i95Ballerz.com and SportsGroove Wizards Blog: Could the New Arenas Best the Old?

Ron Bailey, Publisher

First game back should portend change for Arenas

March 29, 2009 – Last Thursday was Gilbert Arenas' first game in the majority of two seasons, as including it he only managed 18 games during that span. Copiously reported have been the three left knee surgeries driving that absence, leaving some to surmise he will never be the almost 30 point a game averaging Agent Zero again.

Supposing that to be the case - and let's not act as if three knee surgeries can't conspire to rob an athlete of quickness and strength - all may not be bad.

What some may say? Well check it; Arenas, in the team's 98-96 last second loss to Detroit dropped 15 points and 10 assists, with only one turnover. He even had a last second chance to win the ball game, but came away sprawling on the floor, as the refs swallowed their whistles.

But the dimes, the helpers, that's what could portend the future of Arenas. Or maybe should. In the game's first four minutes, Gil's stat line read 3 points, and four assists. It was clear he wanted to get others involved.

Arenas didn't necessarily strap defensively, though Tapscott welcomed his defensive pressure, particularly in the passing lanes.

Now was he as explosive as before? No, nor should he be expected to be, having not played this season. Did he look maybe a half a step slower than before? Yes, again, look at the challenges he has faced.

Compensating for that, Arenas found open teammates. And the squad responded; six Wizards scored at least eight points (excluding him), this with a roster of only eight.

Sure he forced a couple of shots, bad habits die hard, but Arenas must be credited with finding teammates and picking his spots rather wisely.

"I wanted to make sure I didn't go out there and do anything flamboyant" was how he described his performance.

"It was fun to see him out there" said one of the beneficiaries of Arenas' presence, guard Nick Young. "It was a little easier (with Zero in the lineup). Fastbreak, pushing it. And it was just his first game, when he gets used to it should be more exciting".

"He made the game a lot easier for the guys on the floor, and he made it a lot easier for the coaches" shared the team's head coach, Ed Tapscott.

Now it's unsure whether Young and Tapscott were referring to Gil's offensive threat, pressure he brings to fore constantly in a game or his largess; as Young noted "He still has that reputation for being an All-Star".

But a more toned down - not restricted or restrained - but reserved, generous Arenas will make the Wizards harder to defend. And in doing so, allow him to score when it counts, and to preserve and manage a knee that will likely always be 'cranky'.

Can he do it? He should. Let the Arenas 'Dime Watch' start.