Finally, some good news for the Wizards.
Gilbert Arenas returned after practically two lost seasons. The $111-million man played more than a limited role, even taking the last shot. The Wizards have their best player back for the season’s final three weeks.
Is it really worth risking Agent Zero in a few games of the most miserable season since coming to Washington a generation ago?
Yes — absolutely. The franchise needs a lift going into the offseason. Fans need something to forget this stinker of a season. The owner needs a few filled houses to help pay Arenas’ salary.
Everybody gets something out of a handful of games. That is, as long as Arenas doesn’t hurt the knee again. After three surgeries, if it goes again, his career might be over and the Wiz are saddled with five years of darkness until his contract expires. Is it really worth risking playing now versus waiting until October?
We’ll know in three weeks, but Arenas was right when saying everyone needs to know what the knee can do.
“At the end the day, you’re going to have to test it out now or at the beginning of the season next year,” Arenas said. “Eventually, I’m going to have to find out where my knee is. I’m just trying to get a feel for the game going into the summer.”
Arenas showed in the first four minutes the magic he offers. Washington led Detroit 11-2 after four assists and a 3-pointer by Agent Zero. It was like a man playing with children.
With 15 points and 10 assists in nearly 30 minutes, Arenas showed more of a team approach than the past. Maybe the time away provided a little more perspective on loving the game and helping younger teammates improve.
Indeed, Arenas rattled a few teammates the day before when publicly criticizing their commitment. It stung because it’s true. Players know Ed Tapscott won’t be coaching this fall. They’ve played with a substitute teacher all season. Now back on the court, Arenas can kick the baby divas in their butts.
The bid for a storybook finish ended when former disastrous Wiz first-round pick Kwame Brown finally made a play and blocked Arenas’ shot. Makes you wonder where Washington would be if Brown wasn’t a bust.
At least Arenas no longer has Wiz fans wondering when he’ll produce.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail [email protected]
