Comment from dlts20
Time October 6, 2010 at 10:10 AM

Im so torn on this. Part of me thinks its great that Gil is accepting a lesser role & moving the ball because I think if we pass and are unselfish like last night then we will easily make the playoffs. Part of me wants him to also take the game more serious.

Still, I dont want him to be so submissive that he’s basically a catch & shoot role player who never tries to do anything big. Sometimes the game is so mental and you can sumbit so much that you take away all your strengths. Meaning, even when he does go to the rack he wont go as hard or when he tries to shoot, he wont have that same confidence. I still think we are better if Wall runs the show, Dray is a beast, but Gil is still that aggressive monster that can get 40 and keep the D on there heels.

This has been my #1 problem with Gil forever. Its like he just doesnt understand that you can do both. You can let the PG run the show & still be aggressive. Its the same thing with his attitude. I want him to be more serious but he will never be as great as he can be if he doesnt keep the fun & joy in his game. Its like he’s cutting off his nose to spite his face.

Let Wall run the team but still be the aggressive primary scorer who is serious when he needs to be but has fun also. Its not that hard Gil. Why cant players understand this in alot of sports? Same thing he use to make me mad with when it came to shooting & passing. Its not that hard. Pass when the D is eyeing you and shoot when you have the lane or open shoot. Its not rocket science like he and others make it.

Move the ball Gil but dont be a role player. We need you to be more. Flip is saying that he will still be the go to guy in key moments but Wall was taking the last shots last night even though he’s not anywhere on Gil’s level when it comes to that and I dont think Gil can flip the switch like Flip thinks. I dont think he can be a submissive role player and then act like Kobe when the game is on the line. His attitude has to change for that at the least.

He should be even more agressive now than he’s ever been because he doesnt have to worry about handling the ball, setting guys up, and we have other great players on the floor. He can just be that Assassin that he always talks about except dont be a ball hog when doing it. Then he says something dumb about moving on. That might be true but why does he have his mind set on that he’s going to light it up when he goes somewhere else but not try to do that here?

No team is even going to want his contract if he plays like a role player. He’ll have to be here until his last season and I know he doesnt want to do that. Someone better get in his ear and tell him that what he’s saying & thinking makes no sense. He’s contradicting himself. If you are bitter & want to go somewhere else then you have to be joveal and play like a star because your contract is way too big.

Dont be scared to attack when you are going to be guarded by 6?7 guys most of the time. He should be able to kill anyone that tall. Be yourself Gil. Just pass when nothings there but we are going to need you to drop 40 some nights when the season starts and it should be easier now than ever. Its almost like he’s giving up. Again, I like alot of the things he says but I still dont trust Gil enough for him to mentally know how to operate what he’s saying. Instead he will probably try to become a role player and Flip cant allow that to happened. I loved the way he moved the ball last night but dont go completely soft.

BTW, dont get it twisted. I love the way he’s taking the kid under his wing and handing over the reigns. Thats big of him, it shows great leadership, and thats what he should do, but that doesnt mean that he has to go sit in the corner & let everyone else have fun. Be aggressive and enjoy the game Gil

Comment from dlts20
Time October 6, 2010 at 10:12 AM

BTW, I was reffering to this article if you dont know
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/10/gilbert-arenas-im-moving-aside.html

Comment from Phemy
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:00 AM

I don’t know dlts… you saw how happy Gil jumped of the bench after the game winning shot? You saw the happy expression on his face, waving his hands? That’s all I need to see….

Let him talk to the media whatever he wants to, I just don’t believe everything he talks about. The whole “no feelings, beard thing”.. I don’t buy into it completely…

Great win yesterday! Very nice game by Jwall and JaVale. 6 blocks, wow!

Comment from Rick
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:25 AM

Gil’s comments indicate to me that he is not content to play second fiddle. Apparently the last 3 years have done nothing to humble his sizeable ego and he still feels like he should be a franchise player somewhere.

But where Gilbert?

Nowhere (well, there is always minnesota). There is not one legitimate team in the league that will give the keys to Gilbert. There are plenty of teams that would want him, but his days of being the #1 guy are over no matter what.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:35 AM

Comment from Phemy
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:00 AM

I don’t know dlts… you saw how happy Gil jumped of the bench after the game winning shot? You saw the happy expression on his face, waving his hands? That’s all I need to see…
- – -

@ Phemy

Gil’s happy for Lester Hudson; he’s not happy himself. Part of me thinks it is his ego; he was “the man” for a long time and now he’s replaced. He doesn’t want to be forgotten and he thinks the only way for people to still remember how good of a player he was is to move away to a new situation. Gil has a habit of not staying long anywhere (think Larry Brown); and being a vagabond is what, I think, still makes him a loner and an outsider wherever he goes.

