Gilbert Arenas News: Pro Sports Daily

Arenas, Wizards fall short against the Heat, 93-89

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November 5

Washington Examiner

"Through five games this season after missing most of the last two years with a knee injury, Gilbert Arenas has given no indication of any lingering physical limitations to keep him from making the plays down the stretch that will get the Washington Wizards back into the playoffs. But while his body didn't let him down with two chances to lead or tie in the final 25 seconds against Miami on Wednesday at Verizon Center, both Arenas' decisions and execution did. It was one of a number blows the Wizards endured after coming back from a 19-point first-quarter deficit in a 93-89 loss to the Heat. "What happens sometimes, I say the basketball gods will get you," said Wizards head coach Flip ..."

Mistakes near end hamper Wizards

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November 5

Washington Times

"After sleeping through a first half in which they trailed the visiting Miami Heat by double digits for long stretches, the Wizards rallied for a dramatic second-half comeback Wednesday. Washington had three chances to take the lead in the final minute but blew all of them, falling 93-89 at Verizon Center. The fourth-quarter miscues were a big culprit in the second loss in as many nights for the Wizards (2-3), who blew an 18-point first-half lead Tuesday in Cleveland. After battling back from a 19-point first-quarter deficit and trading leads with the Heat five times in the fourth quarter, the Wizards missed two foul shots and made several other mistakes in the final 44 seconds to suffer ..."

Arenas is back, and so is hope

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November 2

Washington Times

columnist Tom Knott

"A potentially strong team places its foot on the neck of a crippled opponent and does not let up until the last bit of resistance is snuffed out from its supine form. This is what the Wizards did to the Nets in Tony Cheng's neighborhood on Saturday night. With Gilbert Arenas flashing his All-Star self and Andray Blatche finally delivering in a fashion that has been envisioned since he was drafted out of high school in 2005, the Wizards put to rest the issue of the Nets midway through the third quarter. It all starts with Arenas, of course. It all starts with the player who shreds a defense with his dribble-penetration forays. This is the Arenas the Wizards have been waiting on the past two ..."

Defenseless Nets crushed; Harris out a week

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November 1

New York Post

"The Nets' season is only three games old and already it's bad. And getting worse. The Nets lost another game after learning they lost All-Star point guard Devin Harris for at least 7 to 10 days. And that's the optimistic viewpoint. Now that defines a bad situation -- when the rosy outlook puts the team's only All-Star out for over a week, maybe two. "We're shooting for 7 to 10. I probably can guarantee it won't be shorter," said Harris before the 0-3 Nets established a standard low for defense that might even withstand the test of their season in a 123-104 defeat to the Wizards here last night. Consider, the Nets surrendered at least 61 points per half to a Wizards' team minus two of its ..."

Balance key as Wizards win

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November 1

Washington Times

"He may be only three regular-season games into his tenure as coach of the Washington Wizards, but Flip Saunders already is having to familiarize himself with an all-too-common Wizards tradition: reshuffling his lineup and rotation because of injuries. He already was without Antawn Jamison when Caron Butler bruised his left knee in Friday's loss at Atlanta. So Saunders had to adjust yet again. With Butler out, Saunders moved Mike Miller from starting shooting guard to small forward. And he inserted usual backup combo-guard Randy Foye into the lineup at shooting guard. In starting Foye, Miller, Gilbert Arenas, Fabricio Oberto and Brendan Haywood, Washington trotted out a lineup of players ..."

Home is where the rout is

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November 1

Washington Post

"The five Washington Wizards who started the home opener against New Jersey on Saturday were completely different than the group that started last season against the Nets. It was unique situation, aided by some unfortunate injuries to all-star forwards Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. But considering the woeful results last season, giving the home fans something new to start the season probably wasn't necessarily a bad idea. With two familiar names -- Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood -- back healthy and Mike Miller, Randy Foye and Fabricio Oberto making their home debuts, the Wizards followed up the elaborate, introductory pyrotechnics with an equally explosive performance. Last season, ..."

Arenas and Foye as a combo?

