Comment from gbkdc
Time September 17, 2008 at 2:35 PM

How long will this rehab take? Glad to hear the knee is structurally sound and this is more of a proactive thing. But it is still surgery, and that can’t be “good.”

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 17, 2008 at 2:45 PM

I’m not going to say this is good news. Any injury isnt good news. I will say this isnt very bad news. This is common in a lot of players that have had knee injuries. Amare had this and obviously he’s come back and become the player he once was.

From everything I hear this will help him get back to 100% quicker. Had he not had the procedure he would most likely have struggled for a longer period of time. He will be able to start rehab immediately and hopefully get back as soon as possible, but no timetable has been set.

Also realize and I think this is something a lot of people are overreacting about. He signed a SIX YEAR DEAL not a SIX WEEK or SIX MONTH Deal. This was a deal for the long term not the short term.

Comment from millie mill
Time September 17, 2008 at 2:59 PM

After reading what you post it doesn’t sound that bad. After reading the news article it sound like he should be back on the court in December. That don’t sound like a lot of time to heal. Plus this gives us a good chance to see what Dee Brown can do. Also we should see alot more Nick Young with no Roger Mason. So I hope these guys better get there heads in the game FAST.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time September 17, 2008 at 3:01 PM

Yes, but on the flip side, his salary can handcuff the Wizards from exploring other options for 6 years (if his injury keeps getting progressively worse). Unlike the NFL where salaries are only partially guaranteed, the NBA max deal is all guaranteed.

Wait and see is all I can say right now. December is the earliest that he can come back. I’m sure the entire sportsworld is going to explode with comments (ESPN.com already has 150 commenters about Arenas) if more setbacks are in the future for Gil.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time September 17, 2008 at 3:04 PM

Make no mistake, the sum of all the “healthy PGs” left on the Wiz are not close to what Arenas brings to the table. Opposing coaches have gameplans specifically to neutralize/stop Arenas and not at Dee Brown, Nick Young, Antonio Daniels, Roger Mason, and the like.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time September 17, 2008 at 3:13 PM

The Arenas news brought a melancholy mood to all Wizards fans/supporters. All I can think about right now is a famous poem by Langston Hughes: A Dream Deferred.

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore–
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over–
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Comment from LilGil
Time September 17, 2008 at 3:23 PM

I always said I thought we had a shot at a deep playoff run with the whole team healthy as from training camp… Let’s hope we can compete as we did last year, or even better!!! What’s for sure is that Gil can’t feel any happy about that… 3 more months off the court… way too much.

Comment from gbkdc
Time September 17, 2008 at 3:26 PM

This is not the first time he has had this procedure, if my memory is correct. I seem to remember him having it “cleaned out” a few times between his 2 major surgeries. And when I read that the team doctor performed the surgery, I was not instilled with confidence. Now, I know nothing about our doctors. Nothing at all. But if my knee was worth $111 million, I know I would be heading to the premier knee surgeon in the US. Maybe Dr. Mark Connell is that guy, but somehow, I doubt it.

Comment from Reuben
Time September 17, 2008 at 3:37 PM

I read on the wash post website that hes out untill december

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 17, 2008 at 3:57 PM

Ernie just spoke with the media, no timetable at this point on when he will return.

This procedure is completely different than anythign he’s had done. This is a common procedure following a knee injury.

Is the team happy about it? No.

Are they overly concerned and is this a complete shock? No.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 17, 2008 at 5:00 PM

Quotes from Ernie on the procedure.

Comment from Bridge
Time September 17, 2008 at 5:13 PM

I’m still buying my tickets for the ONLY two (measly) games that I get to see my Wiz here on the Bradley Center floor playing – and it ain’t even about having the money cuz I’m pretty broke just like it ain’t even about “when they’re winning” because a true fan supports their team regardless. DC/VA/MD (whatever) residents, in my opinion, you guys are so lucky compared to non-resident Wizards fans. During the season (with the exception of road games), y’all have that opportunity to just “drop-by” at a game…

