In fine Wizards fashion, the story today wasn’t the story we thought it would be.
Of course, Greivis Vasquez making his second appearance on the Verizon Center practice court – since he went through NBA predraft workouts last year – was a pretty big deal. He’s coming off a storied career at Maryland and two years before that in high school at Montrose Christian, and capturing the nod of ACC player of the year isn’t too shabby for the resume, eh? Can he make a leap all the way into the first round of the draft? It doesn’t seem likely, but he’s going to end up with some team, and he’s well aware of guys like Wesley Mathews, who ended up as a starter in the playoffs for Utah this season despite going undrafted. That kind of scenario makes it very likely that Vasquez will become the third Venezuelan to play in the NBA when next season starts.
But the story of this Memorial Day Monday was the brief appearance of Gilbert Arenas – the first time he’s been seen by anyone other than arena staff inside the Verizon Center since January – and new team owner Ted Leonsis, who was there to take in the workouts and hold court informally with some reporters. Arenas was there so briefly that a bunch of the reporters didn’t even know it happened, and Leonsis was all smiles, projecting his infectious positive attitude.
Some post workout quotes from Vasquez:
On his chances of playing in the NBA: “Maybe if you had asked me that six years ago, I would’ve been like eh man, no chances. My home boys, my friends, my family would’ve been lke, no way you’re going to go. I used to dream about coming to an NBA game.”
On the first NBA he attended, the Wizards vs. the Miami Heat six years ago: “I sat all the way at the top, in the 400 level. It was cool. I remember that like it was yesterday. That’s why I love this city so much. I used to dream going to a game. I used to draeam about playing in this league. Now, I get the chance to pay in this league. Wow, obviously, I can’t even believe this myself. I’m very humble about that.”
On the impact back home in Venezuela: “I want to bring some happiness to my country, and that will be huge, me making it to the NBA and making an impact back home. It’s going to be a dream come true and something, a book-story, something I can’t even explain.”
On the Wizards’ interest: “Obviously, they’re looking at me, but anything can happen.”
On his improvement since last spring: “I feel stronger, quicker, am shooting the ball a lot better, playing better defense already. I just feel better overall. I thing going back to school really helped me in a way that put me in a good situation now in this draft so hopefully something good will happen.”
On reconnecting with Michigan State’s Raymar Morgan after the dramatic loss in this year’s NCAA Tournament: “I really didn’t want to see him that much before we started working out because I was getting flashbacks.”
On the rebuilding Wizards: “They’re going to get players, guys with character and guys that are really going to care about the jersey. It’s a business, but in the meantime, they’re trying to win.”
On the World Cup: “I like Italy and Spain. But listen, I’ve always loved Brazil, but I think this World Cup is going to be – it’s even. Anybody can win it. It’s not like somebody is standing out, like this team is going to win. Italy’s tough. I think Italy plays good defense, and then I’m looking forward to watching. Eventually, maybe the next World Cup I’ll have a little money, and then I can go watch.”
Add Pick & Roll to your RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/Pick-and-roll
Follow me on Twitter @craigstouffer
