News: Yahoo! Sports reports that free-agent guard Gilbert Arenas is expected to sign a one-year deal to play for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China.
Analysis: Arenas averaged just 4.2 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists for Orlando last season but will be now taking his talents over seas. He can be ignored in all formats at this time.
News: With the Grizzlies struggling in the third quarter against the lowly Bobcats on Friday, the team turned to injured guard Gilbert Arenas to see if he could provide a spark, just one day after he was diagnosed with a torn ligament on one of the fingers of his shooting hand. Arenas did not provide the boost the team was looking for, however, and he was replaced after the end of the third quarter, finishing with no statistics accrued in a little over one minute, in an 85-80 Grizzlies victory.
Analysis: Arenas does not seem to be comfortable with the injury right now, however this is a good sign that the injury is not that big of an issue for him. He will continue to play limited minutes, however Fantasy owners should not expect him to be a contributor through the end of the season.
News: The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported on Thursday that Grizzlies guard Gilbert Arenas was spotted with a splint on one of the fingers on his shooting hand on Wednesday, an injury which makes it difficult for him to dribble and shoot. Arenas said he is day to day with the injury, but will be ready for the playoffs.
Analysis: The fact that he was only willing to commit for the playoffs makes it seem as if the veteran might be missing some more time at the end of the season with this injury. He is averaging just 11.0 minutes per game over the last five, and has no Fantasy value at this time.
News: Grizzlies guard Gilbert Arenas played 20 minutes on Monday against the Thunder, however judging by his box score, he may as well not have been on the floor, as he finished with no points on 0 of 2 shooting and just a single assist. The Grizzlies still managed to defeat Oklahoma City, 94-88, however with the exception of two steals, Arenas was nearly invisible in Mike Conleys absence.
Analysis: Arenas is now shooting just 22.2 percent from the field in his four games this season, and he is pretty clearly not in game shape. When Conley is active, Arenas barely sees the floor, so Arenas should not be owned in any Fantasy formats at this time.
News: The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports on Monday that newly-acquired guard Gilbert Arenas took a DNP-CD on Sunday against the Lakers for the Grizzlies. Arenas has appeared in just two of five games for Memphis since joining the roster.
Analysis: Arenas clearly doesn't yet have a place in the rotation for Memphis as he attempts to get involved and learn the offense. He could gain a role going forward, but his Fantasy value is extremely limited for the moment.
News: Recently-signed Grizzlies guard Gilbert Arenas made his debut on Thursday, and he predictably struggled, hitting just 1 of 4 shots from the field for two points against the Trail Blazers. Arenas did have three assists in his limited playing time while also snatching two steals. The Grizzlies lost to the Blazers, 97-93, as they got just 19 points total from their bench.
Analysis: Arenas should provide an upgrade over the Grizzlies other options at the backup point guard spot, and neither of the other options even saw the court on Thursday. It appears the Grizzlies are going to ride with him as the primary backup from here on out. However, the starter, Mike Conley, averages 36.5 minutes per night, so it is unlikely Arenas will see more than a dozen minutes per game on average. As a result, it seems very unlikely that Arenas will be an interesting Fantasy option at any point this season.
News: The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that the Grizzlies and Gilbert Arenas have made it official, and he will join the team for the rest of this season. General manager Chris Wallace confirmed the deal Tuesday. Arenas, who was in Memphis the past two days, passed a physical and signed a one-year contract for the veterans minimum. Memphis will pay him a prorated salary worth about $300,000. The 10-year veteran is expected to join the Grizzlies on Wednesday in Portland.
Analysis: Arenas, 30, was signed to give the Griz experience and more long-distance shooting in the backcourt as a reserve. He has been unemployed since finishing last season with the Magic, who used the leagues one-time amnesty provision to waive Arenas and the remaining $62 million on his contract. His playing time will likely be minimal so his Fantasy value is also limited. Keep an eye on his production, but don't plan on using him in the majority of leagues.
News: Free agent guard Gilbert Arenas is expected to sign with the Girzzlies, according to the team's official website. Arenas worked out for Memphis on Monday morning and was expected to take a physical at some point later in the day. Arenas averaged a career-worst 10.8 points a game and shot 36.6-percent in 2010-11 while playing for the Magic and Wizards.
Analysis: It sounds like Arenas will be joining the Grizzlies at some point this week, barring anything unexpected popping up. The three-time All-Star has averaged 21.2 points and 5.4 assists over his 10 NBA seasons, although he has been plagued by knee issues over the last few years. He will likely be asked to backup Mike Conley at point guard, but it remains to be seen how many minutes he will get. Fantasy owners should keep tabs on how he fares with Memphis. However, it is doubtful will do enough to make an impact at this late stage of the season.
News:The Commercial Appeal reports multiple NBA sources report that the Grizzlies are exploring the possibility of adding free agent guard Gilbert Arenas. Despite mutual interest, however, no deal would be completed until Memphis has an opportunity to watch Arenas in a private workout. A source with knowledge of the negotiations said both parties are scheduling a meeting.
Analysis: Memphis is in the thick of the playoff race and are looking for point guard depth behind Mike Conley. Even if he signs with Memphis, Arenas will likely receive backup minutes and won't be the impact player he was during his prime. Track Arenas' progress, but he would merely be a low-end Fantasy flier if he signs with Memphis.
News: Lakers G Kobe Bryant said Monday he would support the possible addition of veteran G Gilbert Arenas to the team. "It surely wouldn't hurt," Bryant told the Los Angeles Times. However, despite Bryant's support, the Lakers are reportedly not expected to have serious interest in signing the three-time NBA All-Star. Arenas recently held a workout for prospective NBA teams, including the Lakers, last Wednesday.
Analysis: Arenas played with Orlando last year before the Magic waived him via the amnesty clause during the offseason. For his career, Arenas has averaged 21.2 points and 5.4 assists per game with Golden State, Washington and Orlando. He should remain on waivers in all Fantasy formats.
News: Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak has expressed interest in viewing an upcoming workout scheduled by Gilbert Arenas in Los Angeles, two people with knowledge of the situation told CBSSports.com Wednesday. That said, the Lakers remain non-committal about whether or not they will pursue the three-time All-Star guard. "The Lakers are going to take a look at him," one of the people familiar with the matter said.
Analysis: The 30-year-old Arenas was waived by the Magic via the amnesty clause after he averaged 8.0 PPG over 49 contests for Orlando last year. It appears Arenas is desperately seeking a job with any NBA team, however, it's unclear if any teams will show up for the workout. The Lakers expressed an interest in the free-agent guard, but have gone hot and cold on him a few times already. Fantasy owners should continue to leave Arenas untouched.
News: Veteran G Gilbert Arenas will hold an open workout for prospective teams later this week, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. Arenas, 30, played with Orlando last season before the Magic utilized the league's amnesty clause on his during the offseason.
Analysis: It appears Arenas is desperately seeking a job with any NBA team, however, it's unclear if any teams will show up for the workout. The Lakers expressed an interest in the free-agent guard last month, but has since cooled. Fantasy owners should continue to leave Arenas untouched.
News: Lakers coach Mike Brown said the team has inquired about former Orlando G Gilbert Arenas, a free agent. "We've called to see what his status is. That's it," he said. Brown said there's no plans to bring Arenas in for a workout. "I have not talked to him, I have not watched any tape on him. It's really just conversation," he said.
Analysis: At the height of his game, Arenas used to be a must-own Fantasy option. But those days seems light years ago as he can't even get an NBA job now. Even if he were to sign with the Lakers, he probably would come off the bench and be a secondary scoring option. Leave Arenas on waivers until further notice.
News: The latest news from the Los Angeles Times says the Lakers are shying away from signing guard Gilbert Arenas. Arenas, a free agent, was linked to the Lakers. That said, Los Angeles is "leaning toward not signing [Gilbert Arenas]."
Analysis: We knew we didn't really believe Arenas was going to end up in L.A. Of course, he still might. You just never know. Until Arenas proves himself on the court, his Fantasy value is going to remain on the low-end side.
News: The Lakers are reportedly interested in possibly signing free agent guard Gilbert Arenas, reports Hoopsworld.com late Friday.
Analysis: We are not sure how much teeth there is to this rumor about Arenas going to L.A. Arenas could be a decent alongside Kobe Bryant, but this is not a definite deal. Until Arenas proves himself on the court, his Fantasy value is going to remain on the low-end side.
News: Orlando became the first team to take advantage of the new amnesty clause featured in the collective bargaining agreement, waiving G Gilbert Arenas. The team announced the deal as training camps opened on Friday. The Magic will still have to pay Arenas' salary, but they are able to take the $62.4 million Arenas will be owed for the next three years off of their salary cap.
Analysis: The move frees up salary for the Magic, but likely won't have much of an impact in Fantasy terms. Arenas has been a dreadful player since injuring his knee in 2007-08, and wasn't expected to have much of a Fantasy impact in 2011-12. Owners will always be tantalized by the skill Arenas showed in his prime, but unless he lands in a perfect situation where he can dominate the ball and shoot as much as he wants (and he magically finds his old athleticism,) he is not worth looking at in Fantasy leagues on Draft Day. Better to let him prove he's worth a roster spot once the season starts than wasting even a low draft pick on him.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports the Magic likely wont bring back Jason Richardson, a would-be free agent, or spend more money for a two-guard than theyre paying back-up J.J. Redick ($6 million). Richardsons exit would leave Redick as the leading candidate to supposedly inherit the role as the starting two-guard. Or the Magic can go with Gilbert Arenas in that role. The Magic don't have to use Arenas in that role since they already have a back-up point guard behind Jameer Nelson in Chris Duhon. Duhon struggled mightily last season, but the Magic need to get him back on course to free up Arenas and spell Nelson.
Analysis: Arenas was acquired in a trade back on Dec. 18 but struggled with his role and the scheme Orlando ran this season. He averaged just 8.0 points and 3.2 assists in the 49 games he appeared with the Magic this season. As a starter next to Nelson, Arenas would see his Fantasy value increase, but he has to prove himself first. Fantasy owners should plan on drafting Arenas with a late-round pick in 2011-12.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas needs to improve his relationship with coach Stan Van Gundy general manager Otis Smith told the Orlando Sentinel last week. "There's some growth there that needs to happen as it relates to him," Smith said of Arenas. "Their relationship is going to have to get a little bit better. The relationships in the locker room with one another is going to have to continue to get better." Arenas averaged a little more than 16 minutes per game in five playoff games, and he missed Game 3 altogether because Van Gundy opted to use Hedo Turkoglu as the team's backup point guard. "In Game 4 and Game 5, he realized that I'm useful so he used me," Arenas said. "Before the playoffs, I was just sitting in corners. I wasn't a part of the offense. The offensive is built for Dwight [Howard] and shooters, and I'm more of a creator myself." Arenas was acquired in a trade back on Dec. 18 but struggled with his role and the scheme Orlando ran this season. He averaged just 8.0 points and 3.2 assists in the 49 games he appeared with the Magic this season.
Analysis: Arenas actually got of to a good start this season with the Wizards, averaging 17.3 points, 5.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 17 games for Washington. However, the bottom really fell out after he was traded to Orlando. Arenas was never able to get into a grove in Orlando and struggled with multiple nagging injuries on his troublesome left leg. He also didn't look very comfortable running Van Gundy's low-post offense as Arenas usually thrives when he has the ball in his hands at the top of the key. The team may try and trade him in the offseason but his huge contract and disappointing numbers might make that easier said than done. In all likelihood, Hibatchi will be back with the team next season but both the Magic and the veteran point guard will have to make some adjustments moving forward for the relationship to work. While it is tough in May to make a case for Arenas be worthy of anything more than a low-end option barely worth starting in the majority of formats heading into next season, Fantasy owners may want to monitor what kind of summer he has. Arenas showed some flashes of his old self in Game 4 and 5 of Orlando's playoff series against Atlanta and said he will work with highly regarded trainer Tim Grover. A motivated and healthy Arenas would definitely changed the dynamic of his value moving forward. Stay tuned.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic coach Stan Van Gundy plans to stick with guard Gilbert Arenas in Game 5 of the first-round playoff series against Atlanta after he played well in Game 4 with Jason Richardson (suspension) out. "I'm not stupid," Van Gundy said Monday. "Yeah, he's going to get his opportunity again tomorrow. There's no question. I think that he played great. I've tried to say this in his defense all year: If you look, last night with J-Rich out, he knew he would get more extended minutes. So I think he plays more I'm not going to say 'relaxed' but more confidently that he doesn't have to worry that it's going to be a four- or five-minute stint. I'm not going to sit him out tomorrow after what he did. We'll see how it goes. We'll see what adjustments they make to his pick-and-rolls." Arenas was benched for the second half of Game 2 and all of Game 3, but he played in Game 4 because of Richardson's one-game suspension for an altercation with Zaza Pachulia. In Richardson's absence, Arenas shot 9 for 18 from the field for 20 points, gathered five rebounds and had two assists.
Analysis: It's clear that Arenas is not the player he once was before knee injuries robbed him of his explosiveness during his heyday with the Wizards. But it's also clear that when he gets playing time he can still produce, which is what happened in Game 4. Keep an eye on the rest of his postseason and hope he continues to get time and play at a high level. He will head into 2011-12 as a No. 4 Fantasy guard in deep leagues, and he would be worth drafting with a late-round flier.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic guard Gilbert Arenas, who was benched in the second half of Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against Atlanta because of his inconsistent play, may find himself without guaranteed minutes moving forward in the playoffs. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said he hasnt yet made a decision on the backup point guard position for Thursday nights game against the Hawks behind starter Jameer Nelson. Van Gundy used forward Hedo Turkoglu as the teams backup point guard during the second half on Tuesday. I dont know what were doing, Van Gundy said. I havent decided exactly what were doing. I know Jameers going to play a lot of minutes. I know were going to use J.J. [Redick off the bench], I know were going to use Q[uentin Richardson] and I know were going to use Ryan [Anderson]. As far as what we do at the backup point, Im not totally sure.
Analysis: Arenas played just 6 minutes, 10 seconds in Game 2, scoring two points and turning the ball over once. He has four assists and four turnovers in the Magics two playoff games. Arenas health has declined throughout the season and he missed four of the last seven regular-season games with knee soreness. His quickness and leaping ability, traits that once defined his game, have diminished. Keep an eye on what happens with Arenas for the rest of the playoffs, but he has minimal Fantasy value heading into 2011-12. Arenas would only be worth drafting with a late-round pick.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas missed the team's season finale on Wednesday with a sore right knee, but was able to take the court in Game 1 of the playoffs. Orlando hosted Atlanta on Saturday, but it would not be pretty game for the Magic or Arenas. The veteran shot just 2 for 5 from the field -- connecting on 1 of his 2 3-pointers -- and go 1 for 2 at the charity stripe. Arenas finished with six points, four assists and a steal in his 12 minutes of court time. Orlando would only see two players reach double figures as they lost to Atlanta, 103-93.
Analysis: Arenas hasn't panned out for the Magic yet. The straight-up trade of Arenas for Rashard Lewis was more a swap of big contracts. While he has been a scorer throughout his career, knee injuries have slowed him down the last few years. When he's healthy, Arenas is merely a low-end guard option in most Fantasy leagues.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic guard Gilbert Arenas won't play in Wednesday's game against Indiana due to a sore right knee. He had an MRI on his knee Tuesday, but coach Stan Van Gundy said the results came back fine.
Analysis: It sounds like Arenas should be fine for the start of the playoffs, but Fantasy owners in daily leagues should keep him reserved Wednesday. When healthy, Arenas is a low-end Fantasy option in the majority of leagues.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic guard Gilbert Arenas sat out Monday's game at Philadelphia to rest his right knee, which has bothered him since March 28. "With both knees being a little sore, I decided just 'rest me' so I can go into the playoffs 100 [percent]," Arenas said. Arenas added that he expects to have an MRI exam on his right knee Tuesday as a precautionary measure. His status for Wednesday against Indiana will be questionable.
Analysis: Since March 1, Arenas has missed two games because of discomfort in his left calf, an aftereffect of the left-knee injury three years ago. He also sat out two games because he suffered from flu-like symptoms. And, now, he's missed a game because of his right knee. Fantasy owners in daily leagues should use caution in case Arenas is out Wednesday as well. When healthy, Arenas is a low-end Fantasy option in the majority of leagues.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas had a sore left leg after Sunday's game against Chicago, so he sat out of Monday's game against the Sixers as a result. The Magic would go on to beat the Sixers 95-85, without him. Arenas has missed a pair of games earlier in April, but that was due to an illness. His status for Wednesday's regular season finale is unknown at this point.
Analysis: Arenas has ad well-documented knee and leg issues that have shortened the better part of the last three seasons. He's managed to suit up 70 times this season, his most since seeing 74 games of playing time in the 2006-07 season. Arenas isn't the explosive scorer he once was, and a career-low 10.8 points per game has been the result this season. Still, he can shoot the ball when given some space, well enough to warrant low-end Fantasy value in most formats moving forward.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports Monday that Magic guard Gilbert Arenas has a sore left leg following Sunday's game against Chicago and might not play Monday night against the 76ers, according to coach Stan Van Gundy. Arenas played 24 minutes against the Bulls and finished with five points, two rebounds and one steal. This came after arguably his best game Wednesday at Charlotte with 25 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals in 45 minutes.
Analysis: The Magic will likely be cautious with Arenas with the playoffs about to start, and he could rest against the 76ers. When healthy, Arenas is a low-end Fantasy option in the majority of leagues.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas has been struggling lately and missed some games with an illness. On Wednesday night in Charlotte, Arenas started in place of Jason Richardson and ended up having his best game in a Magic uniform. He shot 9 for 14 from the floor -- converting on 6 of his 11 attempts from downtown -- and connecting on 1 of his 2 foul shots, finishing with a season-high (with Orlando) 25 points. Arenas added two boards, two assists and two steals in his 45 minutes of action. Orlando would eventually win the game, 111-102, as they missed just one shot in the overtime period.
Analysis: Arenas said after the game he was thinking shoot first because he was the two-guard on Wednesday. Perhaps that is the position Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy should use him at for the rest of the season. Despite his struggles recently, Arenas can be a big-time Fantasy player. Orlando has secured a playoff spot and Arenas will likely get plenty of action the rest of the season. Owners should view him as a low-end guard option in deeper formats for the rest of this year.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas was back in action on Tuesday night against Milwaukee. He saw 16 minutes of court time, but did little with his time on the court. He shot 1 for 3 from the field and converted 4 of his 5 foul shots, finishing with six points. His only other contribution in the Magic's 78-72 win over the Bucks was a lone steal.
Analysis: Coach Stan Van Gundy wasn't sure how long Arenas would play, but was happy to have him back in the mix. The Magic have already secured a playoff spot and will likely using Arenas as much as they can to ease the load of some of the other guards. Arenas is a risky option for Fantasy owners at this stage of the game. He's 4.3 points, 2.4 assists and 2.9 boards over his last 10 games. Consider him a low-end guard option in the deepest of formats for the remainder of the year.
News: According to the team's official website, Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said guard Gilbert Arenas would play on Tuesday against Milwaukee. Arenas had missed the previous two games with an illness. Im a little unsure how long (Arenas) can go, but at least hes available, Van Gundy said. Whats important is theyll take some of the load off the other guys.
Analysis: Arenas will be needed to see some quality minutes to give Jameer Nelson some rest for the playoffs. Between this latest illness, his surgically repaired knee and the fact he has been anything but productive since joining the Magic. He's averaging just 6.2 points, 3.0 boards and 2.0 assists over his last 10 contests. Fantasy owners in deeper formats can activate Arenas for the final scoring period of the season, but he remains a risky start. When healthy, he is just a low-end guard option.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas did not travel with the team to Toronto and did not play in Sunday's game against the Raptors because of the flu. Arenas also missed Friday's game because of his illness. He is still being considered day to day by the team.
Analysis: Arenas' latest ailment comes in the form of the flu, although he is still being bothered by his surgically repaired knee. It has shown up in his recent performances as he has made just eight of his last 38 shots (21 percent) and is averaging just 6.2 points, 3.0 boards and 2.0 assists over his last 10 contests. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his status moving forward to see when he will be able to get back on the court. However, Arenas should be viewed as merely a low-end Fantasy option in all formats, when healthy.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas has the flu and was not available for Friday's contest versus Charlotte. The team is considering him day to day.
Analysis: Arenas hasn't been playing too well for the Magic lately. Over his last 10 games he's averaging just 6.2 points, 3.0 boards and 2.0 assists per outing. While he's the primary backup behind Jameer Nelson, Arenas has not lived up to his potential or huge contract he comes with. For now, Fantasy owners in all formats should reserve Arenas as he battles the flu and this rut. When healthy, he is worth using in deeper leagues.
News: The official team website for the Magic reports Friday that guard Gilbert Arenas (illness) is likely out for Friday night's game against Charlotte. Arenas, when healthy, is back as the No. 2 point guard in Orlando with Jameer Nelson (knee) healthy.
Analysis: Fantasy owners in daily leagues should keep Arenas reserved, and hopefully he is not out long with the illness. When healthy, Arenas is only worth using in deeper leagues since he has struggled this year following the trade to Orlando.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas spent most of the night chasing Joe Johnson around in Atlanta. With Jameer Nelson back in the starting lineup, Arenas logged 20 minutes off the bench. He took just two shots -- both from downtown -- but he failed to find the bottom of the net on either of them. He finished with no points, three assists, two steals and one rebound for the Magic.
Analysis: Arenas hasn't lived up to the potential Orlando and Fantasy owners know he has. It can be blamed on not knowing his teammates after playing this long with them. While Arenas can score and be a big-time Fantasy contributor, he is far from that player right now. He's averaging 5.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists over his last five games in around 25 minutes of action. Those numbers aren't worth much in any Fantasy format, but Arenas should still be viewed as a low-end guard option in deeper leagues for the remainder of the season.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic guard Jameer Nelson will return from a knee injury Wednesday night and play at the Hawks. After sitting out one game, Nelson tested the knee Tuesday afternoon and participated in the Magic's shootaround Wednesday and experienced no problems. "I'm pretty good," Nelson said. "It felt pretty good after working out yesterday so that's a good sign. I'll try to go out there and try to help my team tonight and win." Gilbert Arenas will return to the bench with Nelson healthy.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should consider Arenas a low-end Fantasy option now that he's back on the bench behind Nelson. If Nelson suffers a setback and Arenas returns to the starting lineup then his value will rise, but he should be considered a low-end option with Nelson healthy.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic guard Jameer Nelson tested his sprained left knee Tuesday, and Nelson and team medical staff will wait to see how it responds before deciding whether he'll play Wednesday night against the Hawks. "I'm not going to say it's for sure that I'm going to go" play, Nelson said. "I'm going to play it by ear and be smart about it and let my body tell me what to do." Nelson sustained the injury when a Nets player fell into the side of Nelson's leg on Friday. An MRI revealed no structural damage, and he sat out Monday's game at New York. If Nelson is out Wednesday then Gilbert Arenas would start against the Hawks.
Analysis: Arenas struggled in his start Monday against the Knicks with just nine points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Arenas shot just 2 of 11 from the floor, connecting on 1 of 7 shots from beyond the arc, and had five turnovers. Still, if Nelson is out, Arenas would be worth starting in daily leagues against the Hawks.
News: With Jameer Nelson out with a knee injury Monday, Magic guard Gilbert Arenas got the nod as the starting point guard against the Knicks. Though he had his first double-digit rebounding night of the season, he was off of his game offensively. Arenas shot just 2 of 11 from the floor, connecting on 1 of 7 shots from beyond the arc. He added a team-high five assists on the night and tied a season-high while logging 43 minutes of playing time. Arenas was more steady defensively with the strong rebounding and three steals.
Analysis: Arenas could not get the Magic going until later in the game, when he hit a clutch 3-pointer to help send the game into overtime. Nelson should be returning sooner than later anyway, so don't get used to Arenas playing extended starter minutes. Fantasy owners should instead use the effort as a tool to know where his skills are after so many injuries recently. Arenas is just not the dynamic player he once was. Instead, he can score a handful of points and hit open jumpers like most average players in the NBA. Once Nelson returns, Agent 0 reverts back to low-end status in all formats even though without Nelson he has little increased value.
News: With Jameer Nelson out with a knee injury, Magic guard Gilbert Arenas will get the start at point guard in Monday's contest against the Knicks. Arenas is averaging 18.8 points and 6.4 assists in 18 starts this season.
Analysis: Arenas will get a chance to start for Orlando on Monday, so Fantasy owners in daily formats may want to take flier on the veteran. Arenas has played well as a starter this season, although most of those starts were in Washington. Still, he should be to put up better numbers with at least one game as starter, which could turn into more if Nelson misses more time. Still, his inconsistent production with the Magic this season makes it tough to trust him as anything more than a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas was back in the lineup for Monday's game against Cleveland after missing Orlando's previous game with a calf injury. However, Arenas was relatively quiet in his return, finishing with just five points on 2 of 8 shooting from the field. He went 1 of 4 from downtown and also chipped in with two rebounds, two assists and a steal while logging 18 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Arenas was back in the lineup Monday, but again struggled. He has now scored just five points in each of his last two games played and has struggled mighty ever since being traded to Orlando. Some of his struggles can be attributed to his on-going health issues, while some seem to be the result of veteran getting comfortable with his role off the bench. Whatever the reason is, Arenas should only be considered a low-end Fantasy option at this point in the season.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas (sore left knee) is expected to play in Monday's contest against Cleveland. He went out to warm up tonight, so Id assume hell try to go, coach Stan Van Gundy said. Well watch him, though, because he hasnt done anything physical since Friday. Arenas has missed a total of three contests this season due to left knee problems. He is averaging 8.1 points while shooting just .349 in 41 games with Orlando.
Analysis: Arenas is expected to play against the Cavaliers, so Fantasy owners waiting on his status should feel free to activate him. Still, the veteran's struggles have been well documented this season as he has struggled to adjust to his role in Orlando. The Magic play three times during Week 22 (March 21-27). Consider Arenas a low-end option, if you must start him.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic guard Gilbert Arenas (calf) was able to shootaround prior to Monday's game at Cleveland, but he remains a game-time decision. Arenas was a late scratch from the lineup on Friday against Denver because of a sore left calf.
Analysis: Arenas has minimal value heading into Fantasy Week 22. Owners should use caution when setting your lineup in case he's unable to play, and the Magic have just three games in this scoring period.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas (calf) did not practice on Sunday and is being considered a game-time decision for Monday's game against the Cavaliers, reports the Orlando Sentinel. Arenas was a late scratch from the lineup on Friday against Denver because of a sore left calf. He will test the leg before Mondays game and decide from there.
Analysis: Arenas' continues to have problems staying on the court and now will again be considered an injury risk heading into Fantasy Week 22 (March 21-27). The Magic are slated to play times during the upcoming scoring period, but keep in mind Arenas' status will likely not be known until just before lineups lock. Owners should continue to monitor his status leading up to tipoff. However, we recommend having a healthy alternative on standby.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas was inactive Friday against the Nuggets because he rested his sore calf. Arenas had played in eight straight games before sitting out. It was a rough practice, Arenas told the Orlando Sentinelafter Fridays game. It just didnt recover after practice today. We went for about an hour, two hours.
Analysis: Arenas has had knee issues for years now, and he's missed a few practices because of it recently. Now that his calf has caused him to miss another game, Fantasy owners should take some caution with the former All-Star moving forward since it happened the same way March 1. Still, the Magic don't play again until Monday, so he should be able to give it a go if the calf is simply sore Friday. When healthy, Arenas is just a low-end option at this stage of his career.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports Magic guard Gilbert Arenas was held out of Friday's game against the Nuggets to rest his sore knee. He had already been playing a bit more with J.J. Redick out of the lineup.