**“Great spirits [Gil] have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
-Albert Einstein

Don’t worry about people’s comments, just get the knee better – take your time if you have to – who cares about a timetable; some doctors have said stuff like: “[x] will never walk again” or “[y] might not make it to see next year”; meanwhile, you have people walkin and you have people livin beyond that year that they wasn’t supposed to “see.” Just get better so that your fans can see you playing again

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time September 17, 2008 at 6:46 PM

hey i will take it at the start of the season.. lets look at the big picture here it could have been at the end of the season or in the playoffs but now he has time to get back at 100% and we have been on our game all last year with out him so we got this in the bag he just needs to get it fixed and over b4 the half way mark and we should be fine

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 17, 2008 at 8:45 PM

Well, now — once again — we are down to 13 players. We don’t have much room to maneuver in order to add a player either. If Antonio stays healthy, we should be… ok, no more than that.

Our bench is weaker than last year (JaVale in, Roger out) — and it’s at the position where we most need help.

Roger played 21 minutes a game in 80 games last year. Where will we get those minutes in November and December? Antonio’s minutes can’t go up, and neither can DeShawn’s (not if you want him to be productive). Can Caron slide over to the 2, allowing Dom to get some more time? Can Nick step up to be as productive as Roger was (answer: it’s not likely; that’d be a big 2d year jump)?

It’s a good opportunity for Dee Brown to prove he belongs in the league, as we may need him for 15 minutes a game.

Oh well — hope for the best for Gil, obviously. It must be something of a disappointment to him.

Comment from Jason C
Time September 18, 2008 at 3:02 AM

I’m just glad we figured out how to play without him last year…should be easier to adapt the beginning of this year…I just hope we dont stretch out twan and caron’s minutes too much again. Play the young guys, they need the exp.

Comment from dmac
Time September 18, 2008 at 7:59 AM

When I saw the news report last night my mind was saying here we go again. But in light of Sportzwiz comments I am at peace with this. We know that can’t anyone be more disappointed than Gil himself. So instead of just feeling completely powerless about where the Wiz stand. I choose to pray over this situation. My prayer is that Gil will comeback completely healed and win the comeback player of the year award. I had figured that Gill would be going up against D-Wade for those honors since they both have missed so much action last season.
Also I pray that DeShawn raises his game and is more consistent with his offensive numbers as well as playing sound defense. If we are going to get off to a good start we are going need at least 15-18 points a game from Deshawn in the first month. Reason being, Nick did not show us that he is ready to handle the pressure night in and night out in the summer league. Don’t get me wrong I believe he has the talent to be a very good NBA player. But I am not sure if he is ready to handle the pressure. I think he is going to have to work hard in practice and show the Wiz that they are confident in playing him like Detroit is confident in playing Rodney Stuckey. Without Roger Mason and the fact that you are not going to get a lot of points out of AD and Dee Brown combined means DeShawn has to raise his offensive game.
The Wiz will not win many games with AJ and CB scoring the bulk of the points and the supporting cast contributing not much on offense. We played good ball last year without Gil but we could have won more games if AJ and CB had a more consistent 3rd scorer.
Now if Andray Blatche decides to have his breakout season and responds with 12 -14 points off the bench and 6-8 rebounds then that will be awesome. Also a healthy Etan giving us some toughness inside with a much improved BH in the middle.
What are our chances of bringing in Juan Dixon for the veteran minimum? Juan will give us some flexibility and experience. I know Juan will play hard for us.
In spite of Gil’s situation I just want to see the Wiz to get off to a good start in the season.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 18, 2008 at 8:21 AM

We could definitely use a veteran wing player, but I don’t think an undersized, gunner guard like Juan fits our needs.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 18, 2008 at 8:28 AM

“Linton Johnson, last seen with the Phoenix Suns, will be in training camp with the Washington Wizards.”

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 18, 2008 at 8:29 AM

Ivan writes:

– I asked Grunfeld about going into the season with Antonio Daniels and Dee Brown as his two point guards entering the season. Remember, a key piece to last season’s team — Roger Mason Jr. — is now a Spur.