Funny thing is – if Gil decides to move soon, he won’t be the marquee at the new location (not even in Minnesota or Toronto or wherever else that don’t have a main attraction). Look at Grant Hill (Pistons to Magic); Look at TMac (Rockets to Pistons); Look at Ray Allen (Sonics to Celtics). None of these former superstars are the main attraction in his new place and they’re all second bananas at best (maybe 5th banana).

Comment from draftazoid
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:39 AM

From the General Managers survey through Truehoop:

“Thirty-nine percent of GMs believe the Heat will be the most improved team in 2010-11 while 14 percent of general managers feel the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards would be the most improved teams.”

To quote Dicky V:
STOCK UP for the Wizards

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:39 AM

To what end shall we continue to analyze Gil’s mind?

If he’s depressed, his game will show his depression. I didn’t get that last night since he was active and barking instructions.

If he’s unhappy in Washington, that’s for the GM to decide on how to move him. And in today’s NBA, the agent has a lot of power to get the player moved (if Gil’s got an agent).

For me, I see that Gil can still play basketball and I hope for him to have a healthy season. As long as he’s a Wizard, I have rooting interest for him. Once he leaves, I’ll keep track but just like Antawn and Caron, I can’t be as “close” with them as a fan. Oh BTW, did y’all know Jared Jefferies is with the Rockets lol?

Comment from draftazoid
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:50 AM

Who cares about Gilbert? (although, I like Gilbert)

The Wizards are about JOHN WALL. Listen to Flip Saunders and Sam Cassell. Sam said “he is not Magic Johnson YET”

The Coaching Staff are the ones that are raising the expectations of John Wall.
They do not hide the fact that this is John Wall’s Team. They don’t sugarcoat the Gilbert effect. They pretty much ignore Gilbert in any of their comments. They sure do make it known that John Wall is the real deal NOW.

Gilbert has “no choice” but to be second fiddle. What’s he gonna do, cry about it and become the next Stephan Marbury. Everyone outside the Wizards faithful could care less about Gilbert. Only people like my fellow bloggers care about him. He is a very nice guy but he has been supplanted by the next great superstar face of the NBA.

Me, personally, I hope Gilbert scores 28 points a game for the rest of his contract and he keeps his weird antics to himself.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:06 PM

We fans can create stuff also and this John Wall versus Gilbert Arenas thing is really not necessary. John Wall has not even hit the rookie wall yet and then what are we going to say! We need to support Gil 100% and JW 100% so these problems donnot manifest and come to fruition! Gil knows what he is doing and I believe he can have a great season if he hits his open shot and steals the ball and is the top finisher in the league!I for one think he has 7 great years left in him because he comes in great shape every year and is the best shooter ever to wear a bullets/wizards uniform!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:10 PM

@ draftazoid: “Who cares about Gilbert?… The Wizards are about John Wall.”

Wow, I don’t like that very much.

First off, Gilbert has brought a lot of fun and excitement to the team, the community and the NBA altogether.

Secondly, we wouldn’t have won last night except for Gil’s excellent play.

Thirdly, this team isn’t about John Wall or any other individual. It’ll take a lot more than that to have any success whatever.

I trust that your comment just comes from enthusiasm over Wall’s debut, and wanting to talk about *that* rather than Gil’s future. But I’m hoping we don’t start hating on Gil — or anybody for that matter.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:33 PM

@ Tom M

Good points regarding Gil.

Gil brought excitement and fans out and thus this blog, at the onset, was basically Arenas talk. Without Gilbert’s historical activities, this blog may not exist.

I know I wouldn’t start a blog if the best players are Popeye Jones, Michael Ruffin, Jahidi White, and Etan Thomas.

Comment from reddog271
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:42 PM

this anti Gil talk is amazing. yall act like he’s done something to you. Great set of fans you guys are.

Comment from dlts20
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:44 PM

The only good thing is that Gil changes like the wind and it could only take 1 beast game for him to start being more assertive. The best thing for us is that our opening night game is Orlando.