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October 30

Washington Examiner

"Gilbert Arenas and Randy Foye hardly played together during the Wizards' preseason games. But practice was a different story, and a sly grin from Flip Saunders after Thursday's practice said that particular backcourt pairing -- one crucial to Washington's opening-night victory at Dallas -- wasn't all he had waited to reveal about his rotation until the regular season. "I was wondering when it was going to happen," said Foye, who led Washington (1-0) with eight of his 19 points off the bench in the final quarter, the final 7:34 partnered with Arenas. "But I guess [Saunders] probably didn't want people to see it, because then they'd probably be waiting for it. I think when he put us in ..."

Arenas is back in the arena

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October 29

Washington Post

"The last time Jason Kidd crossed paths with Gilbert Arenas on the basketball court, his New Jersey Nets had just defeated the Washington Wizards in early November 2007, with Arenas totaling 21 points and six assists. Immediately after the game, Kidd pulled Arenas aside. He had heard reports that Arenas had his left knee drained two times after having surgery earlier that year, and that simply didn't sit well with Kidd, who had knee troubles himself a few years earlier. "Take your time coming back. Don't rush it," Kidd said recently, recalling his conversation with Arenas. "I thought with him being young, it was important not to rush, because you have plenty of basketball ahead of you." ..."

Arenas of old stars in Wizards' opening win

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October 28

Washington Times

"Washington Wizards fans have wondered all summer and preseason which Gilbert Arenas they would get for the 2009-10 NBA season. The player who made only cameo appearances the past two seasons while recovering from three knee surgeries? The three-time All-Star, who could score with the best of them? Something in between? Shortly before his Wizards tipped off the season Tuesday night against the Dallas Mavericks, coach Flip Saunders admitted that he too was curious. "I'm like everyone else - I'm waiting to see," Saunders said. "I think he's going to come out and I think he'll be aggressive in the things that he does. Having not played [completely healthy since April 2007], I'm sure he's ..."

Arenas of old stars in Wizards' opening win

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October 28

Washington Times

"Washington Wizards fans have wondered all summer and preseason which Gilbert Arenas they would get for the 2009-10 NBA season. The player who made only cameo appearances the past two seasons while recovering from three knee surgeries? The three-time All-Star, who could score with the best of them? Something in between? Shortly before his Wizards tipped off the season Tuesday night against the Dallas Mavericks, coach Flip Saunders admitted that he too was curious. "I'm like everyone else - I'm waiting to see," Saunders said. "I think he's going to come out and I think he'll be aggressive in the things that he does. Having not played [completely healthy since April 2007], I'm sure he's ..."

Arenas, Wizards start off strong

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October 28

Washington Post

"Flip Saunders really had no idea what to expect before he coached his first game with the Washington Wizards. There were too many new pieces, too many unknowns. Gilbert Arenas, his best player, hadn't played in a season opener in two years. Antawn Jamison, his all-star power forward, was on the bench in a suit. And, Saunders hadn't announced his starting shooting guard and power forward until earlier in the day. Given that the Wizards were opening the year on the road against the Dallas Mavericks, a potential contender in the Western Conference, Saunders said he was just going to sit back, like an antsy fan, and see how everything played out. He had to be pleased with what transpired ..."

Refreshed memories

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October 27

Washington Post

"They have a former all-NBA point guard with a left knee injury that kept him on the bench for most of the past two seasons; a 33-year-old power forward who will start the season with a right shoulder injury; a center in a contract year who missed almost all of last season with a torn wrist ligament; two veteran additions, also approaching free agency, who haven't appeared in the playoffs the past three seasons; and a veteran power forward who had an offseason heart procedure. The rest of the roster contributed to a team that won just 19 games last season. The Washington Wizards understand why some doubt their aspirations to become a factor in the Eastern Conference and find a room on the ..."

