Arenas for Vince or dump Arenas for cap space?

[Ruzious]

I don't know how the last 50 games affected his +/-, but I think it would make sense to discount them, since he wasn't part of the team then. The team post suspension didn't have a PG until Livingston got comfortable at the end. Foye is just not a point guard, and I had the impression he was playing hurt in the second half. And the team not being worse after the suspension is an indictment on everyone on the presuspension team - including Arenas.

[nate33]

I agree. I would discount the data from the last 50 games if I could. I just don't have a snapshot of the data after the 32nd game.

[Kanyewest]

I remember Boykins playing out of his mind upon his arrival in DC- wasn't he at one point in the top 5 in 4th quarter scoring in the NBA? Could that have affected Arenas' on/off court numbers? Regardless, I still think Arenas was not back 100% mentally. I disagree with the notion that he was a chucker early in the shot clock; if anything started forcing shots more later in the shot clock/when the team was struggling to score. The fact was his jumper wasn't where it used to be, even when he was on one leg back in 2008. I still think we didn't see the best Arenas could offer, which I believe would have happened after the all star had he continued to play and adjust to Flip's offense (or the one that Flip eventually changed to).

[Ruzious]

I remember Boykins playing out of his mind upon his arrival in DC- wasn't he at one point in the top 5 in 4th quarter scoring in the NBA? Could that have affected Arenas' on/off court numbers? Regardless, I still think Arenas was not back 100% mentally. I disagree with the notion that he was a chucker early in the shot clock; if anything started forcing shots more later in the shot clock/when the team was struggling to score. The fact was his jumper wasn't where it used to be, even when he was on one leg back in 2008. I still think we didn't see the best Arenas could offer, which I believe would have happened after the all star had he continued to play and adjust to Flip's offense (or the one that Flip eventually changed to).

I don't have any stats to back up that comment, but I do remember being frustrated game after game with Gil for doing that. There were way too many possessions with no passes.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

What I noticed about Gil's 2009-2010 stats are that his usage was at an all time high, but his offensive rating based on points per 100 possessions was nearly at an all time low.

(See Gil's 2009-2010 b-r Advanced stats, USG% and ORtg)

Could have been in part Flip's system, but Gil wasn't the dominating scorer he had been in the past seasons. His TS% which averages out field goals, three pointers, and free throw percentages; have been career lows the past two seasons. That shows me his legs have been affected, because that's what shooters need. Worse, Gil's WS/48 was the lowest since his rookie season.

I understand his stats very well but for once I am not going to get all excited about stats.

What I recall are his extremes and what I factor in are that Gil adapted to a new coach and system and was coming of yet another surgery. He still had a triple double. Still had a 40-point game. Still hits the three about as well as ever. Someone else notice the real problems with Caron last season and some of that did affect Gil IMO.

I think this season, having Gil at 90% of what he was, and playing him with Wall is all the reason to be very optimistic even with the reality of what Ruz and Lyrical have duly noted about Gil's on court being IMO true.

I expect a hell of a bounce back year for Gil. (Unless the knee injuries present problems).

[leswizards]

I agree. I would discount the data from the last 50 games if I could. I just don't have a snapshot of the data after the 32nd game.

A couple of caveats before I make my point, I just eyeballed the numbers and entered them into a calculator, and I didn't do any QC, so the numbers I provided might be off, but I believe they are close. Second caveat, my method of looking at the numbers may be wrong, but I believe it is correct.

Now, without further ado, Gil played in 32 games with a -3.5 for his on numbers. That means he had a total of -112 for the 32 games he played. The wizards (if my math was correct) had a total of -140 for those 32 games. That means Gil's off numbers (in total) should have been -28 for those 32 games (correct?) or -0.875 (per game).

That means Gil's on/off for the first 32 games should have been -2.625.