Analysis: Arenas has had knee issues for years now, and he's missed a few practices because of it recently. Now that it has caused him to miss a game, Fantasy owners should take some caution with the former All-Star moving forward. Still, the Magic don't play again until Monday, so he should be able to give it a go if the knee is simply sore Friday. When healthy, Arenas is just a low-end option at this stage of his career.
News: After five games under and one game right at his average in March, Magic guard Gilbert Arenas tied his best scoring game since 2011 began. He shot 5 of 10 from the floor and finished 4 of 5 from the line on the way to 16 points Sunday against the Suns. Arenas added five rebounds and an assist to go along with three steals in 26 minutes of playing time. He hadn't recorded a single steal in the previous nine games.
Analysis: Arenas will not likely go for 50 points on a random night like he was capable of a few years back, but he will shoot when available and contribute to the Magic offense down the stretch. He not only scored on a solid pace Sunday, but Arenas had his best rebounding night in over a month and the most steals in a game since December. Fantasy owners should expect more run-of-the-mill performances from the former All-Star, as he does not see enough minutes or get enough shot attempts in Orlando to be anything more than a low-end option moving forward.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas was able to play in Monday's 89-85 loss to the Blazers, despite some stiffness in his left leg. Arenas, who was listed as a game-time decision with the injury, finished with nine points in the contest on 4 of 9 shooting from the field. He went 1 of 3 from downtown and also chipped in with four rebounds and two assists while logging 27 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Arenas continues to struggle with nagging injuries and hasn't been much of a factor since joining the Magic. He continues to see around 18 minutes off the bench and has lacked the explosiveness that has made him such a solid Fantasy option in the past. Consider him nothing more than a low-end Fantasy option at this point in the season.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports Magic guard Gilbert Arenas will play against the Blazers on Monday despite some stiffness in his left leg. He was originally considered a game-time decision heading into the game.
Analysis: Arenas has not looked particularly explosive this season, but he still shows the near-unlimited range that should keep him active in most formats as a low-end Fantasy option. His playing time with the Magic is not consistent enough for his usual mid-level to elite status of years past.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said after Monday's morning shootaround that Gilbert Arenas is dealing with stiffness in his left leg. Arenas is considered questionable for Monday night's game against Portland.
Analysis: Arenas is still owned in 68 percent of CBSSports.com leagues, but the fact is that he has not been a viable option since joining the Magic. He is averaging just 16 minutes per appearance over his last four games and has managed just 9.0 points and 2.5 assists in that span. Healthy or not, he is not a player to trust in any Fantasy format.
News: Despite a lingering knee issue, Magic guard Gilbert Arenas was able to play off of the bench in Thursday's win over the Heat. He made a trio of big-time 3-pointers in the midst of a rally from 24-points down in the second half to help Orlando stun Miami at home. Arenas ended up playing just 16 minutes while dealing with the pain, finishing the night with 11 points on 3 of 7 shooting. He added a pair of assists on the night as well, though he had some careless turnovers when the team was down early on.
Analysis: Arenas has now played under his season average of 26.5 minutes per game in 11 straight games, missing one altogether in the process. He is not as explosive as we are used to seeing offensively, but he clearly retained his nearly-unlimited shooting range that developed in Washington. Arenas has shot 7 of 11 from beyond the arc in his last two games, but has only made one other field goal. Fantasy owners should consider him to be a low-end option until he sees more consistent playing time, though his ability to score in bunches helps in limited minutes.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Gilbert Arenas (knee) was able to practice on Wednesday and is expected to play in Thursday's game at Miami. He has averaged just 7.5 points and 3.5 assists in his last four appearances while playing just 20 minutes per game.
Analysis: Earlier, the Sentinel reported that Arenas was a late scratch for Tuesday's game against the Knicks. After the team's shootaround ended on Tuesday, coach Stan Van Gundy announced that all of his players would be available. However, about an hour before tipoff, the team's athletic trainer informed Van Gundy that Arenas would not be able to play. While it is apparent that he will play on, he is not currently a viable Fantasy option in most formats.
News: The Orlando Sentinel explains that Gilbert Arenas was a late scratch for Tuesday's game against the Knicks. After the team's shootaround ended on Tuesday, coach Stan Van Gundy announced that all of his players would be available. However, about an hour before tipoff, the team's athletic trainer informed Van Gundy that Arenas would not be able to play. The team lists Arenas as day-to-day.
Analysis: The report notes that the knee that is sore is the same one that required multiple surgeries while he was with the Wizards. The same knee has bugged him from time to time while with Orlando. Arenas has had his role cut in half since joining the Magic and has become a very poor Fantasy option. He has averaged just 7.5 points and 3.5 assists in his last four appearances while playing just 20 minutes per game.
News: According to the Orlando Sentinel, guard Gilbert Arenas sat out Tuesday's game versus the Knicks with s sore left knee. The Magic play again on Thursday against the Heat.
Analysis: Arenas has had knee problems throughout his career, so him getting some rest isn't too much of a surprise. Since he joined the Magic, Arenas hasn't been the player they were hoping he'd be. Over his last 10 games he's averaging 6.6 points, 3.8 assists and 2.5 boards per contest. Fantasy owners should keep the veteran reserved for now until he proves he shows some signs of consistency. When healthy and not in a funk, Arenas is a low-end guard option.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas tallied 16 points and three rebounds in the Magic's 100-86 victory over Charlotte on Sunday. Arenas took seven shots during his 16 minutes of playing time, including six from 3-point range. He drained four treys and his only other field goal was a 12-foot jumper from just outside of the paint. Arenas contributed two assists, but he logged his fewest minutes in his last eight games and fourth-lowest since we was traded to Orlando in mid-December.
Analysis: Arenas certainly halted his recent funk from beyond the arc. His 3-pointer in the second quarter snapped a streak of six consecutive games without a make beyond the arc. He was just 3 for 38 during that stretch. In fact, his four treys on Sunday was slightly below the total in the struggling shooter's last 15 games combined (five). He is not receiving the same amount of minutes he was with Washington and remains a shaky Fantasy option behind starting point guard Jameer Nelson. Keep him stashed on your bench until he develops some consistency.
News: Magic G Gilbert Arenas shot just 2 of 7 from the field on Sunday against the Lakers. He scored four points in 20 minutes off the bench and is averaging just 18.6 minutes over his last five games.
Analysis: Arenas is averaging 13 fewer minutes per game with the Magic than he enjoyed with the Wizards through 21 appearances this season. He averaged 17-6-3 with the Wizards, but is averaging just 8-4-3 with Orlando. The potential is there for high-end numbers, but while Jameer Nelson is healthy the playing time just will not be there.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas can't get on track on the offensive end for the Magic. He scored 11 points on Friday against the Hornets, as he shot 4 for 9 from the field. Arenas missed all three of his 3-point attempts, but would connect on all three of his foul shots. He would make a key steal as the Hornets had a four-on-one fast-break. Arenas finished with four assists, one rebound and two steals in 19 minutes off the bench. Orlando would lose to New Orleans, 99-93.
Analysis: Arenas has blamed his offensive struggles on lingering pain in his surgically repaired knees, but only in cold weather cites. So why does he continue to struggle in Orlando as well? That is a question the Magic and Fantasy owners are probably trying to figure out. Between these issues with his knees and the fact he can't seem to buy a lot of minutes in coach Stan Van Gundy's system means one thing -- Fantasy owners in most formats should bench him until he can get on track. When healthy and producing, Arenas is a viable guard option in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: CBSSports.com senior NBA columnist Ken Berger reports that Gilbert Arenas has blamed much of his recent offensive struggles on lingering pain in his surgically repaired knees, but only in cold weather cities. Arenas told Berger that an arthritic condition causes his left knee in particular to stiffen up in cold weather. "Cities that are high on the map, I have trouble with," Arenas said. "Like [Boston] during the winter. But as soon as February shows up -- thats why they call me Mr. February, because Ill be dunking and jumping around in practice. Im glad were about to have a month basically at home so I can just get my rhythm and be in the warm weather where my knee is going to feel a lot better. Its like day and night. Its weird."
Analysis: Asked when it will feel better, Arenas said, "As soon as we land in Orlando. When its cold, the coldness swells in my joints and puts moisture in my joints and thats what makes it stiff. So once I get to a warm city, or any city that has high humidity, Im fine." Arenas said the knee issue has been more to blame than adjusting to Stan Van Gundy's system. However, we blame his statistical drop in production on the fact that he figures to see much less playing time and touches than he did as a primary option in Washington as long as Jameer Nelson remains healthy. Stash him only if you believe his playing time figures to improve down the stretch, allowing him to showcase an offensive skill set that remains capable of allowing him to put up significant numbers. Right now, though, we don't see where the playing time will come from.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas entered Friday's game in Washington to a mix of cheers and boos. This was Arenas' first trip to Washington, the place where he the previous seven years of his career. He entered at the end of the first quarter and made an impact almost immediately by picking Nick Young's pocket. For a third straight game, Arenas scored 10 points. He added six assists, six rebounds, two steals and a block in his 25 minutes off the bench. My impressions of him have been great so far. Weve just got to get him back to right physically, and hopefully start working his game back to where it was, coach Stan Van Gundy told NBA.com prior to the game. The Magic went on to beat the Wizards, 110-92. Arenas didn't shoot the ball particularly well, going 4 for 12 from the field -- missing all four of his 3-point attempts -- and nailing both his foul shots. "I thought Gilbert defensively was fabulous. I don't know how many times a coach has stood here and said that about him, but he really was the guy," Van Gundy said.
Analysis: Arenas still hasn't fully adjusted to his new team and has said the weather has been affecting his knees. While he's used to being the go-to guy, Arenas comes off the bench and is a role player for the Magic. Thats a big adjustment to coming off the bench and having to inject yourself in when hes been a starter his whole career," Van Gundy said. Arenas is averaging 10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per outing over his last four games. While he's far from a must-start guard option, Arenas still has some Fantasy value. Until his role increases in Orlando, Arenas is only a low-end guard in deeper formats.
News: Orlando PG Gilbert Arenas played in Monday's 100-97 loss against the Grizzlies despite being bothered by a left-knee contusion. Arenas, who sat out Sunday's game against Cleveland with the injury, scored 10 points at Memphis on 4 of 9 shooting from the field. He went just 1 of 4 from downtown and finished with three assists, three rebounds and two steals in 23 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Arenas has said that his knee's status changes with the weather and he could be an injury risk going forward on an almost nightly basis. When you combine that with his recent poor play, Arenas is looking less and less like an attractive Fantasy option. He continues to struggle with his current role with Orlando and should be viewed as a low-end Fantasy option until he starts playing with more consistency.
News: Orlando PG Gilbert Arenas played on Monday night as the Magic played in Memphis. Arenas sat out last game against Cleveland with a knee injury. Arenas has said that his knee's status changes with the weather and he could be an injury risk going forward on an almost nightly basis. J.J. Redick missed the game due to a left shoulder injury, opening up more time for Arenas.
Analysis: Arenas has scored just eight points per game in his last four games played with 3.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 12 of 29 shooting over that stretch. He's only getting around 25 minutes per game as well. Until Arenas starts playing consistently and gives us a more concrete injury assessment on his knee, his Fantasy value will remain extremely limited.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas did not play in Sunday's 103-87 win over the Cavaliers because of a left-knee contusion. Arenas said before the game that he sustained the injury by knocking knees with Chicago center Kurt Thomas during the Magic's 99-90 loss to the Bulls on Friday night. He is officially listed as day to day.
Analysis: Arenas' injury is on the same knee he has had multiple surgeries on and caused him to miss parts of three seasons. Although the team lists him as day to day, he will now be an injury risk heading into Fantasy Week 15 (Jan.31-Feb. 6). Arenas has had mixed reviews since being traded to Orlando and is averaging just 8.0 points and 3.5 assists over his last four contests. With his latest injury and inconsistent play, owners may want to think about leaving him on the bench heading into the upcoming scoring period.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic PG Gilbert Arenas will not play Sunday against the Cavaliers because of a left-knee contusion.
Analysis: Teammate Dwight Howard said a couple of days ago that Arenas is basically playing on one leg at the moment, although Arenas managed to put up 11 points in 32 minutes on Friday, the most action he's seen in almost a month, so this might be a new injury. The Wizards do play on Monday before a couple of days off, so hopefully we'll find out before the lineup deadline for Week 15 (Jan. 31-Feb. 6) if he's likely to play in that game or not. When healthy, Arenas is a low-end Fantasy option in most leagues at the moment because he's not putting up great numbers.
News: In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, Magic C Dwight Howard revealed Friday that PG Gilbert Arenas continues to have trouble with his arthritic left knee. He hasnt had a great opportunity to do all the things that he wants to do, but itll come with time, Howard said of Arenas. I think once his knee gets a lot better, hell be better. Hes playing on one leg right now. Once he gets the other leg straight, I think well see a new Gilbert.
Analysis: Arenas has really been struggling in January, and this revelation by Howard would explain the decline in Arenas' production. Agent Zero is averaging just 7.4 points a game this month in less than 20 minutes of action, and his Fantasy owners have to be running out of patience by now if they haven't already. If you can afford to, bench Arenas in everything but the deepest of leagues until he shows signs of turning things around.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas continues to be an afterthought in Fantasy since joining the Magic. Arenas scored nine points on 3 of 7 shooting in a loss to Detroit Monday. He played 24 minutes and added three rebounds and three assists.
Analysis: Arenas has scored in single digits in an ugly eight straight games now for the Magic. Since he hasn't played more than 26 minutes in any game in January thus far, Arenas can be considered nothing more than a Fantasy reserve at the moment.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas hit a leaning 3-pointer to end the first quarter on Thursday in Oklahoma City. That was about all he'd contribute in the Magic's 125-124 loss to the Thunder. Arenas shot 3 for 8 from the field -- 2 for 6 from downtown -- and hit one foul shot, en route to his nine points. Arenas added five assists and a rebound in his 19 minutes on the court.
Analysis: Over the last five games, Arenas has hit double figures just once. He's averaging 8.2 points, 2.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds over that span. While Arenas has a lot in the gas tank and probably something to prove to the entire NBA, it's shocking he's not playing more for the Magic. He has the potential to score and dish out assists with the best of them, but he just can't find quality minutes in coach Stan Van Gundy's rotation. That rotation has been just eight players recently, so one would think Arenas would break out sooner or later. Van Gundy has said that he's hopeful that Arenas will adjust and show some consistency. Until that happens though, Fantasy owners should view Arenas as a low-end starting guard in most formats.
News: After scoring in single digits in each of the last two games, Magic G Gilbert Arenas got back on track on Saturday night against the Mavericks. He scored 14 points and hauled in three rebounds in the 117-107 win. He went 5 of 11 from the field, including 2 for 6 from downtown, and converted 2 of 4 free throws. Arenas, who played 21 minutes off the bench, also had two steals and an assist in the victory.
Analysis: Arenas was averaging 17.3 points when he was acquired in a trade from Washington. Hes scoring 10.1 in 11 games with his new team. Coach Stan Van Gundy said Arenas is still getting used to a new system, to playing more time at point guard and to coming off the bench. Were hopeful that, with a little more adjusting, his consistency will improve, Van Gundy said. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his progression over the next few games to see how he responds to his new role. Arenas has proven to be a viable Fantasy option in the past but his production has been too inconsistent of late to trust as a must-start option. Consider him a low-end starting guard in most Fantasy formats heading into Week 12 (Jan. 10-16).
News: With Orlando playing well right now, coach Stan Van Gundy isn't going to mess with the rotation, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Guards Jameer Nelson and Gilbert Arenas have not shared the court over the last three games, something that was questioned when the Magic traded for Arenas in December. "Playing them together to get more minutes? Not right now," Van Gundy said. "I like the way our wing guys are going. But it's certainly a possibility. I look at this stuff every day. We're making sure they all get minutes, but we're trying to get more minutes to the guys who are playing better." Arenas struggled on Wednesday against the Bucks. He played just 13 minutes and scored six points. "I didn't like it," Van Gundy said of Arenas' performance.
Analysis: Arenas and Nelson were splitting the minutes at point guard, until recently. If Arenas wants his new beginning to be a good story, he will start listening to his coach and playing better defense. Arenas is averaging 11.6 points, 4.4 assists and 2.2 boards over his last five games. Those numbers will have to increase if he expects to make an impact in Orlando. Arenas has the skill and ability to be a big-time producer for the Magic, but has to do more in his current minutes to see more playing time. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor Arenas and see if he gets on track. He should be viewed as a low-end starting guard in most Fantasy formats.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas played just 13 minutes on Wednesday against the Bucks. He had been playing around 22 minutes per game for Orlando over his last five games. He scored just six points on a 2-for-9 shooting performance. Both his field goals came from downtown though, where he is was a perfect 2 for 2. He added one rebound in the Magic's 97-87 win.
Analysis: Arenas and Jameer Nelson had been splitting minutes running the point for Orlando, but apparently Stan Van Gundy isn't happy with either Arenas' defense. It is unclear what the issue is, as the Magic traded for Arenas to add depth to the backcourt. Over his last five games, Arenas is averaging 11.6 points, 4.4 assists and 2.2 boards. Arenas has the potential to be a key contributor in Orlando, but for whatever reason isn't getting sufficient minutes to do so. This is a situation worth monitoring by Fantasy owners. For now, consider the veteran guard a low-end option in most leagues.
News: Magic guard Gilbert Arenas has his best game as member of Orlando in Tuesday's 110-95 win over the Cavaliers. Arenas scored a team-high 22 points in the victory in 32 minutes off the bench. He shot 8 of 15 from the field in the victory and accounted for five of the Magic's season-high 19 3-pointers the team made against Cleveland. Arenas also dished out 11 dimes in the contest and also chipped in with six rebounds and three steals.
Analysis: Arenas had his best game as member of the Magic on Tuesday, which could be a sign that he might be finally adjusting to his role off the bench. He has struggled during his brief stint with Orlando, averaging just 10.4 points, 5.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds over his last five contests. Still, it is way too early to write off Gilbert just yet and hopefully his most recent performance can spring board his production. However, he should continue to be viewed as just a low-end Fantasy guard until he produces like this on a more consistent basis.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas got a bit more playing time on Thursday night, despite coming off the bench. Jameer Nelson got into foul trouble and was reportedly dealing with the flu again. Arenas took advantage of his 29 minutes of court time and was able to keep Orlando close, before they took over in the second quarter. Arenas shot 6 for 14 from the field -- going 2 for 5 from downtown -- finishing with 14 points. He was close to a triple-double, but would fall short; he had six boards and nine assists for the Magic. His contributions would help the Magic win their first game since making those trades, beating the Spurs 123-101. Arenas again said after the game that Nelson was the starter and he was fine coming off the bench. Coach Stan Van Gundy had said matter-of-factly that Nelson would remain the starter, but he left the door open for change Thursday night in comments that will surely fuel fodder for a point guard controversy. "Could it change?" Van Gundy said. "Sure it could change."
Analysis: It was reported on Thursday that Arenas will come off the bench for Orlando, but who knows if GM Otis Smith is done wheeling and dealing. For now, Arenas should see a lot of minutes for the Magic. In his three games with his new team, Arenas is averaging 8.7 points and 5.3 assists per game. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on this situation in Orlando. It will probably take some time for the players to mesh, but if any other trades occur, Arenas' value could go up. For now view him as a serviceable guard option in all formats.
News: Magic PG Gilbert Arenas, who has struggled with his shot since coming over from the Wizards, shooting 3 for 17 (17.6 percent) in two games, is out of the starting lineup again for Thursday's game against the Spurs. Coach Stan Van Gundy told the Orlando Sentinel he plans to stick with that lineup for the "foreseeable future."
Analysis: Van Gundy didn't rule out the possibility of Arenas moving into the starting lineup once he gets more comfortable, but based on his poor shooting, he's a long way from comfortable. He was having a nice bounce-back season with the Wizards, so even as a sixth man, he figures to be productive enough to start in virtually all Fantasy formats. Stick with him in spite of the slump.
News: Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas wasn't any better in his second game with the Magic than he was in his first. Arenas hit his first 3-pointer as a member of the Magic on Monday in Atlanta and it has all been downhill since. He scored 10 points Monday on 2 of 11 shooting over 27 minutes and played just 18 on Tuesday in a loss to Dallas. He went 1 of 6 from the field and scored just two points. He added four assists and two rebounds and had five personal fouls in the contest.
Analysis: Arenas has gone just 3 for 17 with his new team and 1 for 6 from 3-point range. Plus, he's got nine personal fouls in two games. What is that about? So far the Arenas experiment in Orlando has not worked. We expect this to turn around but it is definitely a situation that bears watching. J.J. Redick started at shooting guard and scored 21 points so the Magic do have other options.
News:Gilbert Arenas made his Orlando debut off the bench with 4:56 to play in the first quarter on Monday in Atlanta. He quickly made his presence felt by nailing the first 3-pointer he attempted. It was pretty much all downhill after that. Arenas, who saw 27 minutes off the bench and wore No. 1 in honor of his boyhood idol Anfernee Hardaway, shot just 2 for 11 from the field and 1 for 4 from deep to score 10 points. He did lead all three newcomers -- Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson included -- in scoring. Arenas added three assists and committed four personal fouls in the 10-point Orlando loss.
Analysis: Arenas was playing well prior to leaving Washington, but the Magic in general struggled on Monday against Atlanta. That is to be expected as they were playing with a dramatically overhauled roster. Arenas will have better days and the 11 shots he took over 27 minutes means he's going to be asked to score. He remains a viable Fantasy play in all leagues and formats.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that Gilbert Arenas, Earl Clark, Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu are all set to make their debut on Monday night against the Hawks after undergoing their physicals. With the players traded to Phoenix having taken their physicals in Phoenix earlier in the day, they have been made eligible to play on Monday night.
Analysis: The Magic are slated for four games in Week 9 (Dec. 20-26), one of just three teams to play a full slate in the scoring period. Arenas is expected to play a combo-guard role as a sixth man off the bench. This will be a work in progress in the first few games, but we do expect Arenas to play enough to be a strong play in most formats.
News: The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Magic canceled their morning shootaround on Monday. The reason for the cancellation had to do with the team's recent trade. In the NBA, all players involved in a trade the incoming players and the outgoing players need to report to their new teams and pass physicals before any of them practice or play in a game. A Magic spokesman said Gilbert Arenas, Earl Clark, Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu all are in Atlanta and were scheduled to undergo their physicals in the morning. But team officials werent sure if Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Rashard Lewis and Mickael Pietrus were going to have finished their physicals for their new teams yet.
Analysis: All four of the Magics new players are expected to be available to play tonight at Philips Arena against the Atlanta Hawks. The Magic are slated for four games in Week 9 (Dec. 20-26), one of just three teams to play a full slate in the scoring period. Arenas is expected to play a combo-guard role as a sixth man off the bench. This will be a work in progress in the first few games, but we do expect Arenas to play enough to be a strong play in most formats.
News: While no complete lineup has been announced yet by Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, new acquisition Gilbert Arenas has volunteered to come off the bench, according to FanHouse. "We haven't discussed it (his role) yet, but I was coming off the bench in Washington (for seven of his 21 games). I can do it here,'' he said. "I'm here to score and make plays for others. It's easy. If you have an open shot, you take it. If not, pass it to Dwight (Howard).''
Analysis: Arenas is capable of playing both guard spots and is capable of playing big minutes either as a starter or off the bench as a result. That could make him more valuable as a sixth man than either Jameer Nelson or Jason Richardson, who are more defined in their roles. Arenas averaged 15.7 shot attempts for the Wizards through 21 games while playing 34.6 minutes per contest. Those numbers should both dip at least a little on a team with so many other offensive weapons now in Orlando, but we still anticipate Arenas getting enough run to remain a viable No. 2 guard in most leagues -- at least initially.
News: The Orlando Magic will be getting the services of Gilbert Arenas from the Washington Wizards, league sources confirmed to CBSSports.com on Saturday. The Magic are also getting Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson from the Suns. The Suns send Turkoglu back to Orlando, where he thrived, along with Richardson and Earl Clark for Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat and Mickael Pietrus. Orlando also sends a 2011 first-round pick and cash to Phoenix and acquires Arenas from Washington for Rashard Lewis, the sources said.
Analysis: With the Magic trading Carter, Arenas could immediately become a top scorer for the Magic as the starting shooting guard. That said, now that Orlando has Dwight Howard, J-Rich, Turkoglu, Jameer Nelson and Arenas, doesn't that create the plight of having too many scorers? It will be interesting to see how this unfolds in their first few games together. Arenas, however, is expected to remain worth being used in all Fantasy leagues. He could definitely see a boost as well.
News: According to Yahoo! Sports, the Magic have contacted the Wizards about possible acquiring G Gilbert Arenas. Arenas has said himself that he believes a deal will be done soon, which would re-unite him with Orlando general manager Otis Smith, who drafted Arenas in Golden State. The 32-year-old is averaging 18.4 points with 6.6 assists and 1.8 steals over his last five games.
Analysis: The Magic have lost five of their last six games and desperately need some perimeter scoring if they want to compete in the East. The move for Arenas would be a good one as he will no longer have to share the rock with rookie phenom John Wall and a dominant post presence like Dwight Howard will only enhance his game. Arenas has four years and $60 million left on his contract so trading him might be tricky. But he is having a bounce-back season and should remain active in most Fantasy formats heading into Week 9 (Dec. 20-26).
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas tallied 19 points and nine assists before fouling out in the Wizards' 97-89 loss at New Jersey on Thursday night. Arenas connected on 8 of 19 shots, including 3 of 10 from 3-point range, in Washington's sixth consecutive loss. With John Wall sidelined with an injury, the veteran guard matched a season high with 43 minutes played and chipped in three rebounds and two steals.
Analysis: Arenas barely missed his second double-double in a row before fouling out of his third game of the season. He continued his flurry of shots from 3-point range and his 10 attempts on Wednesday tied a season high. Arenas has increased his assists production and is averaging 8.3 helpers in his last three games. He should be considered a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas was active against the Lakers on Tuesday despite feeling soreness throughout his body. Arenas wore special molded shoes against the Lakers, seemingly indicating that Arenas' soreness stems from his feet. He still played fairly well in the loss, though he shot just 1 for 7 from 3-point range. He scored 11 points on 5 of 15 shooting overall and added 10 assists for the double-double.
Analysis: Arenas has been playing through the soreness and has been playing quite well. With Andray Blatche and John Wall also on the mend, Arenas will have to remain healthy if the Wizards have any chance at beating anyone. Arenas is averaging 18.2 points, 5.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game over his last five and is getting 36 minutes per night. When he's healthy, Arenas is worth having active once again in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Washington Post reports that the Wizards were without John Wall, Gilbert Arenas and Andray Blatche during Monday's practice for various ailments. Arenas is dealing with general soreness, according to the Wizards. He is probable to play in Tuesday's game against the Lakers.
Analysis: Blatche missed two games last week with a hip issue but this knee problem is more serious. It has been plaguing him for much of the season already. When Blatche returned to action on Friday against the Knicks, he scored 16 points with five rebounds, four assists and there steals over 40 minutes. That is healthy production. Still, the Wizards play just three games in Week 8 (Dec. 13-19), so the smartest move is to keep the banged up Blatche on benches.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas played without John Wall and Andray Blatche, both injured, Wednesday in a loss to the KIngs. Arenas scored 19 points but struggled with his shot as he went 6 of 17 from the field and 2 of 7 from deep. He added four assists, three rebounds and turned the ball over five times.
Analysis: Arenas started again on Wednesday but that was obvious considering the Wizards best two players missed the game. He didn't take advantage as his shots weren't falling. Still, he's been scoring better of late and is doing some of the things that used to have him a must-start Fantasy option. Arenas has the upside to put up elite numbers under the right circumstances, but the presence of Wall caps his overall appeal. Without Wall, he could be a solid No. 1/2 guard in standard leagues. With Wall, we view him as more of a No. 3 guard option.