For Wizards' Arenas, this is the threequel

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October 26

Washington Times

"Gilbert Arenas Part I was the tale of an unlikely hero: a second-round pick turned three-time All-Star. But the installment ended both abruptly and disastrously with the star lying on the basketball court, his left knee blown out and in need of surgery. Arenas Part II was supposed to be the triumphant return but, as do most sequels, proved disappointing. The guard endured two more surgeries and two more failed comebacks. The Washington Wizards are waiting to see how the third chapter of Arenas' story plays out, but judging by early indications, there's cause for optimism. After seeking the services of master athletic trainer Tim Grover in Chicago, Arenas returned to the District, ..."

For Wizards' Arenas, this is the threequel

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October 26

Washington Times

"Gilbert Arenas Part I was the tale of an unlikely hero: a second-round pick turned three-time All-Star. But the installment ended both abruptly and disastrously with the star lying on the basketball court, his left knee blown out and in need of surgery. Arenas Part II was supposed to be the triumphant return but, as do most sequels, proved disappointing. The guard endured two more surgeries and two more failed comebacks. The Washington Wizards are waiting to see how the third chapter of Arenas' story plays out, but judging by early indications, there's cause for optimism. After seeking the services of master athletic trainer Tim Grover in Chicago, Arenas returned to the District, ..."

Rebuilt and ready to launch Arenas 2.0

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October 25

Washington Post

"From the time he entered the NBA as a rookie with the Golden State Warriors, Gilbert Arenas has been equally ambitious and impatient. Even as an unheralded second-round pick, Arenas couldn't accept that he wasn't starting, let alone not playing, his rookie season. Now, after missing nearly two full seasons because of a recurring left knee injury that tested his patience and drive, Arenas is healthy. And again he's in a rush -- to regain his spot among the league's elite players, to hush those who lambasted his $111 million contract and to help the Washington Wizards return to the Eastern Conference's upper echelon, a perch they last reached when Arenas was confidently making game-winning ..."

Arenas not ready to talk this way

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October 19

Washington Times

columnist Tom Knott

"Gilbert Arenas has put his mouth under lock and key, an expensive proposition that already has cost him and the Wizards $25,000 apiece. The NBA is partial to speech, so long as it does not involve the deconstructing of the referees, the replacements or otherwise. The rush to fine Arenas and the franchise is curious considering there is precious little insight to be gleaned from the preseason. If Arenas is not in the mood to exercise his vocal cords in front of someone carrying a notepad or camera following a preseason game, the republic probably can survive it. Arenas would not be the personality that he is if he did not have a shtick, this latest one about the business of winning. He is ..."

'Nothing' has fazed Arenas so far

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October 17

Washington Times

"It hasn't been the rosiest of weeks for the Washington Wizards and guard Gilbert Arenas, who for the first time in two years is finally healthy and prepared to lead his team back into the ranks of the elite. On Tuesday, Arenas - who since training camp began Sept. 29 had shunned the media to "focus on playing rather than entertaining" - and the Wizards were fined $25,000 apiece by the NBA for the guard's refusal to speak. A night later, Arenas saw sidekick Antawn Jamison go down with a partially separated shoulder. The Wizards know their leading scorer and rebounder of the past two seasons will miss the rest of the preseason, but beyond that they are unsure. However, Arenas - one of the ..."

Arenas Plans to Shut Up and Play

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October 17

Washington Post

columnist Mike Wise

"One of the most telling stories from Gilbert Arenas's mischievous youth featured his father, the only parent who cared for him growing up. Gilbert Sr., the original Gil the Thrill, tried to compete against his son in Tecmo Bowl, a relic of a video game by today's Madden NFL 10 standards. "He didn't really know how to play," Arenas said. So of course, his son showed him all he needed to know -- to lose. After about 10 blitzes in a row, after a confounded, angry father learned his giggling son had tricked him, Gil Sr. punched little Gil in the arm. Hard. "Gil ran into the bathroom," his father said when he first told me the story three years ago. "I yelled: 'Gil, you quit, you lose! Gil, you ..."

