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.

Why Rashard Lewis Is The NBA's Most Overpaid Player

Numbers often don't lie, but if I told you that a player who is averaging a paltry 10.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg and shooting only 38% from the field was making $19,573,711 this season alone would you believe me? What if I told you that same player still has two more seasons and $43.8 mil left on his contract? You would think I was joking, right? Well the player just described is none other than Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis, who is in the fourth year of a 6-year, $112.7 mil sign and trade deal that was negotiated back in 2007. Someone give his agent a raise.


If you have seen any Orlando Magic games this season, you'll notice that Lewis has looked every bit of lost out on the court. He has scored less than double digits in 5 out of the Magic's 11 games so far this season. His worst performance might have been when Oct. 29th against the Heat, where Lewis was 0-9 from the field and fouled out in only 25 minutes of play. The Magic lost that game by 26 points. Ask yourself, is that worth $19 mil?

So far this season Rashard Lewis has made Albert Haynesworth look like Charlie Hustle. There has been little effort and also what seems like a lack of focus. Some would argue that decline in play would be because Lewis has played more power forward this season which puts him in tougher match ups, but I don't buy it. Lewis has played a flex forward position since back in his all-star days with the Sonics so that point is moot. Lewis' production has been on the decline every year he has been in Orlando, from averaging 18.2 in 07-08, to 17.7, 14.2, and 10.5 so far this season (respectively). His shooting percentage has also been on the dropping every season which is definitely a cause for concern.

From my perspective, I think Lewis' reduced role has played the biggest factor in his decline in play and effort. Lewis is part of a deep forward rotation that includes Quentin Richardson, Mickael Pietrus, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson and sometimes Vince Carter when the Magic go to a smaller lineup. Lewis is the type of wing player who needs touches to be successful and in the current Magic system he is expected to be more of a spot up shooter, which doesn't really utilize his full potential.

So how do the Magic fix this issue? Trading Lewis is pretty much impossible with that much money and years left on his deal, unless they find a taker in a team who needs a scoring swingman and would be willing to trade large deals. A team that would fit this description: the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers could trade Baron Davis and a throw-in like Rasual Butler (who's contract is up after this season) and they also have the cap space to afford Lewis' contract. Lewis is only 31 (same age as Baron) and the swap would fill needs for both Orlando and Los Angeles as the Magic need point guard depth and the Clippers need a 3. A change of scenery might be just what both players need to jump start their careers. Tell me that doesn't work... I thought so.


Maybe I should get Orlando GM Otis Smith and Clippers GM Neil Olshey on the horn and make this happen. Fans of both teams can thank me later (no Drake).


Just a thought.
-ALR (follow me on twitter @a_ramseyLTSB)

Mickael Pietrus Argues Over Playing Time

Just saw this via @probasketballtalk... Orlando Magic G/F Mickael Pietrus was unhappy with head coach Stan Van Gundy regarding playing time and let the coach know about it.

Here are Van Gundy's comments on the incident, "“MP was unhappy about when he went into the game and he was unhappy about me telling him to play defense,” (Magic coach Stan) Van Gundy said. “He didn’t like what I was saying and I didn’t like his response, so I took him out of the game…”

Pietrus responded with this, "“I’m a very competitive guy. What I miss the most is being out there,” Pietrus said. “It’s not playing time; it’s getting back that adrenalin that I need. It’s hard for me not to have that.

”It’s why I’m so frustrated. … I respect Stan. Of course. He’s like part of my family.”


At least Pietrus took the politically correct high road with his response. If you recall, Magic guard J.J. Redick once had an issue with Van Gundy's rotation pattern and even requested to be traded, which the Magic declined to do. If this incident will be a big issue going forward is interesting as Pietrus' defense and outside shooting are vital to the team's success.

It should be noted that whatever method is behind Van Gundy's antics seems to work as the Magic have gone deep in the playoffs each of the last few seasons. Maybe his motivation tactics will play out in the Magic's favor again this season. Maybe not. We'll see...

-ALR (@a_ramsey on twitter)

NBA Season Preview: Southeast Division

I hope you didn't really think those guys hooping down in South Beach were the only contenders down in the Southeast. This division sent four teams to the playoffs last season, including the Orlando Magic (2nd seed), Atlanta Hawks (3rd seed), the pre-Lebron & Chris Bosh Miami Heat (5th seed), and the Charlotte Bobcats (7th seed). Every team seemed to come back a little stronger including the Washington Wizards, who have no. 1 overall draft pick John Wall now on the roster.

