that - both root for Arenas and the Wizlets?

Not a problem, I'm here to root for the team to succeed.

Same here, just I do certain people need to stop overanalyzing the future. We're in great shape, fans/players/the organization need to taste some success and stability to heal as well. Another major shakeup outside of bringing in a superstar would do little more than keep the franchise unstable for all involved.

Let's just all hope Leonsis steers the ship with a steady hand and sticks to his plan while still keeping the fans in mind.

+1

[Wizardspride]

Owner Ted Leonsis fills in that void with a short post on his personal blog, Ted's Take, in which he writes about stumbling into the practice court at Verizon Center and finding Arenas playing a pickup game with several NBA players, including some all stars.

Leonsis doesn't mention the other players in the gym

Apparently, Chris Paul was one of the participants.


http://twitter.com/Oneandonlycp3/statuses/22053116168

Jus finished another good run over at the Verizon Center wit the fellas...

[crackhed]

i'm thinking its best to temper expectations cuz gil always finds a way to screw s*** up,
but having said that, its really the first time gil will get the total green light to do what he's always wanted.. score. he doesnt have to think anymore.

[dangermouse]

For a guy who talks about tanking.. err, building through the draft, Ted sure loves to talk up Gil every single chance he gets.

Is this to increase trade value, or are we seeing Ted having to alter his grand scheme?

[AceDegenerate]

Ted is smart enough to realize that Gilbert playing at his very best, doing what he does very best (scoring), is what is best for all parties involved. No matter what the choice is going forward.

[Wizardspride]

For a guy who talks about tanking.. err, building through the draft, Ted sure loves to talk up Gil every single chance he gets.

Is this to increase trade value, or are we seeing Ted having to alter his grand scheme?

Ted strikes me as someone who is willing to change as circumstances dictate.

For instance, lets just say for the sake of argument that the Wiz have a very successful year (playoffs etc.)

Gil and Wall coexist wonderfully, McGee emerges as a legit up and coming big man, Blache becomes a borderline all-star etc etc.

If these things were to happen I have no doubt that Leonsis would be a 'buyer" next offseason instead of a seller.

[montestewart]

i'm thinking its best to temper expectations cuz gil always finds a way to screw s*** up, but having said that, its really the first time gil will get the total green light to do what he's always wanted.. score. he doesnt have to think anymore.

Hey, the General Board's that way.

For a guy who talks about tanking.. err, building through the draft, Ted sure loves to talk up Gil every single chance he gets.

Is this to increase trade value, or are we seeing Ted having to alter his grand scheme?

I just read through Leonsis' 10 Point Program again (again). It was designed with the Capitols and the NHL in mind, and ought to be adapted for different sports leagues. Regardless, I don't see the language that insists that keeping Arenas contradicts any part of the program. There would have to be an available trade that would result in "a pick and a prospect" in order to make a solid argument that he was deviating from the plan. So far, I haven't seen any such trades.

[fishercob]

So while I couldn't sleep last night, I had the following thought: some to much of the debate over keeping Gilbert has to do with his move to SG.

Offensively, I have no concerns about Gil at the "2". He played in a 2-guard front in Eddie's offense and was an offensive superstar. FLip has pointed out at that he played very well off the ball (with Boykins at PG) last year. Plus, he's going to be playing off of pure PG who will create opportunities for him and for a smart coach who can put him in position to succeed. Offense will not be a problem.

So the question is on D. And it occurred to me that we keep hearing about how it's a point guard's league right now and there are all these young superstars at PG. Wouldn't we rather Gil not be tasked with slowing these guys down? Who is Gil better suited to guard.

Eastern SG's: Wade, Redick, S. Jackson, Ray Allen, Morrow, Azubuike, E. Turner, Derozan, R. Brewer, A. Parker, B. Gordon, D. Jones, Salmons

Eastern PG's: Chalmers, Jameer, Livingston, Rondo, D. Harris, Felton, Holiday, Calderon, Rose, Mo WIlliams, Stuckey, Collison, B. Jennings

In the East, there are a ton more matchup problems for Gil at PG than SG. He gives up size (height) to a number of SG's, but only a select few have the strength and post game to take advantage of it (Stephen Jackson -- Charlotte is going to give us fits this year). Sure, Wade will give him problems, but he gives everyone problems.

Western SG's: Ellis, Gordon, Kobe, Richardson, EVans, Caron, Martin, Mayo, Thornton, Manu, Afflalo, C. Brewer, Sefolosha, Roy, Raja Bell

Western PG's: Curry, Baron, Blake, Nash, Udrih, Kidd, Brooks, Conley, Paul, Parker, Billups, D. Williams, Westbrook, A Miller, Flynn

Many more tough matchups at SG in the west, but more superstar PG's as well (Curry, Nash, Brooks, Paul, Parker, Westbrook and D-Will are all super tough covers for Gil).

Overall, it remains to be seen whether Gil will do what he needs to do to be an acceptable defender. However, I think given the rules and the personnel, he has a better shot at succeeding guarding SG's than PG's. Most of these same SG's will have a devil of a time guarding Gil as well.

[miller31time]

Gilbert is going to struggle defensively against most players, irrespective of position. He might fare better against shooting guards due to the discrepancy in talent between the two positions in the league but he'll still perform well below average in my opinion.

Arenas' problem, as we well know, has less to do with deficiencies and more to do with an unwillingness to commit to becoming a better defender. He's a gym rat and all but I'd be curious to see how much time he actually spends on defense in these strenuous workout sessions.

[MJG]

I'm not that worried about Arenas' ability to guard PGs versus SGs, because I'd assume that whenever he's paired up with Wall or Hinrich (ie 95% of his court time), he's going to be guarding the opponent's worst back court player, regardless of position.

[miller31time]

I'm not that worried about Arenas' ability to guard PGs versus SGs, because I'd assume that whenever he's paired up with Wall or Hinrich (ie 95% of his court time), he's going to be guarding the opponent's worst back court player, regardless of position.

I think the only time that will be in effect is when he's paired with Hinrich. When it's just Wall and Arenas as the backcourt, Wall will probably handle point guards and Arenas will take the 2 guards. When Wall matures defensively, then I think we'll start to see Flip use the strategy you outlined.

Just speculation, though.

[AceDegenerate]

I think a lot of people are overstating Arenas' defensive deficiencies a tad bit. When he was in Golden State he was not nearly as bad as he's been here. He was playing in a system dedicated to Protecting The Paint at all costs for most of his Wizards' tenure. I think the system was a big part of making everybody look a lot worse on defense than they may have already been. Antonio Daniels was always noted as a good defender when he got here, he didn't do too much more than Gilbert to keep teams from penetrating at will and kicking out for open 3's over, and over and over again.

Not trying to paint Gilbert out to be the next Bruce Bowen, but I think given a full season in a technically sound defensive system he would not look nearly as bad as he has in the past.