1st off Gil always tries to crank it up on opening night and this will be a Nationaly televised game. 2nd is that the Magic are probably the number 1 team that would trade for Gil if he still looks like a Superstar so Im banking on the fact that Gil will come out guns blazing on opening night and that will change his mentality

Comment from dlts20
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:45 PM

I agree with those who dont like the Gil bashing. That is so unecessary. Just because you love Wall a ton doesnt mean you have to hate or bash Gil. The town is big enough for both of them

Comment from millie mill
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:46 PM

After reading the article I feel that Gilbert really thinks some team is going to pick up his contract. I don’t know which team that would do that.

And for the life of me I still think Gilbert still feels that he didn’t do anything wrong. That it was just a joke that everyone else took too serious.

If I was Gilbert I would come to the first Wizards home game and ask for the mic and apologize to the fans for the mistakes he made last season and promise to come out here and give his all every night on the basketball court. Before he dose that he should ask the commissioner if that’s ok.

Then maybe he will be really able to move on. Whatever that means. Weather it’s to move on to a new team or just so the media can let a dead horse die in peace and just play basketball.

I don’t hate Gil. We do need him, but he is depressing to watch .

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:47 PM

“Thirty-nine percent of GMs believe the Heat will be the most improved team in 2010-11 while 14 percent of general managers feel the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards would be the most improved teams.”

- – -
Let’s do some simple math here:

X/29 = 0.14 (solve for x; and x is about 4)

So 4 out of 29 GMs think the Wiz would be most improved. Don’t let percentages fool you; 4 isn’t a lot of GMs!

Comment from draftazoid
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:48 PM

Tom and everyone,

All I am saying is that the Coaching staff is the one’s that are raising the high expectations on John Wall, and to another note, not giving us any expectations for Gilbert.

Do I want Gilbert to do good? of course I do.
The Red Carpet treatment and tearing down Gilbert’s poster and putting up John Walls tells the whole story.

Gilbert should not think, and we should not expect him, to be the face of the Wizards again. That ship has sailed.

Everyone is worried about Gilbert’s “feelings.”
Forget his feelings. Look what he did to our team last year. What about my feelings as a fan of the team. He ruined, as Wizards fans, our basketball year. He got my favorite Wizard, Caron, traded. We sucked.

But I will thank him for one thing. If it wasn’t for his suspension we would not be able to have John Wall.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:53 PM

Comment from reddog271
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:42 PM

this anti Gil talk is amazing. yall act like he’s done something to you. Great set of fans you guys are.

- – -
@ reddog

Gil did do something to season ticket holders and die-hard fans — he hurt the team when he’s injured (knee thing) and he hurt the team when he’s not injured (gun thing). He also brought a lot of joy and hope before his injury. The Wiz revolved around Gil for many seasons and every move he made did something — that’s how powerful he is as a franchise player.

This is the reality of sports. It is nothing personal. We’re curious why he’s glummy and why he said the stuff he said postgame last night.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:56 PM

Comment from millie mill
Time October 6, 2010 at 12:46 PM

If I was Gilbert I would come to the first Wizards home game and ask for the mic and apologize to the fans for the mistakes he made last season and promise to come out here and give his all every night on the basketball court. Before he dose that he should ask the commissioner if that’s ok.
- – -

Excellent suggestion! He has to be true to himself before showing the world whatever he’s showing now.

Comment from draftazoid
Time October 6, 2010 at 1:00 PM

I wouldn’t give him the MIC.
I really don’t want to hear from him.
Just play ball.
Let your play do your talking for you.

Comment from aznzero
Time October 6, 2010 at 1:02 PM

Cardinal and Chandler got a serving of McWall.

McWall – “mac wol” noun. – @jimmywa11 alley to @bigdaddywookie … McWall

Comment from reddog271
Time October 6, 2010 at 1:07 PM

he did something to you by hurting his knee? really? you can’t be as stupid as that sounds.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time October 6, 2010 at 1:21 PM

@ reddog271

I’m sorry if I offended you by my stupidity. I’ll go away now.

But before I do, you should think about how his knee injury impacted EVERY ASPECT of the sports dynamic he’s representing. And once you understand, you’ll find out his knee injury did something to me and something to you and everyone that cares about the Wizards.

Comment from reddog271
Time October 6, 2010 at 1:25 PM

wow… I am amazed that you can actually type that and believe that someone falling on his knee, and hurting HIS

Comment from reddog271
Time October 6, 2010 at 1:29 PM

wow… I am amazed that you can actually type that and believe that someone falling on his knee, and hurting HIS knee. didn’t something to you. It was a bad thing that he got hurt. Worse that it took so long to be completely healthy. However you think it effected you. No one cares. For you to say you’re this big wizard fan, then turn on a player for getting hurt, or for not talking to the media, or for not smiling enough is stupid. Bash him for the the guy thing. It was stupid, dumb, foolish and anything word you can think of. but he still didn’t do anything to you.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 6, 2010 at 1:58 PM

i’m not even going to get into the Arenas vs Wall thing.. and most of the team did the same thing.. AKA wall said this is our team talking about the team as one not just him so did AB and every other player so from what i can tell its a team leading a team!