News: The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas is not overly concerned with whether or not he starts. He scored 23 points on Tuesday night at the Lakers starting alongside rookie John Wall for just the second time this season. "It's just one night. We'll see how the rest of the season goes. I just take it for what it is. If I start today, I play. If I don't start [Wednesday in Sacramento], I play."
Analysis: Arenas and Wall both scored 20 points in a game for the first time all season. Starter or not, Arenas has been getting 30-plus minutes per game, but he did enjoy 17 shot attempts as a starter on Tuesday night. Arenas has the upside to put up elite numbers under the right circumstances, but the presence of Wall caps his overall appeal. Without Wall, he could be a solid No. 1/2 guard in standard leagues. With Wall, we view him as more of a No. 3 guard option.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas played off the bench for the first time in 10 games and scored 15 points in the Wizards' 83-79 victory over the Blazers on Friday night. Arenas, who started Washington's previous nine games, entered Friday's game midway through the first quarter and replaced rookie John Wall. Arenas finished with 30 minutes of playing time, his second-lowest total in 12 games.
Analysis: Arenas, who didn't appear on the Wizards sideline until nearly three minutes into the game, finished 6 of 16 from the field before fouling out for the second time this season. He added six assists and two rebounds but also turned the ball over five times. We highly doubt Arenas will be out of the starting lineup often so he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas shot just 1 for 10 from the field on Wednesday in a loss to Toronto. Arenas scored just seven points over 25 minutes on the floor. He added three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Arenas started alongside Alonzo Gee and Kirk Hinrich with John Wall coming off the bench, returning from injury.
Analysis: Arenas had scored at least 20 points in his previous three games and simply couldn't hit water from a boat on Wednesday. Chalk this up to Arenas still being a little rusty as he's trying to play his first full season in a long time. Arenas has been playing well and should bounce right back. He can see action in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas took control with John Wall out on Monday night against the Heat. Unfortunately, that didn't translate into a Washington victory. Arenas scored 23 points in the game over 41 minutes on 9 of 21 shooting. He went 3 for 10 from long range and added seven assists, five rebounds and a steal.
Analysis: Arenas has scored at least 17 points in five straight games and is averaging 22.2 points per game over that span. That comes with 8.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds and over two 3-pointers per game. He's playing at a high level right now and that should continue even when Wall comes back. He can be active in most Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas had his finest performance of the year on Saturday night against the Magic. He scored a season-high 31 points on 9 of 23 shooting in the 100-99 loss. He scored the go-ahead bucket with less than a minute to play, but had his game-winning attempt clang off the back of the rim. "Once I saw Dwight step over, I floated it up a little bit, and it was a little too hard," Arenas said. "I felt it was going to go in." Arenas, who played 37 minutes, went just 1 for 6 from beyond the arc but converted 12 of 14 free-throws. He also had five rebounds, five assists and a blocked shot in the defeat.
Analysis: Arenas has looked like the scorer of old in recent games and has more than picked up the slack with John Wall (knee) nursing an injury. He is averaging 22.7 points and eight assists over the last four contests, which is well above his season average. Those numbers will likely go down once Wall returns to the lineup so Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation in Washington. But Arenas has re-established himself as a solid Fantasy option and should be active in most leagues heading into Week 6 (Nov. 29-Dec. 5).
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas led the Wizards with 21 points on Thursday against the Hawks. He shot 7 for 18 from the field and went 4 fro 9 from behind the 3-point arc. He added a team-high eight assists and six rebounds for the Wizards. It wasn't enough though as the Hawks handed the Wizards another loss by beating them 116-96. The veteran added three steals in his 38 minutes of action.
Analysis: Arenas is averaging 20.3 points and 8.6 assists per game over his last four outings. With rookie John Wall still not looking 100 percent with his foot injury, Arenas will probably shoulder more of the load. But the two have co-existed so far this year, which makes both better. Fantasy owners should continue Arenas a solid play in all Fantasy leagues heading into Week 6 (Nov. 29-Dec. 5).
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas had another productive game on Tuesday night against the Sixers, even with the return of John Wall after a four-game absence. Arenas logged 42 minutes in an overtime game and scored 17 points with seven assists and three rebounds. He did turn the ball over eight times, however.
Analysis: Wall played 35 minutes in the game and had a productive game himself in a high-scoring 114-113 game. Arenas and Wall can co-exist, but it is clear that in the long run, Arenas will defer to the new face of the franchise in Wall. Consider Arenas good for around 15-20 points on any given night with around five dimes, a steal and a few rebounds. That is still plenty of good to make him a great play in any league.
News: According to the Washington Post, Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas fully expects to go back to the bench when rookie John Wall returns from a foot injury, which will likely happen Tuesday against the 76ers. "This is John's team," Arenas said. "So when he gets back, everybody falls back into place. I'll be coming back off the bench as the sixth man, and then from there, we'll find our way."
Analysis: Arenas is averaging 18.0 points and 6.8 assists in four games as a starter. He averaged 14.2 points and 3.0 assists in five games coming off the bench. Still, he's healthier now than he was then, so you have reason to hope his numbers won't fall off too much. Then again, they have to fall off some with Wall back in the lineup. Arenas is still worth starting in most Fantasy leagues, but he's not quite the elite option he used to be.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas finished off a strong week with a career effort in assists on Sunday in Detroit. He dished 16 dimes and scored 19 points with four rebounds. Arenas is averaging 20.4 points, 6.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game over his last five.
Analysis: Arenas saw a boost in Fantasy production with the Wizards playing a favorable schedule against weak defensive opponents. But he also benefited from the four-game absence of John Wall. Wall is day-to-day entering Fantasy Week 5 (Nov. 22-28) and Arenas is proving that he can be more than just a simple role player, despite all the injuries and off-the-court issues he has dealt with for the past few years. Arenas remains a good play, but we won't know exactly how good he might be this year until he can prove productive alongside Wall for a significant period.
News: After scoring just nine points in his last outing, Wizards G Gilbert Arenas picked up his scoring on Friday night against the Grizzlies. He finished with a team-high 24 points on 7 of 15 shooting in the 89-86 win. Arenas, who played 39 minutes, went 2 for 6 from beyond the arc and made 8 of 10 free throws. He also had three rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots in the victory. Arenas is averaging 17.7 points with 3.7 assists over the last three games with rookie phenom John Wall (toe) out.
Analysis: Arenas has more than picked up the slack with Wall out and is proving that he can still be a viable Fantasy option after a couple of down seasons. While he is not likely to average 20-plus points again, his production over the last few games have opened the eyes of owners that thought he was too far gone. Continue to track his progress, and the health of Wall, over the next week or so to see if his numbers change. Arenas remains a solid No. 3 guard heading into Week 5 (Nov. 22-28) against the 76ers, Hawks and Magic.
News: After notching a back-to-back strong performances in his previous two games, Wizards G Gilbert Arenas was limited to just nine points in a blowout loss to the Celtics on Wednesday night. He shot 3 for 11 from the field and just 2 for 7 from beyond the arc. Arenas had scored 30 points against the Bulls and 20 points against the Raptors in his two previous games.
Analysis: And Arenas had been producing good numbers in assists and rebounds as in his best days with the Wizards. We've been touting him highly again in Fantasy, especially given the injury to John Wall that has kept him out. Wall may be back for the team's next game, but we still like Arenas to get back on track with favorable matchups ahead and a more defined role alongside the rookie. He remains a solid No. 3 guard going forward.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas started on Tuesday against Toronto with John Wall missing the game due to injury. Arenas scored 20 points in the win as he shot 7 of 14 from the field and 3 of 6 from long range. Arenas added seven rebounds and six assists and also had a steal.
Analysis: Arenas has definitely gotten his rhythm back in his last two games. He's averaging 25 points, five assists, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, five 3-pointers and is shooting 50 percent from the field in those two contests against the Bulls and Raptors. Looking like the Gilbert of old, Arenas should be active across the board if this continues.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas, who has played in five straight games since missing time with an ankle injury, is expected to start Tuesday against the Raptors with John Wall sidelined by a foot injury.
Analysis: Arenas scored 30 points in his last game Saturday at Chicago, so he seems to be finding his form after playing in only 47 games over the last three seasons. His assists should rise with Wall out of the lineup, and he still has a good shooting touch. He's clearly a must-start Fantasy option when he's in the starting lineup.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas, for the first time this season, seemed like his ankle was not bothering him at all. He hit 7 of 10 shots from downtown on his way to a season-high 30 points. He also chipped in six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 32 minutes of action.
Analysis: Arenas has finally found a shooting touch after averaging a pedestrian 10 points through his first four games of the season. Perhaps even better news for Fantasy owners is the fact that he has played 32 minutes in each of the last two games, another sign that the ankle is holding up. John Wall briefly left the game with a sprained left foot, and Arenas picked up most of the slack in his absence. With Wall potentially limited and/or out, Arenas will again be the primary option in Washington. Now could be the right time to use him in Fantasy play.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas (ankle) returned to action off the bench in Wednesday's win over Houston. Arenas did not fare too well, though he did have an exciting alley-oop assist pass to John Wall, who finished with his first triple-double. Arenas played 23 minutes and shot 1 of 7 from the field to score five points. He added two rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot with two turnovers. The Wizards were actually plus-7 with him on the court.
Analysis: Arenas has played in Washington's last three games but continues to be worked back into game shape. Arenas played only 47 games over the last three seasons, mostly because of injuries. He's clearly going to need some time to get up to speed, and the Wizards are clearly going to take it easy with him. He might be in and out of the lineup over the next few weeks. He's averaging 12 points, 2.3 assists and a steal with eight 3-pointers in his first three games of the year. Fantasy owners should wait until he looks healthier and starts seeing more minutes before getting him active again.
News: Wizards coach Flip Saunders recently said PG Gilbert Arenas will continue to come off the bench and play 25-26 minutes per game for now, but he might not be able to play at all Wednesday against the Rockets. He's a game-time decision, according to the Washington Examiner, after playing on back-to-back nights over the weekend in his return from an ankle injury. "He really struggled yesterday," Saunders said Wednesday morning. "He just didnt have as much movement as he had the day before so well have to see how he his today, how he moves tonight. I say it kiddingly, but its always going to be a game-time decision because sometimes what happens to him, for no reason, youre knee can swell up or your ankle, and you dont even really know why, and all of a sudden, you have trouble moving, especially because of his history."
Analysis: Arenas played only 47 games over the last three seasons, mostly because of injuries. He's clearly going to need some time to get up to speed, and the Wizards are clearly going to take it easy with him. He might be in and out of the lineup over the next few weeks as he works to find his role on a team led by rookie PG John Wall. Arenas' upside as a scorer and ball distributor makes him a must-own in Fantasy still, but you might want to avoid starting him for now.
News: According to the teams official website, Wizards coach Flip Saunders said guard Gilbert Arenas will continue to be used off the bench in an effort to limit his minutes. Saunders said Arenas should see about 25-26 minutes per game, but his numbers will "quickly swell up once he returns to the starting lineup." Arenas made his season debut on Friday against the Knicks after missing the first three games of the year due to a strained tendon in his right ankle. He scored 18 points in 28 minutes off the bench in the 112-91 loss and went 4 of 8 from behind the arc.
Analysis: Despite playing just 47 games over the last three seasons, Arenas played well in his debut and even outshined rookie phenom John Wall in his debut. As long as he produce like he did against New York, Arenas can be used as a starter in most formats. He and Wall could make a dynamic backcourt in Washington but who will supply the most production has yet to be seen. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor how he plays over the next few games. Arenas should be owned in all leagues and could be starting in a majority of them, as long as Friday's performance was not a fluke.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas made his season debut on Friday night against the Knicks after missing the first three games of the year due to a strained tendon in his right ankle. Although he came off the bench, the 28-year-old played 26 minutes and scored 18 points on 6 of 13 shooting in the 112-91 loss. Arenas went 4 for 8 from downtown and made 2 of 3 free throws while finishing second on Washington in scoring. He also had one rebound, one assist and a steal in the defeat. "First couple of them I rushed it, just being nervous out there. In the fourth quarter I felt comfortable,'' Arenas said. "It's really been a long time, they kept yelling at me to be aggressive and I was like, 'I forgot how to.'''
Analysis: Arenas used to be an elite Fantasy guard, but injuries and last year's suspension have limited him to 47 games over the last three seasons. But he looked surprisingly good on Friday night an outshined rookie phenom John Wall in his first action of the year. It is not yet known how large his role will be this season so Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his progress as the season goes on. He and Wall could make a dynamic backcourt in Washington but who will supply the most production has yet to be seen. Arenas should be owned in all leagues and could be starting in a majority of them, as long as Friday's performance was not a fluke.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas was able to get through practice without incident Friday and will make his season debut at New York later in the day, multiple sources have reported. Arenas hasn't played since Oct. 14 because of a strained tendon in his right ankle. He hasn't played in a non-exhibition game since Jan. 5. He received a 50-game suspension the next day for bringing guns into the locker room.
Analysis: Arenas used to be an elite Fantasy guard, but injuries and last year's suspension have limited him to 47 games over the last three seasons. With rookie John Wall taking over his point guard spot, Arenas will surely experience a decline in production. How much remains to be seen. He's still a must-own in Fantasy because of his potential.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas, who has missed the first three games of the season with a strained tendon in his right ankle, practiced for the second straight day Thursday and "looked good," coach Flip Saunders told the team's official website. His status for Friday's game at New York remains up in the air, but even if he does play, he'll come off the bench. "Right now, were probably going to go with the starting lineup that we have," Saunders told the Washington Examiner.
Analysis: On Wednesday, Saunders said he wanted to see how Arenas' ankle responded after the day of practice, and it apparently held up just fine. He has a good chance of returning Friday, though in what capacity remains to be seen. He used to be an elite Fantasy point guard, but injuries and off-the-court issues have limited him to 47 games over the last three seasons. Now, he'll have to learn to play alongside rookie point guard John Wall. Still, Arenas is a must-own in Fantasy because of his potential.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas, who has missed the first three games of the season with a strained tendon in his right ankle, returned to practice Wednesday and seemed to be coming along, according to the Washington Post, even staying late to play with John Wall, Cartier Martin, Lester Hudson and Nick Young. Coach Flip Saunders said he wants to see how Arenas' ankle responds Thursday before determining whether or not he'll play Friday at New York.
Analysis: Injuries and off-the-court issues have limited Arenas to 47 games over the last three seasons, so this early injury doesn't inspire much confidence. His return is imminent, though, so the bigger issue is how well he'll mesh with rookie point guard John Wall. Arenas should still score enough to start in Fantasy, but you have to expect his assists to take a dip. His potential makes him worth stashing in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas (ankle), who was ruled out of Tuesday's contest against the 76ers, is expected to to practice Wednesday after missing the first three games of the season with a strained tendon in his right ankle. Arenas looked in good form as he took shots on the court before tipoff. Coach Flip Saunders said he thinks Arenas will practice Wednesday ahead of the team's next game on Friday against the Knicks.
Analysis: Arenas has played in just 47 games over the last three seasons because of injuries and off-the-court-issues. It appears his strained tendon is just about healed and he could be just days away from making his season debut. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his status over the next few days to see when he will indeed be able to play. Arenas can still be a high-source for points and assists when he returns, but you have to expect his production to dip a bit playing alongside John Wall. He deserves a roster spot in all Fantasy leagues because of his upside.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas, who looked like he had a chance of making his season debut Tuesday against the 76ers, has been ruled out for the contest, coach Flip Saunders told the Washington Post. Arenas has been dealing with a strained tendon in his right ankle, but a follow-up MRI showed the injury is improving. He remains day to day.
Analysis: Arenas was once a surefire first-rounder in Fantasy, but injuries and off-the-court issues have limited him to 47 games over the last three seasons. So far, it's more of the same this season, though this injury shouldn't be something that keeps him out much longer. He can still be a high-end source of points and assists when he returns, but you have to expect his production to dip a bit playing alongside John Wall. He deserves a roster spot in all Fantasy leagues because of his upside.
News:The Washington Post reports that Wizards coach Flip Saunders said on Monday after the team's practice that G Gilbert Arenas (ankle) is "unlikely" to play on Tuesday against Philadelphia. Arenas missed the first two games of the season with a strained tendon in his right ankle.
Analysis: On Sunday, the Post reported that Saunders expressed optimism. Now, it appears he will not be ready. The Wizards were expected to get a better idea as to the condition of Arenas after he visited a specialist in Baltimore on Thursday. Apparently, they are not comfortable with where he is just yet. There is still a lot to be determined with Arenas and his Fantasy appeal this season coming off last year's tumultuous year and the addition of John Wall. Your best bet is to take a wait-and-see approach here. While Arenas has high-end potential, there are too many variables surrounding him including his health to consider activating him until he can prove his worth on the court.
News: According to The Washington Post, Wizards coach Flip Saunders expressed optimism that Gilbert Arenas (ankle) could make his season debut on Tuesday against Philadelphia. Arenas missed the first two games of the season with a strained tendon in his right ankle.
Analysis: The Wizards were expected to get a better idea as to the condition of Arenas after he visited a specialist in Baltimore on Thursday. The fact that Saunders is hopeful of having Arenas back is a good sign. However, there is still a lot to be determined with Arenas and his Fantasy appeal this season coming off last year's tumultuous year and the addition of John Wall. Your best bet is to take a wait-and-see approach here. While Arenas has high-end potential, there are too many variables surrounding him including his health to consider activating him until he can prove his worth on the court.
News:The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas (groin) left the team on Thursday to be examined by a specialist. The Wizards are hoping that the doctor can discover the best course of action for an injury that has nagged Arenas throughout training camp. Arenas has been ruled out through at least Saturday's game in Atlanta.
Analysis: Coach Flip Saunders said he was unsure when Arenas would be able to return but is hopeful that the three-time all-star could be back on the floor by the home opener against Philadelphia on Nov. 2. Arenas has been sidelined since aggravating the injury last Friday in practice. There is still a lot to be determined with Arenas and his Fantasy appeal this season coming off last year's tumultuous year and the addition of John Wall. Your best bet is to take a wait-and-see approach here. While Arenas has high-end potential, there are too many variables surrounding him including his health to consider activating him until he can prove his worth on the court.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas will miss at least the first two regular-season games with a strained tendon in his right ankle. Arenas was in a walking boot and missed his fourth straight practice Wednesday. Wizards coach Flip Saunders said Arenas will be reevaluated by doctors but will be out Thursday at Orlando and Saturday at Atlanta. "He's definitely not going to play these two games," Saunders said. "We'll evaluate and hopefully both of these days in the boot will let that, right now the tendon is inflamed, we got to get that thing to settle down. Once it settles down and some of that fluid gets out of it he's going to have a better chance at playing."
Analysis: Arenas injured the ankle during training camp, then later missed two preseason games with a strained right groin. He is attempting to come back from last season's 50-game suspension for a felony gun conviction. With rookie John Wall starting at point guard, the Wizards don't need Arenas to handle as much of the load offensively. Still, he's too good of a scorer not to play a big role on offense. He comes with some injury risk, but once he gets healthy, you'll want him active as a No. 2 or 3 Fantasy guard.
News:Gilbert Arenas' sore right ankle kept him out of practice for the third straight day Tuesday as the Washington Wizards prepare for their season opener. Coach Flip Saunders said he'll "have to see what happens in the next 48 hours" to determine if Arenas plays Thursday night at Orlando.
Analysis: Arenas sprained the ankle during training camp, then later missed two preseason games with a strained right groin as he attempts to come back from last season's 50-game suspension for a felony gun conviction. Arenas averaged 22.6 points, 7.2 assists and over a steal per game last season in 32 appearances and is still well worth keeping around, but he should not be active in most leagues for the first scoring period of the season.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas is dealing with an ankle injury and sat out Monday's practice, reports the Washington Post. Wizards coach Flip Saunders said he is not sure if Arenas will be available to play in Thursday's season opener. "I have no idea if hes going to be ready or not ready," said Saunders. "If we dont have him, I still think we can go out there and be effective."
Analysis: Arenas still has a few days to get healthy before the start of the regular season but Fantasy owners hate to see this news. Arenas wanted a clean start this year and so did his owners and sitting out the first game of the season is now how you accomplish that. If no Arenas, Kirk Hinrich gets a value boost. The addition of rookie guard John Wall will take some pressure and spotlight off of Arenas, but we still don't know how good they'll play together, especially after just three minutes together this preseason. Despite it all, Arenas is a proven Fantasy commodity, when healthy.
News: Washington G Gilbert Arenas, who has a strained right groin, did not play in Sunday's preseason loss to the Knicks and is also expected to be sidelined on Tuesday night in the Wizards' exhibition finale against Detroit.
Analysis: Arenas, who faked an injury earlier in the preseason to get teammate Nick Young some playing time, has battled knee troubles the past few years and has played just 15 games between the '07-'08 and '08-'09 seasons. It is uncertain how serious this groin injury is, so Fantasy owners should check back to see if he will be ready to go for the start of the regular season. The addition of rookie guard John Wall will take some pressure and spotlight off of Arenas, but we still don't know how good they'll play together, especially after just three minutes together this preseason. Despite it all, Arenas is a proven Fantasy commodity, when healthy. Consider taking him in the middle rounds on Draft Day.
News: Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas left his first home game since being suspended for bringing guns to the Verizon Center last season with a strained right groin on Thursday against the Bucks. The veteran guard didn't start the preseason contest, but did see three minutes of action in the first quarter. This all comes two days after he faked a knee injury to give teammate Nick Young a chance to start. Arenas didn't attempt a shot, but had three steals, a rebound, an assist and a blocked shot. He was fined Wednesday for saying he had a sore left knee.
Analysis: Arenas fakes an injury then gets injured? Now that is karma. The veteran guard has battled knee troubles the past few years and has played just 15 games between the '07-'08 and '08-'09 seasons. It is uncertain how serious this groin injury is, but chances are he should be ready to go for the start of the regular season. The addition of rookie guard John Wall will take some pressure and spotlight off of Arenas, but we still don't know how good they'll play together, especially after just three minutes together this preseason. Despite it all, Arenas is a proven Fantasy commodity, when healthy. Consider taking him in the middle rounds on Draft Day.
News: Wizards coach Flip Saunders said Wednesday that G Gilbert Arenas was fined an undisclosed amount by the team for claiming to have a sore knee before the Wizards' game against Atlanta on Tuesday night. Arenas said after the game that he pretended to have a bum knee to give teammate Nick Young a chance to start. It would have been Arenas' first game at home since his 50-game suspension and felony conviction for bringing guns into the locker room last season. "I screwed up again, so I just want to say sorry," he said. "I wasn't really thinking that this was going to be another media outburst. It's like everything I do now, someone, tit for tat, tries to blow it out of proportion."
Analysis: Arenas' knee has been a constant source of concern for Fantasy owners, limiting him to a combined 15 games between the '07-'08 and '08-'09 seasons, so this report should come as a relief. Arenas seems to be in good health for once, though his off-the-court antics make him just as much of a risk in Fantasy. He's moving to shooting guard this season to make room for rookie John Wall. His assists may suffer as a result, but when he's able to take the court, he should still be a good source of points and threes. He's a potential bargain pick in the middle rounds.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas was held out of Tuesday's preseason game against the Hawks with a knee injury. Washington coach Flip Saunders said before Tuesday night's game that Arenas' knee was bothering him. "His knee is acting up and is a little sore, and it looks like he's going to sit this one out," Saunders said.
Analysis: While we don't anticipate anything to be seriously wrong with Arenas' knee, based on his past injury problems Fantasy owners should definitely continue to monitor his status moving forward. Arenas has averaged 13.7 points over the first three preseason games and has been starting alongside rookie John Wall. Arenas has only played in 47 games over the past threes seasons, but he still has the upside to put up elite numbers, even playing alongside Wall. Consider him a mid-round pick on Draft Day.
News:Gilbert Arenas spoke after the Wizards' preseason opener against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, the first time he was met with reporters since his brief comments on the eve of training camp. He was again expressionless, maintaining the serious demeanor he presented to the public throughout camp. "Right now I'm out there to hit open shots, teach John the ins and the outs of the game, and then eventually go on and move on - on my way," Arenas said. "This is the NBA. There's few players that stay in the same city, so right now the city is John's. I'm not here to fight anybody. I'm here to play alongside of him."
Analysis: The new face of the franchise is No. 1 overall pick Wall, and Arenas has conceded as much. Wall and Arenas both started Tuesday night; Wall had 21 points and nine assists, while Arenas scored 12 points with one assist and didn't get to the free-throw line. "He's Batman, I'm Robin," Arenas said. "When I came in, Larry (Hughes) moved aside for me to become a star, and I'm moving aside for (Wall) to become a star." He'll be an interesting mid-round selection this season in Fantasy because -- problems aside -- he still has the upside to put up elite numbers. He averaged 22.6 points, 7.2 assists and over a steal per game last season in 32 appearances.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas started alongside rookie John Wall in Tuesday's preseason opener against the Mavericks. Arenas had 12 points on 5 of 9 shooting in the 97-94 win. He played in 26 minutes and had three rebounds, a steal and one assist.
Analysis: Arenas, who has been limited in training camp by a sprained ankle, looked good playing alongside Wall. He is attempting a comeback after knee injuries and a 50-game suspension for a felony gun conviction limited him to 47 games over the past three seasons. It's safe to say the only reason he's still with the Wizards is the six-year, $111 million contract he signed in the summer of 2008. He'll be an interesting mid-round selection this season in Fantasy because -- problems aside -- he still has the upside to put up elite numbers. He averaged 22.6 points, 7.2 assists and over a steal per game last season in 32 appearances.
News:Gilbert Arenas returned to the practice court after missing the end of Washington Wizards training camp with a sprained right ankle. Arenas practiced Monday with his ankle taped. Coach Flip Saunders said he wasn't sure whether the former All-Star will play in Tuesday's preseason opener at Dallas.
Analysis: Arenas missed three of the final four sessions of camp, first with a sore leg and then with the sprained ankle. He is attempting a comeback after knee injuries and a 50-game suspension for a felony gun conviction limited him to 47 games over the past three seasons. It's safe to say the only reason he's still with the Wizards is the six-year, $111 million contract he signed in the summer of 2008. He'll be an interesting mid-round selection this season in Fantasy because -- problems aside -- he still has the upside to put up elite numbers. He averaged 22.6 points, 7.2 assists and over a steal per game last season in 32 appearances.
News: Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas sat out of Saturday's training camp practice with a "tweaked" right ankle while the rest of the team practiced in the dark due to a power outage. Arenas, who also sat out Friday's practice with leg soreness, was able to play in the team's scrimmage later that night. "Gil went last night, but tweaked his ankle, so he did not go today," coach Flip Saunders said.
Analysis: Arenas has played only 42 games over the last three seasons. Two years were wrecked by a knee injury, and the third by his legal problems. He is likely only still with the Wizards because of the six-year, $111 million contract he signed in the summer of 2008. He 'll be an interesting mid-round selection this season in Fantasy if he can stay healthy, but that is already turning out to be a challenge. Fantasy owners should monitor his health over the preseason.
News:Gilbert Arenas spoke publicly Monday for the first time since the day he was sentenced on a felony gun charge in March, a silence that ended only because it's mandatory to take part in the team's media day. The words came out in a measured, serious monotone before a group of reporters crowded four-deep around a table. He paused before answering every question - no more of the spontaneity that produced freewheeling answers in the past - and a member of the team's public relations staff ended the session after just 3 minutes, 12 seconds. "The only place I want to smile is on the court," Arenas said. "That's where my job is, that's where my love is. That's the only time I need to smile now."
Analysis: Teammates and coaches say Arenas has looked sharp in pickup games at the Verizon Center over the last two weeks, and that he does smile and laugh while on the court. The true test of his fitness and demeanor starts with training camp. Arenas has played only 42 games over the last three seasons. Two years were wrecked by a knee injury, and the third by his legal problems. It's safe to say the only reason he's still with the Wizards is the six-year, $111 million contract he signed in the summer of 2008. He'll be an interesting mid-round selection this season in Fantasy because -- problems aside -- he still has the upside to put up elite numbers. He averaged 22.6 points, 7.2 assists and over a steal per game last season in 32 appearances.