Arenas shows his unselfish side

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October 7

Washington Times

"Welcome back, Gilbert Arenas... setup man? Possibly. Washington Wizards fans have long waited to find out what version of Gilbert Arenas they can expect to see this season. In the sampling offered up by the former three-time All-Star during Tuesday night's 101-92 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies to open the preseason, Arenas took a step toward answering those questions. Is he healthy? After three knee surgeries on his left knee in two years and a summer with famed athletic trainer Tim Grover in Chicago, the answer appears to be yes. Can he be an effective floor general running Flip Saunders' offense? Judging by early indications, yes. Arenas assisted on the Wizards' first seven baskets ..."

Arenas Takes the Court for 'the Next Chapter'

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October 7

Washington Post

"He sat in his corner locker room stall, headphones blaring the sounds of Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G., as he got himself prepared for his first preseason game in almost two years. As much as Washington Wizards fans have waited for Gilbert Arenas to return to the basketball court, the delay from the game he loves has been much more arduous and painful for Arenas. From a very brief flirtation with retirement this January, to pushing himself in the weight room for countless hours this summer with renowned trainer Tim Grover, Arenas has worked diligently to get back to play again on his surgically repaired left knee. Having already retired his Agent Zero and Hibachi personas last week, the ..."

Arenas Sits With Minor Injury

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October 2

Washington Post

"Gilbert Arenas sat on a scorers' table, flanked by JaVale McGee and Vincent Grier, with a protective sleeve hanging loose below his left knee. Arenas was a spectator for the second consecutive day on Thursday, getting his left hand examined as his Washington Wizards teammates engaged in some heated scrimmages. After the white team defeated the black team, Coach Flip Saunders sent his players to the sidelines for sprints, and Arenas appeared to be favoring his left leg as he jogged gingerly up and down the court. Given his history of knee troubles -- Arenas has had three surgeries since April 2007 -- the slightest hint of a problem is usually a cause for concern. But Saunders said that ..."

Arenas: 'I Just Want to Play'

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September 29

Washington Post

"The walls inside the Washington Wizards' practice facility have been altered, as the Bullets' 1978 championship banner and the retired jerseys of Wes Unseld, Earl Monroe, Elvin Hayes and Gus Johnson now cover the once drab edifice. But in order for the Wizards to look more aesthetically pleasing on the court -- following a miserable 19-win campaign -- the franchise will need a better return on its $111 million investment who has been absent for most of the past two seasons because of problems in his left knee. Gilbert Arenas understands his significance to the Wizards, but more important, he understands how much playing basketball means to his well-being. So, the three-time all-star ..."

Grunfeld: No conflict between Arenas, Wizards

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September 25

Washington Times

"In his annual preseason address Thursday, Washington Wizards team president Ernie Grunfeld said his relationship with Gilbert Arenas is "strong," a week after the All-Star guard criticized the team over his failed comebacks the past two seasons. In an interview with The Washington Times earlier this month, Arenas criticized the organization for mishandling his two knee rehabilitations in 2007 and another during the 2008-09 season, saying he felt team officials didn't hold him back because they were motivated by ticket sales. Grunfeld dismissed the notion of any conflict between Arenas and the rest of the team, saying, "I talked to Gilbert about the situation, and obviously you get ..."

Wizards' Saunders trusts Arenas to lead

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September 23

Washington Times

"Less than a year ago, Flip Saunders was out of work. After being fired by the Detroit Pistons, he was in training camp with the Washington Wizards as a guest invited by coach Eddie Jordan, who sought Saunders' input on how the team could improve. Saunders perceived that the Wizards, in addition to waiting for Gilbert Arenas to heal from his third knee surgery, had a distinct rift to them: established veterans separated from a cast of young, unproven players. Step 1 in his reclamation project as the team's coach has been to establish a strong relationship with Arenas, the three-time All-Star point guard charged with leading the team. It doesn't matter to Saunders that Arenas played just 15 ..."