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 6, 2010 at 2:08 PM

If Gil plays so well that other teams want to trade for him, the Wizards will not want to trade him. If Gil plays poorly, no other team will want to pay for his contract. Gil is here for awhile. He is an excellent basketball player. I enjoy watching him play the game. While I would like to see him happy, I have no control over that. I will be a Wizards fan whether or not Gil is a Wizard. While Gil wasn’t the Gil of Agent Zero days, I thought that he played a decent game last night. I consider him to be a key component in any success that the Wizards enjoy this year.

Comment from crozby
Time October 6, 2010 at 2:38 PM

Gentlemen, there are going to be nights when Wall is going to carry the team and nights when Gil is going to carry the team. Some nights when Wall is going to be off and some nights when Gil is going to be off. And, some nights when both are going to be on, and nights when both are going to be off. They will learn to lean on each other and it seems like their chemistry is good. Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s not always the end of the world. Only perfect people should have something against Gil, and I don’t think there are any perfect people out there. Therefore, get over it and let’s pull for our team this year. Gil is still a hell of a player and it will show this year. Heck, it showed last night.

Comment from MakRapLifestyle
Time October 6, 2010 at 2:59 PM

In case Gil is unhappy indeed, I think it’s because he has lack of will to fight the fact the his potential was ruined. I mean, for real, at the age of 24-5 he was one of the 3 best players in the league, if not the best, and he was yet to enter his prime when the injury happened. He realized this, probably immediately, but his age at the time (or whatever) gave him hope. Now, he’s 28, no longer the leader of a team (to me he is, but we all know that all eyes are on Wall), he doesn’t have much time left, the media portraits him as a bad person, so it’s normal that he might feel unsatisfied with his career.

However, a person can be in a much worse situation than he is. He has wife, kids, can provide his family with whatever, has many fans i.e. people that idolize him and support him, and he IS still an excellent player so I’d conclude that the positive trumps the negative in his case.

Comment from dlts20
Time October 6, 2010 at 3:11 PM

makraplifestyle, I have a real response to that but I dont feel like doing it now. Ill save it for later but Ive been thinking the same thing. I think he feels like he was robbed of his potential greatness and I thought Wall would bring out some of the best in him but instead I think he’s kind of intimidated by Walls skills and the fact that he might not have that burst & explosion anymore which makes him go into even more of a shell. Hopefully the next Preseason game or opening night changes that opinion

Comment from WE WANT A WINNER
Time October 6, 2010 at 3:30 PM

Great game last night, I am glad the wizards won and I hope we keep Gilbert here in Washington. The wiz are going to sneak up on a lot of teams this year.

Comment from datonypony
Time October 6, 2010 at 4:06 PM

What in the world is up with all this anti-gilbert stuff on this page.

Seriously, especially @ draftazoid, you are sounding incredibly like a first year Wizard fan who has no idea at all regarding what Gil did for the wizards.

“Who cares?”

Of course we care.

Comment from HardCoreFan
Time October 6, 2010 at 4:22 PM

I think people of making too much of what Gil said. I think he fully understands what he did and that the team has changed. Why don’t we just let the guy adjust to his new role. Have you ever started a new job? Or have you ever had someone take over your position – I have and it took some adjustments but it all turned out fine. Gil has paid for his actions. I am not defending him or feeling sorry for him but he shouldn’t have to keep paying his mistakes over and over again. Give the guy a chance to adjust!

Comment from millie mill
Time October 6, 2010 at 4:34 PM

I know Gilbert have to talk to the media but if he dosen’t have anything good/smart to say then just reply “no comment”. The media is just fishing for this guy to say something and he falls into the trap everytime he opens his mouth. He words is on NBA.com, ESPN.com and the washington post.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 6, 2010 at 5:17 PM

@Gotabig — I thought Gilbert played great last night. He didn’t score a ton of points, but that’s only because he didn’t take many shots. Those he did take were all good shots, and that’s why 5 of the 9 went in — the 2 threes he hit makes it like going 6-9. He also did a little bit of everything else, grabbing some boards and counting for an assist and a steal. At the same time, he didn’t turn it over or foul. I loved his performance.

