For Gilbert Arenas, It's Time to Deliver

As the Washington Wizards prepare for the 2009-2010 season, excitement has begun to grow in Washington DC. In the offseason, the Wizards added Randy Foye and Mike Miller from the Minnesota Timberwolves. More importantly, the Wizards appear healthier than they have been in several seasons. This means the pressure is on for Gilbert Arenas to bring some success to DC this season. After years of injury trouble, disappointing post season losses, unusual antics, and a pricey contract, there is mounting pressure for Arenas to perform.

Arenas first came to DC in 2003, but really did not emerge as an elite all-star until the 2004-05 season. In that season the Wizards went 45-37 and made the playoffs for the first time since 1997. They went on to defeat the Chicago Bulls for their first playoff series win in 23 years. The injuries began at the end of the 2006-07 regular season when Arenas tore his ACL. The Wizards then went on to lose the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs for the second straight year. Arenas missed 68 games the next season following a torn medial meniscus in his left knee. Despite this, Areans signed a contract with the Wizards on July 13, 2008 worth $111 million over six years and then responded by playing two games in the 08-09 season.

Who was Arenas critical of for his injuries? The same team that agreed to his lucrative contract despite three knee injuries in one and a half years, and not playing at 100% since 2007. Arenas criticized the Wizards for not holding him out longer from returning to practice. While Arenas has been known for an occasional odd comment and bizarre behavior, I have to wonder how much longer he can get away with it. Since his signing in 2003, the Wizards have won one playoff series. That's it. While there is no doubt that Arenas is a superstar (when he's healthy), one playoff series is not the success the Wizards have been hoping for. I also find it odd that while the Wizards have shown great faith in him by offering such a huge contract despite being injured, he then chose to criticize the team. When will the team's patience with him run out?
There's a good chance that the clock has begun ticking this year. Optimism is very high for this Wizards' team heading into the preseason. While people may not be demanding an NBA championship this year, there's got to be some improvement. If the Wizards disappoint again this season or Arenas goes down with yet another injury, don't be surprised if the Wizards start shopping the superstar around.