Saunders and Arenas Get Off on the Right Foot

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September 23

Washington Post

columnist Sally Jenkins

"It was just a first impression, but Flip Saunders gave a good one, reassuring enough that the potentially explosive question of can-he-control-his-hothead- superstar may just fizzle. Gilbert Arenas is going to say outrageous things -- just try to stop him -- and is already babbling his squirrel-chasing nonsense, and training camp doesn't even open for another week. But Saunders doesn't seem to care. As long as Arenas plays as hard as he talks, he can work with that. The Washington Wizards' new coach is a suave character with a good haircut and an even tan that suggests he's not some fretful obsessive who spent his summer in a videotape closet. Saunders held his first solo news conference ..."

Arenas back to being himself

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September 18

Washington Times

"Judging from his selective trip down memory lane with Mike Jones of The Washington Times, Gilbert Arenas has returned to his old, mercurial, otherworldly self. As it turns out, he holds the organization accountable for his protracted stay on the shelf. He says he needed to be protected from himself, if not bound in the parachute he was training with two summers ago, and ordered to stop overdoing it. But he says no one in the organization had the inclination to do so, perhaps because of a need to sell tickets, and so he became a victim. That could be one version of the truth. It could be equally true that Arenas was going into the opt-out year of his contract and the organization was ..."

Arenas back on the court and looking good

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August 13

Washington Times

"Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas has maintained a low profile this summer while working out with Tim Grover in Chicago, but every report that comes from someone close to the guard sounds like a glowing review. Wizards coach Flip Saunders last week went up to Chicago to watch Arenas work out and play and recounted yet another positive report. "He's worked really hard. His strength in that left leg is off the charts. When he went down there, he could do reverse leg press -- you know, his left leg laying down -- 75 pounds. Now he's pressing 315. His left leg has improved that much. He looks good, he's getting to the basket well on the court. His quickness is back. He's getting his ..."

Arenas Says Wizards Need to Get Serious

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April 17

Washington Post

"In a small, quiet corner of the nearly empty visitors' locker room at TD Banknorth Garden, Gilbert Arenas reached into his duffel bag late Wednesday night and pulled out about a half-dozen 8-by-11 blue cards on which he had scribbled his summer workout schedule. He had spent the past two weeks ironing out each detail of the most anticipated offseason of his career, after spending the past two years worried about his surgically repaired left knee. "See," Arenas said, shuffling the cards. "I'm going to be ready." Later that evening, on the team flight back to Washington, Arenas said he talked to some teammates about the importance of sticking together next season and the need for everyone to ..."

Arenas: Wizards' playtime now over

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April 17

Washington Times

"Their dreadful, injury-riddled season complete, the Washington Wizards on Thursday cleaned out their lockers, underwent physicals and embarked on a peculiar offseason by their standards. They missed the playoffs for the first time in five years, which has caused some lingering twinges of bitterness. Sometime next week, the team is expected to announce the hiring of Flip Saunders as coach. Then, after a break for rest and recovery, the Wizards - and Gilbert Arenas in particular - said it's time to get serious. "We've just been a goofball team for a while now, and it's fun when you're winning. But when you're not winning, it kinda looks depressing," Arenas said. Forward Caron Butler said he ..."

Arenas plans in doubt

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April 1

Washington Times

"The Washington Wizards will play their final nationally televised game of the season when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers come to town Thursday. But the Wizards may have to do it without the recently returned Gilbert Arenas. When the $111 million man announced last week he would make his season debut after missing the first 73 games of the year, Arenas said he would play in all four remaining home games and possibly two road games (April 8 at Cleveland and April 15 at Boston). But even as interim coach Ed Tapscott said the team's plan was on course - with the Wizards holding Arenas out of Wednesday's game at Memphis - the star guard let on that he may be calling an audible. Peter ..."

Arenas: I Have to Test Knee Now

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March 31

Washington Post

"Gilbert Arenas understands the concerns of Washington Wizards fans who worry about him putting his surgically repaired left knee at risk by participating in meaningless late-season games for a lottery-bound team. He also hears complaints from others who believe that his comeback may negatively influence the number of ping-pong balls the Wizards collect in the NBA's draft lottery. But this is not about Arenas being self-indulgent or even careless. It's about reassurance. "I can play now or I can play at the beginning of next season and get hurt. Who knows? You're not going to know until you get out there and test it," Arenas said. "Fans are fans. They're looking out for next year. They want ..."

