A new twist

by Mike Prada on Apr 2, 2008 12:46 AM EDT in Injuries

Y'know, Ivan, April Fools jokes are much funnier when they aren't true.

What the hell changed since last Sunday, Gil? Please don't make me assume it all had to do with the fact that the Detroit game was on ESPN. Because I'm getting dangerously close to making that assumption, which would mean I'd become everything I hate in a blogger/citizen journalist/analyst whatnot.

I'll stop now. It seems there are a lot of holes left to fill in this story, and it seems like the reason those holes weren't filled wasn't negligence, but rather a lack of time. Once the information becomes more clear, I'll pipe up again.

For now, though, I'm not a happy camper.

Update [2008-4-2 14:8:34 by Pradamaster]: Let's see if we can make sense of this.

Ivan has an update from shootaround, and maintains that Gilbert is not going to play. I'm still not sure exactly who told him that, but he has an unnamed team source quoted in some fashion.

According to a source I spoke with, Arenas is going back and forth with himself about the entire thing (no shocking news there) and because only eight games remain, he is debating whether to return at all. My gut still tells me that he will - it's going to be hard to sit out of the nationally televised game against the Celtics at the VC next Wednesday - but reading Gilbert on a given day is like trying to read the wind.

Meanwhile, as cuppettcj mentioned, the Times' Mike Jones is either totally out of the loop or very plugged in.

The Wizards did not say yesterday whether Arenas would be evaluated before tonight's game. But Arenas said this weekend that he's ready to play as soon as he's cleared. He also, however, tempered expectations about his performance when he does return, citing his lack of conditioning.

"If they do clear me, I don't know what they expect from me," Arenas said. "I'm not really in basketball shape, don't really have any rhythm to the game. So we'll see what the decision is when we get back to D.C."

Wait, what? Jones doesn't even say that Gilbert has been cleared to play. Perhaps he was scooped, or perhaps Ivan is dealing in misinformation. I'm leaning with the former.

For the record, the Wizards.com blog says Arenas is not playing tonight, though I wouldn't trust an official team media outlet with my life. Either way, it's looking like he's not going to play tonight, which means we get to opine a little bit more.

One of my favorite sports books is Sam Smith's The Jordan Rules, which details the Chicago Bulls' run to their first NBA title in 1990/91. One of the subplots is GM Jerry Krause's pursuit of Toni Kukoc. Krause's zeal was not shared by the rest of the organization. In one memorable passage, Phil Jackson, persuaded by Krause to call Kukoc, got fed up with Kukoc's mixed messages and told Kukoc the following: "Listen kid. Either shit or get off the pot."

That line describes my feelings toward Arenas right now. I'm really not so concerned about whether he comes back or not, because I don't see him making a major difference this late in the season. My guess is that he increases our chances of advancing in the playoffs from about 20 percent to 25 percent (and that's being really generous). I would ideally love for him to come back and play, but if he doesn't, I don't think it'll make a big difference this year, provided everyone else is healthy.

Obviously, not having Arenas in the lineup changes how the front office approaches his contract in the offseason, but at this point, I'm inclined to cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now, the rest of the players, who have been doing an unbelievable job at managing the distraction, are involved in a tight playoff race, and need to focus to get the best playoff seed possible. If Gilbert is a part of that, great, but they need to know what his final decision is. Play or no play, it's time for Gilbert to stop hedging with his intentions.

Listen Gilbert. Either shit, or get off the pot.

Other takes:

DC Pro Sports Report with a nice read.
My Swog would keep him out for a little bit longer.
Les Bullez apparently hasn't read Ivan Carter's reports.

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Comments

Confused!

Seriously, what's the deal?!

This is an important last stretch - I DO NOT want to play the Celts or the Pistons in the first round!

by se7en on Apr 2, 2008 4:22 AM EDT reply actions

Ridiculous -

I don't understand what is going on. I'm getting very annoyed. I hope he plays on Friday against Miami - that would be a good game for him to come back for since we should be able to win that one and he can maybe find his legs.

by ooba on Apr 2, 2008 6:01 AM EDT reply actions

I Woudn't Be Surprised If This is a Setup

Knowing Gilbert, I wouldn't be surprised if he told this "team source" this information so that it could land in the papers, and then made an unexpected entrance in the game tonight.

Not saying that's definitely the case, but it strikes me as something Gil would do. Plus, it would be a good way for Ivan to make good on his promise: "The gods of journalism karma will visit you soon."

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Apr 2, 2008 8:28 AM EDT reply actions

I started thinking the same thing after I calmed

down. Gil loves the attention and spotlight and also saying one thing and changing his mind. So what's better than a 'surprise' for the fans in DC when they least expect it. The crowd will be adoring and all the news outlets will all report it.

by ooba on Apr 2, 2008 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions

The ultimate pessimist in me

Since he was cleared on Saturday, that means he probably knew that he'd been cleared when he announced that he'd take a pay cut to keep Jamison. If that's the case, then it would seem to me that his offer to take a pay cut might have been a concession to the team if he doesn't return.

Maybe I'm just being too pessimistic about this, which is never a good thing, but I'm not liking the looks of this.

