Why even acknowledge one of the worst names in sports when they had one of the best? Every time I even think of the Wizards, the only thing I can envision is a desperate Michael Jordan trying to prove to himself that he wasn’t done yet? Come on, any sports fan, regardless of how much you like the NBA or basketball in general, has to cringe when they see a reminder of the desecration.

Back to basketball. If the Wizards Bullets are going to be in contention this season, it rests on the shoulders (and knees) of one man. Gilbert Arenas has been putting up some impressive numbers Barry Farms, home of the  Goodman League located at Firth Sterling Avenue in Southeast Washington, D.C. Mike Jones of the Washington Times noted that Arenas attacked the basket, dunked “effortlessly” and wore no knee brace, wrap, or any protective devices. There is much optimistic buzz about Gilbert’s physical condition. Washington Wizards coach Flip Saunders said he now believes the Wizards can be an “elite team” in the Eastern conference. Saunders noted Arenas’ play and, attitude, and physicality during practices. “If he’s at that ability when our season starts, we’re going to be an elite team in this league.” During workouts in Chicago, Saunders also said “He gets to wherever he wants to get on the court,”. “His quickness is back. If you walked into the gym, you wouldn’t know he was hurt.” Arenas is thought to be ready for the season opener, but it will be interesting to keep an ear to the ground when training camps officially begin.

Prior to the draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Randy Foye and Mike Miller to the Wizards in exchange for the #5 pick, Oleksiy Pecherov, Etan Thomas and Darius Songaila. This deal is what may have given credibility to the Wizards in the Southeast Division. Not only did they get proven NBA talent in Miller and Foye, they threw away three bad contracts without taking any back. On top of that, Miller’s deal expires after this season and Foye could leave for free agency. The Wizards could look back and think they could have had Ricky Rubio or Stephon Curry, but Wiz fans should be happy with what they received. Foye or Miller could become the Wizards starting 2 guard, making the other the first man off the bench. Miller can swing between the 2 and the 3, and Foye between the 1 and the 2. The biggest loser in this trade is DeShawn Stevenson, as the minutes he usually takes at all three spots will now be split three ways, with Arenas taking all (if healthy) at the 1. Arenas health is the most interesting storyline this season, as the Wizards will likely not win their division, but could contend with Miami and Atlanta for second place.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/outlet/2009/aug/15/gil-struts-his-stuff-at-berry-farms/

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/

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