The Return of the Crazy One

Gilbert Arenas is back on a playoff contender, and I couldn't be happier for him.

It was almost a year ago to the day that Arenas was involved in the infamous locker room incident with Javaris Crittenton and a couple of guns. After his season-long suspension was made official last January 7, many were right to speculate that not only his season, but the 3-time all-star's career might be over. Arenas had missed most 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons due to an assortment of knee injuries, and this gun incident contrasted with his recently signed contract (six years, $111 million) made him persona non-grata with the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards finished 26-56 in 2009-10, selected point guard John Wall with the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, and set their sights on ridding themselves of the former "Agent Zero". Arenas meanwhile shut down his Twitter account (after unsuccessfully trying to bring levity to the gun incident), pretended to shoot his teammates during a pregame huddle, lost half a season's worth of paychecks, changed his number thrice over (from "0", to "6", and then to "9"), faked an injury to give preseason playing time to friend/teammate Nick Young, and watched as the NBA world wrote him off as either crazy, washed up, or both.

Ironically, Arenas' terrible contract may just have been his career's saving grace.

Arenas was traded yesterday to the Orlando Magic, for forward Rashard Lewis, arguably the only player in the NBA with a worse contract (six years, $118 million). The deal was the second of two trades made that day by Orlando GM Otis Smith, ultimately landing Arenas, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, and Earl Clark. Arenas, who was leading the last place Wizards in scoring (17.3 ppg), now finds himself 3 1/2 games out of first in the same Southeast Division.

Not only is he on a team with playoff aspirations, but Arenas is reunited with Smith (who was player developmental director with the Golden State Warriors in 2001 when they drafted Arenas) and Richardson (best friend of Arenas from those same Warriors days). Smith is best prepared of any GM in the NBA to handle Arenas' unique personality.

And that leads to my favorite part of the trade; a return to Arenas' quirkiness that has been on hiatus since his suspension. Before everyone got on their high horse about his bringing of guns to the locker room, he was by far the NBA's favorite resident goofball (he even blogged for the NBA's official website). Smith has shared the story of how when the Warriors drafted Arenas, he had to talk him out of buying piranhas. That's far from the craziest stories associated with Arenas. His "Gilbertology" is stuff of legend:

• He's admitted to taking a "Number 2" in teammate Andray Blatche's shoes.
• He yells, "Hibachi" after taking a shot.
• He has a $100 million contract, yet drives a 1997 Chrysler Sebring daily.
• On faking the injury: "I told Nick Young I'd sacrifice playing tonight so he can get some time in, because I know he's kind of frustrated he's not getting a chance to crack the three position."
• He played online poker during halftime of games.
• He reportedly showered in full uniform and shoes at halftime of a game against the San Antonio Spurs. He scored 24 points in the second half.

My hope is that we'll see a return to these sorts of stories, and more. Arenas is still young enough (28) to have some of his best play ahead of him. Even though Stan Van Gundy has promised Jameer Nelson the starting point guard spot (making Arenas the NBA's highest paid sixth man), Arenas will have on-court minutes with Dwight Howard; the first time in his career he will have ever played with an all-star big man.

Howard, who is also known for being an on-court comedian, may remind Arenas what playing in the NBA was like before things got all serious.

If so, the redemption stories should start up around March/April. If the Magic make it to the semis, or even the Eastern Conference Finals, it will have to do with in large part whatever contribution Arenas has yet to make. Many have made the comparisons to Michael Vick's NFL resurgence, but I liken this more to Ron Artest's NBA version. An eccentric personality engages in some horrific behavior, takes mandated time off, hooks up with a winning team, plays well, and reminds the general public why they liked him in the first place.

A familiar story, but a welcome one.

Los Put Up Or Los STFU

Last week, via Twitter, Anthony Ramsey (@A_Ramsey) and I (@marcusjnorris) got into a debate over the Philadelphia Eagle starting QB situation. My position was Michael Vick should be the starter because he gives them the best chance to win. His argument was that Kevin Kolb is the future of the franchise, and shouldn't lose his job to injury after only one half of one game.

We both were right. Just ask us.

It was announced yesterday by head coach Andy Reid that Vick would remain the starter, but that was only hours after Reid said Kolb was the man. Amid the confusion, I was inspired to create a list of this weeks four "Los That Put Up, or STFU" sports storylines. These are the three stories where there is a lot of scuttlebutt about a particular situation, but there needs to be no more talking, just action.

