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Gilbert said this on TNT during the Utah - Washington game last night. Washington has not missed much of a beat during Gilbert's absence and now Washington will really become contenders once he returns.

The return would give Gilbert two months to prepare for the playoffs. Atlanta will take on Washington on the 17th of March. So, how does this change the Southeast and do you think we will catch Washington before seasons end?

I don't think we catch Washington in the standings unless we either make a good trade and/or a coaching change.

On the subject of Arenas returning, I don't think Gilbert makes Washington a true contender. I know he's an excellent player I just have my doubts that the rest of the team that has found their stride without him in the lineup can maintain those performances and work him back into the lineup at the same time. Gilbert is used to being the man and I'm not sure that adjust his game to contribute without trying to be the man again.

evildallas wrote:I don't think we catch Washington in the standings unless we either make a good trade and/or a coaching change.

On the subject of Arenas returning, I don't think Gilbert makes Washington a true contender. I know he's an excellent player I just have my doubts that the rest of the team that has found their stride without him in the lineup can maintain those performances and work him back into the lineup at the same time. Gilbert is used to being the man and I'm not sure that adjust his game to contribute without trying to be the man again.

True, I doubt we can catch them. Its also tough to envision a true contender built around a guy like Arenas, a point guard who takes an extremely high volume of shots. I guess AI's Philly teams were sort of like that but a) they didn't have to through a team like this season's Detroit or Boston and b) I think they were constructed better, being great defensive teams with good O rebounders and shooters.

Don't get me wrong, I think that Arenas makes them better but don't forget that there are only so many possessions in a game and you score more by efficiency.