[Dat2U]

I hate to be the negative guy, but I remember the nightmare that was last season. And Gil was part of the problem. I think we all know he was horrific on defense - not merely bad. And there were major problems on offense. He'd often take forced long jumpers early in the shot-clock that inevitably led to long defensive rebounds that led to easy fast-break points. And he was horrific down the stretch in close games - with turnovers and poor judgment. He scored a lot of points, and his teammates had faults, but he was painful to watch most games, and unlike past years - he did not make his team or teammates better. And this seems to be the dirtly little secret that nobody here remembers or cares to admit. Some of it can be blamed on rust, but it's wishful thinking to blame it all on rust. Hopefully, the move to the 2 helps make him more of a winning player.

Rust, adjustment to a new position, the fact he was a half a step slow & chemistry with teammates (mostly Butler) all played factors in his performance.

But I think what gives people some optimism is that 2nd half of his 32 game campaign was far better than the 1st half. And I think it's key to point out that it was only 32 games. It would have been foolish to expect Gilbert to be the player of old right off the bat. That wasn't realistic considering the layoff and the injuries. But I thought by the time he got suspended, he wasn't too far off from playing at an all-star level.

Also, he's going to be playing alongside John Wall, as opposed to the likes of Miller, Stevenson, Young or Foye. Life should be alot easier. Especially when moving to the SG position will be less of an adjustment than trying to be a ball dominate, true PG in Flip's offense.

[Ruzious]

I hate to be the negative guy, but I remember the nightmare that was last season. And Gil was part of the problem. I think we all know he was horrific on defense - not merely bad. And there were major problems on offense. He'd often take forced long jumpers early in the shot-clock that inevitably led to long defensive rebounds that led to easy fast-break points. And he was horrific down the stretch in close games - with turnovers and poor judgment. He scored a lot of points, and his teammates had faults, but he was painful to watch most games, and unlike past years - he did not make his team or teammates better. And this seems to be the dirtly little secret that nobody here remembers or cares to admit. Some of it can be blamed on rust, but it's wishful thinking to blame it all on rust. Hopefully, the move to the 2 helps make him more of a winning player.

Rust, adjustment to a new position, the fact he was a half a step slow & chemistry with teammates (mostly Butler) all played factors in his performance.

But I think what gives people some optimism is that 2nd half of his 32 game campaign was far better than the 1st half. And I think it's key to point out that it was only 32 games. It would have been foolish to expect Gilbert to be the player of old right off the bat. That wasn't realistic considering the layoff and the injuries. But I thought by the time he got suspended, he wasn't too far off from playing at an all-star level.

Also, he's going to be playing alongside John Wall, as opposed to the likes of Miller, Stevenson, Young or Foye. Life should be alot easier. Especially when moving to the SG position will be less of an adjustment than trying to be a ball dominate, true PG in Flip's offense.

But you know... when Gil doesn't play at an all-star level this season, people are going to make the excuse that it's because... he moved to the SG position and because... he's no longer dominating possession of the ball and because... they changed the system (the Haynesworth defense?). Just give him another year. This wasn't a fair test. He's still a supastar. It'll never be that he is what he is.

[nate33]

I agree. I would discount the data from the last 50 games if I could. I just don't have a snapshot of the data after the 32nd game.

A couple of caveats before I make my point, I just eyeballed the numbers and entered them into a calculator, and I didn't do any QC, so the numbers I provided might be off, but I believe they are close. Second caveat, my method of looking at the numbers may be wrong, but I believe it is correct.

Now, without further ado, Gil played in 32 games with a -3.5 for his on numbers. That means he had a total of -112 for the 32 games he played. The wizards (if my math was correct) had a total of -140 for those 32 games. That means Gil's off numbers (in total) should have been -28 for those 32 games (correct?) or -0.875 (per game).

That means Gil's on/off for the first 32 games should have been -2.625.

What is your data source? 82games.com says that the Wizards were outscored by 85 points in the 32 games that he played, not 112 points. If you are right that the Wizards were outscored by a total of 140 points in 32 games, then they were outscored by 55 with Arenas off the court.

Also, you have account for minutes played. Arenas averaged 36 minutes a game. With Arenas on the court, the Wizards were outscored by 85 points over 32 games in 36 minutes a game. Effectively, they were outscored by 2.36 points per 36 minutes, or 3.15 points per 48 minutes. Arenas sat for an average of 12 minutes per game. With Arenas off the court, they were outscored by 1.52 points per 12 minutes, or 6.11 points per 48. So adjusting for minutes, Arenas' on/off differential was +2.96 points per 48 minutes.