News: Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is now spending his nights at a Montgomery County halfway house, where he is serving his sentence for bringing guns into the team's locker room. Arenas started his sentence Friday with two days in the county jail. Arthur Wallenstein, head of corrections in Montgomery County, says Arenas was transferred Sunday to the county's work-release facility. Arenas pleaded guilty to a felony gun charge in January, and has been suspended until the end of the season by the NBA. Montgomery County is letting him serve his sentence there, as part of an agreement with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In addition to the 30 days, Arenas was sentenced to a $5,000 fine and 400 hours of community service that can't be performed at basketball clinics.
Analysis: Arenas should be in line to return for the 2010-11 season. There is still a possibility that he will face more of a suspension from the league, but that remains to be seen. But his chances of being able to resume a normal and productive NBA career have improved dramatically and he is once again a strong option in keeper formats.
News: Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas avoided a jail sentence, but he'll still have to spend two days behind bars. Arenas was sentenced last month to 30 days in a halfway house for bringing guns into the Wizards locker room. The head of corrections for Montgomery County, Md., a suburb of Washington, says the three-time NBA All-Star will serve his sentence at the county's Pre-Release Center.
Analysis: Arthur Wallenstein says people assigned to the halfway house as part of their probation must first report to the county jail for medical screening and classification. In addition, Wallenstein says the department wants them "to see a jail and understand what they have avoided." Wallenstein wouldn't say when Arenas has to report, citing security concerns. Arenas avoided serious jail time for the offense, instead receiving a sentence that also includes two years of probation, a $5,000 fine and 400 hours of community service. His chances of being able to resume a normal and productive NBA career have improved dramatically and he is once again a strong option in keeper formats. There is still a possibility that he will face more of a suspension from the league, but that remains to be seen.
News: A day after Gilbert Arenas was sentenced to 30 days in a halfway house for bringing guns into the Washington Wizards' locker room, team president Ernie Grunfeld reaffirmed that Arenas will be back with the club next season. "We're not going to void his contract. As I've said all along, he's going to be with us," Grunfeld said Saturday night before a game against Utah. "Gilbert is a part of this organization, he's part of our team, and he will be back with us next year. I think people forget that he's still one of the best players in this league."
Analysis: Arenas avoided jail time for the offense, instead receiving a sentence that also includes two years of probation, a $5,000 fine and 400 hours of community service. His chances of being able to resume a normal and productive NBA career have improved dramatically and he is once again a strong option in keeper formats. There is still a possibility that he will face more of a suspension from the league, but that remains to be seen.
News: The Washington Examiner reports that Gilbert Arenas has been sentenced to serve 30 days in a halfway house as well as two years of probation. He will not serve any jail time. He is to donate $5,000 to a a victims of violence fund and will be registered as a gun offender.
Analysis: All in all, Arenas seems to have made out well. The prosecution had recommended three months in jail. Arenas' NBA career will now depend on what, if any, further course of action NBA commissioner David Stern may take as well as the Wizards franchise. Arenas was suspended for the remainder of the NBA season in late January. In keeper leagues, this does make it more likely that Arenas could return to make an impact next fall.
News: Prosecutors say NBA star Gilbert Arenas should go to jail for three months for bringing guns into the Washington Wizards locker room. His lawyer says the appropriate punishment is probation and community service. Both sides filed sentencing memoranda Tuesday, three days before the Wizards point guard is to be sentenced for a felony gun charge.
Analysis: Arenas pleaded guilty Jan. 15 to one count of violating the District of Columbia's gun laws. As part of the plea deal, the government said it would not seek more than six months, although the judge can give Arenas anywhere from probation to the charge's maximum term of five years. Arenas has been suspended for the rest of the season by the NBA. His status for the upcoming NBA season will not be determined until after sentencing.
News: Suspended Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas says in an op-ed piece written for The Washington Post that he now understands "guns and violence are serious problems, not joking matters." The piece was posted on the newspaper's Web site Monday. Arenas pledges to be a better role model and says a "message of nonviolence will be front and center as I try to rebuild my relationship with young people."
Analysis: Arenas says he gave NBA commissioner David Stern reason to give him a season-ending suspension for bringing guns into the locker room and for making light of the situation. Arenas acknowledges he damaged "the image of the NBA and its players." He pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license. He is scheduled to be sentenced March 26 and will not play at all for the rest of the season. His future in the NBA is in serious question.
News: The Washington Post reports that following Wednesday's meeting with Gilbert Arenas and NBA Commissioner David Stern that Arenas requested to be suspended for the remainder of the season, and Stern plans to abide by the request. Arenas also told Stern that he would tell the players' union not to fight the suspension. Arenas met with Stern at the league offices in New York for nearly an hour. The meeting came nearly two weeks after Arenas pleaded guilty to a felony gun charge and was expected to provide Stern with the final details before he determined a punishment for Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton, who were involved in a locker room dispute in which guns were displayed at Verizon Center on Dec. 21. Arenas was suspended indefinitely for his behavior after the incident was first reported.
Analysis: It's safe to release Arenas in all seasonal leagues. He is worth holding onto in keeper formats, but continue to monitor what happens with his contract and if the Wizards will void it. We expect Arenas, no matter what team he plays for in 2010-11, to return as a solid Fantasy option in all formats. With the Wizards he would remain a No. 1 option in all leagues.
News: NBA commissioner David Stern planned to meet with Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas on Wednesday and an announcement on the full length of Arenas' indefinite suspension could follow. On Tuesday, Stern also met with Wizards guard Javaris Crittenton, who was sentenced to a year of unsupervised probation after pleading guilty Monday to a misdemeanor gun charge. Arenas pleaded guilty Jan. 15 to a felony gun charge after an alleged confrontation with Crittenton in the Wizards' locker room at Verizon Center in Washington. Arenas, who is in the second season of a six-year, $111 million contract, is scheduled to be sentenced March 26.
Analysis: We're hopeful that Arenas will be allowed to play again this season, but most likely his suspension will carry through for the remainder of the year. Still, continue to monitor his status, and stash him on your roster if at all possible in case Stern decides to allow Arenas to play again this season.
News: According to the Washington Post Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas pleaded guilty Friday in D.C. Superior Court to a felony count of carrying a pistol without a license, leaving his career in the NBA in jeopardy. Arenas will be sentenced on March 26. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors said they would seek no more than a six-month jail term for Arenas. Arenas was released after agreeing to surrender his passport and not possess any handguns.
Analysis: The charge carries a maximum of five years in jail, but Arenas is likely to serve far less. Many reports say that he will serve somewhere in the neighborhood of 1-3 months in jail. Arenas, 28, has four years remaining on his $111 million contract with the team. But he has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA and now that he admitted guilt in a court of law that suspension could easily become a definite ban for the rest of the season. Look for commissioner David Stern to address the matter very soon.
News:The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas has been charged with carrying a weapon without a license outside a home, a felony charge. Arenas, a three-time All-Star, has said he took unloaded guns out of his locker in a "misguided effort to play a joke" on teammate Jarvaris Crittenton in a heated exchange that occurred in the Wizards locker room at the Verizon Center in Washington on Dec. 21.
Analysis: Arenas, who has been indefinitely suspended by NBA commissioner David Stern, has a history with a gun possession charge that dates back to his days with the Golden State Warriors. That could have an impact on potential sentencing if he is convicted of the crime and is another reason why Arenas' future in the NBA remains extremely cloudy. Continue to keep tabs on this situation, but it seems less and less likely by the day that he will be re-instated to play in the NBA this season.
News: According to the Washington Post the Wizards are preparing for a lengthy absence from Gilbert Arenas, their star point guard who has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA. Asked whether the team is preparing to be without Arenas for the remainder of the season, coach Flip Saunders told reporters Friday: "I think you have to, right now."
Analysis: There was also a lot of fuss raised about the team removing Arenas' banner from the Verizon Center and all signs point to the team moving forward as if he won't be back this season. Fantasy owners should be fully prepared for that as well, though cutting him is not suggested in seasonal formats until there is absolutely no chance he returns.
News: NBA commissioner David Stern has indefinitely suspended Gilbert Arenas, saying the Washington Wizards guard is "not currently fit to take the court" for a game. Stern said in a statement Wednesday that Arenas' actions will "ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse." Because Arenas violated NBA rules by bringing guns into Washington's locker room, Stern decided to punish Arenas now. He says the suspension begins immediately. Stern says he originally planned to wait for the criminal investigation to be completed before taking action, and directed the Wizards to do the same. The Wizards are in agreement with Stern. "We fully endorse the decision of the NBA to indefinitely suspend Gilbert Arenas," team president Ernie Grunfeld said in a statement.
Analysis: This is what we hoped would not happen with Arenas, but was something you had to expect based on what transpired with the news he brought guns into the locker room. We hope the suspension is not for the entire season, but that is a possibility based on Stern's history. Don't release Arenas in any leagues, but don't plan on using him in any formats. He still has the potential to be reinstated this year and is a must-start guard in all leagues when active, but this suspension could ruin his season.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas has no concerns about possible legal action brought against him for taking unloaded guns from his locker because law enforcement officials "already know the truth." He's not as confident he can escape punishment from NBA commissioner David Stern. Arenas said on Tuesday that he'll likely have to meet with Stern to explain why he had guns at the Verizon Center last month. Arenas has yet to be contacted by league officials for his role in what he claims is nothing more than a joke gone awry. Arenas laughed when he said he feared Stern more than the authorities because the commissioner was "mean." Arenas said Stern could be feeling pressure to discipline him even before authorities make a decision on whether or not to press charges. Stern likely will wait until the legal process is complete before handing down penalties, but he could rule on Arenas now since league rules were broken in that instance.
Analysis: In his statement Monday, Arenas repeated his earlier assertion that he brought four guns to the Verizon Center to store in his locker in order to get them out of his house and away from his children. Arenas told federal authorities that he believed recent changes in D.C. law made it legal for him to store unloaded guns at the arena. The Washington Post reported Tuesday that prosecutors began presenting evidence to a D.C. Superior Court grand jury. "They already know the story so I don't have to worry about that," Arenas said. "They already know the truth. They've heard the story and the testimony from everybody in the locker room." If the law steps in, Arenas could face a maximum of five years in prison, but the whole situation is murky right now. He managed to brush off the distractions and contribute 19 points and 14 assists Tuesday at Philadelphia, so as long as he can play, you want him active in Fantasy.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas' contrition in a joint statement with his attorney after meeting for two hours with police and prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is not expected to sway authorities who are weighing whether to charge Arenas with any crimes, two law enforcement officials familiar with the state and federal probe told CBSSports.com's Ken Berger. Neither is the fact that Arenas is claiming to have been unaware that a recent change in the District's firearms law did not allow the possession of guns outside the home, one of those law enforcement officials said. "The U.S. Attorney will have to file charges for possession of a pistol without a license," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he did not have jurisdiction over the case. "The prosecutor cannot simply walk away from this case."
Analysis: CBSSports.com's Ken Berger has more information about how much trouble Arenas is facing and he notes that he could be facing a maximum of five years in prison. Seeing that no disciplinary actions will take place until the legal process is complete, Fantasy owners should continue to start Arenas in the short term. His long-term appeal is very seriously clouded, however.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas released a written statement on Monday after voluntarily meeting with law enforcement officials. In his statement, Arenas repeated his earlier assertion that he brought four guns to the Verizon Center to store in his locker in order to get them out of his house and away from his children. He said he mistakenly believed that recent changes in D.C. law made it legal for him to store unloaded guns there. Arenas also apologized for his actions in the statement. NBA commissioner David Stern likely will wait until the legal process is complete before handing down penalties, but he could rule on Arenas now since league rules were broken in that instance. At the NBA's request, the firearms language was bolstered during collective bargaining in 2005. Players are subject to discipline if they bring guns to the arena or practice facility, or even an offsite promotional appearance.
Analysis: At the NBA's request, the firearms language was bolstered during collective bargaining in 2005. Players are subject to discipline if they bring guns to the arena or practice facility, or even an offsite promotional appearance. Seeing that no disciplinary actions will take place until the legal process is complete, Fantasy owners should continue to start Gilbert Arenas for Week 11(Jan. 4-10). Keep checking tabs on Arenas to see what actions might be taken.
News:Gilbert Arenas admits he used "bad judgment" in bringing guns into the Washington Wizards locker room. He also denied on Saturday that he gambles and said there are misconceptions in the various stories about a dispute between himself and teammate Javaris Crittenton. As for the rest, he said he'll tell it to authorities on Monday.
Analysis: Arenas said he was "not nervous at all" about the possible outcome of the investigation, but the implications are serious. What began with the NBA looking into a possible violation of its own rules has turned into a matter involving the U.S. Attorney's Office and District of Columbia police. The legal system, the league and the Wizards could take action if the allegations prove true. Asked if he had met with law enforcement officials, Arenas said: "I deal with that on Monday. ... I've got to put it in their hands and tell the story and see what they say." Arenas appears to be a safe play in the short term, but his long-term situation will remain clouded until this situation is resolved.
News: Washington Wizards teammates Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton drew guns on each other during a Christmas Eve locker room argument over a gambling debt, according to the New York Post. Citing an anonymous source, the newspaper reported in Friday's edition that the standoff was sparked when Crittenton became angry at Arenas for refusing to make good on a gambling debt. That prompted Arenas to draw on Crittenton, who then also grabbed for a gun, league security sources told the New York Post. Asked by the New York Post about the confrontation, Arenas denied pulling a gun on Crittenton. The Washington Post reports that Arenas is considering filing a lawsuit against the New York Post.
Analysis: The Wizards said on the night of Dec. 24 that Arenas had stored unloaded firearms in a container in his locker at the arena and that the NBA was looking into the situation. On Tuesday, Washington, D.C. police said they were investigating a report that weapons were found inside a locker room at the Verizon Center. Now, the federal government is also involved. Ben Friedman, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in D.C., tells the Post "we're working with the Metropolitan Police Department on the investigation." This is obviously something that could bring down serious consequences for Arenas and something Fantasy owners should be extremely concerned about. A league investigation could result in a long-term suspension here, but there's no real timetable on how long that decision would take to come down from the league. Be aware that Arenas will be an Fantasy risk going forward until this situation is resolved.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas was the team's leading scorer despite a report that came out on Friday that Arenas had stored firearms in his locker, a violation of NBA rules. Arenas went 10 for 28 in the game, adding nine assists and seven rebounds. He also turned the ball over seven times. Arenas had left the team's game on Wednesday with a thigh injury.
Analysis: Arenas continues to do it all for the Wizards as he has managed to stay healthy for the most part this season. He is not shooting for too high of a percentage this season but is still filling the stat sheet. Keep Arenas active across the board as long as he is healthy and active.
News: Washington G Gilbert Arenas stored unloaded firearms in a container in his locker, according to the team, and the NBA is looking into the situation. The Wizards issued a statement Thursday night saying there was no ammunition in the locked container, and Arenas and the team have notified authorities and the league. Arenas told The Washington Times he took his guns to the Verizon Center after his daughter, Hamiley Penny, was born this month. About a week later, he said he handed them over to team security to give to police. "I wouldn't have brought them to D.C. had I known the rules," Arenas told the newspaper. "After my daughter was born, I was just like, 'I don't need these anymore." Arenas was suspended for Washington's season opener in 2004 because he failed to maintain proper registration of a handgun while living in California in 2003. Arenas formerly played for the Warriors. Officer Quintin Peterson, a spokesman for the Washington police department, told The Associated Press on Thursday night there was no report of any active investigation involving Arenas. The team and the three-time All-Star "are cooperating fully with law enforcement during its review of this matter and will have no further comment at this time," according to the Wizards' statement. CBSSports.com first reported the investigation.
Analysis: The NBA's collective bargaining agreement allows for players to legally possess firearms but prohibits them at league facilities or when traveling on any league-related business. "We're aware of the situation and are working to gain a full understanding of the facts and relevant legal issues," the NBA said in a release. Clippers guard Sebastian Telfair was suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount in 2006 after a loaded handgun registered to his girlfriend was found in his pillowcase aboard the team's plane when he was with Portland. Arenas scored 18 points in Washington's 109-97 victory at Milwaukee on Wednesday night although he did leave the game in the fourth quarter with a deep left thigh bruise. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Arenas is averaging 22.2 points after being limited to 15 games during the past two seasons following three operations on his left knee over 1 1/2 years. Monitor his injury and legal status the remainder of the week before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3). When healthy and active, Agent Zero is a must-start in all formats.
News: Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas has limped off the court in the fourth quarter of Washington's game at Milwaukee with a deep left thigh bruise. Arenas drove hard to the basket and fell hard to the court after being called for a charge Wednesday night. He was helped up by teammates, but had a noticeable limp when he headed to the bench. Trainers did not work on him and he remained on the bench with a heat pad on his upper left leg. He seemed in good spirits, cheering without standing when Randy Foye hit a 3-pointer moments later. Arenas, who had 18 points before he was hurt, missed all but two games last season after three knee operations in 1 1/2 years.
Analysis: Arenas is clearly a must-start Fantasy option, when healthy. This injury doesn't appear to be of the serious variety, which is a huge relief to Fantasy owners.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas had 31 points on 13 of 24 shooting, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range, Tuesday against the 76ers. He also had eight rebounds and two assists. He has scored 30 or more points in three of his last four games, including 45 at Golden State on Friday.
Analysis: Arenas scored 30 or more points in only three of his first 22 games, so he's really hitting his stride now after missing most of the last two years with knee injuries. He wasn't exactly underperforming before this hot stretch, averaging about 20 points and seven assists per game, but he's clearly back to being one of the elite players in Fantasy now.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas scored 33 points Wednesday at Sacramento, putting him up over 30 for just the second time in his last 18 games. He also had six rebounds and six assists.
Analysis: Arenas has had a few cold stretches this season, but the most important thing is he's healthy. He certainly isn't cold now, though, and with averages of about 20 points and seven assists per game, he's an obvious must-start in Fantasy.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas recorded his first triple-double in 5 1/2 years on Saturday in a 114-113 loss to the Pacers. Arenas scored 22 points on 8 for 20 shooting in the game, adding 10 rebounds and 11 assists. However, his performance was marred when he missed two free throws in the dying seconds of a close game for the second time in three nights.
Analysis: Arenas has been pouring on the points recently, averaging 22.2 points per game over his last five starts. He is also averaging eight assists and 4.8 rebounds during that stretch. He is once again an elite force in Fantasy after a couple of injury-plagued seasons. He should again be active across the board.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas, who scored only eight points last time out, had 25 to go along with eight assists and three rebounds Thursday against the Celtics. He's averaging 22.2 points and 7.6 assists over his last five games.
Analysis: Even with that poor performance last week, Arenas has still seen a slight increase in production over his last five games. He has bounced back from a couple of injury-plagued seasons to reemerge as an elite Fantasy option. Start him in all leagues.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas broke out of a scoring slump Tuesday at Toronto by dropping his new pass-first approach. Arenas finished with 22 points and nine assists in 39 minutes. "We've got confidence in him," teammate Antawn Jamison said of Arenas, who was limited to just 15 games the past two years because of knee problems. "We know he's going to find a way to get out of it and make us a better team and start being his old self again, too." When Jamison returned to Washington's lineup after missing the first nine games of the season with an injured right shoulder, Arenas stopped trying to score and started trying to be a play-maker. He ended up hardly scoring at all, finishing with nine and six points in Washington's previous two games. "I started, in my mind, winding myself out of scoring," Arenas said. "It was to the point where, when I did shoot it, I was never in synch, I was never in aggressive mode."
Analysis: It was the first time Arenas had failed to score at least 10 in back-to-back games since his rookie season in 2002, so he changed strategies again after a chat with coach Flip Saunders. "Flip sat me down after the last game and said, 'Play how you play. When you average 29 [points], you average six assists. Right now you're averaging six assists but you're not being aggressive so it really don't matter. Play your way.' I was like, 'All right.'" Good going, Flip. Arenas should be back to normal now, which means he's a No. 1 Fantasy guard. So far, injuries haven't been a problem for him this year.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas only managed nine points on Friday in a win at Miami. He shot 4 of 7 from the field and didn't hit a three. Arenas grabbed two boards and dished out five assists in 27 minutes.
Analysis: The Wizards didn't need Arenas to win on Friday and that could be why his number of shots were so low. He is always a must-start Fantasy option and think he'll be back to normal by his next game.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas, playing despite soreness in his left calf, had a night to forget Tuesday at Miami. He led the Wizards with 21 points, but he had a career-high 12 turnovers -- seven of the giveaways coming in a six-minute span in the third quarter. "It's the same thing every game," Arenas said. "We go into that third quarter where we can't score, we can't pass, we can't catch, we can't think." He also had eight assists, five rebounds and three steals.
Analysis: Other than the turnovers, Arenas played well, so he looks safe to start in Fantasy once again. He has had a rebound season after missing much of the last two with knee injuries, entering the game averaging 24.4 points and 5.6 assists. Provided he stays healthy, he's a No. 1 Fantasy guard.
News: The Washington Examiner reports Wizards G Gilbert Arenas was held out of practice Monday with soreness in his left calf. He is considered day to day and should be considered questionable for Tuesday's game in Miami.
Analysis: There wasn't much else in the report and it doesn't sound too serious, though Fantasy owners should keep this in mind considering the Wizards play just two games this week. This could push you over the edge as far as whether or not to reserve him in cumulative leagues. Our best guess is that he'll be able to play in both games, but it's just a guess.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas, who missed most of the last two seasons with knee injuries, is looking healthy and productive to begin the season. He topped 20 points for the fourth time in four games Tuesday at Cleveland, finishing with 22 on 7 of 18 shooting. He also had a season-high seven rebounds and five assists.
Analysis: Arenas is looking like a stud again, picking up right where he left off three years ago. He should average over 20 points and six assists this season, making him a No. 1 Fantasy guard as long as he stays healthy.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas scored 32 points in Saturday's game against the Nets. He added 7 assists, 1 steal and 1 rebound and was 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. He averaged 28.0 points, 6.7 assists and 1.7 rebounds in the first week of the season.
Analysis: Fantasy owners were a bit tentative about Arenas going in to the season considering the fact that he has missed the majority of the last two seasons due to injury. It was no guarantee that he would ever get back to the Fantasy star that he was prior to the injuries, but that certainly appears to be the case at least early on.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas might as well been yelling, "Hibatchi!" on the court in Tuesday's season-opening win in Dallas. That is because Agent Zero was on his game. Arenas poured in a team-high 29 points on 10 of 21 shooting with a three. He added nine assists and looked in mid-season form.
Analysis: Surprise! The Arenas of old is back and looks to be every bti a No. 1 Fantasy option once again. If you were harboring any doubts, this game should put them to rest.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas did not look sharp in the team's preseason finale against the Bulls. He went 3 for 12 in the game for a total of 15 points. Nine of his 11 points came from the free throw line. He also had four rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes of action. Arenas had been dealing with the flu coming into Friday's game.
Analysis: Arenas, who has played only 15 games over the last two seasons because of knee injuries, had looked good this preseason before his dud on Friday. Considering his injury woes, you can probably get him as a No. 2 Fantasy guard, but if healthy, he'll perform like a No. 1, providing an elite number of points, assists and 3-pointers. Arenas should be ready to go to start the regular season.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas remained at the team hotel Friday at Atlanta with flu-like symptoms. He was not expected to fly to Philadelphia with the team for Tuesday's game against the Sixers. Coach Flip Saunders said Arenas would fly to Washington as soon as he was feeling better.
Analysis: Arenas, who has played only 15 games over the last two seasons because of knee injuries, has looked good this season. This illness comes at a bad time, but he should still be ready for opening week. Considering his injury woes, you can probably get him as a No. 2 Fantasy guard, but if healthy, he'll perform like a No. 1, providing an elite number of points, assists and 3-pointers.
News: The NBA has fined Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas $25,000 for not making himself available to the media. Returning from a series of knee injuries that have limited him to 15 games in the last two seasons, Arenas has refused to talk to the press during the preseason. He had his perhaps his best performance of the exhibition season Tuesday at Detroit, scoring 24 points on 9 of 11 shooting in 28 minutes. He also had five assists.
Analysis: Ironically, much of Arenas' popularity comes from his personality and the popular blog he used to write, but at least you know he has his head in the game after his knee kept him out of the game so much over the last two years. Coach Flip Saunders seems ready to declare Arenas, a former first-rounder in Fantasy, "back," but Fantasy owners are understandably skeptical. If you can get him as your No. 2 guard in Fantasy, you might end up with the steal of the draft.
News:Gilbert Arenas had 10 assists in 24 minutes as the Washington Wizards beat the Memphis Grizzlies 101-92 on Tuesday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Arenas, who has been limited to 15 games over the last two seasons due to three operations on his left knee, assisted on Washington's first seven baskets. In just over 11 minutes in the first quarter, he had five points, hitting one of his two shots, and three of five free throws.
Analysis: Arenas ended up missing six of nine free throws, blocking a shot, committing three turnovers and stealing the ball twice -- one of them spectacular. Late in the first quarter, Arenas nabbed the ball from Memphis' Marc Gasol and leaped over the scorer's table and landed on his feet. After the game, Arenas declined comment. "I don't talk anymore -- next training camp," Arenas said. Hopefully Arenas is willing to let his play do the talking like this all season. "He's given me no indication in the things he's done that he's not back," coach Flip Saunders said. Keep tabs on his health in the preseason before taking a measured risk on him early in Fantasy drafts this fall.
News:Gilbert Arenas took part in five-on-five halfcourt drills at Washington Wizards practice on Friday after sitting out scrimmages the previous two days. Wizards first-year coach Flip Saunders says the oft-injured Arenas has taken part in just about everything during training camp but a dislocated finger sidelined him for the scrimmages.
Analysis: Arenas dislocated the middle finger on his left hand in a pickup game before training camp began, then aggravated it this week. Saunders says it could be an ongoing issue all season. He had three operations on his left knee in 1 1/2 years, and he missed all but two games last season. But Wizards coach Flip Saunders said the knee is not limiting Arenas at the moment, and now it does not appear the finger is either. That sounds like good news for Fantasy owners, but there will still be a good deal of risk involved in drafting Arenas, who has played just 15 games combined over the last two seasons.
News: The Washington Wizards say Gilbert Arenas has missed scrimmages at training camp because of a finger injury - not because of any problems with his surgically repaired left knee. Arenas sat out a scrimmage for the second consecutive day Thursday, although he did participate in drills.
Analysis: Arenas dislocated the middle finger on his left hand in a pickup game before training camp began, then aggravated it this week. He had three operations on his left knee in 1 1/2 years, and he missed all but two games last season. But Wizards coach Flip Saunders said the knee is not limiting Arenas at the moment, the finger is. That sounds like good news for Fantasy owners, but there will still be a good deal of risk involved in drafting Arenas, who has played just 15 games combined over the last two seasons.
News: New Wizards coach Flip Saunders likes Gilbert Arenas' chances of a big season this fall. "He's in a totally different situation. He's going to have the ball in his hands 80 percent of the time. He's going to make decisions," Saunders said. "He has a great opportunity to really improve a lot."
Analysis: From what Saunders has seen lately, Arenas is fully healthy, capable of once again being an explosive player who can approach 30 points a night. "I don't see any difference as far as the things that he does now that he was doing three years ago, when he was one of the MVP candidates," Saunders said. That sounds like good news for Fantasy owners, but there will still be a good deal of risk involved in drafting Arenas, who has played just 15 games combined over the last two seasons.
News: According to new Washington Wizards coach Flip Saunders, Gilbert Arenas looks good in the weight room and on a basketball court. Saunders traveled to Chicago last week and watched Arenas lift weights and play. "He gets to wherever he wants to get on the court. His quickness is back," the coach said. "He's getting his scoring touch back, and he's getting his confidence back. He's excited about where he's at. He looks good. His weight is lower than it's been in the last few years. ... He feels he's got some things to prove."