The only thing I have my out for in Gil’s play is whether and when he’ll start attacking the basket.

But the NBA is a business, and Gil certainly may be traded. No one will want his contract unless he plays well, but if he does then we’ll get something back for him that the team thinks is more useful as time passes. The better he is the more we can expect to receive in return.

In the Post article, Gil says “I lost all feeling a long time ago.” Seems obvious to me that’s not true — far from it. Probably the person for whom a trade would be best is Gil. Doesn’t mean it’ll happen.

In the meantime, it would be nice if those being negative would take a minute to remember how much pleasure they took in him, and maybe too you could imagine what it’d be like to be in his situation.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 6, 2010 at 5:24 PM

Excellent follow up article in the Insider:

http://wapo.st/dhYLHx

Gil ‘wishes that more people focused more on how he and Wall will work, rather than the other way around. He blamed the overall negative tone of the new, 24-hour “social media” for contributing to people expecting situations to fail. He used the overwhelmingly negative perceptions surrounding the newly-formed all-star trio in Miami with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Arenas said he hopes that kind of talk will stop in Washington.

‘”We need people to root for us,” Arenas said. “Don’t go against us. Root for us!”‘

Comment from Rick
Time October 6, 2010 at 5:29 PM

i would love to root for Gilbert. but he makes it hard when after the 1st pre-season game he is already making comments about “moving on” from the wizards.

Comment from Rick
Time October 6, 2010 at 5:30 PM

that said, i do agree with Gilbert that the media is not giving him or the situation with he and Wall the benefit of the doubt. i wish they would, but should they?

Comment from dlts20
Time October 6, 2010 at 5:35 PM

That sounds more like my man. Now use it to go off next game Gil or atleast against Orlando on opening night

Comment from gray16
Time October 6, 2010 at 5:38 PM

i would like to see what the question was that gil said that reply to. if the question was like “what are your reactions to trade rumors, or what do you see your future on this team being” he was just telling the truth.

i love gil for all he’s done for this team. and if he doesn’t want to play here anymore, the thing i would love to hear him say is he just wants to do as much as he can do here before he leaves, and that’s essentially what he said. can’t be mad at that.

if gil wants to do everything he can to help wall, not try to overshadow the rest of his teammates, and just play his part for his remaining time here, i will be happy how his stint here ended.

Comment from gray16
Time October 6, 2010 at 5:40 PM

oh and here’s what gilbert said to say about the reactions to his comments:

Arenas said he isn’t looking to go anywhere, or seeking a trade; he is content serving as a mentor to Wall and the other young Wizards as one of the few veterans on the roster. He said he simply meant that he would move on when his deal ends, not before it.

“I’ve got four years left,” Arenas said, “and that’s it. That’s all I was saying.”

[...]

Arenas said was merely stating the obvious: It is Wall’s team now. He’s a veteran role player around to show him the ropes and help him become a star. “I had my time,” Arenas said.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/10/gilbert-arenas-says-he-is-not.html

again, can’t be mad at these comments

Comment from JWALL
Time October 6, 2010 at 5:41 PM

Man will you guy’s who are coming against Gil give it a rest. This was just the first pre-season and some of you think you can read Gilbert’s mind. At least wizards_fusion set the record straight about his smile at the end of the game after Lester pulled the trigger.
Like I said the other day give him his space and time. This is not all about John Wall either. It is about a new chapter for franchise. This is a team game. So let’s not bring up Gilberts past and let’s enjoy this ride this season. Really I think Gil’s beard scare some of you guy’s. I think it is nice if he wants to wear a beard. It’s his life.
There was to much to like last night and enough for us ee certain areas where we need to improve as well. But it’s a start. Aren’t you guy’s happy………………..

Comment from gray16
Time October 6, 2010 at 5:45 PM

oh, i see tom already posted the article, my bad.

it really clears up things though imo

Comment from Rick
Time October 6, 2010 at 5:49 PM

so how about Blatche? 22 points in 26 minutes, and he is still out of shape. he could get the most improved player award this year. jwall gets the rookie of the year. this is going to be fun to watch.

Comment from datonypony
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:01 PM

I don’t mind if gilbert has a baron davis beard, but he needs to shave his neck area IMO.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:05 PM

@Rick — Blatche and Wall played well last night in the first pre-season game in early October.

Anybody remember what anybody did in the first pre-season game in early October ’09??

Whadya think… maybe we should hold off on handing out the awards?