Arenas confident this time

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March 30

Washington Examiner

"Three knee surgeries. Two failed comebacks. What will be different this time for Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas? After playing well (15 points, 10 assists) in Washington's 98-96 loss to Detroit Saturday, in his first game this season, Arenas sounded convinced that his left knee troubles are behind him. His next test will likely come Thursday against visiting Cleveland. "The best part of this return is I actually stuck to the program in rehabbing," said Arenas. "My legs are ten times stronger than they were. And I think the pressure wasn't on as much this time around." With no reason to rush back to a team mired in last place in the Eastern Conference, Arenas spent more time than ever in the ..."

Is Zero's return worth the risk?

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March 30

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"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 ..."

Good News Despite Loss

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March 30

Washington Times

"At this point, the Washington Wizards will take good news wherever they can find it. Their highlight Sunday was that Gilbert Arenas woke up feeling no unusual pain from his return to action Saturday. The bad - and more typical news - was that they lost to the Indiana Pacers 124-115 at Conseco Fieldhouse. It was the seventh loss in the past eight games for Washington. Unlike its past three games, each of which were decided by two points, this one got away in the third quarter, when the Pacers opened a 15-point lead. After scoring 15 points in his debut Saturday against Detroit, Arenas sat out Sunday's game as planned. The team expects him to sit out Wednesday's game at Memphis and play ..."

In the end, this defeat is small victory

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March 29

Washington Times

columnist Tom Knott

"There was Gilbert Arenas chasing down a loose ball in the waning seconds on Saturday night. There he was in the left corner preparing to hoist a 3-pointer with the Wizards down two points. And there was Kwame Brown - yes, him - coming at Arenas, making contact, blocking the shot and denying the storybook finish that everyone in the building desperately wanted. Arenas missed and then Caron Butler missed, and that was the game. "I don't know what I was thinking there [after retrieving the ball]," Arenas said. "I should have called a timeout." That was the only blemish on an otherwise "terrific performance," as interim coach Ed Tapscott said. The basketball-deflated fans of the Wizards gave ..."

A spoiled storybook ending for Arenas

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March 29

Washington Times

"If the Washington Wizards had to settle for a comeback ending, they couldn't have asked for a better scenario Saturday night against the visiting Detroit Pistons. Game on the line, time running out, ball in Gilbert Arenas' hands. But unfortunately, the Wizards got everything but the happy ending. Arenas made his long-awaited return from a third knee surgery. Washington rallied from a 15-point deficit in the third quarter to take the lead. But former Wizards forward Kwame Brown blocked Arenas' potential game-winning 3-pointer, then Caron Butler missed the putback as time ran out, and Washington fell 98-96. Arenas - who last played on April 27, 2008, before his gimpy left knee forced him out ..."

Wizards Fall Just Short in Arenas's Return

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March 29

Washington Post

"With Gilbert Arenas making his debut 74 games into the season, you would expect an adjustment period and a little rust. For the Washington Wizards, the awkward moments began with pregame introductions. Caron Butler was expecting to be the second-to-last player introduced to save the spotlight for the $111-million player most responsible for the 10th sellout crowd at Verizon Center this season. But as Butler prepared to slap five with his teammates, Arenas was introduced and fans rose to their seats to applaud and cheer him through a lengthy ovation. Butler awkwardly slid back to follow Arenas. "It was introductions," Arenas said with a shrug. "It's not like the last person wins a car." ..."

Arenas Starts Fresh

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March 29

Washington Post

"Gilbert Arenas had played 17 games since his collision with Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace two seasons ago led to a torn medial collateral ligament that has resulted in three left knee surgeries. But before Arenas made his return last night, he was reflecting more on the memory of the initial injury than when he last played, on April 27 of last season. Before he stepped on the floor for the first time in nearly 11 months, Arenas contemplated wearing the same model of sneakers he wore on April 4, 2007, when Wallace crashed into his leg. Arenas wanted to treat his return as a new beginning. He had a pair of Gil Zeros by his locker, but changed his mind. "I decided this is a new ..."