Bullets Forever: Where discussion on personnel decisions turn into arguments about Lindsay Lohan.

by Jake Whitacre on Apr 2, 2008 9:48 AM EDT reply actions

I've got an extra ticket for tonight's game

If anyone is in the DC area and doesn't mind the nosebleed seats, I've got a free ticket. I won a pair in the Be a Wizard for a Day contest - 3rd place.

by thebigc1982 on Apr 2, 2008 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

Ticket to tonight's game.

I'd definitely be down for seeing this. Is the ticket still available?

by Craig @ Bullets Forever on Apr 2, 2008 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions

ticket is still available

Email me at thebigc_1982@yahoo.com

by thebigc1982 on Apr 2, 2008 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Sent.

Sent over an e-mail. Looking forward to talking with you!

by Craig @ Bullets Forever on Apr 2, 2008 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't mean to pimp anything

but I think Prada's view is pretty common right now so I thought I'd comment on it. I've linked to this post and offered my views. Plus, a gratuitous "Hoosiers" video clip for the hopeless romantics among you.

To sum up my view: Bullets fans: This is your team. Try to enjoy it.

www.dcprosportsreport.com

by Spence on Apr 2, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions

Same thoughts

I too don't understand why Gilbert wouldn't be playing tonight after all of the drama of last Sunday. Since I'm attending tonight's game, I'm holding out hope that Gil will decide to play. After all, what better time to come back than for winnable home games against Milwaukee and Miami.
Gotta say, I admire AD. He says he's playing dammit, and I think he means it.

by hotplate on Apr 2, 2008 10:33 AM EDT reply actions

More information will be avail after shootaround -

An e-mail I just received-

Gilbert Arenas Cleared to Play

WashingtonWizards.com has learned Gilbert Arenas has been cleared to play by Wizards' team physician, Dr. Marc Connell. Arenas has missed the last 66 games following knee surgery on November 21st to repair a partial tear of his left medial meniscus.

The news comes almost one full year since Arenas originally injured his left knee on April 4, 2007. It was on that date where Arenas, a 3-time NBA All-Star, tore his left lateral meniscus when Gerald Wallace of the Charlotte Bobcats fell on his leg. Prior to the injury last season, Arenas had established himself as one of the premiere players in the NBA, averaging over 25 points per game in each of the last three seasons.

Despite being cleared to play, it is unknown if Arenas will make his return to the court tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks, and he is currently listed as a game-time-decision. However, Arenas' possible return is still encouraging news for a Wizards team that has dealt with the injury bug throughout the season. Over the entire course of the year, the Wizards have seen several players miss extensive time including Etan Thomas, Caron Butler, Antonio Daniels and Oleksiy Pecherov.

WashingtonWizards.com will have more information following the Washington Wizards shootaround, which begins at 10:00a.m.

by ooba on Apr 2, 2008 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

Wizards Insider Chat at 2 today

So says Ivan.

I'm sure a lot of you probably have some questions about Gilbert, and that would probably be a good chance to get some of them answered.

For the love of all that's good in the world, please refrain from asking about any updates on Pecherov's trial. I don't need any more karmic journalism god vengeance.

Bullets Forever: Where discussion on personnel decisions turn into arguments about Lindsay Lohan.

by Jake Whitacre on Apr 2, 2008 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

Karma

Karma dictates that if you fooled Ivan, he would later fool you. Even though the dateline on the article is April 2nd, I believe he originally posted it online on April 1st (check out the time of Prada's original response to it).

I'm not saying it is a complete fabrication, otherwise Ivan wouldn't have submitted it to be printed in the paper. But if he receives word from an anonymous "team source" that Gilbert won't play, who is he to ask questions on April 1st? In fact, the only detail he gives for this explosive news is an excerpt from an interview Gil gave a week and a half ago.

This could be Gil's way of surprising everybody and making a glorious comeback in what is likely to be a rout of the Bucks. This could also be Ivan's way of passing along dubious news from Gilbert so that he can pay this blog back for fooling him on April Fools Day. Or I could be completely wrong.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Apr 2, 2008 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

If that was really the case

Then it would officially signal BF's arrival in the national media landscape.

I love this place, but I doubt that's happened yet.

Predicting how this squad is going to perform is like trying to solve trig problems with pen and paper. -sierradave.

by Mike Prada on Apr 2, 2008 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I doubt it too -

mainly because wizards.com posted that they don't know when Gilbert is going to play. I don't think they would be posting that to all the unsuspecting fans. If it is April Fools, I don't find this funny at all given how frustrated it has made me. Pecherov soliciting prostitutes - funny, Gilbert not playing when we need him - not so funny.

by ooba on Apr 2, 2008 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions

If I'm Right

mainly because wizards.com posted that they don't know when Gilbert is going to play.

If I'm right, then this is the exact news that Gilbert will be telling everybody, including Wizards dot com. And then out comes Gilbert in his boxing robe during the game announcements and the crowd goes nuts!

Again, I could be completely wrong, but I'm strangly optimistic about this.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Apr 2, 2008 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Can you blame the guy?