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:13 PM

Gil will always be Gil. He will always say stuff that makes you scratch your head. He didn’t become famous because he was tactfull, political and could articulate his feelings. He is where he is at, because he’s a helluva basketball player. As long as he can continue to play ball, he will wear someone’s uniform. All players get hurt, it’s a part of the game. Enjoy him while he wears the uniform. Regardless, he will not play forever, so enjoy ladies and gentleman. Anybody that still pays attention to what he says, obviously must be new to the game, because he’s been saying whack stuff since he’s been a wizard

Comment from draftazoid
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:18 PM

Why in the world would I want to root for a player who is talking about “MOVING ON?” Isn’t Gilbert a member of the Washington Wizards. He is already talking like he is no longer part of the team.

Gilbert should shut up and play ball. He should be glad that the Wizards didn’t try to go after the $80million in his contract. (the lame collective bargaining agreement is what kept him a Wizard).

He should be glad that he didn’t have to go to “actual jail” which he should have. If I brought a gun to my work I would be fired and spent at least a year in jail.

I don’t want to hear one word from Gilbert.
I want him to play ball.
I don’t want to hear anyone else talking about Gilberts “FEELINGS.”

Call the Whambulance!

I want to root for Wizards players who want to be here.
I was actually starting to warm up to Gilbert. I cheered him on at the Midnight Tipoff.
After his comments last night, FORGET ABOUT IT!

He is right. He should just move on (and leave the $80 million dollars behind so we can get some players who want to be a Washington Wizard).

I bought my season tickets for the first time this year. Hopefully, I can watch Gilbert play ball and not talk.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:25 PM

draftazoid, you are not use to gil…..as long as he produces on the court, until he’s gone, that’s what it is. As i always say, just because you are good in one thing, it doesn’t mean that you’re are good in all things. and money doesn’t buy you class/brains. His job is to produce on the court, and do what his boss(es) tell him to do Personally, i’m about what a player does for the team.

Comment from gray16
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:31 PM

draftazoid, i suggest you read the comments gil made today about all this drama.

i see this as just another reporter running with gil’s words and making a story about it. they need something to write about, and gil is where many are going to look. like gil said, they are going to look for ways to paint him the bad guy, because it will get people talking, and people paying more attention to the writer’s stuff.

i would love to be a sports journalist, but i couldn’t do things like that to players on the team. i would have to get my facts straight, because starting drama like this by putting words in the wrong context ends up like it has; fans going against gil for nothing.

Comment from datonypony
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:35 PM

@ Draftazoid- Cry more please. And please actually READ above comments and at least ATTEMPT to find the truth before believing whatever is thrust in front of you.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:47 PM

LOL…..After all this time you would think he would know who/whom to talk in front of, and you would think he wouldn’t say anything that could be mis-construed….do your talking on the court….lol…same ole gil

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:47 PM

I cannot believe all this analysis on Arenas, as we all know he changes his mood more than a teenager shuffles songs on an IPOD! Look winning is the key, Arenas will be great, 4 years down the line who knows what it will be, but as of today I expect him to light up the scoreboard and play with a “swagga”. I think playing with Wall will only help Arenas, because Wall is showing he plays with passion all the time, which is contagious to say the least……

Comment from WE WANT A WINNER
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:49 PM

I do not like the new poll on nba.com that asks “When will Gilbert Arenas get traded.” That sounds really negative, John Wall likes him and benefits from having an nba star around.

Comment from HardCoreFan
Time October 6, 2010 at 7:50 PM

I think Ted said it best on his “Ted’s Take” blog. He said “Don’t judge the team by what you read. Judge the team by what you see. Same goes for Arenas (He may have even been talking about him) Perfect!

Comment from neal
Time October 6, 2010 at 8:29 PM

No one can be sure about anything re. Arenas, but I think he will be an excellent SG – better than PG. But I’d like to see Wall giving Arenas more shots instead of taking them himself.
With time Gil will be more aggressive.

Comment from neal
Time October 6, 2010 at 8:34 PM

With Yi playing so well – particularly rebounding, two of the major questions look to be answered:
Do we have adequate backup at the 4?
Do we have adequate backup at the 5?

Moreover, Yi may become part of the Wiz plans for the long run, not just this year. That would give us a fifth player for a long-term nucleus in my mind: Wall, Booker, Blatche, Yi, McGee.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 6, 2010 at 9:15 PM

Sheesh! One game, guys. One game. No questions are answered. None.

But it was sure a lot of fun!!

