All things About Gil's Return (edited thread title)

[cavsfan_osiris]

Gilbert has the type of impact Baron Davis has for Golden St. They are somewhat different types of players with B-Diddy being more athletic, but they both have similar impacts to their squads. Losing Arenas would be devastating to Washington.

Washington can compete for a championship if they keep Gilbert and can get a big who has a balance of scoring/defense in the trenches from 15 feet and in.

Those types of bigs are expensive and hard to find, but maybe Washington can scout and get lucky. Patrick O'Bryant, Desagan Diop, maybe Chris Anderson (don't know what he has left), Randolph Morris (raw RFA), Fransico Elson,... those types of guys obviously aren't championship impact players but I think any of them might be a step in the right direction.

The Wiz don't need Antwain Jamison. He did a great job for you guys while he was there, but he's not the direction where the team should be heading. He doesn't provide the balance the Wizards need. Between Arenas and Butler they've got the perimeter covered. Now it's time for the Wiz to find some guys who can handle their business under the basket.

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

Hi there, outside observer who follows the Wizards quite a bit.

It seems to me that the team has moved on from Gilbert. In his absence, they established a sort of no-nonsense mentality. Gilbert seems to be about having fun on the court and proving doubters wrong. Caron seems more about intensity, hard work, and flying under the radar.

As I observe, I have to wonder what each party is thinking. Gilbert as a player is obviously a huge asset. Gilbert as a personality can be a huge asset on the right team. I wonder if this is still the right team.

You guys were wildly successful in Arenas' absence (at least far more than I expected). It seemed you were developing a Pistons or Spurs type mentality, only you hadn't developed the stellar defense yet. Those two teams are the worst teams Gilbert could play on in the NBA.

But then again, I could be completely wrong. If I am, disregard this post.

Not meaning to start a war, just wanted to give some outsider input. Thanks.

Without question, the Wizards are better with a healthy and mentally sharp Gil. The pre-injury Gil was that rarest of NBA commodities, an aggressive player who gets to the rim and finishes or gets fouled (and yes, does get respect from the zebras) late in games.

Problem is (in the season's first 8 games and since he's been back), Gil has been reduced to trying to play someone else's game. When Gil doesn't penetrate (or atleast threaten to), we really are not that great with him in the game.

His defensive choices and timing are still really bad. He does dish out the occasional highlight reel assist (such as the alley oop to Nick Young against Miami), but he's not an elite passer and ends up occupying the ball a ton each possession.

I'm not sure what is holding him back: Could it be fear? Could it be that he is carrying a little extra weight up top? Could it be that he really just can't explode off that knee right now? Could it be that watching the team succeed without him made him want to be a more pass-oriented pg?

Who knows? Let's just hope it is temporary and the East Coast Assassin reemerges prior to the playoffs... and that he does it in time to allow the team to find a rhythm and a flow.

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

If Gil isn't playing back to backs, in which game should he play? Against the Sixers or against the Pistons?

Discuss among yourselves...

[nate33]

Those types of bigs are expensive and hard to find, but maybe Washington can scout and get lucky. Patrick O'Bryant, Desagan Diop, maybe Chris Anderson (don't know what he has left), Randolph Morris (raw RFA), Fransico Elson,... those types of guys obviously aren't championship impact players but I think any of them might be a step in the right direction.

Haywood is way better than any of those stiffs. You have got to be joking, or maybe intentionally trying to get under my skin.

[Donkey McDonkerton]

If Gil isn't playing back to backs, in which game should he play? Against the Sixers or against the Pistons?

Discuss among yourselves...

Just talked about this with Donkey and I have made my decision.

[Wizards2Lottery]

Gil should play against Philthy not Detroit.

[dandridge 10]

If Gil isn't playing back to backs, in which game should he play? Against the Sixers or against the Pistons?

Discuss among yourselves...

Beyond a doubt...Philly.

[hands11]

-= original quote snipped =-



I'm 100% for Gilbert playing in DC, I ask all of you, how many years would we have to wait for the next elite player to play in Washington if Gil left town?

Some of the posts are very ungrateful. ( I'm not talk about you Nate.)

Zero

We have CB.

But that said, I like the talent we have with GA returning for the playoffs coming off the bench. That makes us hell to deal with. The other team doesn't get a break.