[Dat2U]

But you know... when Gil doesn't play at an all-star level this season, people are going to make the excuse that it's because... he moved to the SG position and because... he's no longer dominating possession of the ball and because... they changed the system (the Haynesworth defense?). Just give him another year. This wasn't a fair test. He's still a supastar. It'll never be that he is what he is.

Ruz, I'd completely understand if you wanted to dump Gil b/c of the injury risk. Even I have my own concerns about that. But I don't why your rushing to judgement on Arenas' performance. How can you have such a clear picture on Arenas' future going off a 32-game span? You don't account for rust. Apparently he was supposed to be the 05-06 Gil of prime right off the bat. You don't account for the time it takes to adjust to losing a step & the fact he was much better at the end than at the beginning. It just seems like you have an axe to grind.

This coming from the same guy that touts the virtues and upside of Yi Jianlian. The same Yi you've made excuses for even though he's been consistently one of the worst rotation players in the league in his first three seasons.

Excuse me if I'm scratching my a head a bit on this one.

[no D in Hibachi]

But you know... when Gil doesn't play at an all-star level this season, people are going to make the excuse that it's because... he moved to the SG position and because... he's no longer dominating possession of the ball and because... they changed the system (the Haynesworth defense?). Just give him another year. This wasn't a fair test. He's still a supastar. It'll never be that he is what he is.

But Arenas played at an all-star level last year. When he got suspsended he was 1st in scoring, either 2nd or 3rd in assists, and 2nd or 3rd in rebounds among east PG's. His collective body of work, disregarding rust, was still impressive. If you take into consideration his efficiency was increasing over the course of the year you have to believe he can at least maintain his production from last year while having above average efficiency becasue he will have more talent around him and be a lower usage player. No one, not even Krizko Zero, expects Arenas to play at all-NBA level any longer, but it's really not a stretch to think Arenas can be a 20+ PER player, which would still be a tremendous player for the Wiz and at least a borderline all-star going forward.

[LyricalRico]

But Arenas played at an all-star level last year. When he got suspsended he was 1st in scoring, either 2nd or 3rd in assists, and 2nd or 3rd in rebounds among east PG's. His collective body of work, disregarding rust, was still impressive.

You could have said the same thing about guys like Stephon Marbury, and people do say similar things about guys like Al Jefferson. But it's pretty clear that they were/are putting up empty stats on losing teams. That's the point that I think Ruz is making. It doesn't matter what kind of raw numbers Gil might put up if they aren't in the context of winning games. And until Gil can prove that he can put up those numbers while also helping the team win, there are definite grounds for suspicion IMO.

[Kanyewest]

But Arenas played at an all-star level last year. When he got suspsended he was 1st in scoring, either 2nd or 3rd in assists, and 2nd or 3rd in rebounds among east PG's. His collective body of work, disregarding rust, was still impressive.

You could have said the same thing about guys like Stephon Marbury, and people do say similar things about guys like Al Jefferson. But it's pretty clear that they were/are putting up empty stats on losing teams. That's the point that I think Ruz is making. It doesn't matter what kind of raw numbers Gil might put up if they aren't in the context of winning games. And until Gil can prove that he can put up those numbers while also helping the team win, there are definite grounds for suspicion IMO.

You really think Al Jefferson can't be part of a winning team? He's going to Utah and I expect the Jazz to still be a 50+ win despite losing Carlos Boozer. Even Stephon Marbury raised his value in Phoenix where the Suns were able to get rid of Hardaway's contract, two first round picks, and cash . Right now, the Wizards are ultimately selling off Arenas too low. Again, why can't Arenas put up stats on a team that goes to the playoffs especially since he's done it for 3 seasons with the Wizards?