Arenas Quickly Shakes Off the Rust

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March 29

Washington Post

columnist Thomas Boswell

"Even Gilbert Arenas could barely believe how quickly his game -- and the game itself -- returned to him, like the oldest friend, always dependable and loyal. After three knee surgeries, and two barren seasons in the prime of his career, what permanent damage would be left? And how long would it take for everyone to know whether the Wizards' $111 million man, with five more years on his deal, be a hero once again or, yes, a zero? The answer: just one night. Agent Zero, NBA superhero, may not be entirely back. But a thrilling player, looking a great deal like ol' Gilbert, returned to Verizon Center on Saturday night. A bit rusty in his shooting touch, but explosive, healthy and passing ..."

Arenas, Set to Return, Ends Blog

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March 29

New York Times

"In a sports world that often seems cut off from its fans, Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas has always been an exception. He is a star who acts as if he is a normal guy who happens to excel at basketball. Arenas used his blog on NBA.com to reach out to fans; with it, he has become something of a phenomenon. Set to return Saturday night from a knee injury that has sidelined him all season, he has vowed to leave blogging behind, which would leave his fans wondering what is going on in the mind of the man called Agent Zero. Among the highlights of his time as an Internet star: ¶A video of Arenas and his teammate DeShawn Stevenson competing in a contest in which Stevenson shot 100 N.B.A. 3-pointers ..."

Arenas's Remarks Bother Teammates

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March 28

Washington Post

"In addition to creating plenty of buzz over his anticipated return in tonight's game against Detroit, Gilbert Arenas stirred up some drama in his own locker room with comments he made in a column written by Mike Wise for yesterday's editions. Specifically, Arenas pointedly questioned the work ethic and professionalism of some of the team's young players, while naming rookie center JaVale McGee, second-year guards Nick Young and Javaris Crittenton, and fourth-year forward Andray Blatche. According to team insiders, Blatche was particularly upset and declined to do interviews after yesterday's practice because of it. However, it's worth recalling that other veterans on the team, including ..."

Finally, Arenas is ready to debut

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March 28

Washington Times

"Gilbert Arenas is listed as a "game-time decision" for Saturday's game against the visiting Detroit Pistons, leaving a sliver of a doubt. But all signs point to the Washington Wizards' three-time All-Star making his debut after missing the season's first 73 games following knee surgery. Arenas did only light shooting at practice Friday, but interim coach Ed Tapscott said the plan remains for the $111 million man to play Saturday - and he anticipates the guard to return as a starter. "I would certainly presume he's starting, just out of respect for his status as one of the best players in the league," Tapscott said. "And we will have a final determination on his minutes. I don't think we'll ..."

Arenas Likely to Start

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March 27

Washington Post

"Gilbert Arenas remains on schedule to make his debut Saturday night against Detroit and will likely start, according to interim coach Ed Tapscott. Officially, Arenas is called a "game-time decision" but as long as all goes well in shootaround Saturday morning, he's going. Tapscott didn't say how many minutes he'll play Arenas but did say it wouldn't be anything outlandish like in the 36 to 38 minute range. The word he used as "intelligent." -Caron Butler practiced and will be a game-time decision on that hamstring, Darius Songaila did some work and will be a game-time decision with pinched nerve in his neck. Juan Dixon is officially a game-time decision but the achilles continues to bother ..."

Will he or won't he?

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March 25

Washington Examiner

"The long, lost features of a Wizards practice were in place Tuesday - cameras, microphones, TV reporters, bloggers, a buzz. In short, all the elements Gilbert Arenas needed to be Greta Garbo. Leaving Verizon Center without a word, Arenas extended the suspense over his imminent return from October knee surgery. Ah, the elusive Agent Zero is back. The Wizards guard has been practicing on and off since the All-Star break. But when he fired off a text message to Comcast's Chris Miller on Monday, revealing his intention to come back Saturday against the Detroit Pistons, the Washington press was mobilized. Can it really be true? It's never safe to assume anything with Arenas. So don't rule out ..."