Last time they cleared him to play he got in 8 games before another knee op. They've been so back and forth on his recovery this time that were I in his position, I'd doubt the training staff as well. I'd be especially wary if my clearance came via some dodgy clearance came over the telephone from a team doctor thousands of miles away without another examination.

by five by five on Apr 2, 2008 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

I'd bet

That Ernie Grunfeld has paid attention to the mess that the team's medical staff has been this year. I don't expect wholesale changes, but I don't expect the status quo either.

by bronco6778 on Apr 2, 2008 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Frustrating

I keep wondering the status of Gil and I had no idea about the Pistons incident. Seems strange and yes, this team needs him desperately for the stretch run and playoff push.

Against the Lakers in OT, the Wiz were running isolation plays for a rookie and he was taking fade aways.

This team desperately needs Gils play making ability in the last minutes.

Question? What if Gil does not opt out of his contract? how much is he scheduled to make and terms of his contact? Can he still be a free agent after next season if he does not opt out?

It would appear strange to opt out of his contract to become a free agent after 2 surgeries in a year.

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

by Mac G on Apr 2, 2008 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

Questions -

he would make $12,800,000 according to Hoopshype.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/washington.htm.

I have no idea of the terms. After next season he becomes an unrestricted free agent if he doesn't opt out.

http://www.realgm.com/src_freeagents/2009/

by ooba on Apr 2, 2008 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Wiz Insider

Has an update. If you want me to save you the depressing read: Gil not at shootaround, prospects for tonight nil.

"My swag [is] phenomenal."

by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 2, 2008 12:56 PM EDT reply actions

April Fools!

It's all part of Gil's master plan to appear tonight. His first game to return would definitely be a home game. He wanted to play last week. He is cleared to play. Gil NOT PLAYING doesn't add up, and it isn't supposed to.

I am 65% certain he will play tonight - the guy is a jokester. This story was picked up by all the blogs and reputable sports stories. It's out there, and Gil will show up tonight.

by se7en on Apr 2, 2008 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions

You and Me Both...

... but we're the only ones.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Apr 2, 2008 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I would LOVE for you to be right

But I don't want to get my hopes up for his return anymore. I think he WILL return this year, but I have to agree with Prada...make a damn decision Gil. We can't take it anymore.

"My swag [is] phenomenal."

by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 2, 2008 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Something Fishy is Going On

This is what Mike Jones wrote in the Times today:

Arenas hoped to play in the team's last home game, a March 23 victory over the Detroit Pistons, but the medical staff told the three-time All-Star they wanted him to wait another week, then undergo a re-evaluation.

According to Ivan, Gil was cleared to play on Saturday. Even if Mike got scooped on this story, wouldn't he have found out about this before writing his column for today? Mike reports that Gilbert said "this weekend" that he's ready to play as soon as he is cleared. Why would he change his mind after learning the news he was cleared, also this weekend?

Is anybody other than Ivan reporting that Gilbert is cleared but won't play?

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Apr 2, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

"Anonymous Team Source"

Everyone who IS reporting this, is using Ivan Carter as their source. Ivan said he got it from an anonymous team source -

It's all part of Gil's master plan... The biggest jokester of the NBA is NOT going to let April Fools pass - He can't.

I'm excited to see Gil play tonight! Even if it's 15 minutes - Set your TiVos!

by se7en on Apr 2, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Alright

You convinced me. Reluctantly.

"My swag [is] phenomenal."

by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 2, 2008 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm taping the game -

Just in case he makes an appearance. In Ivan's chat today - he mentioned his reliable team source but he also said he is very confused and doesn't really have an idea of whether or not Gilbert will play because its Gilbert and he changes his mind constantly. Seems nobody really knows and we'll just have to watch tonight's game.

by ooba on Apr 2, 2008 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually

The only other news sources other than Ivan that are reporting that Gilbert was cleared to play are not saying that he was cleared to play on Saturday or that he won't play tonight.

Isn't it odd that this "team source" (I added the word anonymous) broke this news to Ivan on April 1st? Apparently, Gil knew about this decision on Saturday, three days before Ivan got his information on April Fools Day. So Gil has been sitting on this information for three days, and then suddenly this "team source" lets Ivan (and only Ivan) know about it on April Fools Day. Why would this "team source" wait until April Fools Day to break this news? Also, why haven't the other news sources picked up on Ivan's story and reported that Gil won't play tonight? Every other news source is claiming that Gil is a "game-time" decision. Game-time decisions are different than a flat "won't play."

I smell a rouse. I will have my TiVo set to record and can't wait to see what happens tonight.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Apr 2, 2008 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Geez

What other player would we ASSUME is playing a prank on everyone who is in charge of disseminating information?

Gilbertology, baby.

Predicting how this squad is going to perform is like trying to solve trig problems with pen and paper. -sierradave.

by Mike Prada on Apr 2, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Ivan's Warning

-Oh, and to the fellas at www.bulletsforever.com, you almost had me. Nice one. Way to mess with a paranoid beat writer. The gods of journalism karma will visit you soon.

How soon would that be, Ivan?

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Apr 2, 2008 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions