Our long, local nightmare is nearing its end

by Jake Whitacre on Mar 3, 2008 10:23 PM EST

Somewhere, Charlie Bell is wetting his pants:

The Washington Wizards announced that 3-time All-Star, Gilbert Arenas, has been cleared to return to practice.

While Arenas has been cleared by team doctors, the team has stated that they will continue to monitor his progress and there is no set date for his return. Although there has been no timetable set, Arenas stated that he will begin practicing with the team tomorrow.

"Right now I just need to get back on the floor. I will go through these practices and try to get a rhythm again. They cleared me to go out there and go full speed and I'm just going to try to take it slow."

Wizards Insider has more coverage of the news that's worth a read as always.

Obviously, this news doesn't mean he's going to be back tomorrow or anything, but it's a huuuuge step in the right direction. Considering that it's been 11 months since a healthy Agent Zero has taken the court, you may have forgotten what he brings to the team. Here's a little refresher (you've been warned):

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Comments

Jeez Jake

So much for not getting too excited too soon. That video should come with a warning.

by bronco6778 on Mar 3, 2008 10:35 PM EST reply actions

Hey now

Blogging is nothing if we can't get excited prematurely, spend house money, play with photoshop, jump to ridiculous conclusions, make stupid jokes, and occasionally offer rational, unbiased opinions.

Bullets Forever: Your place for the very latest in Wizards news and PhD-level analysis.

by Jake Whitacre on Mar 3, 2008 11:24 PM EST up reply actions

Excellent video -

I'm sold. I am now prematurely very excited for Gilbert's return. I cannot wait until he plays again. I also realized watching the video that for as many games as I go to I don't think I've ever been at a game when Gilbert has hit one of his last second shots to win a game. I seem to go to games where the opponent is the one who hits the back breaking shot - aka Steve Francis last year.

by ooba on Mar 4, 2008 9:33 AM EST up reply actions

yes!

I can't wait for Gil to be back. We are going to be incredibly dangerous during the playoffs if we're completely healthy. Everyone will know their roles and we've been able to see how certain players step up when they're needed.

I am a bit too excited at the moment.

by Craig @ Bullets Forever on Mar 4, 2008 9:48 AM EST up reply actions

Hope you're happy with yourself, Jake

I just hyperventilated until I passed out -- then I hit my head on my desk and will need stitches.

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

by Vanilla Gorilla on Mar 4, 2008 11:24 AM EST reply actions

I heart Agent Zero

Thanks Jake I needed that after my man Favre hung it up this morning.

What? They don't have TV in the D-League? Don't watch me, watch TV.

by Mac G on Mar 4, 2008 11:43 AM EST reply actions

Sad faces.

The Favre retirement today took all the wind out of me. What a sad day for football.

I think I'll need to rewatch the Gil video now.

by Craig @ Bullets Forever on Mar 4, 2008 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

That "warning" ,,,

wasn't nearly serious enough. I just got a serious adrenaline rush and now my heart feels like it's gonna explode.

I've been known to be right.

by Icantfeelmyface on Mar 4, 2008 3:04 PM EST reply actions

Kevin Martin vs. Arenas

Martin apparently can't get any playing time in Sacramento. Here's the question, should the Wiz pay Gilbert more than Martin's getting? Martin has a 5/55 contract, Gilbert is probably looking for a 5/75 at least, or he was before his injury. Considering that Martin is probably a better defender (not hard to do) and according to Jason Chandler is a better player (22 vs 19 Win Score), does it make sense to pay through the nose for Gilbert? I'd say Wiz should pay up to $12 million/year, no more.

by billyjoe on Mar 4, 2008 4:54 PM EST reply actions