This division again may send 4 teams to the playoffs, but it may not be the same four as last season. There is tons of talent here, so if you only focus on the "Big 3" then you could be missing out on some really good basketball. Here's my forecast of the division standings, worst to first (including each teams odds to win the O'Brien Trophy)

5. Charlotte Bobcats 60 to 1

Although the Bobcats finished last season with 44 victories and the 7th seed in the East, they were swept in the first round by the Magic showing they were not yet ready to contend with the big guns. I'm not sure they can duplicate that regular season success after losing Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler in free agency. 3rd year PG D.J. Augustin had a hard time staying out of Larry Brown's dog house last season, but is now the starter. He will be pushed for minutes by Shaun Livingston (if he can stay healthy). Charlotte is still athletic on the wings with Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson but depth and lack of post play could haunt them all season. But we might be able to get a few laughs out of the travesty that is Kwame Brown (who has the distinguished title of Jordan's first draft "bust".. I wonder if MJ still thinks he's "soft", hmmm)

4. Washington Wizards 60 to 1

The Wizards may want a mulligan for last season, which saw their star player the DC Sniper aka Gilbert Arenas suspended for playing with fire(arms) in the locker room. But the season wasn't a total wash as PF Andray Blatche emerged as a nice scoring threat, young center Javale McGee came on late as a force rebounding and blocking shots and they won the draft lottery and the right to draft John Wall. Wall will make an immediate impact pushing the tempo and finding his teamates for easy baskets and looked very comfortable in the pre season. I think he and Arenas can make a dangerous back court combination (if Gilbert stays focused). The Wizards also traded for vet guard Kirk Hinrich and he should bring a leadership presence to the team. If they can keep Josh Howard focused (and away from the 'trees') and Gilbert returns to shooting the lights out (I couldn't resist) the Wizards should challenge for the playoff spot that will be vacated by Charlotte. Shoot 'em up Agent 0, er, 6!

3. Atlanta Hawks 35 to 1

With all the buzz surrounding free agency during the summer you may have forgotten that the Hawks won 53 games and were the 3rd overall seed in the East. I like to think of them as "Team Bipolar" as they can blow out a team one night then get blown out themselves the next. (Sidebar: If they added Delonte West they should consider changing their name to that; kidding). But what did the Hawks do to get better? Absolutely nothing. They failed to address their point guard issue (Mike Bibby is getting up there), but the Hawks did manage to retain star Joe Johnson. I just hope he saw the Wiz of Oz and asked him for some heart. Nonetheless Atlanta should still manage to win close to 50 games and be a top 4-5 seed in the playoffs before fizzing out in the 2nd round. Ho hum.

2. Orlando Magic 8 to 1

That "other team" in Florida, the Orlando return the same core group that made it to the Conference Finals two seasons in a row, losing to Boston in 6 last year. Reigning defensive player of the year Dwight Howard has been working out with Hakeem Olajuwon, so maybe he's learning a little touch instead of throwing the basketball at the hoop as hard as possible. The Magic retained shooter J.J Redick and added the other NBA nomad Quentin Richardson (who was traded FOUR times in 2009 before playing for the Heat last season) so they have weapons on the perimeter if teams choose to double Howard. Big key will be how Chris Duhon handles the back up point spot. Should be interesting.

1. Miami Heat 8 to 5

Pressure? The Miami Heat basically asked for it. They sacrificed their whole roster for free agency, landing LeBron James during "Decision" (we here at the Blog refer to him as #6) and also bringing in sidekick Chris Bosh to join Dwayne Wade in South Beach. Now they have to prove it. The whole roster is basically new except for Wade, Joel Anthony, Carlos Arroyo, Mario Chalmers and Udonis Haslem. They added a few shooters to spread the floor with Mike Miller (who is out until around January) and Eddie House, but there are a couple glaring issues. 1.) Depth. They have none. And 2.) who takes the big shot? Both #6 and Wade need the rock to be effective as neither is a spot up shooting threat. And Bosh, well A'mare he ain't. They may all win a title together, but I don't thing 2010-2011 is the season.

We'll see how it all play out...

-ALR