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 6, 2010 at 9:18 PM

@neal – Regarding your projection of a long-term nucleus…I like it in theory; however, we have yet to see Booker in an NBA game and Yi needs more strength. Yi’s apparent lack of endurance might be because of that international competition that, no doubt, took a lot out of him. If I were an owner, I would contractually prevent any of my players from participating in any organized games during the off-season. I think that when you invest multi-millions of dollars in individual players, you should have the option of protecting them from Stern’s stupidity. Let the amateurs participate in both the Olympics and the International Games.

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 6, 2010 at 9:25 PM

Folks, Tom M. is right. It is only one game. If we miss the last shot and the game goes into overtime and we lose, everyone would be saying (even though we know differently) that we are no better than we were in 2009-2010. Let’s see what goes down tomorrow. I think that we will play even better than we did in Dallas. One game at a time….

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 6, 2010 at 9:46 PM

SO WHAT IF IT’S ONE GAME

EVERYBODY KEEP GOING…..if people don’t like it, keep it to yourselves….ITS EVERYONE’S BLOG

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 6, 2010 at 9:54 PM

still would have loved to seen Booker an KS in the game but i guess there going to get there shot soon..
how many roster spots do we have open? and who dose everyone think is the best players to fill them?

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 6, 2010 at 10:00 PM

@dcb – Are the meds wearing off? What are you shouting about? If you believe that it is everyone’s blog, why do you write “…if people don’t like it, keep it to yourselves…”? Sounds contradictory to me.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 6, 2010 at 10:14 PM

Chill, kids…

I’m pretty sure we’ll see both Booker and Seraphin in Cleveland. And some more Hudson. And some more Martin. Maybe some Kevin Palmer. Even get to see us some Hamady N’Diaye. Oh, and what’s that other guy. Oh yeah, Adam Morrison.

The sooner the better for all these guys!

How do you guys think the hopefuls stand? We have Palmer, Hudson, Martin, N’Diaye, Marks & Morrison vying for probably 2 spots.

Would you give Hudson an edge off last night’s performance — remembering that it was his 2 turnovers that created the need for the last minute shot?

Assuming we keep 2 guys, should one of them be a big? I can’t really see Marks, but I’ve made obvious my hope that we sign H. What is your take?

Comment from ChenierFan
Time October 6, 2010 at 10:29 PM

A few random thoughts…

I think Gil should lighten up…. go back to enjoying the game he loves. We don’t want any sour pusses around here.

As I said a couple of days ago, I would love to see Yi, Andray and Javalle comprise the starting frontcourt this season. Instead of the “twin towers”, we could feature the “triple towers”.

The nickname “Johnny Ballgame” doesn’t seem to be catching on.

I have a feeling the Mavs are going to have a long season. They are hanging on with Kidd, who is way past his prime. I wouldn’t be suprised if Kidd is the all-time turnover leader.

Look for Nick to come back strong next game.

Comment from neal
Time October 6, 2010 at 10:38 PM

Gabbo and Tom, I’m not interested in reality. We’re undefeated and most of our team are potential all-stars.

As far as our hopefuls, in order of how I like them:
Hudson
N’Diaye
Martin
Marks
Palmer
Morrison

The above is based on very limited information or seeing them play, but I try never to let that stop me from opining.

I think the top two will be signed before the cut-down date, then EG will wait to see who gets cut elsewhere. He may even wait to see at what position we have the first injury.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:25 PM

BASICALLY IF PEOPLE WANT TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS, WHO ARE YOU OR TOM TO TRY TO SHUT IT DOWN,

do we say, THUMBS DOWN DRAY, because we are tired of seeing you see it everyday.NOPE

Do we say go blog somewhere else Tom, because you keep weighing the pros and cons (WELL, sometimes you do get a stray “you’re being negative” every now and then…lol….)

The point is we as fans, haven’t had anything to get excited about in a while, let everyone keep their excitement, be it one game or not. Heck, we haven’t even had options at the positions for a while. Ask questions, keep the perspectives coming in. but don’t criticize for making statements, and the way it was stated, it was shutting down the question, so YES, KEEP IT TO YOURSELVES

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:47 PM

Gilbert saw half the team and a lot of his friends traded away last season. It wasn’t his fault directly but he was the catalyst. That has to weigh heavily on his mind. Tough thing to take when you wonder every day if this is “your” day to get traded. Especially after being the face of the franchise for as long as he was. I’m sure Gilbert will be ok once he plays a few consecutive games and gets his competitive juices flowing again. One thing about an athelete is they can “turn it off” in interviews off the court, but, it’s impossible for them not to play to their highest level on the court. I’d watch more how he plays than what he says.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:49 PM

Imo… Wall and Arenas could be the best backcourt in the NBA this season

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 6, 2010 at 11:51 PM

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/10/ted-leonsis-hints-at-a-possibl.html#comments

i will be amazed to see the name go back to bullets

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 7, 2010 at 12:00 AM

I’m not worried about Booker or Seraphin. It looks to me like they both have game and will get “their” minutes to impress in the pre-season. I think Flip was just starting out with the guys he potentially has in his normal rotation. It’s only been one game.