[hands11]

http://dc.sbnation.com/2010/8/5/1602995 ... ert-arenas

I'm looking for Gil to shine this year and for the fans to get behind him in a huge way. Wall may be the #1 pick glamor story but if Gil does what I expect he will at SG he is going to be a big. I expect Gil to get back to top production but be more efficient in his game. I can easily see him average 22-24 pts Not sure how much more than that I would really want to see because I want to see team ball and see what other can do. At least to start the year. I want to see Dray high scorer some games and averaging 22-24 pts also. And once Howard is ready, he should be producing also. But I do expect Gil to be a huge story. I think his game is going to surprise a lot of people. I even believe he will play solid D. And I think Dray is also going to be a huge story.

I know they have been playing it like this is Walls team but I don't think it is going to play out like that. There are going to be several stars here. Wall will get his press at the #1 pick PG with leadership skills but he will struggle at times as he learns the players, teams and plays his first full NBA season. But I believe there will be plenty of story lines about Dray, Gil and Howard as I expect them all to play well. They will be three of our primary scorers and Gil and Dray can average 22-24 pts but I can see Gil averaging higher than that. Howard will be fine is he is in that 18 pts range.

What I curious to see is how Gil and Kirk play together. I wonder if they will limit that line up because it could be confusing with Gils habits taking him back to playing PG. But it could work with them just doing slit duty. Or they could work it out were Gil just stays playing the two. Should be interesting. That is the one line up I have the biggest questions about. Wall and Gil I think is clear and Kirk and Nick is clear.

I can see the headlines in my head and at some point Gil will be doing that one on one interviews.

I just hope Gil keeps it in focus and humble when it happens. No excuses. Just say " what I did was stupid. I let everyone down because I didn't think that though. But I'm putting that behind me. It happened, I paid the price and I learned from it. I have a lot of basketball left in these bones and I'm really happy to still be in DC. I love this town and I love the fans and we have an exciting line up of young talent mixed in with some talented vets. We are working hard to make our fans proud and I believe we will.

It's a new day. Right now we are still learning each other games and what the coaches want from each of us individually and together. We are focused on fundamentals, defense and team. That is what we are about and we believe that is going to get up where we need to go. We are already playing well but we believe we have a few more gears left to kick in."

I'm really pulling for and expecting Gil to shine this year.

[fishercob]

http://dc.sbnation.com/2010/8/5/1602995/washington-athlete-spirit-of-city-dc-gilbert-arenas

I'm looking for Gil to shine this year and for the fans to get behind him in a huge way. Wall may be the #1 pick glamor story but if Gil does what I expect he will at SG he is going to be a big. I expect Gil to get back to top production but be more efficient in his game. I can easily see him average 22-24 pts Not sure how much more than that I would really want to see because I want to see team ball and see what other can do. At least to start the year. I want to see Dray high scorer some games and averaging 22-24 pts also. And once Howard is ready, he should be producing also. But I do expect Gil to be a huge story. I think his game is going to surprise a lot of people. I even believe he will play solid D. And I think Dray is also going to be a huge story.

I know they have been playing it like this is Walls team but I don't think it is going to play out like that. There are going to be several stars here. Wall will get his press at the #1 pick PG with leadership skills but he will struggle at times as he learns the players, teams and plays his first full NBA season. But I believe there will be plenty of story lines about Dray, Gil and Howard as I expect them all to play well. They will be three of our primary scorers and Gil and Dray can average 22-24 pts but I can see Gil averaging higher than that. Howard will be fine is he is in that 18 pts range.

What I curious to see is how Gil and Kirk play together. I wonder if they will limit that line up because it could be confusing with Gils habits taking him back to playing PG. But it could work with them just doing slit duty. Or they could work it out were Gil just stays playing the two. Should be interesting. That is the one line up I have the biggest questions about. Wall and Gil I think is clear and Kirk and Nick is clear.

I can see the headlines in my head and at some point Gil will be doing that one on one interviews.

I just hope Gil keeps it in focus and humble when it happens. No excuses. Just say " what I did was stupid. I let everyone down because I didn't think that though. But I'm putting that behind me. It happened, I paid the price and I learned from it. I have a lot of basketball left in these bones and I'm really happy to still be in DC. I love this town and I love the fans and we have an exciting line up of young talent mixed in with some talented vets. We are working hard to make our fans proud and I believe we will.