Arenas in shadow of doubt

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March 25

Washington Times

columnist Tom Knott

"Gilbert Arenas, the part-time doctor, trainer and player-coach of the Wizards, has cleared himself to play this weekend. That is the only clearance needed, although interim coach Ed Tapscott could be heard equivocating, tempering, downplaying and speaking of a "process" to follow. Peter Lockley / The Washington Times Gilbert Arenas (left) is set to return Saturday against the Pistons. Not that Arenas ever has followed a process other than what strikes his fancy at a particular moment. The news that Arenas is looking to appear in five or six of the team's last 10 games is encouraging despite its anticlimactic nature. Arenas was destined to return in December and then January before it ..."

Arenas goes full speed

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March 25

Washington Times

"The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus just left the District on Saturday night, Britney Spears' "Circus" tour arrived at Verizon Center on Tuesday, and the Washington Wizards' circus of a season rolled on. Gilbert Arenas and his thrice-surgically repaired left knee made a full return to practice after going through limited work off and on since Feb. 16. Center Brendan Haywood, out all season because of wrist surgery, resumed a full workload as well. And Caron Butler, who has missed the last six games with a strained hamstring took part in the majority of practice. "Practice had a different flavor to it for sure," Wizards coach Ed Tapscott said. Arenas, who has yet to play in a game ..."

Wizards Back Arenas's Plan for Return

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March 25

Washington Post

"After watching Gilbert Arenas go through a full practice yesterday at Verizon Center, Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott laid out the team's plan to ease the three-time all-star back into game action. Arenas, who has not played this season and appeared in only 13 regular season games last season, is expected to make his season debut Saturday night when the Wizards host the Detroit Pistons -- as long as everything goes well during shoot-arounds and practices leading up to the game. Tapscott ruled out any chance that the famously hard-to-predict Arenas will make a surprise return tonight when the Wizards (16-56) host the Charlotte Bobcats. Tapscott also said that Arenas will play only one ..."

Arenas Says He'll Play on Saturday

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March 24

Washington Post

"Gilbert Arenas said yesterday that he has tentatively scheduled Saturday night's home game against the Detroit Pistons for his long-awaited comeback. Arenas, who has yet to play this season and played only 13 regular season games last season on a left knee that has been surgically repaired three times, has waffled about whether he would play at all this season, but appeared to make up his mind yesterday while leaving a little wiggle room. "First, I have to see how I feel in practice this week," Arenas said. "Then, I have to be totally cleared with the medical staff and then, I have to talk to [interim coach Ed Tapscott] about a plan for how I'm going to play." Prior to last night's game ..."

Arenas, Haywood Unlikely to Return

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March 10

Washington Post

"With each passing day, it's becoming increasingly unlikely that Wizards fans are going to see Gilbert Arenas and/or Brendan Haywood in uniform before the regular season ends April 15 at Boston. Following Monday's game at Minnesota, the Wizards have 18 games left and there is no indication that either Arenas, who has missed the entire season because of a left knee injury that has plagued him since April 2007, or Haywood, who has been out since injuring his right wrist during the last week of training camp, is close to seeing game action. Arenas has practiced some since the all-star break concluded Feb. 17, but has not made recent road trips, including the four-gamer that concluded Monday ..."

Tapscott Explains Arenas's Rationale

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February 26

Washington Post

"Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas said he didn't want reporters and fans to know that he's been practicing at full speed since Monday in part because he didn't want to raise expectations of an imminent return. Before last night's game against Philadelphia, interim coach Ed Tapscott said he understood Arenas's hesitance. Arenas came to the arena early for a workout and left before the game began so he was not available to expand on comments he made Tuesday. "Given the circumstances, I can understand not wanting to build up expectations that can't be fulfilled," said Tapscott, who at Arenas's request had been covering for the three-time all-star by deflecting questions about practice. ..."