Wiz vs. Kings -- 12/16 at 10:30 pm EST, on ESPN

[AceDegenerate]

Not sure if anyone has noticed it yet but it seems that Arenas stopping bringing the ball around his back 3 times before every free throw is what has led to the better % from the line. My thinking was always that with it seeming like he is putting less leg into all his shots (FT's included) it made no sense to tire his arms so much before every FT he was putting up.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

As for Gilbert, I'm hoping all this recent failure and coming off many setbacks is doing is toughening him and giving him character. Patience in suffering, but him scratching and clawing and never giving up despite how things look can help Arenas a bunch. I like his effort against the Kings.

I don't like his decisionmaking at times, but the kid's not quitting. I like that.

One thing that has really disturbed me this year has been Gil's lack of effort and interest on D at times. I didn't see the 4th quarter last night, but what I saw earlier was a good sign. Gil seemed to really take on the challenge of defending Evans... he didn't do a great job staying in front of him, but it looked like he was giving effort. And he showed great hustle and energy on the block on Nocioni (even if it really was goaltending...) Good signs for the future.

Gil being Gil of old means his offense can be so devastating that his defensive lapses don't hurt a team. If he can regain his form, EG and Flip can find the right pieces and build around him.

Nobody can do a thing about the time lost to injuries and the games played thus far (23).

The bigger picture IMO is this season is 1/4 over with 3/4 to be played. This is first quarter for the season. Everybody saying Gil will NEVER be the same as well as those saying HE WILL or HE'S BACK will only be proven right or wrong over time.

For now, after having the worst weak I think I've ever seen a "star" have, at least Gil played hard at both ends last night. Other GMs might say the guy had 33-6-6 and almost pulled that game out, he's 28, and only a few games back from 2 seasons injured.

Those that want him gone that's trade value.

Those who want him to succeed here, that's hope.

It's way better than thinking he'd NEVER be able to play again.

I want him to stay healthy and to keep getting better mentally and physically for him and everybody. The lost games are a thing of the past that maybe will serve a greater purpose down the line.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

All things considered, who's to say Gil's recovery isn't right on schedule.

[miller31time]

All things considered, who's to say Gil's recovery isn't right on schedule.

I don't think we'd be nearly as hard as we are on Arenas if he didn't start the season (ie: the first 5 games or so) the way he did. He looked awesome and every bit the advanced version of Billups we wanted.

But all in all, he's done what the most likely path dictated - some ups, some downs, erratic play, etc.

He might not ever become the old Gilbert again, but I think he'll get close to it.

[Dat2U]

As I said in the chat, Gilbert playing like the ol' Agent Zero (minus the last-second shot) is much more important to me than a meaningless win.

He's getting better and better which is a great sign. We played so much better when he was on the floor today.

Yup, as frustrating as it is to lose another game, it does indeed look like the Hibachi is beginning to heat up. It's been a tough stretch for Agent Zero with the missed free throws and the steal by Evans last night, but I think this stuff just motivates him...which is a good thing.

Most of you thought I was crazy when I posted before the draft that Evans would turn out to be the best player in the draft...even better than Griffin. I'm more and more convinced of that.

Indeed my brother. He's better than I thought he would be and I was one of his biggest fans early on too. He's like a smaller LeBron. He's a guard built like a SF. He just bulls his way to the paint versus smaller & weaker perimeter players. Just incredible slasher with his slick ballhandling and the angles he takes. A great finisher around the rim. And he's a solid passer to boot. Just an absolute stud.

[LyricalRico]

All things considered, who's to say Gil's recovery isn't right on schedule.

I don't think we'd be nearly as hard as we are on Arenas if he didn't start the season (ie: the first 5 games or so) the way he did. He looked awesome and every bit the advanced version of Billups we wanted.

But all in all, he's done what the most likely path dictated - some ups, some downs, erratic play, etc.

He might not ever become the old Gilbert again, but I think he'll get close to it.

Finally, some positivity about this team! I've been trying to keep the torch from going out but it's been tough. The fact is the last few losses have been close and we are seeing improvement from Gil. This team still has a chance to make a run in the second half of the season. Of course changes need to be made, but it's not over quite yet.

[miller31time]

All things considered, who's to say Gil's recovery isn't right on schedule.

I don't think we'd be nearly as hard as we are on Arenas if he didn't start the season (ie: the first 5 games or so) the way he did. He looked awesome and every bit the advanced version of Billups we wanted.

But all in all, he's done what the most likely path dictated - some ups, some downs, erratic play, etc.

He might not ever become the old Gilbert again, but I think he'll get close to it.

Finally, some positivity about this team! I've been trying to keep the torch from going out but it's been tough. The fact is the last few losses have been close and we are seeing improvement from Gil. This team still has a chance to make a run in the second half of the season. Of course changes need to be made, but it's not over quite yet.

Haha, well, while what you said may come to fruition, I was talking more about the future of this franchise. Games this season don't mean much to me. We probably won't make the playoffs. If we do, it will be a quick out in the first round (or if we play simply outstanding basketball and get awfully lucky, the 2nd round). I don't care much for that kind of performance, seeing as how it's been that way since the start of the EJ era with basically the same squad who, despite a different offensive and defensive scheme, still have the same weaknesses and character flaws.

I'm thinking far down the line. If Gil turns out how I think he will, we can either keep him and build a team that can compete or trade him and get some good value and still hopefully compete.

If he doesn't, then we won't be competing in either scenario. His contract would hamstring us from getting top-level talent and we couldn't trade him except for other teams' trash.

But from what we're seeing, he IS getting better and becoming more and more like the old Gilbert.

[closg00]

^^^
I still would prefer to see Gil paired with solid back-up PG, I think the team would be better off long-term.

[AlohaWiz]

Well, another disappointing loss. But I'm encouraged by Gil's improvement. Of course, I'm also discouraged by Jamison's 3 pt chucking and Butler's inconsistent play (although they both have their positives, but can't they figure out these problems and fix 'em?) /sigh I still have hope that the team will figure it out and finish out the season strong.

[AlohaWiz]

^^^
I still would prefer to see Gil paired with solid back-up PG, I think the team would be better off long-term.

Just curious, but what do you mean by a solid back-up PG? If a PG has good enough skills they'd probably be starting somewhere. A back-up usually has some deficiencies, so just wondering what the overall idea is here? A Steve Blake type player that's pure PG but not quite starting quality (although he has started during his career)? Or a backup combo guard to Arenas? (I'm guessing that's not what you mean since the team already has Foye). Anyway, just making conversation, not questioning the merit of your proposal--just trying to understand a bit better.

[omegatronic3]

how good would Tyreke Evans look playing next to Arenas..the guys a stud..Brandon Jennings woulda been nice too....oh well we got Foye who is garbage and an injured Miller.

Can we catch a break in the draft just once please. I dont know what Butlers deal is but he's barely serviceable. Lets send Butler and Foye somewhere