It's a new day. Right now we are still learning each other games and what the coaches want from each of us individually and together. We are focused on fundamentals, defense and team. That is what we are about and we believe that is going to get up where we need to go. We are already playing well but we believe we have a few more gears left to kick in."

I'm really pulling for and expecting Gil to shine this year.

Great post, hands. I agree wholeheartedly overall. As to your question on the Gil-Kirk lineup, I think it gets to the heart of why they brought Kirk in (and not a guy like Rudy Fernandez who cannot play PG). I don't think they want Gil to have to shoulder the responsibility of backing up the point guard spot while also trying to master a new position on the floor as a SG. Having Kirk here and giving him the job of backing up both guard spots will enable Gil to focus on transitioning to SG, his longterm role here. He'll be playing SG next to either Wall or Kirk. Remember, Kirk said in his presser that he can play both spots but is more naturally a point. If Lester Hudson makes the team, I think that's further signal that they don't want Gil to have to worry about running the offense or guarding PG's.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

But Arenas played at an all-star level last year. When he got suspsended he was 1st in scoring, either 2nd or 3rd in assists, and 2nd or 3rd in rebounds among east PG's. His collective body of work, disregarding rust, was still impressive.

You could have said the same thing about guys like Stephon Marbury, and people do say similar things about guys like Al Jefferson. But it's pretty clear that they were/are putting up empty stats on losing teams. That's the point that I think Ruz is making. It doesn't matter what kind of raw numbers Gil might put up if they aren't in the context of winning games. And until Gil can prove that he can put up those numbers while also helping the team win, there are definite grounds for suspicion IMO.

You really think Al Jefferson can't be part of a winning team? He's going to Utah and I expect the Jazz to still be a 50+ win despite losing Carlos Boozer. Even Stephon Marbury raised his value in Phoenix where the Suns were able to get rid of Hardaway's contract, two first round picks, and cash . Right now, the Wizards are ultimately selling off Arenas too low. Again, why can't Arenas put up stats on a team that goes to the playoffs especially since he's done it for 3 seasons with the Wizards?

Kanye, I expect Utah is going to drop down quite bit with the losses of Matthews and Korver, and mainly because the chemistry with Jefferson and Williams cannot be as good as the chemistry between Boozer and Williams. I don't think Al's in the same category since his injury. Boozer's a much more accurate shooter and a better finisher. Al Jefferson needs to hold the ball longer. I think Deron's going to become more of a ball hog when he finds Jefferson doesn't have the ups Boozer did.

Just my guess, but I think the Jazz will struggle to win 43 games. They could do just what you said, KW, and win 50 if they start Millsap and play the way they did without Boozer last season when he was injured. I just don't see that, however. Jefferson will start at PF and minutes and chemistry will suffer. Kirilenko's been there forever, and will expect big minutes when healthy. Okur will want his minutes. Millsap is paid like a starter. Jefferson signed a megadeal and the pressure is on Sloan due to Big Al's contract to play him big minutes. I think Utah will disappoint this season.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

http://dc.sbnation.com/2010/8/5/1602995/washington-athlete-spirit-of-city-dc-gilbert-arenas

I'm looking for Gil to shine this year and for the fans to get behind him in a huge way. Wall may be the #1 pick glamor story but if Gil does what I expect he will at SG he is going to be a big. I expect Gil to get back to top production but be more efficient in his game. I can easily see him average 22-24 pts Not sure how much more than that I would really want to see because I want to see team ball and see what other can do. At least to start the year. I want to see Dray high scorer some games and averaging 22-24 pts also. And once Howard is ready, he should be producing also. But I do expect Gil to be a huge story. I think his game is going to surprise a lot of people. I even believe he will play solid D. And I think Dray is also going to be a huge story.

I know they have been playing it like this is Walls team but I don't think it is going to play out like that. There are going to be several stars here. Wall will get his press at the #1 pick PG with leadership skills but he will struggle at times as he learns the players, teams and plays his first full NBA season. But I believe there will be plenty of story lines about Dray, Gil and Howard as I expect them all to play well. They will be three of our primary scorers and Gil and Dray can average 22-24 pts but I can see Gil averaging higher than that. Howard will be fine is he is in that 18 pts range.