Analysis: Coming off three knee operations in 1 1/2 years, Arenas played in only two games late last season. When healthy, Arenas is an elite Fantasy guard. He is capable of averaging over 25.0 points and 6.0 assists, which he did for three years in a row from 2004-06. While it might be hard for him to get back to those stats, he should return to being a Fantasy star.
News: The Washington Post reports new Wizards coach Flip Saunders is excited to work with point guard Gilbert Arenas. Arenas played just two games this season and has missed most of the past two seasons because of a left knee injury. If Arenas is able to come back healthy next season, Saunders said he expects him to flourish in the same fashion as point guards such as Stephon Marbury, Terrell Brandon, Chauncey Billups and Sam Cassell, who have played under Saunders in his career. "Every point guard I've had, we've had a very special relationship because they are an extension of what I want to have accomplished on the floor. And I give them a lot of freedom because I work with them a lot, but I have a lot of expectations from them," Saunders said. He added that he has no plans to "control" Arenas. "I don't think anyone controls great players. I put players in situations to be successful," he said.
Analysis: When healthy, Arenas is an elite Fantasy guard. He is capable of averaging over 25.0 points and 6.0 assists, which he did for three years in a row from 2004-06. While it might be hard for him to get back to those stats, he should return to being a Fantasy star, especially under Saunders.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas (knee) missed Wednesday's shootaround and did not play in the season finale against the Boston Celtics. Arenas played in just two games this season after missing most of the year recovering from knee surgery.
Analysis: The good news for Arenas is that he anticipates being healthy to start the 2009-10 season. He hasn't had a completely healthy season in a few years now and once that happens, he'll go back to being an absolute Fantasy stud.
News: The Washington Post reports Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was not at shoot-around Wednesday morning and will miss the season-finale Wednesday night against Boston because of his ailing knee injury. Arenas has only appeared in two games this season.
Analysis: Keep Arenas reserved in all daily leagues. Hopefully he can come back in 2009-10 and return to being an elite Fantasy option. When healthy, Arenas should return to being a stud.
News: Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas did not play Monday against Toronto. The Wizards only have one more game this season Wednesday at Boston, and Arenas will remain questionable for that game.
Analysis: Arenas should be kept reserved in all Fantasy leagues. Even if he returns on Wednesday, the risk is not worth the reward.
News: The Washington Post reports Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will not play Monday against Toronto. The Wizards only have one more game this season Wednesday at Boston, and Arenas will remain questionable for that game.
Analysis: Keep Arenas reserved in all leagues at this time. If he's not playing in the final home game Monday night, it's unlikely he will play Wednesday against the Celtics.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas did not play in Friday's game against the Raptors as expected. Arenas is expected to play in only one more game, which will be on Monday against the same Raptors team at home.
Analysis: Arenas is only expected to play in home games as the Wizards want to be careful with his knee. The knee is supposed to be fine but with two seasons in a row plagued by injuries, Arenas' Fantasy appeal has taken a hit. Arenas will likely be considered an injury-risk sleeper in Fantasy drafts next season.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas missed Wednesday's game against the Cavs, as expected with a knee injury. The Washington Post reports coach Ed Tapscott said that Arenas's knee is fine and that he has not experienced any setbacks. He added that the plan all along was for Arenas to play "selective games," with the preference for Arenas to play home games.
Analysis: Arenas probably will only play one more game this season -- next Monday, at home, against Toronto. "That's what I'm hoping for," Tapscott said. "Let our fans see him. If there is any place he's going to extend himself with, it will be at home." Arenas has had two straight injury-plagued seasons and it has severely cut into his Fantasy appeal. Perhaps an offseason of rest will help him get in shape for 2009-10 and possibly return to his elite Fantasy status. Consider Arenas an injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day 2009.
News: The Washington Post reports there is "a 99.99 percent chance" that Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will not play Wednesday night at the Cavaliers. Arenas did not participate in shootaround Wednesday morning because of his injured knee. Afterward, Wizards interim Coach Ed Tapscott said, "I don't think Gil is going to go." Tapscott said that Arenas's knee is fine and that he has not experienced any setbacks. He added that the plan all along was for Arenas to play "selective games," with the preference for Arenas to play home games.
Analysis: Arenas probably will only play one more game this season -- next Monday, at home, against Toronto. "That's what I'm hoping for," Tapscott said. "Let our fans see him. If there is any place he's going to extend himself with, it will be at home." For now, keep Arenas reserved in all leagues and hope he can make a full recovery next season.
News: Washington G Gilbert Arenas sat out as part of the plan to play selected games during his comeback from knee surgery. Arenas has played in two games so far: last weekend against the Detroit Pistons and Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. "The knee is fine," interim coach Ed Tapscott said. "When you haven't played, you get some body soreness, too, so we decided to give him a day off, that's all."
Analysis: Arenas' decision to rest was made easier because backup point guard Javaris Crittenton returned after missing one game with back spasms. is a risky Fantasy option despite his obvious ability because it's unsure if he'll play from game to game. He can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy option when he is active in the Wizards lineup.
News: In the closest thing they'll have to a playoff game this year, Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards recovered after blowing a 14-point second-half lead and ended the franchise-record 13-game winning streak of LeBron James and the Cavaliers with a 109-101 victory Thursday night. Arenas, playing his second game of the season in his latest attempt to return from knee surgery, had 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting and 10 assists and six rebounds in 33 minutes.
Analysis: Arenas was expected to play on Thursday because it was a home game and coach Ed Tapscott was holding him out so he could play in front of a home crowd. He is a risky Fantasy option despite his obvious ability because it's unsure if he'll play from game to game. He can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy option when he is active in the Wizards lineup. Arenas said he will play on Saturday if Javaris Crittenton is still unable to go with a back spasms. If Crittenton plays, Arenas said he likely will rest.
News: Washington PG Gilbert Arenas ultimately decided to sit out Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies in Memphis. Arenas was originally scheduled to miss the game but surprised the team saying he wanted to play. He ended up staying on the bench and will likely play on Thursday against Cleveland at home.
Analysis: The Wizards are definitely out of playoff contention so the thinking here by coach Ed Tapscott is that the home fans will see Agent Zero play. He is a risky Fantasy option at this point because of his health and uncertainty over when he wants to play. For now, be safe when setting your lineup, but consider him a No. 3 Fantasy guard if he's deemed ready to play before the game starts.
News: The Washington Post reports Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is still listed as a game-time decision for Wednesday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Arenas surprised the team with his announcement Tuesday that he might play against Memphis rather than Thursday against Cleveland. Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott said "there is some logic" to Arenas playing Wednesday night but added that he would like for home fans to see Gilbert the rest of the way.
Analysis: It sounds like Arenas will continue to be hard to figure out until next season when he is 100 percent healthy. He is a risky Fantasy option at this point because of his health and uncertainty over when he wants to play. For now, be safe when setting your lineup, but consider him a No. 3 Fantasy guard if he's deemed ready to play before the game starts.
News: The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas "may try to play" Wednesday against Memphis rather than wait to play against Cleveland on Thursday. "If my leg feels good. We're going game by game, depending on what the trainers say," he said.
Analysis: All along, Arenas said he planned on playing all home games and select road games, preferably Cleveland and Boston, the rest of the season. But when asked if he still planned to play on Thursday, Arenas said, "That was the plan? I don't know. I'm going to see how it feels coming Thursday, of course, depending how I feel tomorrow, I might play tomorrow, which means I can't play Thursday." Arenas's comments came about 15 minutes after interim coach Ed Tapscott said that he planned on playing Arenas on Thursday, on the back end of their back-to-back, rather than using him against the Grizzlies. Tapscott also said that he hated being restricted to playing Arenas just 28 minutes a night. Michael Lee of The Post added that he's not what sure what to make of Arenas' statement. Fantasy owners should continue to view him as a huge hit-or-miss player at this stage.
News: As expected, Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was held out of Sunday night's game at Indiana to allow his surgically repaired left knee more time to rest. Arenas had 15 points against Detroit on Saturday night in his first game in 11 months, but coach Ed Tapscott says Arenas will not play back-to-back games and his playing time will be limited to about 28 minutes when he does appear. Tapscott says Arenas was "feeling fine" after playing against the Pistons. "No knee soreness at all, just the muscle soreness that comes with playing your first high-level game in a while."
Analysis: You have to assume that Arenas will be fine to play in the Wizards' next game on Wednesday at Memphis. Arenas proved he's going to be valuable with playing time down the stretch if he gets regular game action. If he's able to play consistently over the next scoring period, you might want to start adding him in 12-team and deeper leagues.
News:Gilbert Arenas nearly had a heroic finish to his first game in almost a year. Instead, it was Kwame Brown -- of all people -- who blocked Agent Zero's shot in the final seconds against Detroit on Saturday. Arenas finished with 15 points and 10 assists in 30 minutes in his first game since April 27, 2008. The three-time All-Star had missed 156 of his team's previous 173 games, including playoffs, thanks to a knee injury that spawned two overeager comeback attempts and three surgeries over an 18-month span.
Analysis: Arenas was determined to make sure he was completely healthy before attempting another comeback, especially with Washington mired in last place in the East, but with Mike James now out for the season, Washington needs him to do more. His knee seemed to pose him no problem. He hit the floor several times and was never slow getting up, even when he was tripped by Rodney Stuckey during a drive to the basket in the fourth quarter. It is apparent that Arenas could be a nice option down the stretch of the season. This one game could be adrenaline and you should continue to view Arenas as a No. 4 Fantasy guard going forward until he can prove this wasn't a fluke. He's definitely worth at least picking up in any league.
News:Gilbert Arenas made his season debut on Saturday against the Pistons, as expected. He was in the starting lineup. It was Arenas' first game since April 27, 2008, and his first game since signing a $111-million, six-year contract last summer. "In our discussions, I said, 'Let the game come to you, play the game the way you've always played it,"' coach Ed Tapscott said. "'Distribute the ball when it's appropriate, take your offensive opportunities."'
Analysis: Tapscott said having Arenas on the floor should allow the Wizards to play at a faster pace. He has also said that the plan is to give Arenas around 15 minutes per game the rest of the way, but with Mike James lost for the season on Saturday due to a broken pinkie, that plan may change a tad. Don't expect Arenas to be putting up Agent Zero numbers in the final scoring periods of the Fantasy season. View him as a No. 4 guard until he proves otherwise. He has a lot of rust to shake off and any setback could mean his season is over at any point with the Wizards having nothing to play for and 111 million reasons to sit him.
News:Gilbert Arenas is on track to make his season debut Saturday. And if he does play for the Washington Wizards against the Detroit Pistons, coach Ed Tapscott says the plan is for Arenas to start. Arenas has been sidelined since having surgery in September. It was the third operation on his left knee in 1.5 years. The three-time All-Star point guard did some shooting but did not participate fully in Friday's light practice. Arenas already had left for the locker room by the time the practice court was opened to the media. The Wizards are 17-56. No NBA team has more losses.
Analysis: This sounds optimistic that Arenas can get back on the court and help Fantasy owners down the stretch if you're still holding onto him. The safe option in daily leagues with Arenas for Saturday's game is to keep him reserved. But if he plays well and his knee responds without any setbacks, then it could be worth using Arenas in the upcoming scoring period as a No. 3 Fantasy guard.
News:Gilbert Arenas practiced Tuesday and remains on course to make his Washington Wizards season debut against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. "The plan was Saturday, and we're still working towards that end," interim coach Ed Tapscott said. "As we've got it planned out right now, he's going to play in selective games and no back-to-backs. As we work through the process of making sure that, as he comes back, we do it in a way that is beneficial to his health and our team development." The three-time All-Star offered various comeback scenarios in several different interviews Monday, including the possibility that he will play in only five of the Wizards' final nine games - the four home games plus the April 8 game at Cleveland. Arenas did not speak to reporters Tuesday. "He was unbelievable out there today just making the plays he normally makes," swingman Caron Butler said after practice. "He hasn't missed a beat. Gilbert looked good out there. He looked real sharp. I can't wait to see him out there live and see the response and the fans."
Analysis: There is no telling how much or when Arenas will play once he returns at this point. The good news is he's expected back on Saturday, the bad news is it is likely too late and he'll likely play too little to really help anyone's Fantasy team. For now, just add Arenas if he's still available and continue to be patient with his potential return.
News:Gilbert Arenas signaled through various sources Monday that a return to the court is possible this weekend against the Detroit Pistons. The Washington Wizards three-time All-Star, who hasn't played all season as he recovers from knee surgery, first sent a text message to Comcast SportsNet saying: "I'm playing Saturday against Detroit" and that he would subsequently play only in home games except for an April 8 road trip to Cleveland. After the team's morning shootaround, Arenas was asked by a Washington Post reporter if the news was true. "It's only true if I play on Saturday," he said. Arenas then told The Washington Times by phone that playing Saturday is "the plan" - but isn't set in stone. Somewhere in the middle was interim coach Ed Tapscott, who could only confirm that Arenas would not play Monday night against the Detroit Pistons. As for Saturday? "That's certainly a possibility, but not definitive yet," Tapscott said.
Analysis: Tapscott said Arenas needs to get through some more practices before playing. The Wizards haven't practiced much lately because they've just completed a four-games-in-five-days road trip, but this week there are three off days during the current homestand to get some work in. Arenas began practicing full speed last month, but there was no urgency for him to return with the Wizards who are mired in last place in the Eastern Conference. For now, just add Arenas if he's still available and continue to be patient with his potential return.
News: The Washington Post has updated its previous report Monday on Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas. The report says Arenas kind of confirmed that he plans to try to play Saturday night against Detroit saying: "It's true if that's what ends up happening. First, I have to see how I feel in the practices this week, then I have to be totally cleared with the medical staff and then I have to talk to [interim coach Ed Tapscott] about a plan for how I'm going to play." Arenas did rule out the possibility of playing either Monday night against Chicago or Wednesday against Charlotte. And he said he only tentatively plans on playing two road games: at Cleveland on April 8 and at Boston April 15. That means no back-to-backs. The team will have three practices before Saturday's game.
Analysis: It sounds like we should know more following Washington's practices Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Again, if Arenas plays Saturday, then you should consider making him active for the next scoring period depending on how he does and if his knee responds at 100 percent. For now, just add Arenas if he's still available and continue to be patient with his potential return.
News: The Washington Post reports Monday that Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas has informed a member of the media he plans to play Saturday against Detroit. Arenas has been out all season following knee surgery. Reportedly, Arenas texted: "Ur the first to get the truth. I'm playing Saturday against Detroit. And I'm only playin home games but I will play in Cleveland. Me and Cleveland fans have this love, hate relation."
Analysis: The report in the Washington Post also states that Arenas wanted to return Monday against Chicago but then changed his mind. He also thought he wouldn't play at all this season. Still, if Arenas can practice Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to focus on playing Saturday, he could be in line for a return. For now, stay tuned, but you might be able to use Arenas in the following scoring period if he does come back Saturday against the Pistons.
News: The Washington Post reports players and people within the Wizards' organization do not think guard Gilbert Arenas will return this season. Arenas has missed every game this year following knee surgery.
Analysis: The paper does not cite sources and is going purely on speculation, but it's getting to the point with Arenas where he needs to get on the court if Fantasy owners are going to trust him with the playoffs coming up. For now, ignore Arenas in all leagues and try to be patient until word comes out of a potential return or if he will shut it down and wait for next year.
News: Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott on Wednesday attempted to clarify the extent of injured star Gilbert Arenas' participation in practice - and the cover-up that went along with it. The Wizards, at Arenas' request, had played coy after the three-time All-Star returned to practice last week. Then, in a sudden reversal befitting Agent Zero's confounding logic, Arenas decided he wanted the world to know. He told the Washington Post late Tuesday that he was practicing full-speed on his surgically repaired knee and was "running, jumping, dunking, feeling good." Tapscott confirmed as much, saying Arenas has been doing "a few contact drills" and that "conditioning is a question." He added there remains no timetable for the return of Arenas, who has yet to play since signing a six-year, $111 million contract last summer. "He's trying to do a little more each day," Tapscott said. "Just like everything for a very limited period. And now we'll judge how he responds." Tapscott said he understood why Arenas wanted to keep the news quiet. Arenas' two previous attempts to return were failures, resulting in a total of three surgeries on the same knee over 18 months. "I can understand not wanting to build up expectations of him that can't be fulfilled," Tapscott said. "He's in a tough position, having been out, and trying to work though this."
Analysis: Yet now those very expectations have been raised by Arenas' comments to the Post, and the exposure of the cover-up put Tapscott in an uncomfortable position as he faced reporters before Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Asked if he had preferred that Arenas had not gone public, the coach said: "There are things you always wish you could have done better. When you can't go through the process quietly," said Tapscott, with an air of helplessness in his answer, "you go through the process publicly." The Washington Times is reporting that the Wizards expect to get Arenas back for around the final 15 games of the season. When he does return, the plan currently calls for him to be limited to around 15 minutes per night and he will not be taking part in any of the team's back-to-back sets.
News: The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas has been "all-out" practicing since last Monday. "I'm out there feeling like the old Gilbert Arenas again. I'm running, jumping, dunking, feeling good. No pain, no swelling. My balance is back, my speed is back: the only thing I have to get used to again is being around other bodies out there on the court. I'm working on getting timing back. The only thing I'm not doing is playing in games."
Analysis: Arenas went on to dismiss the thought that he is near a return. "I don't want to promise anything, I'm not even ready to think about that right now," Arenas said. "The way I look at it: I rushed back twice and got hurt again twice so this time, I'm going to take my time and make sure. I came back quick twice and it didn't work for me or the team. I'm just going to keep practicing on it, make sure it's all the way right and then go from there." Arenas said he hasn't wanted to tell the media or public about practicing for fear that it would ramp up the pressure on him to get back onto the court for games. The Washington Times is reporting that the Wizards expect to get Arenas back for around the final 15 games of the season. When he does return, the plan currently calls for him to be limited to around 15 minutes per night and he will not be taking part in any of the team's back-to-back sets.
News: The Washington Post reports that Brendan Haywood and Gilbert Arenas both participated in non-contact drills on Monday. Coach Ed Tapscott said Haywood and Arenas were limited to running, shooting and passing drills.
Analysis: The report added that there still is no solid time table as to when either player will actually be cleared to full-contact practices and eventually, if possible, games. Arenas emerged from the locker room after practice with an ice pack wrapped around his surgically-repaired left knee, a signal that he did a little more than riding a bicycle. The Washington Times is reporting that the Wizards expect to get Arenas back for around the final 15 games of the season. When he does return, the plan currently calls for him to be limited to around 15 minutes per night and he will not be taking part in any of the team's back-to-back sets.
News: The Washington Post reports Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas participated in non-contact drills Monday. Arenas was limited to running, shooting and passing drills. There still is no solid timetable as to when Arenas will actually be cleared to full-contact practices and eventually, if possible, games. Arenas then emerged from the locker room after practice with an ice pack wrapped around his surgically-repaired left knee.
Analysis: This is a good sign that Arenas could be closer to a return, but nothing is certain at this point. For now, be patient and hope Arenas can still help you at some point heading into the Fantasy playoffs. He could be a useful commodity down the stretch.
News: The Washington Times is reporting that the Wizards expect to get Gilbert Arenas back for around the final 15 games of the season. When he does return, the plan currently calls for him to be limited to around 15 minutes per night and he will not be taking part in any of the team's back-to-back sets.
Analysis: That news is a kick in the stomach for Fantasy owners who have held out hope that they could be getting a real Fantasy hero for the stretch run. It also means that anyone who needs the roster space can consider it better used elsewhere if needed. Fantasy owners should absolutely not expect to be getting Agent Zero type numbers at all from him at any point this season.
News: Wizards coach Ed Tapscott had no update Tuesday on point guard Gilbert Arenas, who has yet to play this season after a third surgery on his left knee in September. Arenas has been playing 2-on-2 games with teammates but has yet to take part in a regular practice.
Analysis: There is still not a definitive timetable for Arenas' debut this season, though he was said to be targeting a January return. That seems highly unlikely at this point. Continue to stash him in any league with reserve slots or ample reserve space as he has the ability to be a second-half hero in Fantasy.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas (knee) remained in Washington on Monday as the Wizards opened a four-game set, starting with the Golden State Warriors. Because the trip will include four games in four cities over six days, the team and training staff felt Arenas would be better served by avoiding the extra travel.
Analysis: There is still not a definitive timetable for Arenas' debut this season, though he was said to be targeting a January return. That seems highly unlikely at this point. Continue to stash him in any league with reserve slots or ample reserve space as he has the ability to be a second-half hero in Fantasy.
News: Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott said Gilbert Arenas is showing "signs of progress" as he works to return from knee surgery. Arenas has started playing 2-on-2 with teammates, although the three-time All-Star point guard has not been cleared to participate in practices. He has not played in a game this season after having his third surgery in 1 1/2 years on his left knee in September. Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld confirmed in an e-mail to the Associated Press on Monday that he expects Arenas to play for the team this season, although no timetable has been set. "He can shoot and cut, so that obviously shows signs of progress, but the medical staff will determine when he'll be able to step that up," Tapscott told the AP.
Analysis: Well one thing is for sure, Arenas will not be in uniform for Fantasy Week 11 (Jan. 5-11). The good news is that he has started the process in his recovery from knee surgery and could be back before February. Now might be the time to start adding Arenas off waivers and stashing him in larger Fantasy formats. He is one of the Wizards' top offensive weapons when healthy and a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas played 2-on-2 for the first time Saturday as he recuperates from a third operation in 1.5 years on his left knee. The Wizards won't say when Arenas is expected to begin practicing.
Analysis: Arenas sounds like he's coming along and could return by the end of January for Washington, which needs him badly. He's definitely worth holding onto for now because of his great upside.
News: Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott avoided a direct answer to a question about when PG Gilbert Arenas (left knee surgery) might return to action. "He seems to be doing well. He's in each day. We chat. We're getting together," Tapscott said. "When the time is right to write the script for his return, to put together a plan; we're not at that point."
Analysis: Three weeks ago, Arenas said the knee is steadily gaining strength but is still not ready for the daily pounding it would take. "It's like last season," Arenas said. "If it's the playoffs, I could play, but since it's not, I'm still taking it slow. I wouldn't be able to play back-to-backs and if we had four games in five nights, I'd only be able to play two of them. We don't want to go through that the whole season, so we're just going to wait until it's fully ready to go so we can go and just not even worry about it." It's sound more and more like it could be a long time before we see Arenas in uniform this season.
News: The Washington Post reports that the record the Wizards have in January could have an influence on Gilbert Arenas' plans of returning this season. "Me and Brendan [Haywood], we talk about it," Arenas said. "If I come back in January -- that's about 20, 25 games we counted -- when do we say it's okay? If we're 15 games out, how hard is it to come back from that? It might depend on who is in the eighth spot at the time and what our record is."
Analysis: Arenas said the knee is steadily gaining strength but is still not ready for the daily pounding it would take. "It's like last season," Arenas said. "If it's the playoffs, I could play, but since it's not, I'm still taking it slow. I wouldn't be able to play back-to-backs and if we had four games in five nights, I'd only be able to play two of them. We don't want to go through that the whole season, so we're just going to wait until it's fully ready to go so we can go and just not even worry about it." It's sound more and more like it could be a long time before we see Arenas in uniform this season.
News: The Wizards haven't given a timetable for when their All-Star point guard might begin practicing or playing this season, but Gilbert Arenas said Thursday he is targeting a return in January. "They said Jan. 1 - there is no doubt that I will be good to go ... play 40 minutes," Arenas said, according to a transcript provided by the team. "I definitely want to wait until after New Year's. ... It will give me time to get in shape. Plus I want to learn the new playbook," he added.
Analysis: Arenas first had surgery on the left knee in April 2007, then had another operation in November, and appeared in only 13 regular-season games last season. The latest surgery was two months ago. "The old me would have already been playing by now. Getting older I start thinking smarter and everything is going well," he said. "Right now we are just playing the waiting game." Fantasy owners would take just about any version of Gilbert right now. This is the first time he's pushed back the return date and while it may not be the last he is still worth stashing in most Fantasy formats.
News:Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards were fined $15,000 apiece by the NBA on Friday after he ducked out of the team's annual preseason media day, avoiding any discussion of his third left knee operation in 1 1/2 years. He spoke on Saturday. "I felt that training camp, I wasn't going to be involved, playing and going out there practicing, so I shouldn't be grabbing all the spotlight," the All-Star point guard said after the team's two-hour morning workout.
Analysis: For the third time in 17 months, Arenas is rehabbing a surgically repaired left knee, and said the odyssey has become ever more tedious. His latest surgery on Sept. 17 was to clean out debris from the first two. Arenas wrote on his blog that he expects to be back in December or January, and said he will get back on the floor as soon as he can. "As soon as I think I can play, I'm going to jump out there," said Arenas, who averages 22.8 points per game. "Sometimes I get criticized for not looking so good when I'm playing, but it's just in my nature. As soon as I think I can play, I'm going to be out on the floor."
News:Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards were fined $15,000 apiece by the NBA on Friday after he ducked out of the team's annual preseason media day, avoiding any discussion of his third left knee operation in 1 1/2 years.
Analysis: A few of his teammates who did speak at the event wondered aloud about when - and whether - their All-Star point guard would be back to his Agent Zero self on the court. "I think probably everybody's worried about that. I think Gil's got to be worried about that," center Brendan Haywood said. The knee issues already had us thinking he was a potential bust in Fantasy this season going in. Now, the injury will knock him down to the middle rounds. That, in turn, could actually end up making him a possible good value pick. He would not have been otherwise. Monitor his progress and think about taking a gamble on him in the middle rounds. But make sure you have extra depth at the guard position.
News:Gilbert Arenas ducked out of the Washington Wizards' annual preseason media day Friday and avoided what was supposed to be his first public discussion of last week's knee surgery. The All-Star point guard was the only Wizards player not made available to reporters at the team's arena.
Analysis: A Wizards spokesman said Arenas will address the media Saturday, when the team opens training camp in Richmond, Va. Arenas and the team have offered varying timetables for when he might be able to play this season. He appeared in only 13 regular-season games last season because of problems with his left knee. Arenas has had three operations on the knee in the past 1 1/2 years. The knee issues already had us thinking he was a potential bust in Fantasy this season going in. Now, the injury will knock him down to the middle rounds. That, in turn, could actually end up making him a possible good value pick. He would not have been otherwise. Monitor his progress and think about taking a gamble on him in the middle rounds. But make sure you have extra depth at the guard position.
News:Gilbert Arenas had a third operation on his left knee Wednesday morning, putting the Washington Wizards in full spin mode as they face another season of uncertainty concerning their franchise player. The team said the arthroscopic procedure removed a "moderate amount of debris" from Arenas' knee. Grunfeld offered no timetable for Arenas' return, but Arenas told the Washington Post that he plans to be back on the court in early December, which would rule him out for the first month of the season. The star player who signed an $111 million contract in July seems almost certain to miss the early part of the regular season at a minimum. The surgery is the third on the knee in 17 months. Arenas missed 69 regular-season games last season and had to shut himself down during the playoffs.
Analysis: Arenas first hurt his knee in a game against Charlotte in April 2007. He tried to rush back and was playing in summer league games a few months later. The overzealous approach resulted in a second operation in November, causing him to miss most of the season. Arenas vowed to take a more cautious approach to rehabilitation this summer, but the knee once again did not respond the way he would like. Arenas has proven to be one of the most exciting players in the NBA when healthy, averaging 22.8 points, 5.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds in his seven-season NBA career. But the knee issues already had us thinking he was a potential bust in Fantasy this season going in. Now, the injury will knock him down to the middle rounds. That, in turn, could actually end up making him a possible good value pick. He would not have been otherwise. Monitor his progress and think about taking a gamble on him in the middle rounds. But make sure you have extra depth at the guard position.