(It could become a running theme, or my ADHD could kick in, and it will pass like bad gas. Either way...yeah...)

1.) Mike Vick is an NFL Starter Again, Now What?

We know (hope) he isn't fighting dogs anymore. We know (hope) he is studying and preparing better than he ever has in his career. But we also know (know) that he's still stuck behind a shaky line, and he leads the league in being sacked. Reid says that he's "Playing out of his mind" right now, but really, he's playing the same way he did when he was at an all-pro level with the Atlanta Falcons. Back then, he had great running games, good passing games, and the occasional 40 percent completion game. He's still a running QB, but he's shown that he's thinking at least a split second longer before deciding to run, and Reid is probably having visions of some Steve Young-in-his-prime type of performances.

Vick has always been a rallying source for every team he's ever played on, and the guys in the locker room seem to be his biggest fans (save Kolb). Ultimately, this is Vick's time to show and prove. He must win games, and he must win them now.

2.) Shed Not One Single Tear for Singletary

The San Francisco 49ers came into this season expecting to make the playoffs. They also apparently thought that once their opponents found out what they expected of themselves, that they'd just lie down, and let them reach their destiny. That's the only rationale I can use to explain their first 5 quarters of the 2010 season.

Now I admit, I'm a fan, so my views are skewed. I also know that head coach Mike Singletary is given the credit for his leadership ability, his motivation tactics, and his requirement that everyone hold himself accountable. Well, Mike, after watching the 49ers begin the season on such a flat note (against a division opponent, no less), and then the in-fighting about the play-calling, its best you carry the weight.

You lost to Pete Carroll, and his college-like enthusiasm. You decided to hire Old Man River (Jimmy Raye) to run your offense. You decided that Alex Smith was your best option at quarterback, when you could've pursued Donovan McNabb, Vick, or even kept Nate Davis. Your team almost completed an epic comeback against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, but bonehead/untimely turnovers ultimately did you in, and now your team is 0-2, and a statistical longshot to make the playoffs. Bible quotes won't get you out of this one. Put up, or STFU.

3.) Carmelo Will Definitely, Maybe be Traded to Somebody or Nobody

I haven't heard the man himself, Carmelo Anthony, come out publicly and demand to be traded. But every two weeks or so, an un-named source speaks to reporters about a possible trade either being in the works, or totally out of the question. This is really infringing on my ability to focus entirely on the NFL start/MLB playoffs during the month of September, when the NBA should be in the further back recesses of my mind.

But Anthony is a top ten-to-fifteen NBA talent, and him switching addresses will have a definite impact on the landscape of the league. If he goes to New Jersey, as is rumored, then four- fifths of the NBA Futures (Lebron, D-Wade, Melo, Dwight Howard, and Kevin Durant) stock will reside in the Eastern Conference. If he moves to Los Angeles (Clippers), as is rumored, then he will be the first legit superstar NBA player to play for the Clippers while still in his prime. No, Elton Brand doesn't count.

Of course he could also just sign his max extension, stay in Denver, and the entire conversation is moot.

Either way, put up, or STFU so I can get my focus back to its proper place. Ya'll already got me for 82 games, plus playoffs, and an occaisional "Decision". I promise to DVR LaLa's new show if you wrap this situation up within the week.

Dwight Howard Suing Baby Mama for Ridiculous Amount

This story has been floating around the net today (I saw it over at tmz.com). Dwight Howard is attempting to sue mother of his child Royce Reed (seen on the "Basketball Wives" reality TV show) for, get this, $500,500,000. That's over $500 MILLION DOLLARS! Looks like the dispute is over leaked information to the media about their relationship together.

Of course Reed's people are claiming that the leaked info isn't covered in their agreement. What did anyone expect her to say? Can you imagine trying to collect that much money from someone over leaked stories? Howard hasn't even accumulated that much money in NBA contracts and endorsements. How does he expect her to come up with that type of dough!?

Good luck with that one, D. Howard!

-ALR

Los Overrated Debate

Charlie Rosen, NBA writer, put out an interesting view of the overrated superstars of the NBA. The list includes Dwight Howard, Joe Johnson, and Chris Paul, as well as others. There is a player on there everyone is seeing the light on, but I refuse to say the name because I'm starting to feel like Game when he says Dre's name on every song he puts out. Anyway, check the story and post your thoughts...

- @lostherod