We have 3 known studs in CB, GA, and AJ
We have solid vets in AD, DS, Haywood and Songaila
And we have tons of young talent in RM, NY, AB, DMAC

I think it time to bring it all together. A ton will depend on what game GA brings and if he is running with the second unit, he can make those 2nd line players all a lot better and they have the legs to keep up with him.

It's all going to come down to the coaching. We have the horses.

We can just pound and run and pound and run teams into the ground.

Get ET back instead of OP, who would see zero mins in the playoffs, and we are just that much deeper. I would have no problem with seeing any of our 12 players in the game.

THE TIME IS NOW.

With GA coming in with the 2nd unit, I fear no team.

[hands11]

Hi there, outside observer who follows the Wizards quite a bit.

It seems to me that the team has moved on from Gilbert. In his absence, they established a sort of no-nonsense mentality. Gilbert seems to be about having fun on the court and proving doubters wrong. Caron seems more about intensity, hard work, and flying under the radar.

As I observe, I have to wonder what each party is thinking. Gilbert as a player is obviously a huge asset. Gilbert as a personality can be a huge asset on the right team. I wonder if this is still the right team.

You guys were wildly successful in Arenas' absence (at least far more than I expected). It seemed you were developing a Pistons or Spurs type mentality, only you hadn't developed the stellar defense yet. Those two teams are the worst teams Gilbert could play on in the NBA.

But then again, I could be completely wrong. If I am, disregard this post.

Not meaning to start a war, just wanted to give some outsider input. Thanks.

Hell no your not way off. This is exactly right. Only, there is still a chance GA can get with the program. If he does, we can be crazy good.

[hands11]

I see what you're saying, Gilbert does add a huge extra oomph. I still wonder if your best bet isn't to focus on Caron. Kid can play. Similar to Hedo Turkoglu on the Magic (my team), if given his chance, I think he'll shine. He has been inconsistent, but that is to be expected as he puts on his big-boy shoes, so to speak. Surround him with business-like defensive players, make him the man, and you are still a very dangerous team.

Like I said, Gilbert is an amazing asset to any team as a player. However, like I said, his personality makes him the kind of player that thrives in certain setting while being a distraction in others. I hope, for Washington's sake, and for the sake of what could be a great division rivalry, he still molds with the Wizards. I just don't know.

Certainly could make for an interesting summer and next couple of years. Like I said, I hope you guys return to the way you were playing before he got injured last year. I would hate to see another fun team to watch loose that extra spice (Phoenix).

Again, I think we are in agreement. The question is will CB and GA be able to shine together. CB isn't the same player GA left. From what I have heard from CB, I think they are talking and working it out. I believe we will get a more mature GA. He is still growing in regards to maturity. But I think he gets how good they could be.

It's kind of a Kobe/Shaq type thing. They have to work it out together. This is no longer the Gil show. There is lots of talent here. He needs to be involved in helping it all work as a team. The goal is a ring, not 50+ pt games.

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

-= original quote snipped =-



Beyond a doubt...Philly.

Beyond a doubt, Philly is the more important of the two games (it's essentially worth three games in the standings... a win or loss for us, a win or loss for Philly and the tiebreaker).

I guess I'm not completely convinced that we have a better chance of beating Philly right now with Gil.

Now, before everyone jumps all over me, hear me out.

I think that, if Gil finds his attacking mentality and EJ is able to work out a rotation by the playoffs, we'll unquestionably be better with our star then... but, comparing how we played against Chicago vs. the previous two games (Miami and Milwaukee) I'm not so sure right now. (ball movement, defending the three point line, role players knowing their place, etc.)...

And, boy, it's great to dream: Home court advantage with our full compliment of players gelling together.

To get that though, I do believe we'll need to win out or at worst only lose one remaining game.

[Soup's Uncle]

He's gotta play those cheesesteak eatin bastids!

[LyricalRico]

I think that, if Gil finds his attacking mentality and EJ is able to work out a rotation by the playoffs, we'll unquestionably be better with our star then... but, comparing how we played against Chicago vs. the previous two games (Miami and Milwaukee) I'm not so sure right now. (ball movement, defending the three point line, role players knowing their place, etc.)...