News:Gilbert Arenas has had yet another operation on his bothersome left knee. The Washington Wizards point guard had an arthroscopic procedure Wednesday morning. The team ruled him out only for the start of training camp, but he told the Washington Post he won't return until early December. The surgery is the third on the knee in 17 months for Arenas, who missed 69 regular season games last season and had to shut himself down in the playoffs.
Analysis: Arenas was a big-time bust last year and is headed on that track again. Don't consider taking the risk in the early rounds at this point. Knee injuries can be crippling for basketball players, especially guards that rely on their quickness and shiftiness.
News:Gilbert Arenas has stayed off the basketball court since the Washington Wizards were eliminated from the NBA playoffs in early May. That's because the three-time All-Star's knee ached as he tried a hasty comeback from a second operation in November, which ended his season midway through the first-round loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. "I don't want to touch a basketball until August," Arenas said. "After the last two seasons, I never really had time to recover. My knee is about 95 percent - it's got to get stronger."
Analysis: Arenas has proven to be one of the most dynamic players in the NBA when healthy, but a major knee and an overzealous rehabilitation sidelined him for most of the last season. He had a first surgery on the knee in April 2007, tried to come back too soon and had a second operation in November. He missed 66 games before returning late in the season, but he had to shut himself down again during the first-round playoff series against Cleveland. He has vowed to be more cautious about his rehab this time, and the state of his knee didn't appear to devalue his worth in talks with the Wizards. Fantasy owners should consider that a good thing.
News:Gilbert Arenas told the Washington Post and the Washington Times on Thursday that he has agreed to re-sign for $111 million over six years, considerably less than the maximum deal he said the Wizards offered him when the free agency period began on Tuesday. "What can I do for my family with $127 million that I can't do with $111 million?" he told the Post. "I'm basically giving back $16 million," Arenas told the Times. "This is in line with what I've been saying the whole time. You see players take max deals and they financially bind their teams. I don't wanna be one of those players and three years down the road your team is strapped and can't do anything about it."
Analysis: Arenas has proven to be one of the most dynamic players in the NBA when healthy, but a major knee and an overzealous rehabilitation sidelined him for most of the last season. He had a first surgery on the knee in April 2007, tried to come back too soon and had a second operation in November. He missed 66 games before returning late in the season, but he had to shut himself down again during the first-round playoff series against Cleveland. He has vowed to be more cautious about his rehab this time, and the state of his knee didn't appear to devalue his worth in talks with the Wizards. Fantasy owners should consider that a good thing.
News: The Wizards achieved a major free agency goal Monday when two-time All-Star forward Antawn Jamison signed a four-year, $50 million contract. The deal does more than retain the team's co-captain and leading scorer from last season: It serves as an expensive piece of bait to lure Gilbert Arenas, who had said he would not return unless the team also kept his longtime friend.
Analysis: "He said he'd take less money if they got me, and they got me," Jamison told The Associated Press. "So I think everything will get worked out with Gilbert." Arenas has said he took the opt-out so he could sign a more lucrative deal, which means talks will likely hover in the $100 range for a six-year contract. But he is also acting as his own agent and is known for doing the unexpected - and negotiations could be complicated by the fact that he plans to leave for a sponsor-related trip to China on Tuesday.
News:Gilbert Arenas lived up to his word and opted out of the final year of his contract, the Washington Wizards said Monday. He can begin negotiating with any team on July 1. While he has expressed a desire to remain with the Wizards, he has also said he won't return unless the team also re-signs Antawn Jamison, who is also set to become a free agent.
Analysis: The move had been long expected. Arenas has repeatedly said he would forgo the final year of his six-year, $65 million deal so that he could re-sign with the team for an even larger amount. Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld has said he wants to re-sign both Arenas and Jamison. Arenas is also dealing with a knee injury that limited him this season to just 16 games in the regular season and four games in the playoffs (in a series that went six games), but he is expected to be healthy for the start of training camp. He should still be considered an elite Fantasy guard for his great scoring ability. He just has to stay healthy.
News:Gilbert Arenas insists he won't return to the Washington Wizards if forward Antawn Jamison isn't re-signed by the team. "If he doesn't come back, I'm not coming back," Arenas said Wednesday in a posting on his blog, a rambling entry of more than 2,800 words. Arenas, a three-time All-Star who missed most of this season after two operations on his left knee, can opt out of his contract. He has said since before the season that he planned to do that so he could stay with Washington for more money. Jamison, a team co-captain and two-time All-Star, is set to become a free agent.
Analysis: Arenas and Jamison have been teammates the past four seasons in Washington, and they were together with the Golden State Warriors for two seasons. "I want to be back in Washington, but weird things happen in free agency," Arenas said on the blog. "If Antawn is not back, then there's no point in me coming back because he's part of my success, too." Arenas is also dealing with a knee injury that limited him this season to just 16 games in the regular season and four games in the playoffs (in a series that went six games). He said that he will wait until June before he begins to do strengthening exercises again. He added, "For Washington, or whatever city I go to, I don't want to come in being a half a player."
News:Gilbert Arenas, who missed most of the regular season following knee surgery, decided he was done for the season shortly before the Wizards faced an elimination game Wednesday night in their first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. "Instead of me blocking the team from success, we just decided just go ahead and shut it down," Arenas said an hour before tipoff.
Analysis: Hobbled by a bone bruise, the three-time All-Star played in the first four games of the series but was not the sharpshooting Agent Zero who has led the Wizards in the past. He missed 66 games during the regular season and an MRI taken before Game 3 revealed that his surgically repaired left knee has a bone bruise and a pinched nerve. He averaged 19.4 points, 5.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds in limited duty this season and was practically a lost pick in the first round for Fantasy owners. He should be in line for a comeback season in 2008-09, though, and should still be considered an elite Fantasy guard for his great scoring ability. He is a free-agent-to-be this offseason, so you'll want to track him over the next few months.
News: Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is optimistic he will play in Sunday's Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, although the latest setback with his knee means his role could be more limited. Arenas started and played only 10 minutes in Washington's Game 3 victory Thursday night. He limped off the court in the second quarter and did not return.
Analysis: The three-time All-Star revealed Friday he missed two days of practice before Game 3, and an MRI taken before the game revealed that his surgically repaired left knee has a bone bruise and a pinched nerve. "I knew I wasn't going to play more than 10, 15 minutes," Arenas said. "While I was out there, I was just trying to energize the crowd, get everybody excited about being home and get some people involved until my time was up." He expects to have a similar role in Sunday's game.
News: Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, starting for the first time since November, left the game after injuring his surgically repaired knee in the first half Thursday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He walked off the court late in the first half with an obvious limp. The team said he had a bone bruise in his left knee and would not return. He was listed as day-to-day and is questionable for Game 4 of the series on Sunday.
Analysis: Arenas was on the starting lineup sheet made available about 30 minutes before tip-off. A few minutes earlier, coach Eddie Jordan said Antonio Daniels would be starting at point guard but left open the possibility of a last-minute switch, possibly to spark a team that was down 0-2 in the first-round playoff series. He averaged 19.4 points, 5.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds in limited duty this season and was practically a lost pick in the first round for Fantasy owners. He should be in line for a comeback season in 2008-09, though, and should still be considered an elite Fantasy guard for his great scoring ability. He is a free-agent-to-be this offseason, so you'll want to track him over the next few months.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas shot just 2-for-10 from the field in Game 2 of the team's first-round playoff series at Cleveland. He logged just 24 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Arenas had played pretty well in Game 1, but suffered a sprained wrist that may have affected his shooting in Game 2. He averaged 19.4 points, 5.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds in limited duty this season and was practically a lost pick in the first round for Fantasy owners. He should be in line for a comeback season in 2008-09, though, and should still be considered an elite Fantasy guard for his great scoring ability. He is a free-agent-to-be this offseason, so you'll want to track him over the next few months.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas is expected to play in Game 2 of the Wizards' series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night despite a sprained right wrist. Arenas scored 24 points in the opener, but apparently hurt his wrist in the fourth quarter while fouling LeBron James. Arenas was already slowed by a surgically repaired knee. He participated in Monday's shootaround with a wrap on his wrist. Arenas spent several minutes after the workout launching long shots, trying to win money from teammates betting he'd miss. "He seems to be ready to go," Wizards coach Eddie Jordan. Arenas, who missed 69 games during the regular season after having surgery on his left knee, did not speak to the media following the shootaround.
Analysis: Arenas came off the bench in Game 1 with 3:24 left in the first quarter. One of the NBA's deadliest outside shooters, he ended the period by dropping a 35-footer in the final second, draining the shot with a flick of his wrist over an unsuspecting Delonte West. Arenas followed that shot with a pair of 3s early in the second quarter as the Wizards built an 11-point lead they couldn't hold. Look for Arenas to be fine and play in the game. He is trying to re-establish himself as an elite guard, and he should be 100 percent for the start of next year, which means he is a No. 1 Fantasy option once again.
News: The Wizards rested their star players for Wednesday's season-finale at Orlando, including Gilbert Arenas. Arenas appeared in just 13 games during the regular season due to a knee injury.
Analysis: Arenas averaged 19.4 points, 5.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds in limited duty and was practically a lost pick in the first round for Fantasy owners this season. He should be in line for a comeback season in 2008-09, though, and should still be considered an elite Fantasy guard for his great scoring ability. He is a free-agent-to-be this offseason, so track his offseason.
News: Indiana Pacers center Jeff Foster missed Monday's night must-win game against the Washington Wizards, who played without Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas. Butler missed his second consecutive game with a sore knee, while Arenas had a precautionary day off. Arenas has been playing limited minutes as a reserve since returning from knee surgery.
Analysis: Arenas had his best game Saturday against the 76ers since returning to the lineup. He scored 20 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. Fantasy owners waited patiently all season for Arenas, he just came back with too little time left in the season. He will be a big-time comeback candidate in 2008-09 and can still be considered a No. 1 Fantasy guard.
News: After a week-and-a-half of passive basketball since returning from a knee injury, Gilbert Arenas took over Saturday's game against Philadelphia by scoring 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter Saturday night in a 109-93 victory over the 76ers. "He's getting his mojo back," teammate DeShawn Stevenson said. "He's pushing the ball up fast, doing his moves like he usually does. I was just glad to see him out there looking like the old Gilbert."
Analysis: Fantasy owners have almost literally waited all season for this. Unfortunately, it comes with just two games remaining in the regular season. With the Wizards locked into a playoff spot, it's possible the team will limit Arenas' minutes even though they'd like to have him enter the playoffs in some kind of groove.
News: Meet the new low-key Gilbert Arenas. Doesn't start. Doesn't talk. Doesn't blog. Doesn't try to take over the game. Doesn't even predict that he's going to. It's as if Agent Zero has discovered an alter ego. So far, the Washington Wizards have no complaints. "I think he's just here to play basketball now and not to talk about it," coach Eddie Jordan said. There are many hurdles in returning from a major knee injury. Arenas needs to get his conditioning back. He needs to re-mesh with a team that has become used to playing at the pace set by All-Stars Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. He needs to learn to trust the knee and believe that it really has healed, a tenuous intangible given that the surgery in November was required because he rushed his rehabilitation from another operation on the same knee last April. "He won't be Gil until next October," Jordan said.
Analysis: Arenas will remain a substitute for the foreseeable future, a role player who can add quite a bit of spark during the upcoming playoffs. "Gilbert's the difference," Jordan said. "We've been satisfied to a degree how we've been playing without Gil ... but it's very exciting to have him out there. It makes us an exciting team, a dangerous team, and right now it would be hard to play without him." Look for Arenas to finish the season strong heading into the playoffs. For now, get him back in your Fantasy lineup, but lower your expectations from the healthy Arenas we know.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas had 13 points, three assists and one rebound Wednesday against Boston. He played 24 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Look for Arenas to play around 25 minutes off the bench the rest of the season. He will likely rest in the second of back-to-back sets, but he's still worth using at this time in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Washington coach Eddie Jordan said in the Washington Post he anticipates guard Gilbert Arenas will come off the bench Wednesday vs. Boston and that his minutes will be "extended little by little" as he continues to recover from his knee injury.
Analysis: Arenas should be fine except for back-to-back sets, which the Wizards have this weekend with games at Detroit on Friday night and at home against Philadelphia on Saturday night. It's likely that Arenas could miss one of those games as well for precautionary reasons. Still, he's worth starting now that he's back, and hopefully he won't miss any more games this year.
News: Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is trying to get his rhythm back after missing 66 games because of a left knee injury, reports the Washington Post. Arenas missed Saturday's 99-87 win at Chicago, but is expected to play against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Arenas, who scored 17 points in his return Wednesday -- a loss to Milwaukee -- had 13 points, eight assists and one turnover in a win over Miami on Friday. Arenas made the trip to Chicago for Saturday's game, but after consulting with the team's athletic trainers for about two hours before tip-off, the decision was made to have him sit out to rest his knee. The coaching staff is under strict orders to play Arenas no more than 20 to 25 minutes per game, and the medical staff has advised Arenas to be cautious with back-to-back games.
Analysis: The team has another back-to-back set this weekend with games at Detroit on Friday night and at home against Philadelphia on Saturday night, and it's likely that Arenas could miss one of those games as well for precautionary reasons. Still, he's worth starting now that he's back, and hopefully he won't miss any more games this year.
News:Gilbert Arenas sat for precautionary reasons against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. The Wizards' next game is Wednesday against Boston, and the Wizards said Arenas will practice Monday and Tuesday. "The training staff looked at him," said assistant coach Mike O'Koren. "They're going to be real, real delicate with Gilbert. He's coming back from injury. He looked fine. He obviously is in great shape, great condition for being out that long. It's precautionary."
Analysis: Arenas, who had surgery on his left knee, caused a stir when he returned on Wednesday after missing 66 games. He scored 17 points in just under 20 minutes against the Bucks and came off the bench to score 13 in 20 minutes against Miami on Friday. But the Wizards opted not to use him on consecutive nights. Fantasy owners should feel safe starting him in the final scoring period of the season, but don't expect jaw-dropping numbers if he's less than 100 percent.
News: All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas has made a surprise return to the Washington Wizards, playing his first game since having knee surgery in November. Showing a flare for the dramatic, Arenas waited until the 5:30 mark of the first quarter of the Wizards' game against Milwaukee on Wednesday night to emerge from the locker room in uniform. He entered the game 9 seconds later to a big ovation and scored on a reverse layup with 4:49 left in the first. It was his first points since Nov. 16 against Minnesota.
Analysis: Earlier Wednesday, the team released information that Arenas had been cleared by doctors, but was not expected to play after missing the shootaround. Perhaps Washington was just playing up the drama. However, it's good to see Arenas back in action. Although, his return comes a little too late for most Fantasy owners. Arenas is a top Fantasy guard when healthy and it appears as though it is safe to activate him in most formats.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas has been cleared to play by doctors, but didn't take part in Wednesday's shootaround. Asked when he expects to have Arenas back, Coach Eddie Jordan said: "When he's ready to play."
Analysis: The mystery about Arenas continues as his team tries to move its way up in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. He might return tonight, but who knows. Most of his Fantasy owners won't have taken a risk on him this week anyway, but he could return in Fantasy Week 24 (April 7-13).
News: With only 13 games remaining in the regular season, Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas knows that his chances of making an impact this season are dwindling. Arenas, who has missed 61 games this season recovering from surgery on his left knee, will be with the team as it opens a five-game road trip Tuesday night at Portland, but the three-time all-star has not been cleared to play, according to the Washington Post. The Wizards close the trip on Monday night at Utah and host Milwaukee two nights later. "I'm going to play (fewer) minutes. When I do get back, I'll be playing 20 minutes (a game)," Arenas said. "That's not enough for me to be me. I need games under my belt." Arenas expressed doubt about the latest timetable. "They're not going to clear me next week. They said that last week about this week," he said.
Analysis: It appears Arenas could miss the rest of the regular season. Even if he returns during the year, he will likely have his minutes cut, going by his word. For now, don't count on having Arenas at any point this season.
News: An unhappy Gilbert Arenas learned Sunday night that he had not been cleared to play by Wizards team doctors, dashing his hopes of returning in the nationally televised game against the Pistons on Sunday -- or anytime soon. Arenas took part in the shootaround Sunday morning and was so confident that he would be in uniform against the Pistons that he didn't bring proper attire to sit on the bench as an injured player. As he exited the locker room about an hour before the game, Arenas told reporters: "Y'all don't have to write any more. I'm not coming back this year." But he reappeared during the first half of the game, wearing a tan sport coat as he took his seat on the bench. "It's still about the team," Arenas told an ESPN courtside reporter during the game. "Even though I wasn't going to play, I still have to come back and support them."
Analysis: Arenas said his surgically repaired left knee feels fine. "I was ready," Arenas said. "But they went out there with a fishing pole and yanked me back." Coach Eddie Jordan said the three-time All-Star point guard's return probably won't come for another week at the earliest. "He wants to test his whole body in an NBA game, and the doctors said he's not ready and it's good for all parties to wait and see once another week has gone by to see where he is," Jordan said. Asked if Arenas will play again this season, Jordan said: "There's always a chance. There's always been a chance. ... He's getting better." Arenas is looking more and more like he's not going to make an impact this season. Even if he returns, he'll likely have to shake off some rust. If you've held on to him this long, might as well keep holding, but don't get your hopes up.
News:Gilbert Arenas did not play Friday against the Miami Heat and remains questionable for Sunday's home game against the Pistons before Washington hits the road for a five-game trip beginning next Tuesday at Portland.
Analysis: Arenas seems to have a new scenario with each passing day, but it is sounding more and more like Fantasy owners will be able to count on him for the upcoming scoring period. He's actually available in 31 percent of leagues, so scoop him up if you have a chance.
News: The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas (knee) hopes to return "way before" the playoffs. "Hopefully, within this week I'll be playing or maybe on the that West Coast road trip," Arenas told reporters Wednesday. The Wizards play at Miami on Friday, host Detroit on Sunday and open a five-game trip at Portland on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Arenas seems to have a new scenario with each passing day, but it is sounding more and more like Fantasy owners will be able to count on him for the upcoming scoring period. He's actually available in 31 percent of leagues, so scoop him up if you have a chance.
News: According to the Washington Times, Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas confirmed Tuesday he will not make his return Wednesday night in Orlando. Arenas, who received a clean bill of health Monday on the left knee that was operated on to repair a torn meniscus Nov. 21, had hoped to make his decision based on the outcome of a rigorous practice session. But coach Eddie Jordan canceled practice to give his players some rest before they open an important stretch that begins against the Magic. Arenas said he had planned to hit the court on his own but couldn't because workers were installing the floor for the NCAA tournament at the time. He also said he probably will "wait another week" before considering a return rather than trying to play Friday against the Heat.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Arenas and hope he can return soon. When healthy, he is a No. 1 Fantasy guard, but owners have been without his services all season. Hopefully he can return soon and be a viable Fantasy option once again.
News: Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is increasing the intensity of his workouts in an attempt to return this season from knee surgery. The All-Star guard had an MRI on his surgically repaired left knee Monday. "They said everything healed," Arenas said before Washington played Atlanta Monday night. "They want me to ramp it back up - go full speed." Arenas said he would work out Monday night, and see how it feels Tuesday. Arenas said one doctor who examined him recommended he work out strenuously for 12 days.
Analysis: Upon his return, he'll have to scale back his game, he says. "When I come back, it's just an assist game. They don't want me jumping and being acrobatic," Arenas said. "This year, don't go back trying to be me - just come back and try to be an assist man and stay out of the hole and just to be careful." The 26-year-old Arenas, who also had surgery on the knee last April, has played in just eight games this season, and he's announced plans to opt out of his contract after this season and become a free agent. There's been speculation that he wouldn't play in the remainder of his team's game to preserve his value.
News: The Washington Wizards have waited nearly four months for Gilbert Arenas. Now, he says the wait might be nearly over. Arenas, the Wizards' guard who underwent surgery on his left knee on Nov. 21, has been practicing with the team since March 4. Arenas, who's participated in four practices says he's going to get an MRI on Tuesday - "just to make sure nothing's wrong." If he's given clearance by team doctors, "then, I guess that means I'll play," he said.
Analysis: Arenas' brief comments, before Washington's game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers, came as a surprise to coach Eddie Jordan. "All right, we'll see how it goes. I haven't had any updates on him yet," Jordan said. "That's for me to find out sooner rather than later. That's not for me to know right now." His return could come in Orlando on March 19 and Fantasy owners in the 35 percent of leagues in which he's unowned need to hurry up and add him.
News: The Wizards reported no setbacks for guard Gilbert Arenas one day after his first full-contact practice since knee surgery in November. "He felt great," coach Eddie Jordan said Wednesday. There remains no timetable for Arenas' return.
Analysis: The targeted return date for Arenas right now is March 25. But even if he does make it back March 25, the Wizards only have a few weeks left on the schedule. Arenas will likely only be of help to Fantasy owners still left in the playoffs. He is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy, but it appears as though he is still down for the count.
News: All seemed to go well for Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas on Tuesday in his first full-contact practice in 3 1/2 months. "It felt good. I was surprised about my wind -- I wasn't as tired as I thought I was going to be," the three-time All-Star said. "I was just excited to get out there and play basketball. ... My knee is fine so far. We'll see how it acts tomorrow after a day of rest." There remains no timetable for Arenas' return to the lineup, although he said he is targeting the West Coast road trip that begins March 25 at Portland. "It's good for him to finally be out there," captain Antawn Jamison said. "He is moving around and doing the things you are accustomed to seeing from Gilbert."
Analysis: Arenas' return date has been pushed back a million times, so who knows when he will actually take the court. He was expected to be back in February, but that timetable has come and gone. Even if he does make it back March 25, the Wizards only have a few weeks left on the schedule. Arenas will likely only be of help to Fantasy owners still left in the playoffs. He is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy, but it appears as though he is still down for the count.
News: Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was pleased after his first full-contact practice in over three months Tuesday. Coach Eddie Jordan did change the rules somewhat for his star point guard, who hasn't played since having knee surgery Nov. 21. During 4-on-4 scrimmages, teammates were not allowed to set picks and screens on Arenas. There remains no timetable for Arenas' return to the lineup, although he said is targeting the West Coast road trip that begins March 25.
Analysis: It doesn't sound like Arenas is too confident in himself, so Fantasy owners should give him another week to see how he fares. It does appear that Fantasy owners will be able to squeeze some value out of him in the coming weeks, though.
News: Guard Gilbert Arenas, who has been out since Nov. 17 with a left knee injury, said team doctors told him Sunday night that he is now cleared to practice at full speed, according to the Washington Post. The team confirmed that Arenas has been cleared to practice but said no date has been set for his return to game action. "I've been cleared to practice and play," said Arenas. "Right now, it's just getting in shape. It's more mental. I'm actually scared to play right now. I think that's where we're at right now so I'm looking at it game by game. I think I'm scared to go out there right now. I just need to go through these practices and get my rhythm back. I'm still going to try and take it slow."
Analysis: Arenas says he is still trying to get over the mental block of what happened to him earlier this season when he tried to return from his first surgery. Arenas said he will practice at full speed for the first time Tuesday. It doesn't sound like Arenas is too confident in himself, so Fantasy owners should give him another week to see how he fares. It does appear that Fantasy owners will be able to squeeze some value out of him in the coming weeks, though.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas (knee), who had targeted March 2 as a possible return date from his injury, remains out and without a set timetable for his return.
Analysis: Arenas first had surgery on the knee last April, and was ready to play when the season began. After playing just eight games and averaging 22.4 points, his knee hurt again, and another operation was ordered. Fantasy owners will have to hope for a return some time within the next couple of weeks, but it doesn't sound too promising at the moment.
News: For weeks, Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas has been targeting a March 2 return from knee surgery. On Saturday night, he conceded that he's not close to being ready to play. "If I wanted it to be, it can be realistic," Arenas said of his original goal. "But, it's going to be longer to get into shape." Arenas had surgery on his left knee Nov. 21 and has been rehabilitating it since, but he hasn't practiced with the team. "I'm trying to get some rhythm back in my legs, get some cardio in. That's all I'm working on now," he said. "I have to get my body used to the floor again."
Analysis: Arenas first had surgery on the knee last April, and was ready to play when the season began. After playing just eight games and averaging 22.4 points, his knee hurt again, and another operation was ordered. Does he have another goal? "It's hard to tell," Arenas said. "If I really want to get out there, I can play now, but are you going to get two good minutes out of me? Right now, it's about me trying to get my body into shape and ready to play again. That's where I'm at right now." At this point, Arenas' return is totally up in the air. But with his prolific scoring ability, you have to keep him stashed in Fantasy.
News: Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, who has missed most of the season because of a knee injury, hopes to return sometime next month. He just returned to practice on Monday.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what develops with Arenas and hope he will be available soon. When healthy, Arenas is a No. 1 Fantasy option in all scoring formats.
News:Gilbert Arenas was cleared to participate in light, non-contact drills by the Washington Wizards on Monday, a step forward in his return from left knee surgery.
Analysis: Arenas has said he hopes to return to the Wizards in the coming weeks. The team has not said when he can return to full-contact practice. Arenas is available in 35 percent of CBSSports.com leagues, but that should change shortly.
News: According to the Sports Xchange, Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas said he will be back in uniform next month. Arenas (knee surgery) is targeting the time right after the All-Star Game.
Analysis: Arenas has missed 42 games already this season, but it sounds like he could be available for around 25-30 games down the stretch. What we don't know is how long it will take him in those games to get back to full strength. When healthy, Arenas is a No. 1 guard, but keep an eye on how he does prior to getting back on the court.
News: The Washington Post reports Gilbert Arenas (knee) was able to participate in an extensive workout Sunday and that he is on schedule to play again in "late February".
Analysis: Arenas has missed 41 games already this season, but it sounds like he could be available for around 25-30 games down the stretch. What we don't know is how long it will take him in those games to get back to full strength. It took Dwyane Wade well over a month to get back to his full strength earlier this season.
News:The Washington Post reports that Wizards coach Eddie Jordan finally broke his silence about the impending return of PG Gilbert Arenas, who has been out since undergoing left knee surgery on Nov. 21. Arenas hopes to return after the All-Star break and wouldn't mind coming off the bench initially, so he doesn't disturb team chemistry. "He knows that he's going to have to work in as far as getting his legs back with some practice time and then we'll make some decisions when he's ready to play," Jordan said. "He's going to practice a significant time before he starts to play and when he's ready to play, we'll see whether coming off the bench is good for him and us; but if I were to guess, I would say he's going to be a starter."
Analysis: Arenas still hopes to be back on the court in the coming weeks, but according to Jordan, is willing to wait until he is 100 percent. "He's not going to be premature," Jordan said. "He's diligent with his rehab, he's disciplined with all of his therapy and he learned from the first time around that going too hard, too fast, too quick, too much is not the right way to go." Arenas said he is optimistic that he will be able to play from 25 to 30 games before the end of the regular season, making him very much worth seeking out in Fantasy if you can get him for cheap. He is obviously a must-start Fantasy option when healthy.
News:Gilbert Arenas recently was cleared to go through extensive shooting drills for the first time since undergoing surgery on his left knee on Nov. 21 and was on the practice court shooting after practice yesterday, according to the Washington Post. Arenas said he expects to return to game action sometime after the all-star break, Feb. 14-18.
Analysis: The Wizards will host the Knicks in their first post-break game on Feb. 19. Arenas said he is optimistic that he will be able to play from 25 to 30 games before the end of the regular season, making him very much worth seeking out in Fantasy if you can get him for cheap.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas, who had left knee surgery on Nov. 17, wrote in his blog Tuesday that he would be "going full blast after (the) All-Star (break)," but head coach Eddie Jordan didn't seem too impressed. "I don't react to Gil's blog. That's for everyone else," Jordan said. "I enjoy reading it, I'm a fan, but I don't react to it."