What I curious to see is how Gil and Kirk play together. I wonder if they will limit that line up because it could be confusing with Gils habits taking him back to playing PG. But it could work with them just doing slit duty. Or they could work it out were Gil just stays playing the two. Should be interesting. That is the one line up I have the biggest questions about. Wall and Gil I think is clear and Kirk and Nick is clear.

I can see the headlines in my head and at some point Gil will be doing that one on one interviews.

I just hope Gil keeps it in focus and humble when it happens. No excuses. Just say " what I did was stupid. I let everyone down because I didn't think that though. But I'm putting that behind me. It happened, I paid the price and I learned from it. I have a lot of basketball left in these bones and I'm really happy to still be in DC. I love this town and I love the fans and we have an exciting line up of young talent mixed in with some talented vets. We are working hard to make our fans proud and I believe we will.

It's a new day. Right now we are still learning each other games and what the coaches want from each of us individually and together. We are focused on fundamentals, defense and team. That is what we are about and we believe that is going to get up where we need to go. We are already playing well but we believe we have a few more gears left to kick in."

I'm really pulling for and expecting Gil to shine this year.

hands, I agree with you that this team is going to be one of several stars.

Watching Javale's highlights this summer, I believe he's going to have his night a few times this season. Andray Blatche knows what he can do offensively and he's such a willing passer that it bodes well for anybody that can get open. Yi Jianlian is going to be the surprise player on the Wizards. McGee might win most improved, but Yi's going to be surprisingly beastly IF Flip doesn't make him his whipping boy due to bad defense. Yi's a guy that can look very good in spurts. Kirk Hirnrich? Good distributor and very good defender. He's happy to be a Wizard and is already talking the team up. Josh Howard when he returns is playing for a contract, good at both ends, and is very happy to be a Wizard.

And then there's the guy named Arenas who most have written off. He's going to get his at the ends of games like we know he can. Only this season hes' got a MUCH BETTER group of athletes around him. Low expectations and folks underestimating his teammates and especially him. Gil won't have his great numbers like in the past but he's got the ability to close games and become Hero Zero again.

John Wall is really in a near-perfect situation. I don't like Flip's approach with young guys and I don't think Flip thinks out of the box. He's apt to criticize and look at what guys don't do right on defense. God forbid should Andray Blatche get the best of his boy, KG, again. Flip won't like that.

Flip is the guy I worry about hands, because otherwise, this can be a team of many stars. Coach cannot Saunders be a hater for things to work out well.

[hands11]

http://dc.sbnation.com/2010/8/5/1602995/washington-athlete-spirit-of-city-dc-gilbert-arenas

I'm looking for Gil to shine this year and for the fans to get behind him in a huge way. Wall may be the #1 pick glamor story but if Gil does what I expect he will at SG he is going to be a big. I expect Gil to get back to top production but be more efficient in his game. I can easily see him average 22-24 pts Not sure how much more than that I would really want to see because I want to see team ball and see what other can do. At least to start the year. I want to see Dray high scorer some games and averaging 22-24 pts also. And once Howard is ready, he should be producing also. But I do expect Gil to be a huge story. I think his game is going to surprise a lot of people. I even believe he will play solid D. And I think Dray is also going to be a huge story.

I know they have been playing it like this is Walls team but I don't think it is going to play out like that. There are going to be several stars here. Wall will get his press at the #1 pick PG with leadership skills but he will struggle at times as he learns the players, teams and plays his first full NBA season. But I believe there will be plenty of story lines about Dray, Gil and Howard as I expect them all to play well. They will be three of our primary scorers and Gil and Dray can average 22-24 pts but I can see Gil averaging higher than that. Howard will be fine is he is in that 18 pts range.

What I curious to see is how Gil and Kirk play together. I wonder if they will limit that line up because it could be confusing with Gils habits taking him back to playing PG. But it could work with them just doing slit duty. Or they could work it out were Gil just stays playing the two. Should be interesting. That is the one line up I have the biggest questions about. Wall and Gil I think is clear and Kirk and Nick is clear.