“Yes we do (feel comfortable),” Grunfeld said. “We went through the same thing last year and we had success. We have other guys who can handle the ball. We have a two-guard offense anyway and we don’t primarily rely on just a point guard, so I feel good about where we are right and now and think that we’ll be a very competitive team.”

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time September 18, 2008 at 9:43 AM

I think we should just go with what we have and sign someone only if we really need it. Arenas’ contract already took up cap space, so the Wiz doesn’t have much room for anything – certainly no Juan Dixon. The Wiz have a bunch of guys that are “tweeners”, so they can play multiple positions – including PG.

If Linton Johnson is the best alternative, I would rather pass and save the money.

People are angry at Arenas for handcuffing the Wiz and at Grunfeld for signing damaged goods at 111 million. You know what – getting Arenas back was a gamble and people’s jobs are on the line (including Gilbert’s) – so, don’t think this is just to piss off fans. The gamble was a high risk/high reward scenario, we all just have to deal with the consequences. How’d you think Arenas would feel if he can only be a bench contributor from now on? Fans are sometimes a bit too selfish when looking at athlete injury issues.

I wish praying would help. Gil will probably develop an arthritic knee now. Gil should talk to Jermaine O’Neal to get some advice on a knee that never healed right.

Lastly, I never liked the comment “we went through the same thing last year, so we know what to expect”. Last year was last year. No one can duplicate the exact same conditions of what happened to what will happen this year. Last year, there were a couple of guys that had a lot of financial incentives to play well (Arenas, Jamison, and Mason). But those guys don’t worry about that this year. Who knows if Jamison is going to take it easy? Who knows if Arenas’ issue is actually worse than reported and won’t be back until after the all-star game at the earliest? Who knows what Haywood’s mindset is now that Thomas appears to be back? This year is a completely new game and we should treat it as such.

Comment from dmac
Time September 18, 2008 at 11:25 AM

wizards_fusion as Wizard fans we all have this hope that our home team will do well.
Even though we are not involved in the decision making that goes on in the Wiz organization. We still are concerned because there are those of us who are true fans. Not ones who come out of the closet when the team is on a winning streak. Yes we are fans with varied opinions but with one goal and that is to see our Wizards become successful. Maybe our success this year is based around AP, EG and EJ using what we already have as a team. For me my main concern in seeing the Wizards be successful and win a championship is because I and many others believe that Abe Pollin is very deserving of one. As for prayer it does change things if you have the faith to believe it will.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 18, 2008 at 11:42 AM

Well, prayer can change the mindset of the person praying, I’ll go that far. Beyond that, the only thing to say is to each his own and believe whatever you wish to believe.

Even with Gilbert, the Wizards were not in a position to contend for a championship (let alone to win one), and no one in management ever claimed we were. But there’s lots to be interested in, lots to follow, and 82 games of the season plus playoffs still to come. I’m sure we’ll all get way into it.

Comment from dmac
Time September 18, 2008 at 12:16 PM

Tom anything is possible in sports. When Boston won it all last year it was not because they had the deepest talent in the league. KG, RA and PP had all better and more productive years in the past. But last year was different. Through Boston’s big 3 and key aquisitions like James Posey and good coaching from Doc Rivers they won it all. With all these teams who have made off-season moves to better their teams does not gurantee them the NBA championship. The Wizards has just a good of a chance, maybe not greater but a good chance to win it all or at least get beyond the first and second round.
I have learned in life it is better to look at the big picture vs. a 8 1/2 x 11 picture frame. As you said there 82 or more games to be played.

Comment from neal
Time September 18, 2008 at 3:12 PM

Well, now we absolutely must sign another experienced guard and teach him the system. IT MAKES NO SENSE to wait to see if there’s another injury to a guard.

Another player is probably just going to be for a year anyway. I’m pretty sure that next year (because of contractual salary increases), we won’t have enough money to keep anyone new other than our first round pick. Brown, Pecherov and our second round pick may be competing for the 14th spot.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 18, 2008 at 3:31 PM

Neal, I would guess against it. This is purely a guess, but I believe that unless they are blown away with someone in camp this will be the team on opening night.

Comment from neal
Time September 18, 2008 at 5:31 PM

SportzWiz, I really hope you’re wrong. If you’re right, I trust mgmt will have a great big complaint box ready. It’s STOOOPID.