Analysis: This news comes as a bit of a shock since Arenas said recently that he would likely sit out the remainder of the season. Maybe Jordan is on to something. Fantasy owners have to start bracing for the fact that he may not come back at all this season, but he's still worth hanging onto until the last possible moment. If he does come back, he's the type of player that can win you a championship.
News:Gilbert Arenas (knee) said Saturday that he has considered not playing at all this season, according to the Washington Times. "It's all about me getting healthy this time," Arenas said. "If I'm not 110 percent, I'm not going to budge. I'm not in a rush."
Analysis: Arenas had surgery last April, then needed another operation in November. His recovery was expected to take three months. Fantasy owners have to start bracing for the fact that he may not come back at all this season, but he's still worth hanging onto until the last possible moment. If he does come back, he's the type of player that can win you a championship.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas said he hopes he'll return from a second knee operation and be back in the lineup within two months. "I don't really know. I keep pushing it back," the All-Star point guard told the team's Web site on Saturday. "Hopefully, I will be able to come back sometime between the middle of February to the middle of March."
Analysis: Arenas had surgery last April, then needed another operation in November. At the time, his recovery was expected to take three months. "This is not the same injury as last time, where I had all the pain. The first surgery was a rough one," Arenas said. "This is the best it has looked since I got hurt the first time. I am pain-free now." An early return for Arenas would certainly help his undoubtedly suffering Fantasy owners. Continue to monitor his progress but be sure to keep him stashed away if you have the roster space.
News: Washington Wizards leading scorer Gilbert Arenas underwent surgery on his left knee on Wednesday and will miss about three months. Arenas had been experiencing swelling and soreness in the knee which he had surgically repaired late last season. After sitting out the past two games, Arenas underwent an MRI Wednesday morning. He underwent the surgery later in the afternoon. Team officials say the surgery was a success and Arenas will begin rehabilitation soon.
Analysis: This is awful news for Arenas owners who were counting on the standout guard this season. Do not drop him, but keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until Arenas is able to start playing again.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas missed his second consecutive game Tuesday night, the latest setback in his recovery from a knee injury. Coach Eddie Jordan made the announcement less than an hour before tip-off of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The news came as a surprise, given that Arenas had three days of rest since his previous game. "He's just not ready to play," coach Eddie Jordan said. "He doesn't feel that his knee is capable of being good tonight, so we're going to give him another day."
Analysis: Arenas continues to have soreness and swelling in his surgically repaired left knee, which has been drained twice in recent weeks. "I don't know if it's a step backwards. I don't think so. It's just the way you have to rehab," Jordan said. "Some days are good; some days are not so good. When you're improving, maybe you take a step back and that's just the normal way of rehabbing and recovering." The Wizards began a stretch Tuesday of four games in five nights, which means Arenas will likely miss more time. Obviously, this comes as scary news for Arenas owners in the short term, though we still think he'll be back playing at his normal level sooner rather than later. Reserve him for now.
News:Gilbert Arenas sat out practice Monday to rest his left knee, but the Washington Wizards expect him to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.
Analysis: Arenas has been getting some extra rest this season, missing practices to let his knee recover. He remains a safe start for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas will missed Saturday night's game against the Blazers because of a sore left knee. "We have just-in-case plans in place," coach Eddie Jordan said when asked before the game about Arenas. "We know it's a tough deal for him." Arenas had surgery on his left knee in April. Antonio Daniels took his place in the lineup.
Analysis: The Wizards likely just held Arenas out as a precaution, and, for now, we consider him a safe start for Fantasy Week 4. He'll probably have to rest his knee from time to time this season, but he had yet to miss a game before Saturday. He's averaged 22.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 5.9 apg so far this season -- numbers that make him a must-start in all leagues.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas had 27 points with eight assists and four rebounds Friday at Minnesota. He shot 9-for-19 from the field.
Analysis: Arenas has been held under 20 points in three out of his first seven games, but he's posted back-to-back Gilbert-type lines. He had 30 points with 11 assists on Wednesday night and looks like he's getting back to his stellar Fantasy self.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas had 18 points with six assists and four rebounds Sunday at Atlanta. He shot 5-for-15 from the field and was 0-for-4 from beyond the arc.
Analysis: Arenas is averaging just 20.3 ppg and is shooting only 35.6 percent from the field to go with 13.9 percent from beyond the arc. He's even struggling from the line (71.7 percent). He's not going to struggle like this all year, though, and remains an elite Fantasy option. He's just not acting like it yet.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas was able to suit up for Thursday's game against the Nets after having his surgically repaired left knee drained for the second time in three weeks Wednesday. Arenas had a chance to win Thursday's game, but Antoine Wright forced Arenas to the corner in the waning seconds, and Vince Carter deflected his off-balance shot to preserve the 87-85 win. Arenas finished with 21 points on 7-of-17 shooting from the floor and 5-of-7 from the free-throw line. He also had four rebounds and six assists in 43 minutes.
Analysis: Arenas has struggled with his shooting this season. He is 27-of-76 from the field (35.5 percent), but is still managing to average 21 points per game. It is a good sign to see Agent Zero play 43 minutes Thursday and he continues to average 40-plus minutes per game despite the bum knee. Keep him in all active Fantasy lineups until further notice. But do keep an eye on his progress in the weeks to come. Hopefully the knee problems fade away.
News: Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas had his surgically repaired left knee drained for the second time in three weeks Wednesday and missed a third consecutive practice. Still, Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said he expects Arenas to play against the New Jersey Nets on Thursday night. Arenas said his knee felt stiff after Washington's last game, a loss to the Orlando Magic on Saturday that dropped the Wizards to 0-3. He hasn't practiced since.
Analysis: Arenas first had his knee drained during the preseason and wouldn't speak to reporters Wednesday. His owners should be concerned about this issue, as there is clearly something up with his surgically-repaired left knee. Continue to track this injury and you should make plans to acquire a decent backup guard in case Arenas is out for a period of time.
News: Gilbert Arenas winced while he walked across the locker room with a bit of a hitch in his step. His surgically repaired left knee was just one of the many things bothering the All-Star guard after the Washington Wizards' 94-82 to Orlando on Saturday night, a list that included Arenas' own poor shooting and his team's first 0-3 start since 1992. "It's stiff," Arenas said after the knee slowed him on a 10-point night. "It feels like a five-pound weight is on it." He said there's a buildup of fluid in the knee, and he might get it drained before the Wizards play next, at New Jersey on Thursday night.
Analysis: Arenas pitched in six assists, but he also had six turnovers. Of greater concern was his shooting. After making his first three shots Saturday, he went 2-for-12 the rest of the way. He went 0-for-4 overall on 3-pointers, making him 1-for-17 -- that works out to six percent! -- from behind the arc this season. He's at 33 percent on all field goals. If his knee continues to bother him, he could continue to struggle or even sit out for a spell. Don't panic, of course, but monitor this situation going into Thursday's game and beyond. We still expect the Hibachi to heat up and play like a No. 1 guard in Fantasy.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas scored 34 points with eight boards and three assists in Wednesday's season opener at Indiana.
Analysis: Arenas was 10-for-25 from the field, but would have had a better line if he wasn't ice cold (1-for-8) from beyond the arc. The Hibachi will heat up, though, and watch out when he does.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas scored 19 on 7-of-18 shooting Monday to lead his team in scoring Monday at Atlanta. He added four rebounds and three assists but lost four turnovers as the Wizards lost 103-99.
Analysis: Arenas finished third in the NBA with a 28.4-point scoring average, hit shot after shot in the closing seconds of periods, and put up three 50-point games in a 30-day span last season. We love him heading into his contract season and feel he's worth a pick in the top five in any Fantasy format.
News: Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas scored nine to open the exhibition season Tuesday at Cleveland. He also had four assists, four steals, three rebounds and a turnover.
Analysis: Arenas finished third in the NBA with a 28.4-point scoring average, hit shot after shot in the closing seconds of periods and put up three 50-point games in a 30-day span last season. We love him heading into his contract season and feel he's worth a pick in the top five in any Fantasy format.
News: Gilbert Arenas sat out the Washington Wizards' intrasquad scrimmage Saturday, but the team expects him to play in its exhibition opener Tuesday at the Cavaliers. Arenas, who had season-ending left knee surgery in April, was held out for what the team called precautionary reasons. He earlier declared himself "full speed ahead" on the surgically repaired knee. "I've got to prove myself that I'm an MVP candidate in this league and I'm one of the best point guards in this league," he said. "If I have to go out there and score 70 or 80, it's going to happen."
Analysis: He finished third in the NBA with a 28.4-point scoring average, hit shot after shot in the closing seconds of periods and put up three 50-point games in a 30-day span last season. Now he wants to score 70 or 80 points? Bring it on. We love Gilbert heading into his contract season and feel he's worth a pick in the top five in any Fantasy format.
News: Gilbert Arenas promised Friday he's prepared to go "full speed ahead" on his surgically repaired left knee when training camp opens next week and when the regular season opens next month. "I've got to prove myself coming back from this injury. I've got to prove myself that I'm an MVP candidate in this league and I'm one of the best point guards in this league," Arenas said Friday. If I have to go out there and score 70 or 80, it's going to happen," he added, "but I don't shoot for those goals. Goals of mine are always about winning."
Analysis: He finished third in the NBA with a 28.4-point scoring average, hit shot after shot in the closing seconds of periods and put up three 50-point games in a 30-day span last season. Now he wants to score 70 or 80 points? Bring it on. We love Gilbert heading into his contract season and feel he's worth a pick in the top five in any Fantasy format.
News:USA Today is reporting that Gilbert Arenas says he has completely recovered from the knee surgery that ended his season, other than "a little normal soreness." He is predicting an MVP- caliber season. "If we can get to 50-55 wins, I'm a heavy (MVP) candidate," he said. "I'm going to do what I do."
Analysis: Arenas ranks in our top-10 of Fantasy options and we fully expect him to be among the league leaders in scoring from the jump. He doesn't do much in the other vital categories, but he's very much one of the elite Fantasy options in the NBA.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas (knee) told the Washington Post that he expects to make a full recovery by early August.
Analysis: With training camp in early October, Arenas should be ready in plenty of time for the season and he should still be drafted in the first round in all Fantasy formats.
News: The season for Washington Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas essentially came to an end Thursday when an MRI disclosed he would need surgery on his left knee. Arenas was diagnosed with a lateral meniscus tear and was to have arthroscopic surgery later Thursday at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington.
Analysis: The Wizards said the recovery time will be two to three months, meaning he might play again this season only if Washington manages to make the NBA finals without him. Arenas was injured in the first quarter of Wednesday night's 108-100 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. It's a tough break for Fantasy owners that have ridden his stellar numbers to this stage of the Fantasy season. He'll be a first-rounder for sure once again next season.
News: Gilbert Arenas sprained his left knee in a collision with Gerald Wallace in the first quarter of Wednesday night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats. Wallace fell into Arenas as the Bobcats forward completed an acrobatic reverse layup along the baseline late in the first quarter. The contact bent Arenas' knee awkwardly as he fell to the court. Once he was helped to his feet, Arenas immediately left for the locker room. A team spokesman said Arenas was unlikely to return.
Analysis: Arenas had been in the game less than two minutes. He did not start for the first time this season because he was late for the team's shootaround. Arenas, the Wizards' leading scorer and three-time All-Star, was averaging 28.8 points entering Wednesday's game. He is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy. He is listed as day to day at this time.
News: Guard Gilbert Arenas led the Wizards with 33 points and seven assists Tuesday against Charlotte. The Wizards play Charlotte again Wednesday.
Analysis: Expect Arenas to again play well, especially since Washington lost and is in a playoff battle with Miami. Consider him a solid start in all formats.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas, who had 51 points and a buzzer-beater to win the game when the Wizards faced the Jazz earlier this season, led the Wizards with 32 points but was just 8 for 20 from the floor Monday. He also added three rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: Arenas broke the 30-point threshold for the 33rd time this season. He's a No. 1 guard in all scoring formats.
News: Gilbert Arenas was admonished by the NBA for making $10 bets with fans during the Washington Wizards' loss at Portland on Wednesday. Arenas made the bets as he bantered with fans throughout the Wizards' 100-98 loss. He was booed during pregame introductions and whenever he touched the ball because he had promised to score 50 points against the Trail Blazers. After the game, Arenas said he bet a fan $10 that he would make the game-winning basket. He missed badly - throwing up a shot that fell short of the rim - and finished with only 19 points.
Analysis: Arenas later elaborated on his nba.com blog, saying that he made $10 bets with two fans during the game and had obtained their e-mail addresses so that he could pay them off. The NBA since has removed the references to the bets from the blog. The league won't suspend him, though, so Arenas remains a safe, must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Gilbert Arenas tried to leave Seattle fans with a souvenir. And "Agent Zero" wasn't talking about yet another game-winning shot. Arenas crossed over Earl Watson, drove with his left hand, then switched to his right and banked in a short-runner at the buzzer, capping a 42-point performance and giving the Washington Wizards a 108-106 victory over the SuperSonics on Wednesday night. And as he jogged off the court, Arenas dropped his jersey at the free throw line, hoping a mob of fans would rush the floor trying to snatch the blue uniform. "Maybe it would be better to do that at home," Arenas said.
Analysis: Arenas added seven assists and four rebounds to go with his 42 points. Consider him a No. 1 guard in all scoring formats.
News: Gilbert Arenas had 19 points and 10 assists, but was just 4 of 16 from the field and didn't approach the 50 points he predicted he would score against the Portland Trail Blazers in a 100-98 loss Tuesday night. Most of his points came from the free throw line, where he was 11-of-12. Arenas, third in the NBA averaging 28.8 points entering the game, vowed to score 50 against both the Blazers and Phoenix Suns when he was cut from the U.S. national team last summer. Suns coach Mike D'Antoni and Blazers coach Nate McMillan were assistants on the U.S. team. Arenas scored 54 against Phoenix earlier in the year, but Portland held him to nine points on 3-of-15 shooting when the teams' first met Feb. 11.
Analysis: Arenas keeps making promises to hit 50 and doesn't come through. Regardless, he's one of the best Fantasy guards and a must start in all leagues.
News: Guard Gilbert Arenas is averaging 30.4 points per game this season at Verizon Center.
Analysis: That's great news, but the Wizards will play their next five games on the road. He's not too shabby on the road either, though, so Fantasy GMs shouldn't even think about benching him.
News: Guard Gilbert Arenas' three-point shot looks like it's no longer AWOL. After going just 17 for 95 from behind the arc in February, Arenas has connected on 17 of 39 from beyond the arc through the first six games of March.
Analysis: There haven't been too many low points for Arenas this season, but the three-point shooting in February had been a bit of an annoyance. Fantasy owners can't complain much about Gilbert, though, as he remains one of the top options in Fantasy hoops.
News: Washington's Big Three is back together again. Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler were healthy and ready to play Friday night against Atlanta. "Our guys are back. That's what it's about," Washington coach Eddie Jordan said.
Analysis: With Butler and Jamison out, there's been more pressure on Gilbert Arenas, the other member of the Big Three. Arenas, the league's third-leading scorer with 28.9 points per game, averaged 34.1 points in December, but he's just 4-for-31 (7.8 percent) from 3-point range in his last three games. Expect them to be back to their old ways soon.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas, who sat out of practice Monday to rest his sore shoulder and sore left knee, played Tuesday against the Nets. He is the only Wizards player to start all 55 games this season. Arenas led the Wizards with 26 points but struggled from the field, where he was just 7-for-25. Arenas is just 11-for-61 from 3-point range in the team's last seven games.
Analysis: Arenas will shoot his way out of the slump. He still produces stats across the board, so consider him a No. 1 guard in all scoring formats.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas sat out of practice on Monday to rest his sore shoulder and sore left knee. He is not expected to miss any games at this time.
Analysis: Arenas is just 8-for-49 from three-point range in the team's last six games. He's a shooter, and sometimes shooters go through slumps. But he's still a No. 1 guard in all scoring formats, and he will start getting hot soon. Have no fear.
News: Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is just 8-for-49 from three-point range in the team's last six games.
Analysis: He's a shooter, and sometimes shooters go through slumps. But he's still a No. 1 guard in all scoring formats, and he will start getting hot soon. Have no fear.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas shot just 4-for-22 from the field (18.2 percent) and 1-for-11 (0.9 percent) from beyond arc Sunday at Minnesota. He still managed to finish with 20 points and six assists, however, thanks to 11-for-12 shooting from the line.
Analysis: The Hibachi wasn't quite as hot on Sunday, but he still manages to get his even when he doesn't have his shot going on most chances. Arenas has played like a No. 1 guard all season and should continue that throughout the year.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 30 of his 43 points in the first half, and the Washington Wizards blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead and survived a video review at the buzzer to beat the Sacramento Kings 109-106 Thursday night. Arenas finished with an extremely active line in the box score: 12-for-22 from the field, 3-for-8 from 3-point range, 16-for-17 from the free throw line, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and nine of the Wizards' season-high 23 turnovers. The last time that Arenas got more than 40 points was against the Jazz on Jan. 15 when he dropped in 51 points.
Analysis: Arenas has started the second half on the right foot. He scored 38 points against the Timberwolves on Tuesday and now dropped 43 on the Kings. Arenas has played like a No. 1 guard all season and should continue that throughout the year.
News: Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas had 38 points, seven rebounds and four assists Tuesday against Minnesota.
Analysis: Arenas is playing like a No. 1 guard all season and should continue that throughout the year.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas, who made it no secret that he wanted to win the MVP of the All-Star Game, scored just eight points in just under 20 minutes of action on Sunday.
Analysis: He was clearly aiming for a big night early on, chucking up shot after shot. He ended up just 2-for-7 from beyond the arc and never got into a groove. Sound familiar? When he promised he'd drop 50 on the Trail Blazers and coach Nate McMillan for leaving him off Team USA last summer for the FIBA World Championship, he managed just nine points. Still, we wouldn't go saying too many bad things about Agent Zero. He's been great for his Fantasy owners this season and is in the running for the Fantasy MVP award.
News: Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is shooting 42-of-147 (29 percent) in the six games the Wizards have been without Antawn Jamison.
Analysis: Expect Arenas to be OK with or without Jamison. Consider him a No. 1 Fantasy guard.
News: Gilbert Arenas' bold-talking, high-scoring first half of the season ended with a whimper. Arenas struggled with his shot -- again -- scoring 22 points on 8-for-26 shooting, and the Washington Wizards broke open a close game in the fourth quarter and held on for a 92-85 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Arenas eclipsed his nine-point effort in the previous game with 10 in the first half, but his shooting woes continued. He was coming off a 3-for-15 effort against the Trail Blazers, a 10-for-24 showing against San Antonio and a 4-for-14 performance against Seattle.
Analysis: This is probably the first cold tag that Arenas has gotten this season. Still, despite the poor shooting night, he made it over the 20-point mark. Expect Arenas to bounce back after the All-Star break and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas was held to just nine points Sunday vs. Portland after vowing to score 50 points in retaliation for Portland coach Nate McMillan's involvement with Arena's being left off the U.S. national team last summer. He shot 3-for-15 from the field, including 0-for-8 from beyond the arc.
Analysis: Arenas had just six points in the first half and three in the second. Expect Gilbert to bounce back with a huge game or two before the All-Star break. Don't even think about benching him.
News: Dirk Nowitzki will face Gilbert Arenas again in the 3-point contest during the NBA's All-Star weekend next week, the league announced on Thursday. Jason Terry, Nowitzki's Dallas teammate, also is back after failing to advance to the final round last year. Rounding out the field are Miami's Jason Kapono, who leads the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage at 55.9 percent; Mike Miller of the Memphis Grizzlies; and Damon Jones of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Analysis: Nowitzki won the event last year in Houston, beating Arenas 18-16 in the final. The contest will be in Las Vegas on Feb. 17, followed a day later by the All-Star game. The league's best three-point shooters will be on display and Rotisserie-league owners should take not. These are some of the best options for help in that category.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas scored 29 points on 10 of 24 shots from the field Wednesday against the Spurs. He also had five rebounds and one assist.
Analysis: Arenas continues to be a top scorer on a nightly basis and remains a must-start Fantasy option. He is among our Eastern Conference Fantasy All-Stars for the first half of the season by averaging 29.4 points per game.
News: Kobe got even with Gil. Two of the NBA's riveting stars spent Saturday night trying to outdo each other, point for point, flashy move for flashy move, their last meeting seven weeks ago very much on their minds. The much anticipated Round 2 went to Kobe Bryant, who scored 39 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers over Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards, 118-102. Arenas dropped a franchise-record 60 points in a 147-141 overtime win at Los Angeles on Dec. 17, but he set the tone Saturday with an airball on the game's first possession. He went 9-for-29 from the field and finished with 37 points -- mainly because he was 16-for-17 from the free throw line.
Analysis: The game was one of the most eagerly awaited regular season games in Washington in years. Arenas and Bryant each have three 50-point games this season, and both rank in the top five in scoring in the NBA. After Arenas' 60-point game, Bryant stoked some ire by saying Arenas' shots were "terrible" and awful" and said that Arenas "doesn't seem to have much of a conscience." Arenas initially took exception, although have since made it clear there's no bad blood between them. Still, both were pumped for the rematch, with Arenas declaring he was in "attack mode" -- especially with teammate Antawn Jamison out for three to six weeks with a sprained knee. Arenas remains a must-start Fantasy option and has become even more of a scoring threat with Jamison sidelined.
News: At Washington, Gilbert Arenas had 36 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds in a Washington victory against Detroit on Tuesday.
Analysis: Arenas is a No. 1 guard in all formats and should continue his stellar season with another good performance Wednesday at Toronto. His scoring might increase with Antawn Jamison (knee) out.
News: Guard Gilbert Arenas had a tooth knocked out late in the fourth quarter in the win over Boston.
Analysis: He isn't supposed to miss any time and is one of the best options in Fantasy Basketball right now.
News: Gilbert Arenas shrugged off a poor shooting night and finished with 23 points for the Wizards in a win over the Celtics Sunday. Arenas missed eight of his first 10 shots before draining two shots late in the third quarter to help the Wizards extend their lead. Arenas shot 6 of 16 from the field and 9 of 12 from the free-throw line. He also had five rebounds and six assists in the game.
Analysis: Even when Arenas has a poor shooting game, he still puts together a great stat line. Arenas will represent the Eastern Conference All-Stars in February and that should be enough evidence as to his Fantasy value. He remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Gilbert Arenas pulled out another late victory. The Washington star surged past Vince Carter in the final days of All-Star voting to claim the second Eastern Conference guard spot by 3,010 votes Thursday, the fourth-closest margin for a starting spot. Arenas was 214,460 votes behind Carter two weeks ago, but finished with 1,454,166 to Carter's 1,451,156. "It is an unbelievable feeling," Arenas said. "Two years ago, I was voting myself in for the game. Now fans are voting me in, and I'm going to do what they are looking for. I've got something to give back to the fans during All-Star weekend."
Analysis: Arenas' rally was the latest January highlight for the guard who has forced his name into the MVP discussion with a series of clutch performances. He hit long 3-pointers to win games against Milwaukee and Utah, is second in the NBA with 29.7 points per game and will become the first Washington player to start since Michael Jordan in 2003. Arenas remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 30 points to lift Washington over the Orlando Magic 114-93 Friday night, widening the Wizards' new Southeast Division lead. Arenas also added seven rebounds and six assists.
Analysis: Arenas, the league's second-leading scorer at 29.9 points a game, had an off night in the Wizard's win Wednesday, scoring 16 points. It was just the sixth time this season he's scored fewer than 20. He is averaging almost 39 points in the game following those six sub-20 efforts. He remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: The MVP chants are growing louder in Washington. Gilbert Arenas made a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cap a 51-point performance in the Washington Wizards' 114-111 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday. Arenas left the court to a chorus of "M-V-P! M-V-P!" "MVP? That trophy is given out at the end of the year," Arenas said. "This is (37) games into the season so you can't do too much about it." Arena matched the Verizon Center record of 51 points set by Michael Jordan against the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 29, 2001. Arenas provided plenty of drama in the final 2:09 of a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee by converting three 3-pointers and three free throws to eclipse the 50-point mark for the third time this season.
Analysis: Arenas shot 14-for-29 from the field, including 7-for-12 on 3-pointers, and 16-for-17 at the free-throw line. He also had five assists and committed only one turnover in 41 minutes. It was the seventh time this season Arenas scored 40 or more points and the most points he's ever tallied at the Verizon Center. Arenas had been struggling from the field heading into Monday's game, but there is really no need to bench him. He remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas missed 12 of his first 15 shots and wound up with 23 points on 5-for-19 shooting Friday against the Hornets. He was 11-of-12 from the free-throw line. He also had four rebounds and seven assists.
Analysis: Arenas had a tough time shooting against the Bulls on Wednesday as well and seems to be going through a shooting slump. However, he is still scoring enough points to make a difference in Fantasy leagues and remains a must-start Fantasy guard.
News: With Gilbert Arenas slowed again by Chicago, the Washington Wizards relied on strong contributions from Caron Butler, Antonio Daniels and DeShawn Stevenson to beat the Bulls 113-103 Wednesday night for a seventh consecutive home win. Arenas didn't even attempt a second-half shot until there were fewer than six minutes left in the game, and he finished 5-for-16 for 20 points -- well below his 30.5 average, No. 2 in the NBA. He also had two rebounds and five assists.
Analysis: On Dec. 2, the Bulls were able to hold Arenas to just 10 points. They seem to have a solid plan to shutdown the Wizards best player. Still, expect Arenas to bounce back from the poor game and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas scored 33 points in Sunday's loss at Toronto, but more impressive was the number of times he got to the line. He finished 17-for-21 from the line, shooting two more free throws than he did field goals in the contest.
Analysis: Arenas is as hot as any scorer in the league right now and is proving that he can get his however he wants. Continue to use him as an elite No. 1 Fantasy guard.
News: Gilbert Arenas tied his season high with four steals versus the Clippers.
Analysis: This season high wasn't in points, but he did manage 35 points to go with 12 assists and seven boards in the game. He's as good as it gets in Fantasy Basketball right now.
News: Gilbert Arenas got the party started early. Arenas scored 29 of his 35 points in the first half and added a season-high 12 assists Friday night, leading the Washington Wizards past the Los Angeles Clippers 116-105 and drawing "M-V-P!" chants from the sellout crowd. Then he headed to his star-studded birthday celebration. Arenas scored 13 points in the first quarter, 16 in the second on 7-for-8 shooting, but was only 3-for-10 the rest of the way. He also had seven rebounds as the Wizards won for the seventh time in eight games.
Analysis: Arenas provided the latest in a series of superb performances. There were his 60- and 54-point games last month, and his previous outing, when he capped a full stat night (32 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists) with a tiebreaking, buzzer-beating 3-pointer. As that shot went through the net to beat the Bucks on Wednesday, Arenas turned his back to the basket with a sneer and walked away. Arenas, who turns 25 on Saturday, has now scored 30 or more points in 14 of his last 18 games. Arenas is slowly becoming one of the best players in the NBA and Fantasy owners are benefiting from his tremendous play. He is hands down a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Gilbert Arenas hit a long 3-pointer at the buzzer, capping a 32-point game and giving the Washington Wizards a 108-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Arenas hit his 30-footer, turned and strolled calmly away as if it were another shot on the playground, even as his teammates mobbed him in celebration. Arenas had three things working against him - a sore shooting shoulder, the Bucks' zone defense and the old leather ball which he dislikes - but he went 12-for-25 from the field and had 11 rebounds and eight assists.
Analysis: Even with the odd stacked against him, Arenas showed why he is turning into one of the best players in the NBA. Have no hesitation in keeping Arenas in Fantasy lineups. He is a must-start.
