File this under "Gilbertology"

by Mike Prada on Jun 2, 2008 4:34 PM EDT in Free Agency

In a move that only signifies that procrastination exists even among the best athletes in the world, Gilbert Arenas told Ivan Carter today that he plans on waiting all the way up to the June 30 deadline to actually file the paperwork. When asked why, Arenas responded via a text message (I kid you not) that "I just want to wait."

Like Jake, I could totally envision a scenario where Gilbert forgets to file his paperwork by the deadline (a la Anthony Carter) leaving him stuck in his current contract. Wouldn't THAT be funny?

In a blog post, Ivan tries to defend Arenas' decision, saying he is in no rush because he doesn't have to opt out. My response is, if he's so dead-set on opting out, why not just hand in the paperwork right now? What's the point of waiting? Sure, he can't sign a new contract until July 1, but surely he can get a head-start in negotiations. The only reason to wait until the deadline is if Gilbert really is mulling his options, and his language doesn't make it sound like he's doing that.

Truthfully, I'm really intrigued by this behavior because Gilbert actually plans on representing himself in negotiations. Considering his lack of bargaining power, that might be the stupidest thing in the world for him to do. Like Brett Edwards wrote on Fanhouse, there's a reason agents exist, and while before it would have been an easy negotiation, now it becomes more difficult considering the knee injury and Gilbert's own comments indicating he might accept less money. The optimist in me says the Wizards will be too shrewd for him, making him sign a contract far below his market value. The pessimist in me says that Arenas will be so insulted by Ernie's initial offer that he'll sign elsewhere for far below his market value. If it's the latter, he wouldn't be the first.

Gilbertology baby. Gotta love it.

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Still Injured?

Perhaps he’s still injured.

If he thinks that he’s damaged goods, and therefore will not be able to negotiate a “fair” contract – perhaps he’d play out the last year of his contract in order to get completely healthy.

Let’s face it, if he’s still limping around come July 1, Ernie will be hesitant to sign him to a long-term deal. Waiting until June 30th makes sense – take as long as possible to make up his mind about the knee….

by Rook6980 on Jun 2, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply actions

It's in his best interest

Many things could happen in the next few weeks that could affect Gilbert’s marketability as a basketball player. He could blow out his achilles doing yardwork. He could get in a bad car accident. As I understand it, until June 30, Gilbert is covered under a contract that will play him tens of millions of dollars regardless of whether something like this happens, but if he opts out, the Wizards are under no obligation to him. And he likely won’t immediately sign a contract with the Wiz or anyone else—it could be days or weeks of negotiations.

The guarantee of the contract is a little like an insurance policy for the next 28 days, and every day before June 30 that Gilbert opts out is a day in which he’s throwing out free and very generous insurance. I think most agents and many players would tell you Gil’s making a mistake by representing himself, especially since he’s NOT going to get the maximum, but in this case of not opting out until he has to, he’s making a smart decision.

"Now, obviously individual production does not unilaterally equal better team production, but there's a high level of causation."

by Vanilla Gorilla on Jun 2, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply actions