Comment from ChenierFan
Time September 18, 2008 at 7:33 PM

If I am Ernie Grunfeld I have to be livid about this situation concerning Gil’s knee. He was supposed to be at full speed by now. Somebody botched this up big time. Either the surgeon messed up or Gil embarked upon his own rehab program that damaged his knee. Maybe both. Each time he starts testing the knee he has soreness and “debris’ needs to be cleaned out. Of course, its good to know that the knee is still structurally sound, right (all structurally sound knees have debris floating around)? It is also comforting to know that this washout procedure is common for knee injuries (even repeated washouts for injuries occuring a year and a half in the past).

The Wiz may have to come to grips with another year without Arenas. I hope I’m totally wrong about this. This is too bad. The Wiz can still have a strong year, however.

Comment from Reuben
Time September 19, 2008 at 7:21 AM

gil has a new blog

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 19, 2008 at 8:06 AM

We don’t need a guy out of training camp; we need a *good player* to come off the bench in a reliable and predictable way. By far the best player available right now is Bonzi Wells; in fact, he is a terrific player.

Now, one thing we know is that this team ain’t going into Luxury Tax territory — and I’m totally in agreement w/ that as team policy. If you thought you could win the championship, that would be one thing, but not to put a bandaid on the team. So that probably leaves Bonzi out of possibility.

We can certainly afford a veteran minimum pick up, and I’m sure that if there is someone out there he likes Ernie is looking at that. The league pays part of the veteran minimum salary, and only the part the team pays counts against cap and lux tax.

The problem is actually finding someone who is capable of making a difference; that’s hard — maybe impossible. For that reason, as SportsWiz says, we’ll probably go into the season w/ the guys we have now.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time September 19, 2008 at 8:17 AM

The thing that worries me the most now is not just “The Wiz may have to come to grips with another year without Arenas”, or should I say “A-rknee-nas”, but it may be a multi-year problem. We as fans will start hearing more repeated comments from management if his knee never heals properly. We as die-hard fans, as dmac puts it, are too smart for that kind of stuff. We know what’s really up (or down in the case wtih Gil).

Having an elite athlete not play one year but coming back strong the next year is what most fans expect (see Tom Brady*; Michael Jordan Year 2 as a pro; Amare; etc.) [* = TBD]. But having an elite athlete try to make multiple comebacks and having more surgeries are just too hard to take (see Chris Webber, Sacramento Kings edition).

I am certainly not dumping Arenas because he does have literally 6 more seasons to try to come back. But my memories of him being awesome may never be repeated again – and this is why it sucks.

My final comment on this issue (for now) is this: this team’s veterans (AJ, Brendan, Caron, AD) all got older (obviously) and so did the youth movement. However, the natural decline of veterans (age) is not balanced out by the improvement of the youth movement. In other words, whatever Jamison and older players lost (skill, health, speed) can’t be covered by what the young guys have improved. Because Gil is only 26, he acts as the talent that connects the old and the young. Not having Gil around for months really hurts the entire team (many may disagree but I’m sticking to my opinion). I know this team is good enough to play well without Arenas (see last year), but I guess the team has to be a bit more down hearing the same ol’ from Gil.

Sigh – the Wizards is on the verge of moving up but the engine needs another tune up. And all of us hate getting unexpected repair bills!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 19, 2008 at 8:35 AM

Antonio and Antawn are in the last 3d of their careers. The rest of the Wizards veterans are just entering their prime.

The most annoying thing is that we would be in much better shape had we not made one bonehead move — drafting Pecherov so we could stash our draft choice rather than pay a salary. Marcus Williams, who is going to start for the Warriors at point this year, and Rajon Rondo, who was key to the Celtics championship last year, were picked after Pecherov. I’d like to have one of them on our roster.

A lesser bonehead move, but it may still bite us, was trading this year’s 2d round draft choice for spare change. The Celtics are saying that after watching Bill Walker over the summer, he may be in their “short term plans.” In other words, the kid can play.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 19, 2008 at 9:53 AM

Here is Gilbert’s new blog.