I can see the headlines in my head and at some point Gil will be doing that one on one interviews.

I just hope Gil keeps it in focus and humble when it happens. No excuses. Just say " what I did was stupid. I let everyone down because I didn't think that though. But I'm putting that behind me. It happened, I paid the price and I learned from it. I have a lot of basketball left in these bones and I'm really happy to still be in DC. I love this town and I love the fans and we have an exciting line up of young talent mixed in with some talented vets. We are working hard to make our fans proud and I believe we will.

It's a new day. Right now we are still learning each other games and what the coaches want from each of us individually and together. We are focused on fundamentals, defense and team. That is what we are about and we believe that is going to get up where we need to go. We are already playing well but we believe we have a few more gears left to kick in."

I'm really pulling for and expecting Gil to shine this year.

Great post, hands. I agree wholeheartedly overall. As to your question on the Gil-Kirk lineup, I think it gets to the heart of why they brought Kirk in (and not a guy like Rudy Fernandez who cannot play PG). I don't think they want Gil to have to shoulder the responsibility of backing up the point guard spot while also trying to master a new position on the floor as a SG. Having Kirk here and giving him the job of backing up both guard spots will enable Gil to focus on transitioning to SG, his longterm role here. He'll be playing SG next to either Wall or Kirk. Remember, Kirk said in his presser that he can play both spots but is more naturally a point. If Lester Hudson makes the team, I think that's further signal that they don't want Gil to have to worry about running the offense or guarding PG's.

Thanks for the compliment Fish.

I am still a little concerned though. When I see it in my head, Gil out there with Kirk, what will it be. Both can do both. Its going to be up to Flip to dictate what he wants to see. But since they can do both, will they ? This is a big question in my mind. What is best for the team. Will Flip tell them Kirk is the PG ? Will they split it up ? I just don't want to see what I saw when Gil was out there with AD. AD was supposed to be the PG but Gil couldn't change gears enough to let him do it. And since AD was no SG, we were playing 4 on 5 in that line up. But Gil and Kirk is closer to Gil and Hughes more than Gil and AD.

My gut says I would want Kirk to be the PG and Gil just stay focused on being SG no matter if he is with Wall or Kirk. That would make it less tempting for Gil to get off the role they want him to play. I'm siding with structure over freelance. Because when it get to crunch time in a game, you don't want confusion and you don't want hero ball like CB did to us last year.

But if Wall or Kirk get injured...This will get more interesting. That would be more like what I wanted to see when Gil and AD where here. AD starting PG with Gil playing SG, then Gil backing up at PG against the second unit.

This could work out great this year or it has the potential to be messy. I think that is in part what is so exciting. What will give be this year. You just don't know.

[Ruzious]

hands, I agree with you that this team is going to be one of several stars.

Watching Javale's highlights this summer, I believe he's going to have his night a few times this season. Andray Blatche knows what he can do offensively and he's such a willing passer that it bodes well for anybody that can get open. Yi Jianlian is going to be the surprise player on the Wizards. McGee might win most improved, but Yi's going to be surprisingly beastly IF Flip doesn't make him his whipping boy due to bad defense. Yi's a guy that can look very good in spurts. Kirk Hirnrich? Good distributor and very good defender. He's happy to be a Wizard and is already talking the team up. Josh Howard when he returns is playing for a contract, good at both ends, and is very happy to be a Wizard.

And then there's the guy named Arenas who most have written off. He's going to get his at the ends of games like we know he can. Only this season hes' got a MUCH BETTER group of athletes around him. Low expectations and folks underestimating his teammates and especially him. Gil won't have his great numbers like in the past but he's got the ability to close games and become Hero Zero again.

John Wall is really in a near-perfect situation. I don't like Flip's approach with young guys and I don't think Flip thinks out of the box. He's apt to criticize and look at what guys don't do right on defense. God forbid should Andray Blatche get the best of his boy, KG, again. Flip won't like that.

Flip is the guy I worry about hands, because otherwise, this can be a team of many stars. Coach cannot Saunders be a hater for things to work out well.

CCJ, it's always the coach's fault. How dare a coach criticise players for loafing on defense.

