With two of his injured players back yesterday, Wizards coach Eddie Jordan was in a relatively giddy mood as his team prepared for tonight’s game against Orlando. Speaking about Magic center Dwight Howard, who wore a Superman cape in winning the NBA Dunk Contest last month, Jordan joked about obtaining some “kryptonite.”
Jordan would like to secure a magic potion to get his own players healthy. But Tuesday was a positive step as guard Gilbert Arenas (knee) and center Etan Thomas (heart) practiced after recent setbacks.
“It felt good,” said Arenas. “It was surprising about my wind. I wasn’t as tired as I thought I’dbe. I’m just excited to get out there.”
Forward Antawn Jamison shared that feeling, seeing one of his fellow All-Stars back on the court.
“Any time he’s out there calling fouls, you know things are getting back to normal,” said Jamison. “He’s moving around. He’s talking trash — just things you’re accustomed to seeing with Gilbert.”
Another test of Arenas’ progress will come later this week. Two weeks ago, when Arenas practiced, he felt fine. But the next day, he experienced soreness and the Wizards shut him down. Two knee surgeries in a span of six months and last month’s setback have left Arenas gun shy.
“Caution is a relative term. He’s ready for full contact,” said Jordan. “It’s up to the coaches. We’re limiting some contact.”
Orlando provides an interesting test tonight. The teams are in the No. 3 and No. 6 slots in the Eastern Conference standings. If they finish in those positions, they would meet in the first round. Some view the Magic, with their inexperienced backcourt, as a team ripe for an opening-round upset in the playoffs.
“It’s easy to say you would like to play someone. I’d like to play Michael Jordan one-on-one,” said Arenas. “I remember the year we said we’d like to play Miami and they beat us 0-4. Bring the Heat. They brought it to us.”