I've been thinking the same thing. It's not that we just need Gil back. We need him back AND buying into the style of play they team adopted while he was out. Of course much of that is on EJ to enforce that style and not just let Gil run amuck. And if he can't get a gimpy Arenas coming off the bench to listen, there's probably no chance of it ever happening. But he at least has to have the balls to try.

[FreeBalling]

-= original quote snipped =-



I'm 100% for Gilbert playing in DC, I ask all of you, how many years would we have to wait for the next elite player to play in Washington if Gil left town?

Some of the posts are very ungrateful. ( I'm not talk about you Nate.)

Zero

We have CB.

But that said, I like the talent we have with GA returning for the playoffs coming off the bench. That makes us hell to deal with. The other team doesn't get a break.

We have 3 known studs in CB, GA, and AJ
We have solid vets in AD, DS, Haywood and Songaila
And we have tons of young talent in RM, NY, AB, DMAC

I think it time to bring it all together. A ton will depend on what game GA brings and if he is running with the second unit, he can make those 2nd line players all a lot better and they have the legs to keep up with him.

It's all going to come down to the coaching. We have the horses.

We can just pound and run and pound and run teams into the ground.

Get ET back instead of OP, who would see zero mins in the playoffs, and we are just that much deeper. I would have no problem with seeing any of our 12 players in the game.

THE TIME IS NOW.

With GA coming in with the 2nd unit, I fear no team.

Hands this is where we disagree. This team is built around Gil.

CB is an All Star player, and a very good one.
Gil is an elite PG in the NBA.

E.G thinks he's an elite player and so do most of the NBA players.

[hands11]

-= original quote snipped =-




Hands this is where we disagree. This team is built around Gil.

CB is an All Star player, and a very good one.
Gil is an elite PG in the NBA.

E.G thinks he's an elite player and so do most of the NBA players.

I can deal with that. We can agree to see it differently. The quality problem we have is having one player who I think has it all ( maturity and talent ) who's game is still improving and another you think we have who has all the scoring moves anyone can ask for who I believe is maturing and growing his game as a passer and PG floor general.

That doesn't suck at all. I'm looking forward to ever next game we have to see how we grow.

This team has mad talent and I'm praying it all comes together with great coaching. Time to shine GA and EJ.

[CrankyTodd]

Sorry if this was posted somewhere else, but I didn't see it, and thought it was worth posting... from today's WP:


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... tml?sub=AR

Jordan hasn't decided whether to rest Arenas tonight against Detroit or tomorrow against Philadelphia.He said he plans on Arenas coming off the bench for the rest of the season and the playoffs.

[ImissJordan]

Where does Arenas stand with you guys? Is he definitely going to be re-signed, or is he going to opt out and test the market?

You guys seemed to have played extremely well without him, I was wondering if the Wiz were considering a S&T this offseason and moving forward with Caron as their go-to guy....

[ZonkertheBrainless]

I'm curious, why would the wizards possibly contemplate anything besides signing Arenas to the max? under what scenarios could they possibly get anything of equal value in return?

[WizStorm]

Where does Arenas stand with you guys? Is he definitely going to be re-signed, or is he going to opt out and test the market?

You guys seemed to have played extremely well without him, I was wondering if the Wiz were considering a S&T this offseason and moving forward with Caron as their go-to guy....

Gil is most definitely opting out, but I don't believe he's really going to be testing the market. I'm sure he'll listen to offers and take advantage of the wining and dining, but the fact is, there isn't another team out there that can match the money and years that the Wizards will offer him. I'd put the possibility that Gil stays with the Wizards at 90%.

As far as sign and trade possibilities ... it would have to be a pretty special deal. One thing that is a must that either a franchise PG or PF/C needs to come back in return. But really, the Wizards have played extremely well with a healthy Arenas and have played fairly well without Arenas. Therefore, there isn't any real desire from the Wizards to part with Arenas.

[TheSecretWeapon]

Where does Arenas stand with you guys? Is he definitely going to be re-signed, or is he going to opt out and test the market?

You guys seemed to have played extremely well without him, I was wondering if the Wiz were considering a S&T this offseason and moving forward with Caron as their go-to guy....

You and I have different definitions of "extremely well." The Celtics this season have played "extremely well." The Wiz have done well considering they were missing their best player most of the year, but that's not the same thing.

As for Gil, he's going to opt out, and the Wizards will re-sign him.