Where will Gil go?
With the 2009-2010 Washington Wizards season in a 14-30 death spiral, derailed by Gilbert Arenas' incredibly stupid practical joke of bringing firearms into the locker room, it's now time to look ahead and see where Agent Zero will be playing ball in the 2010-2011 season.
As talented as he is when he's 100% healthy, he has worn out his welcome with the Wizards; and whether it's via a buyout of the $80 million remaining on his contract or a trade with another team, he just can't be on the Wizards' roster next season.
The Big 3 has been a resounding flop in DC, and with the NBA trade deadline just three weeks away, don't be surprised if Antawn Jamison and/or Caron Butler are moved in the near future as well.
Let's look at the four most likely destinations for Agent Zero:
-New York Knicks - The Knicks would love to acquire a free agent talent like Arenas to help fill seats at Madison Square Garden and to be the focal point of Coach Mike D' Antoni's up-tempo offensive system. Gilbert wouldn't be forced to play defense, much like here in Washington, and he'd be given the green light to shoot on virtually every possession. 
Another advantage for Gil - he would be a smaller fish in a much bigger pond, playing in New York City. Agent Zero would have to compete with the likes of Eli Manning, Sanchize, Derek Jeter, A-Rod, etc., to grab headlines. In DC, Gil was a mega-star; in New York, he would be much lower on the celebrity totem pole.
-Portland Trailblazers - How about a starting backcourt of Brandon Roy and Gilbert Arenas? Gilbert Arenas would make a nice addition to an up-and-coming Western Conference power that clearly needs help at the point guard spot. An aging Andre Miller and overachiever Steve Blake currently split the point guard duties. Adding Gil to the mix in Portland would instantly add offensive punch to a team that seems to be one player away from challenging the Lakers in the Western Conference.
-Dallas Mavericks - Would there be enough shots to go around between Gil and Dirk Nowitzki? They would be able to coexist, and with Jason Kidd in the twilight of a Hall of Fame career, the Mavs need to start planning for the future. Gil's pro-gun stance wouldn't make waves in Dallas, and owner Mark Cuban seems like the kind of guy that would roll the dice and give Gil a second chance.
-Minnesota Timberwolves - If Ernie Grunfeld really wants to stick it to Gilbert, he will do whatever he can to ship him off to the Twin Cities. Wow, are the T'Wolves bad - 9-38, a motley assortment of young players, and no real discernible hope of righting the ship in the short term. Gil's matador defense would fit right in with a squad that allows a shade over 107 points per game. The Wolves' defense makes the Wizards look like the Steel Curtain from the 70's.
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Categories (click for archive)John Auville | Junkies |
"incredibly stupid practical joke of bringing firearms into the locker room..."???
I love it how some people try to play this whole thing down and act like it was no big deal.
Most normal people would be doing jail time right now, and you are letting him off the hook calling it a stupid practical joke.
Once LBJ goes to the Knicks, other FA's will be clamoring to go there. They don't need Gil. I see Gil as more of a substantially cheaper consolation prize to one of the teams that loses out on both LeBron and the inevitable Dwayne Wade/Chris Bosh combo package. Maybe a return to Phoenix and his roots at U of A would help, or another West Coast alternative. Can't see the Blazers messing with their young nucleus either, but the Warriors have always loved Gil...
Since Gil has nothing else to do this year, I head that he's going to intern at 106.7 The Fan to help the donk that can't post podcasts on time.
Who cares. Get Friday's podcast up.
Gilbert could always have his own show at 106.7 the fan, he would be at home with a bunch of donkidydonks.
Yeah...it was the gun that derailed the Wizards season?!?
Having played in 47 games over the last 3 seasons, I think its safe to say we haven't needed him that badly...