Tom in reference to your last statement I’m going to use a quote from one of my favorite all-time movies,

“I hope you would support who we are, not who we are not… This is your team.”

Comment from dmac
Time September 19, 2008 at 2:24 PM

Does anybody agree that Deshawn scoring more on a consistent basis will help fill the void of Gil’s absence. Also a breakout season from Andray won’t hurt either. I like Nick Young but I’m not sure he can fill the departure of Roger Mason. If I am EG and I am saying I am working with what I got then somebody has got to step up big time to help out AJ and CB. I do fill also that barring signing anyone else then DMAC deserves some playing time. Preseason should give us a gauge on where Etan fit’s into the rotation.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 19, 2008 at 4:29 PM

Nobody knows that quote?

Ok I will do a quick contest. The person that can name me the movie and the actor and characters name that said it will receive a Wizards hat and a Caron Butler mini-bobble head doll. Any takers?

Once again here is the quote

“I hope you would support who we are, not who we are not… This is your team.”

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 19, 2008 at 5:24 PM

I think I qualify as a supporter of who we are, SportsWiz: when I lived in DC I had season tickets (shared) for several years, and here I am on this blog, and I’ve even helped your predecessor in thinking the blog through — along w/ ideas for some other Wizards-related social media.

A sound organization can handle some criticism; it improves it, for that matter. My team, my Gm, my President or even my Country RIGHT OR WRONG doesn’t really cut it.

I think we are all very attached to the Washington Wizards, and I would imagine we all think Ernie is a good GM. As soon as “we are a 50 win team” actually turns into 50 wins, anad “we can compete with anybody” turns into contending for a ring, why we can turn “good” into “great.” In the meantime, I hope we’ll all contribute our analysis not just our support.

Make sense?

Comment from Bridge
Time September 19, 2008 at 6:48 PM

Hey SportzWiz –

Is it “Hoosiers,” with the actor being Gene Hackman as Coach Norman Dale?

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time September 19, 2008 at 8:54 PM

Glory road said by Josh Lucas playing Don Haskins ? just a blind shot in the dark

Comment from John50
Time September 19, 2008 at 9:27 PM

Bridge-Darn U-I knew it-I just should have got on here sooner!!!!

I have evidence

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/MovieSpeeches/moviespeechhoosiershuskerintro.html

SportsWiz:
Someone gets the bobblehead.

Comment from John50
Time September 19, 2008 at 9:27 PM

Congrats Bridge!!!

Comment from John50
Time September 19, 2008 at 9:29 PM

We Should Have a Winner…:)

Comment from wizfan and the kid
Time September 19, 2008 at 9:45 PM

Its from Hoosiers. People over-quote the thing on all sorts of blogs. (Sorry SportzWiz…no knock on you.)
Oh, and giving Tom a hard time about things… wow. Tom always puts what is on mind out there. Nothing to do with support. Heck, if he is on here this much and not a true fan, I do not know what a fan looks like (well, ok sounds like since I have never seen Tom).

Now, as to the matter at hand… it stinks. But, let us remember what we have: A decent team. We will probably do quite well at the start of the season. I say this because our starters from last year return. We learn a bit more about playing good defense. Maybe, just maybe, we do not need to score quite as many points, so losing Gil will not hurt as much and allow the pressure to replace everything Roger brought us lessens.

Bringing in another PG I think would be silly. Honestly, if Dee Brown can play under control, I think he will be alright for us. He has something to prove and lets hope that he does.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 19, 2008 at 11:55 PM

Sorry everyone I was out at dinner. CONGRATS BRIDGE! I will send you an email when I get back in the office on monday and get all your information so I can send you your prize.

Do people like those type of contests and would you like more? Personally I love movie quotes so if people enjoy them I will continue to randomly post contests every few weeks.
Let me know.

Onto the Tom comment. That really wasn’t a shot at Tom. I think there is a relationship between me and all the heavy users of this blog with Tom obviously being one of those. I hope nobody takes my statements personally as my comments are seldom serious and never meant to hurt anyones feelings.

Onto the talk of previous drafts, as I’ve stated before I personally don’t like to look back at drafts from 2 or 3 years ago and criticize the players especially when the guys haven’t had a chance to prove himself yet. Pech played 1/2 a season and is being criticized. And I dont think he was taken so they could sit his contract overseas for a year, this is a player the organization really likes. Lastly, Im not a fan of someone saying drafting him was a bonehead move. To me that’s not supporting a player or the organization, there’s critical and that’s not being critical.

And Wizfan and the kid as a Hoosier alum and to me there is no way you can over quote that movie, never!

“I love you guys………TEAM!!!”

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 20, 2008 at 8:08 AM

SportsWiz — no way did I feel insulted or called out or anything of the kind. Not to worry!! As I’ve said many times, and always enjoy repeating, you do *a great job* with this blog! Keep it up.

Our needs are the same now as before Gil’s surgery. We can’t replace Gilbert Arenas!

In other words, I don’t think we need another point guard, I think we need a reliable backup at the 2-3 (a wing player). You could argue that had we kept Bill Walker, we’d be in bigger trouble, as we wouldn’t have a roster spot even for a veteran minimum player. Let alone e.g. Bonzi.

We need to improve our 2d unit in rebounding, physicality, defense, and *efficient* scoring. If Dominic improves *significantly* and can command 15 minutes/game of rotation time (not garbage time), that’ll help. If Andray has another notch of development in him and shows it this season, that’ll help too. In Nick’s case, just cutting down errors will help him help his team.

Young players get these kinds of “ifs.” Looking for veterans to change is unrealistic, on the other hand.

Comment from WizDom
Time September 20, 2008 at 10:06 AM

Juan Dixon might be a Wizard again soon…

Comment from Reuben
Time September 20, 2008 at 10:40 AM

Sportzwiz i think it would be cool to have like a weekly contest
(i want to win something!)

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time September 20, 2008 at 2:25 PM

Reuban I agree…..it felt soo good to win the spaulding never flat pack this year! It sucks about Gil, but I think it will help the team a little because it will give the younger guys a better chance to add production early on rather than later….Oh yeah whose going to the training camp scrimmage?? anyone whose going hollar at me! I’m leaving school early to go to that since I go to boarding school…..I’m glad it’s at VCU again because it’s been great living in Richmond and seeing those guys here for the past few years……Hey SportsWiz, do you know if Ernie Grunfield is gonna make that dumb rule again where you have to be a season ticket holder to get autographs after the scrimmage?? If so, can you push for bloggers get to get autographs as well? I think it’s unfair how only season ticket holders only get to get the autographs at those things…..it makes some people turn their eye on the Wizards and might make them not want to go to games if they think the business is mean

Comment from GlingGling
Time September 20, 2008 at 3:30 PM

There is a lot of dissension here, between the fans and towards the Wizards.

This deal with Gil makes the Wizards more interesting. Yes we all want to see Gil, but there are other players on the team (players that need to develop).

There is really no need to be upset or angry. When I first heard the news I was not even disappointed. I was like, “Go GIL, show them what you got.” Did you see that man blog after all the negative response to the news. What other player does that? None (that I know of). We can all try to predict the future or we can know that Gil has an amazing basketball spirit and leave things to him. That’s what Abe and Ernie did. Instead of speculating doom, we can enjoy the present and prepare for another interesting season of Wizards basketball. Remember: Wining is important, but if it ain’t interesting, it ain’t nothin’.

I do apologize for the rant, I didn’t expect to see such critical attitudes from die-hard fans. I didn’t really see it on the blog during the regular season so I was surprised.

Comment from Bridge
Time September 21, 2008 at 1:02 AM

Thanks SportzWiz -

Why is it that some people just makes it so hard for people to feel good about what they’ve earned (or, in this case, won)?

-Anyways –

“Oh yeah whose going to the training camp scrimmage?? anyone whose going hollar at me!” – - Wizfan4life
Maybe I’ll think about it – you know – go to VA to act crazy for a day. I’ll let you know buddy .

GlingGling I feel ya. No matter what, I’m always gonna be like:
“GO WIZ!!!”