No. 1 pick debuts while former star returns
The Washington Wizards’ first home game of the year, even though it’s just the preseason, will be marked by two dramatically different firsts.
The Verizon Center debut of rookie point guard John Wall has been long-anticipated since the franchise made him the No. 1 overall pick in the draft four months ago.
But it’s been even longer since Gilbert Arenas last played at home after being suspended in January. Tuesday’s game against Atlanta will be the uncomfortable, cathartic sort of occasion that Arenas and the franchise must endure to get past the locker room gun incident that won’t go away until the season finally begins.
“I think we have forgiving fans,” Wizards forward Andray Blatche said. “I think when he comes out, they’re going to salute him and they’re going to welcome him back and let him start off fresh as a person. They know he made a mistake, and he’s learned from it.”
The last time Arenas played at Verizon Center on Jan. 2 — the day after his dispute with Javaris Crittenton hit the news — his 23 points and eight assists in a losing effort against San Antonio were overshadowed by his comments about the incident.
“If you know me, you’ve been here, I’ve never done anything [that involves] violence. Anything I do is funny — well, it’s funny to me,” said Arenas, who was suspended four days later.
This season hasn’t been funny for the now scraggily-bearded Arenas, who unveiled a dour, humorless outlook on media day. On the court, he’s averaging 13.7 points and 2.7 assists, accepting his lesser role while Wall and offseason acquisition Kirk Hinrich have been named team captains.
There are signs of the mood turning, none better than Arenas’ jovial encounter with Wizards owner Ted Leonsis at practice Monday, in which Arenas told Leonsis that the beard was only “a preseason look.”
Both all grins, Leonsis encouraged his star player to join him with a goatee, for “solidarity,” lowering his head and raising his fist in mock protest.
Wizards head coach Flip Saunders thought Arenas might be in for a similar reception to the one he received during training camp at George Mason.
“Out there, he probably had the second-biggest applause [behind Wall],” Saunders said. “I think that there’s people that still, I think deep down in their hearts, they still have a soft spot for him. I think that people are always willing to give people another chance, and I think that’s where a lot of the people are right now.”
