Gilbert Arenas' Double-Edged Comeback

Filed under: Trail Blazers, Wizards

Either William James or Henry James wrote something once about how man must get spiritually sick (lost, unsure) in order to find God and "get well." I don't know if Gilbert Arenas is a true believer, but this certainly works as an analogy for what's going on with him and the Washington Wizards.

At the beginning of this season, Washington couldn't have given away Arenas to another team. He had pretty much everything imaginable working against him, from his massive contract and chronic injuries to his legal woes, unorthodox game and questionable locker room presence. Last season, there were rumors that Arenas might simply be cut by the Wizards. He was seen as beyond worthless.

Beyond worthless, though, means that Gil was, in effect, so hard to trade he might as well have not existed. No team had to seriously weigh the pros and cons of the former All-Star because no sane team would make a deal for him. Arenas' value was a moot point; the more pressing question was what exactly the Wizards would do with the eccentric millionaire they were stuck with.

But if things went their way, one day, there would come a time when Arenas was not only a commodity, but an honest-to-god liability. And here's where the Williams James (I looked it up) comes in: Arenas will always be damaged goods. However, for the Wizards to do anything with him -- Thursday's hot rumor had the Magic making inquiries -- he has to play well enough, and act normal enough, to become somewhat desirable again. When he reaches that point, then the franchise can focus on the business of trying to sell low so they can get on with their future.

 

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