I don't think you realize how much Flip believes in Wall. It's more than you do. You say you still want this to be Gilbert's team down the stretch. I don't think that's the way it's going to be or the way it should be, because Flip has more faith in his rook than you do. If this isn't Wall's team by midseason, I'll be surprised.

[hands11]

http://dc.sbnation.com/2010/8/5/1602995/washington-athlete-spirit-of-city-dc-gilbert-arenas

I'm looking for Gil to shine this year and for the fans to get behind him in a huge way. Wall may be the #1 pick glamor story but if Gil does what I expect he will at SG he is going to be a big. I expect Gil to get back to top production but be more efficient in his game. I can easily see him average 22-24 pts Not sure how much more than that I would really want to see because I want to see team ball and see what other can do. At least to start the year. I want to see Dray high scorer some games and averaging 22-24 pts also. And once Howard is ready, he should be producing also. But I do expect Gil to be a huge story. I think his game is going to surprise a lot of people. I even believe he will play solid D. And I think Dray is also going to be a huge story.

I know they have been playing it like this is Walls team but I don't think it is going to play out like that. There are going to be several stars here. Wall will get his press at the #1 pick PG with leadership skills but he will struggle at times as he learns the players, teams and plays his first full NBA season. But I believe there will be plenty of story lines about Dray, Gil and Howard as I expect them all to play well. They will be three of our primary scorers and Gil and Dray can average 22-24 pts but I can see Gil averaging higher than that. Howard will be fine is he is in that 18 pts range.

What I curious to see is how Gil and Kirk play together. I wonder if they will limit that line up because it could be confusing with Gils habits taking him back to playing PG. But it could work with them just doing slit duty. Or they could work it out were Gil just stays playing the two. Should be interesting. That is the one line up I have the biggest questions about. Wall and Gil I think is clear and Kirk and Nick is clear.

I can see the headlines in my head and at some point Gil will be doing that one on one interviews.

I just hope Gil keeps it in focus and humble when it happens. No excuses. Just say " what I did was stupid. I let everyone down because I didn't think that though. But I'm putting that behind me. It happened, I paid the price and I learned from it. I have a lot of basketball left in these bones and I'm really happy to still be in DC. I love this town and I love the fans and we have an exciting line up of young talent mixed in with some talented vets. We are working hard to make our fans proud and I believe we will.

It's a new day. Right now we are still learning each other games and what the coaches want from each of us individually and together. We are focused on fundamentals, defense and team. That is what we are about and we believe that is going to get up where we need to go. We are already playing well but we believe we have a few more gears left to kick in."

I'm really pulling for and expecting Gil to shine this year.

hands, I agree with you that this team is going to be one of several stars.

Watching Javale's highlights this summer, I believe he's going to have his night a few times this season. Andray Blatche knows what he can do offensively and he's such a willing passer that it bodes well for anybody that can get open. Yi Jianlian is going to be the surprise player on the Wizards. McGee might win most improved, but Yi's going to be surprisingly beastly IF Flip doesn't make him his whipping boy due to bad defense. Yi's a guy that can look very good in spurts. Kirk Hirnrich? Good distributor and very good defender. He's happy to be a Wizard and is already talking the team up. Josh Howard when he returns is playing for a contract, good at both ends, and is very happy to be a Wizard.

And then there's the guy named Arenas who most have written off. He's going to get his at the ends of games like we know he can. Only this season hes' got a MUCH BETTER group of athletes around him. Low expectations and folks underestimating his teammates and especially him. Gil won't have his great numbers like in the past but he's got the ability to close games and become Hero Zero again.

John Wall is really in a near-perfect situation. I don't like Flip's approach with young guys and I don't think Flip thinks out of the box. He's apt to criticize and look at what guys don't do right on defense. God forbid should Andray Blatche get the best of his boy, KG, again. Flip won't like that.

Flip is the guy I worry about hands, because otherwise, this can be a team of many stars. Coach cannot Saunders be a hater for things to work out well.

Valid concern CCJ. Flip has something to prove also. But like other pieces like Gil, Dray, Wall, etc, I like his chances to show well. We do have a lot of wiggle. This could go really well or ...