LOL @ Tom. I would give Hudson a shot based on everything, BUT, last nights game Except for making “everyone” remember him for the last second game winner…. he stunk last night lol. That being said I wouldn’t want to be any other opposing guard with Lester in my face. That guy is a great defender. I think that is the way we are going. For me that’s why he makes the team.

The second spot I’m open. I like Martin for his defense too. He has a nice offensive game and “some” experience. I want to like Hamady, but, so far I’ve seen nothing at all from him. I hope during the summer he has been working hard with a big man coach to improve his positioning. My wild card is Kevin Palmer…. long long time ago I told you guys he could play

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time October 7, 2010 at 12:03 AM

Jebus re: Gilbert

Alright, so I think Gilbert needs a good talking to by all the PhD psychologists that blog here. That should be his gift – the “blogging family” can go to Great Falls, VA and knock on his door and give him a pep talk — that’s his “present”.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time October 7, 2010 at 12:08 AM

re: Lester Hudson

If he’s signed, I’ll be disappointed if he won’t get minutes from Flip.

I still think Nick Young is more talented than Hudson; however, Les is looking more and more like a better NBA professional player than Nick. The defense is the key separator.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 7, 2010 at 12:11 AM

Neal I have to agree. The one guy who is really impressing me so far is “almost the last person (Hilton would have been the last lol)” I would have expected to impress me. I guess the personal trainer and chef have made a difference? He dominates the Chineese numbers during Fiba then comes here and shows he can actually play inside. If he keeps this up Mr. Jianlian will get a few more years and a few more yen for us next off season.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time October 7, 2010 at 12:17 AM

I hear that NBA 2K11 is incredible. And I’m taking a break from blogging.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 7, 2010 at 12:21 AM

Fusey…. #’s 13, 14, and 15 rarely get a lot of minutes. That’s ok. If we need a defensive stop late in a ball game I would put Lester in well ahead of Nick. Lester is a solid shooter. Nick is a streaky shooter that offers little else… no rebounds… no assists…. no steals. I don’t really see Nick in the league past this year. If he comes to his senses and works on his game like Andray obviously has… maybe.

Comment from MakRapLifestyle
Time October 7, 2010 at 2:57 AM

@dlts20 – yeah, I think it would be better to put that conversation on hold.

Comment from Babakism
Time October 7, 2010 at 3:02 AM

Gil is fine. This is just another attempt by the media to find a story by trying to drag down Gil. They are pissed cause Gil isn’t giving them the story they want so they will take whatever they can to use against him so they can write articles for their own benifit.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 7, 2010 at 3:26 AM

Forget the Media….. Gilbert will be ok. Once he starts playing he will forget about the cameras and return to being the Wizard he has “always” been. no sign of the “physical” injury left. Time to get his head rehab’d.

He is a consumate pro and in his prime.

Wall will give him the ball and he will score. Maybe A Lot?

Comment from draftazoid
Time October 7, 2010 at 7:08 AM

We have 12 guaranteed contracts:
Wall
Gilbert
Hinrich
Andray
Javale
Yi
Hilton
Thornton
Young
Booker
Seraphin
Howard

The Wizards can sign up to 3 of the Invites.
I am going to guess that they will only sign 2 of them to keep a little maneuvering room.

Which 2 out of the 6 is going to make the team?
Hudson
Martin
Marks
Morrison
Ndaye
Palmer

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 7, 2010 at 7:40 AM

yes… that is the question I asked a bit up the page!

Comment from JWALL
Time October 7, 2010 at 10:17 AM

draftazoid I will say they will keep Hudson and Morrison.
Personally I would not pick Morrison. But I believe they will keep if he does well in the rest of the pre-season games.

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 7, 2010 at 10:05 PM

What are the chances that you might STOP focusing the very vast majority of photos on John Wall. THIS IS A TEAM. Please try to treat it as such with your photos.