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas, who hurt his shoulder Saturday against Milwaukee, says he has a "75 percent" chance of playing when the teams meet again on Wednesday night. Arenas, the NBA's third-leading scorer, missed practice on Monday and says that his shoulder is very sore. "Hopefully it will feel better by then," Arenas said, according to the Washington Times. "I've still got 48 hours to go before we play. Right now it's very painful." Arenas took one shot at Monday's practice and missed it badly. He was hurt on Saturday when he collided with Ruben Patterson of the Bucks. Arenas is averaging 30.3 points per game. He hasn't missed a game this season.
Analysis: Expect Arenas to play but continue to monitor his status. Unless Arenas is hurt more than he's letting on, he should stay in your lineup.
News: Gilbert Arenas notched a season-high nine rebounds against the Magic on Friday.
Analysis: His 36 points weren't too shabby either. He has been a scoring machine once again this season and remains a complete Fantasy monster. Use him in all leagues.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas scored 39 points on 10-for-19 shooting from the floor Wednesday at Charlotte. He also added eight assists and six rebounds.
Analysis: Gilbert has been a scoring machine once again this season and remains a complete Fantasy monster. Use him in all leagues.
News: The Washington Wizards are the NBA's streak-busters. The Phoenix Suns went from snowed in to snowed under by Gilbert Arenas on Friday night -- and their franchise-best 15-game winning streak is history. Arenas capped a 54-point night by banking in a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 30.7 seconds left in overtime and the Wizards beat the Suns 144-139. He also had three rebounds and four assists in the game.
Analysis: Arenas' output was the second-most points ever scored against Phoenix. Only Wilt Chamberlain scored more, 66 for the Lakers in February 1969 in the Suns' first season. Arenas had a 60-point outburst just three games prior and has been carrying the Wizards as of late. He is up to averaging 30 points per game and should be starting in all Fantasy formats.
News: Gilbert Arenas set a franchise-record with 60 points in Sunday's overtime thriller at L.A. Lakers, shooting 17-of-32 from the floor. He also hit 5-of-12 from beyond the arc and hit 21 of 27 shots from the charity stripe. He also added eight assists and eight rebounds for a Fantasy owners dream. "It was bound to happen," Arenas said. "I'm a scorer, so I was going to have one of those days where I was clicking. Most of the time when I've scored 46 in three quarters, we were blowing the other team out, so I didn't get to play in the fourth. But (Sunday night) was that time. It was a close game and I stayed in. I found the rhythm, especially in the fourth quarter and in overtime, and I never looked back."
Analysis: The previous franchise high was 56 by Earl Monroe on Feb. 13, 1968 -- also against the Lakers in overtime -- when the Wizards were the Baltimore Bullets. Arenas' previous high was 47 points, against Miami last Dec. 30. Arenas was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week with 37.3 ppg in four games last week and he is likely headed for a repeat honor after this amazing performance. Needless to say, he remains a No. 1 Fantasy guard in all formats.
News: Wizards G Guard Gilbert Arenas was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday after averaging 37.3 points in the four games played last week.
Analysis: Arenas continues to play at a high level. Continue to use him as a No. 1 Fantasy guard.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 38 points and added eight assists against the Mavericks on Monday night. Arenas was held under 20 points for the third time this season on Saturday night in Chicago. In the previous two instances in which Arenas failed to score 20 points, he averaged 36 points in the following games.
Analysis: Last season, Arenas was held under 20 points 14 times, and he averaged 33.1 points in his next games. He remains a Fantasy star.
News: Guard Gilbert Arenas had been struggling big-time from the floor before going 11-for-20 against the Bobcats on Friday. In his five previous games before Friday's victory, Arenas was just 34-for-102 from the field.
Analysis: Arenas continues to be an elite scorer, averaging 26.4 ppg this season. He also posts decent assist and rebound totals and is a Fantasy stud in all formats.
News: Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison each scored more than 20 points in a free-flowing game, and the Washington Wizards beat the Charlotte Bobcats 121-109 Friday night. Arenas got his teammates involved early, compiling six assists before he made a field goal, and finished with 33 points and 10 assists. Butler scored 24 points and Jamison added 22.
Analysis: All three players are must-start Fantasy options. All three players are getting plenty of opportunities to score this season and that is what Fantasy owners like to see.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 26 points at Houston Wednesday.
Analysis: Arenas, the league's fourth-leading scorer, went 8-for-26 from the field and Washington finished 28-for-84 (33 percent). Start the superstar in all formats.
News: Wizards G Gilber Arenas shot 14-for-22 from the floor Saturday vs. Cleveland, finishing with 45 points. He also added si assists, five rebounds and two steals.
Analysis: Arenas' big night against Cleveland was sort of a makeup game for his first performance against them this year. In that game Arenas was just 2 for 12 and finished with a season-low seven points. He has now scored 40 points or more 22 times
News: Gilbert Arenas is the only player in the NBA ranked in the top 10 in points per game (tied for fourth, 28.8) and assists (seventh, 7.6).
Analysis: Arenas continues to play at the level of a No. 1 Fantasy guard. Use him in that role.
News: Gilbert Arenas is the only player in the NBA ranked in the top ten in points per game (tied for fourth, 28.8) and assists (seventh, 7.6).
Analysis: Arenas continues to play at the level of a No. 1 Fantasy guard. Use him in that role.
News: Gilbert Arenas is averaging 37.6 points per game in the Wizards' three home games.
Analysis: If he played on the moon -- which isn't a stretch for quirky Gilbert -- he'd remain a must-start.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas scored 40 points in Wednesday's win over Indiana. He shot 14-for-20 from the floor and also added four assists and three steals.
Analysis: Arenas has scored 94 points in two home games this season. If he played on the moon -- which isn't a stretch for quirky Gilbert -- he'd remain a must-start.
News: Gilbert Arenas emerged in a huge blue robe, the hood pulled low over his face. He said he was trying to look like a wizard. He instead resembled a boxer, one ready to deliver a knockout punch after getting rocked in the first round. Three days after a nervous performance against LeBron James to start the season, Arenas put up 44 points in the Washington Wizards' home opener Saturday night, leading a 124-117 victory over the turnover-prone Boston Celtics.
Analysis: "I found my rhythm this game," said Arenas, who made 14 of 25 field goals and 11 of 12 free throws. "I think I was just anxious that first game. I wanted to get out there. Tonight I was back to my old self, scoring, distributing the ball and keeping it up-tempo." Arenas also had six assists in the game. Arenas certainly made up for his poor performance on Wednesday in just one game. He is a stellar Fantasy guard.
News: Wizards G Gilbert Arenas shot just 2-for-12 from the floor in Wednesday's season-opening loss at Cleveland. He did add 11 assists and five rebounds in 38 minutes of action.
Analysis: Arenas clearly didn't have his shot going on Wednesday, but that will come. He'll look to bounce back Saturday vs. Boston.
News: Fourth in the league in scoring last season, point guard Gilbert Arenas claims that he doesn't mind seeing his numbers dip this season if he's playing better defensively.
Analysis: Arenas' PPG has improved every season he has been in the league, but that's likely going to curtail a bit this year. He's still a stellar starting Fantasy guard.
News: Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said he has settled on a five-man rotation of guards Gilbert Arenas and DeShawn Stevenson, forwards Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, and either Brendan Haywood or Etan Thomas at center.
Analysis: Arenas, who strained his groin prior to the FIBA World Championship in Korea, is fully recovered and makes a great early round draft choice in any format. Stevenson is a decent low-end option in deeper formats, but is best used as a reserve option. Butler and Jamison are excellent options in any format, but Haywood and Thomas are less than desireable Fantasy centers.
News: Washington Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas announced that he is thinning the air in his house Monday at the Wizards annual pre-training camp media day. "I had my house converted to the Colorado altitude, so I am always above sea level," Arenas said. He hired a company to simulate those conditions in a home environment.
Analysis: He'll get plenty of nods with that statement, but, yep, he's really doing it. Instead of going to the mountains to train - as some endurance athletes do - Arenas has hired a company to simulate those conditions in a home environment. Arenas' hopes the living arrangement will give him more energy in the fourth quarter of NBA games, when everyone else is getting tired from breathing the same old heavy air. There's always something up with Arenas, whether it was his revelation last year that he played online poker during halftimes, or the multitude of ways he finds to keep chips on his shoulders. Arenas, who strained his groin prior to the FIBA World Championship in Korea, is expected to be fully healthy for the start of preseason workouts. He'll be an early round pick in all leagues because of his ability to score and dish the ball.
News: Gilbert Arenas is building a hyperbaric bedroom into his new Virginia home. The atmosphere in the room will replicate places like Denver and Salt Lake City and, he believes, give him an advantage over his foes.
Analysis: Arenas, who strained his groin prior to the FIBA World Championship in Korea, is expected to be fully healthy for the start of preseason workouts. He'll be an early round pick in all leagues because of his ability to score and dish the ball.
News: Washington Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas won't face charges for interfering while police arrested teammate Awvee Storey in Miami Beach during Memorial Day Weekend, authorities said. Miami Beach police charged Arenas on May 28 with resisting arrest without violence, but prosecutors dropped the charges Wednesday. In return, Arenas must make a $250 donation to the police's assistance trust fund, said Ed Griffith, a spokesman for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's office. Charges against Storey are still pending.
Analysis: Arenas, who strained his groin prior to the FIBA World Championship in Korea, is expected to be fully healthy for the start of preseason workouts. None of this won't affect his Fantasy value for the 2006-07 season. He'll be an early round pick in all leagues.
News: Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas strained his groin during practice and won't play for the United States at the world championships. Arenas was hurt Monday, leaving him unable to compete for a spot on the 12-player roster. "We know Gilbert is really disappointed," team managing director Jerry Colangelo said. "He's done a great job. "It's an unfortunate situation, but he is not going to be able to continue on."
Analysis: Arenas is expected to be fully healthy for the start of preseason workouts so this won't affect his Fantasy value for the 2006-07 season. He'll be an early round pick in all leagues.
News: Gilbert Arenas returned to the Wizards' lineup Friday after missing one game due to the flu.
Analysis: Arenas scored 27 points on 8-of-24 shooting with 11 assists and four steals in Washington's loss to Houston. Activate him ASAP.
News: Gilbert Arenas, who missed Tuesday's game in Sacramento due to the flu, is questionable for Friday's game at Houston.
Analysis: Arenas is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues if you have healthier options.
News: Guard Gilbert Arenas tied the franchise season-high with seven three-point baskets Monday vs. Golden Sate. Antawn Jamison has hit seven in a game three times this season.
Analysis: Continue to enjoy Arenas' production this year. He's an all-around Fantasy stud.
News: Gilbert Arenas, who averaged 34 points in the two games against the Clippers last season, had 17 points Saturday after getting 18 against them in a 102-97 loss on Nov. 9 at Washington.
Analysis: Continue to enjoy Arenas' production this year.
News: Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are one of only two pairs of teammates in the NBA to average 20 points or more per game. The other two are Washington's Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison.
Analysis: Continue to enjoy Arenas' production this year.
News: Gilbert Arenas tied Chris Whitney for the team record for made three-pointers (481) on Sunday. Arenas reached the plateau in just 199 games. Whitney did so in 463.
Analysis: Continue to enjoy his production this year.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 39 points on Tuesday; his eighth game scoring more than 30 in his last 13 outings, including three 40-plus performances.
Analysis: Continue to enjoy his production this year.
News: Gilbert Arenas was selected Sunday for a possible spot on the world championship and 2008 Beijing Olympic teams. The new-look USA Basketball team is expected to improve upon a disappointing bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics.
Analysis: Players will attend training camp in Las Vegas in July, then travel to China and South Korea for exhibition games before a 12-man roster is selected for the world championships in Japan. A training camp in 2007 -- and possibly regional Olympic qualifying -- will be followed by a camp and more exhibition games in 2008 before the Beijing Olympics.
News: Gilbert Arenas confirmed one of the Wizards' worst-kept secrets, that he and Antawn Jamison have been invited by USA basketball director Jerry Colangelo to the camp that will be used to select the U.S. teams for the 2006 world championship and 2008 Olympics. Players often say the drawback to playing in those tournaments is the year-around commitment without much of a summer break, but Arenas is well-known for his nonstop approach to the game. "Like I told Colangelo, I'm going to be playing anyway if you don't pick me," Arenas said. "I'm training all year 'round anyway, so it doesn't affect me."
Analysis: Continue to enjoy his production this year.
News: Gilbert Arenas, Wizards, had 34 points, five rebounds and five assists, leading Washington to its eighth straight home victory, 90-78 over Minnesota on Tuesday.
Analysis: Arenas will continue to be a Fantasy stud in the second half.
News: Gilbert Arenas is going to be busy for a guy who wasn't originally supposed to be at All-Star weekend. Arenas was chosen to replace the Phoenix Suns' Raja Bell in the 3-point contest, the NBA announced Friday. The league said Bell was excused because of a family illness. Arenas was not picked for the Eastern Conference All-Star team despite ranking fourth in the league with 28.3 points per game. He was added to the team by commissioner David Stern to replace injured Indiana forward Jermaine O'Neal.
Analysis: Arenas will continue to be a Fantasy stud in the second half.
News: All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas scored 43 points on 15-of-30 shooting on Monday.
Analysis: Arenas, named the Eastern Conference player of the week earlier in the day, scored 40 or more points for the seventh time this season. He had his streak of consecutive made free throws end at 49 when he missed one with 8:36 left in the game. Arenas is a stud in all formats.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 27 points as the Washington Wizards completed a perfect five-game homestand Sunday with a 107-97 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Analysis: Continue to enjoy his production this year.
News: Gilbert Arenas finished Friday's game vs. Cleveland with 32 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. He was named by David Stern as a replacement for Jermaine O'Neal in next weekend's All-Star game. The 23rd 30-point game of the season for Arenas prompted this response: "I've still got things to prove."
Analysis: Fantasy owners hope he proves to everyone that he belongs among the league's elite. He followed Wednesday's 45-point game with this gem, so he's well on the way to doing so.
News: Gilbert Arenas 23 points on 6-of-24 shooting with eight dimes and four steals on Monday vs. Orlando.
Analysis: He also hit three 3-pointers and is a Fantasy stud, despite the poor shooting night.
News: Gilbert Arenas was 0 for 3 from beyond the arc on Saturday vs. Atlanta. He finished with 22 points on 8-for-19 shooting in 41 minutes of action.
Analysis: Arenas, who is 3rd in the NBA in three-point field goals (106), is 9 of 28 (.321) over his last five games from the land of three. Fantasy owners shouldn't be alarmed because the fact that he's taken 28 three-pointers indicates that he won't shy away from the shot even if it isn't dropping. They'll drop soon enough.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 32 points and the Washington Wizards beat Charlotte 107-97 Saturday night. Arenas added three dimes and a steal in the game.
Analysis: Arenas is a stud in all formats.
News: Gilbert Arenas' scoring average (28.1) ranks second all-time in franchise history, trailing only the 31.6 points per game averaged by Walt Bellamy, which he posted during the 1961-62 season.
Analysis: Arenas scored "only" 19 points on Wednesday at Boston, but he's been a steady scorer all season long. He's a fantastic source of points and steals and he posts decent assists totals (6.2 apg) as well. He's a Fantasy stud.
News: Gilbert Arenas in No. 4 in the league in steals during the month of January, averaging 2.36 per game through 11 contests.
Analysis: Arenas is a stud in all formats and a great source of steals.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 24 points on 8-of-21 shooting with eight rebounds, eight dimes and three steals on Sunday vs. Memphis
Analysis: Arenas is a stud in all formats.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 37 points on 12-of-18 shooting with seven dimes and two steals on Friday at Indiana.
Analysis: Arenas is a stud in all formats.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 14 points on 6-of-17 shooting with four rebounds and five assists on Monday vs. Utah.
Analysis: Despite the low-scoring night, Arenas is a stud in all formats.
News: Gilbert Arenas is No. 4 in the league in scoring, averaging 29.7 ppg through 28 games played.
Analysis: Continue to enjoy his production this year.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 44 points on 13-of-25 shooting with sic rebounds and five helpers on Tuesday vs. Houston.
Analysis: Continue to enjoy his production this year.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored a career-high 47 points on Friday vs. Miami. He was 15-for-29 from the floor and he also added seven rebounds and eight assists. He also fouled out.
Analysis: Arenas has emerged as an elite Fantasy stud so far this season. Continue to enjoy his production this year.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored a career-high 47 points on Friday vs. Miami. He was 15-for-29 from the floor and he also added seven rebounds and eight assists. He also fouled out.
Analysis: Arenas has emerged as an elite Fantasy stud so far this season. Continue to enjoy his production this year.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 41 points, just enough for the Washington Wizards to survive his poor foul shooting down the stretch and beat the Phoenix Suns 112-111 on Friday night. Arenas missed three free throws in the final 44 seconds, coming up two points short of his season high. He had a chance to ice the game with 12 seconds left, but he missed both foul shots.
Analysis: Arenas entered the game fourth in scoring (28.3 ppg) behind Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James -- not bad company. Arenas, who took nine 3-pointers, finished the game averaging 28.5 points, highest for the Wizards since Walt Bellamy averaged a team record 31.7 points in 1961-62. With Larry Hughes out of town, Arenas has emerged into an incredible scoring threat this season.
News: Gilbert Arenas (back) returned to action on Friday vs. the Lakers and dropped 29 points with five rebounds and four dimes.
Analysis: Get him back in your lineup ASAP.
News: Gilbert Arenas missed Tuesday's game against the Nets due to his sore back. He was replaced by Chucky Atkins in the starting lineup at point guard.
Analysis: Arenas is considered day to day and he was not on the inactive list. He might be able to go on Friday at L.A. Lakers after resting for two days. Hopefully the long cross-country flight does not cause him further pain.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 24 points on only 5-of-24 shooting on Sunday in Miami but hit 13-of-14 from the charity stripe.
Analysis: His bruised side apparently affected his shot, but it appears safe to use him this week.
News: Gilbert Arenas is suffering through numerous aches and pains, saying the entire right side of his body is bruised.
Analysis: Don't expect him to miss anytime, but his production may be limited until he's 100 percent.
News: Gilbert Arenas, the NBA's fourth-leading scorer, was hld to 17 points on 5-for-18 shooting.
Analysis: Arenas was averaging 28 points, but Anthony Johnson and Fred Jones did a great job of guarding the Washington star. Arenas continues to be a Fantasy stud.
News: Gilbert Arenas exploded for 37 points on 13-of-24 shooting and handed out nine assists on Tuesday vs. Toronto.
Analysis: He also had two steals and is a Fantasy stud.
News: Gilbert Arenas continues to be a Fantasy stud, averaging 26.6 ppg through Washington's first 14 games.
Analysis: He's also draining 2.8 three-pointers per game while handing out 6.1 assists. Arenas is an elite Fantasy player in all formats.
News: Gilbert Arenas had an off night on Tuesday against Cleveland, scoring 18 points on 4-of-17 shooting.
Analysis: You know Arenas is officially a Fantasy stud because he added five rebounds, eight dimes and three steals on an "off night."
News: Washington guard Gilbert Arenas exploded Saturday for 43 points on 15-of-20 shooting. He added six dimes and knocked down four 3s in the victory over San Antonio.
Analysis: Arenas has been brilliant, and is proving that he was worthy of that second-round pick on Draft Day.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 21 points and added seven rebounds in 42 minutes on Wednesday at Toronto in the season opener.
Analysis: Arenas can help out Fantasy owners in so many different categories and Wednesday's performance showed why he was a second or third round pick in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Gilbert Arenas made only three of his 19 shot attempts in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Chicago on Sunday. He finished with only nine points, but he did finish with eight rebounds and eight assists.
Analysis: Arenas and the Wizards will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday night.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 44 points to go with four rebounds and three assists against Philadelphia Saturday.
Analysis: Arenas remains one of the top scoring point guards in Fantasy play.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 43 points in Tuesday's game against Boston while playing all 48 minutes.
Analysis: Arenas got to the line 25 times out of Washington's 48 attempts.
News: Gilbert Arenas shot 8-for-16 from the floor, 3-for-7 from 3-point range and 12-for-13 from the line in Friday's game against the Magic. He finished with 31 points and four assists.
Analysis: Arenas has scored 20-plus points in 33 of his past 35 games. He's emerged into one of the elite Fantasy guards this season, and should be targeted in the first two rounds next season.
News: Gilbert Arenas had 29 points and six assists in Thursday's game against the Jazz. He shot 3-for-6 from 3-point range and played all 48 minutes.
Analysis: Arenas has scored at least 20 points in 29 of his past 30 games. He's been one of the most improved Fantasy players and could actually get some MVP votes.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 25 points on 7-of-22 shooting in Sunday's game at Boston. He also added six assists, two rebounds and a steal.
Analysis: Arenas has scored 20 or more points in eight straight games and is averaging 28.6 PPG over his past 30 starts.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 33 points to go along with eight rebounds, five assists and two steals in Wednesday's game against the Rockets.
Analysis: Arenas appears to be starting off the month of March like he finished February. He will face his former team, the Warriors, on Friday.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 43 points in Sunday's game against Sacramento. He also chipped in with seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Analysis: Arenas has averaged 30.6 PPG over the past 19 starts. He has also averaged 5.8 APG in 12 games during the month of February.
News: Gilbert Arenas hit 3-of-14 from the floor on Tuesday at Houston to finish with 11 points, nine assists and four rebounds.
Analysis: Arenas was ice cold from the field, but he still pieced together a respectable game from a Fantasy perspective. His next game will be in the All-Star game in Denver.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 43 points to go along with nine rebounds and six assists in Monday's game against Indiana.
Analysis: Arenas has averaged 31.4 PPG and 6.8 APG over his past 11 games. He has also scored 30 points on 13 different occasions this season, including seven times over his past nine starts.
News: Gilbert Arenas shot 10-for-22 from the floor, 4-for-8 from 3-point range and 13-for-13 from the line in Saturday's game against the Magic. He finished with 37 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals in 48 minutes.
Analysis: With Larry Hughes out of action, Arenas is averaging 33.6 PPG and 6.1 APG in his past seven games, scoring 30-plus in all but one.
News: Gilbert Arenas was only 3-of-14 from the floor in Friday's game against the Raptors, but he still finished with 23 points and eight assists. He was 17-of-20 from the free throw line.
Analysis: Arenas has made only 26 of his 91 (.286) shot attempts over the past five games.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored hit 11-of-23 shots from the floor to finish with a career-high 43 in Tuesday's game at Dallas. He hit six 3-pointers and converted 15 of his 18 free throw attempts.
Analysis: Areans certainly made up for his dismal shooting performance in San Antonio on Monday.
News: Gilbert Arenas had 40 points on 13-for-26 shooting from the floor, 3-for-9 from 3-point range and 11-for-12 from the line in Saturday's game against the T-Wolves. He added four assists and two steals.
Analysis: Arenas is one of the better Fantasy guards in the game. Keep him active as your No. 1 or 2 option at this position.
News: Gilbert Arenas (flu) was back in action on Sunday against the Hawks. He missed the prior game because of dehydration and the flu.
Analysis: Arenas is a great first Fantasy guard option. Washington plays three games in Week 10 and 11.
News: Gilbert Arenas missed Friday's game against Boston due to flu-like symptoms.
Analysis: Arenas didn't practice on Saturday, but is listed as probable for Sunday's contest with the Hawks.
News: Gilbert Arenas went 12-for-19 from the floor and 5-for-6 from beyond the arc on Wednesday against the Pistons. He had four boards and four assists as well.
Analysis: Arenas entered the game 13th in the league in scoring (22.2), to go along with 5.2 APG and 58 3-pointers.
News: Gilbert Arenas went 10-for-20 from the floor, 4-for-10 from 3-point range and 4-for-5 from the free throw line in Wednesday's game against the Nuggets. He scored 28 points with three assists.
Analysis: Arenas has 11 20-point games in his 15 contests this season. He is one of the best scoring point guards in the league and is invaluable from a Fantasy perspective.
News: Gilbert Arenas (heel) was able to play in Tuesday's game at Miami. He scored a team-high 20 points and had six assists.
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Arenas in the active lineup in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Washington Post reports Gilbert Arenas bruised his left heel during Saturday's loss to the Heat, but he said the injury shouldn't keep him out of the rematch Tuesday in Miami. "It hurts a lot," Arenas said. "I'm not trying to miss any games."
Analysis: Arenas is listed as questionable for Nov. 9 at Miami, but seems motivated to play. Keep him active in Week 2.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 27 points and handed out five assists in Saturday's game against Miami. He was 13-for-15 from the line, but turned the ball over seven times.
Analysis: Arenas is a dominant No. 1 Fantasy guard if he can stay healthy. He is capable of averaging 20 PPG and a handful of assists.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 19 points, had eight assists and chipped in with seven rebounds in Thursday's game at Charlotte.
Analysis: Arenas was making his regular season debut after being suspended for Wednesday's opener at Memphis.
News: Gilbert Arenas (ankle) was able to play in Monday's preseason game against the Bulls. He scored a dozen points, grabbed seven rebounds and had seven steals in the contest.
Analysis: Arenas will make a quality No. 1 Fantasy guard this season if he can stay healthy.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds in Thursday's preseason game against the Bobcats. He was forced to leave in the fourth quarter after he injured his ankle though.
Analysis: No word on the severity of the injury yet. He is day to day at this point.
News: The NBA suspended Gilbert Arenas for the team's Nov. 3 opener at Memphis due to his failure to maintain proper registration on a handgun in 2003. "It was an oversight on my part," Arenas said. "I have dealt with the situation and I'm moving forward."
Analysis: Arenas will be in the lineup for only two games during the first two weeks, so consider this when setting your lineup for the opening week. He will make his season debut at Charlotte on Nov. 4 barring any injuries.
News: Gilbert Arenas (ankle) returned to the lineup on Thursday. He scored 11 points and dished out six assists in 33 minutes.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Arenas back into the active lineup in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Gilbert Arenas suffered a sprained right ankle in Sunday's loss against Miami. He did not score a point in 22 minutes and he turned the ball over four times.
Analysis: Arenas is likely to miss Tuesday's game against the Jazz. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 30 points to go with 10 assists at Atlanta Friday.
Analysis: Despite a rough first season with Washington, Arenas remains a top-notch Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Arenas scored 21 points, had a season-high 13 assists and tied a career-high with 12 rebounds for his second triple-double of the season on Thursday against Chicago.
Analysis: Arenas is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues despite playing for the lowly Wizards.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 25 points and handed out five assists against the Clippers Friday.
Analysis: In only his second game back from an abdominal injury, Arenas went 44 minutes and scored more points than he has since before Thanksgiving. Keep him active in all leagues.
News: Gilbert Arenas (abdominal) returned to the lineup on Wednesday. He scored nine points and had six assists in 36 minutes.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Arenas back into the active lineup in all Fantasy leagues.
News: According to the Washington Times, Gilbert Arenas (abdominal)won't return until after the All-Star Game, most likely when the Wizards play at Houston on Feb. 17. "I'm just going to wait until after All-Star, get 100 percent and come back and play," said Arenas. "No one is going to be happy if I come back too soon, so I'm just going to make everyone happy and come back after All-Star."
Analysis: Brevin Knight and Steve Blake will continue to share minutes at the point until Arenas returns.
News: According to the Washington Post, Gilbert Arenas (strained abdomen, groin) said he feels healthy enough to play. However, he doesn't expect to be cleared before Friday's game against the Clippers or Saturday's game at Cleveland.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should continue to reserve Arenas until he is cleared to play lengthy minutes.
News: The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas (abdominal) practiced Thursday and says he feels capable of playing Friday against Phoenix. He has returned early from this injury before only to re-aggravate it.
Analysis: Expect the team to keep Arenas sidelined until after the All-Star break.
News: According to the Washington Post, Gilbert Arenas (abdominal) and Jerry Stackhouse (knee) have been working out. "I saw [Jerry] Stackhouse and [Gilbert] Arenas working out in the practice gym," coach Eddie Jordan said. "That was a great improvement. That's what we've missed so far. ... They looked very good working out against each other."
Analysis: Arenas is expected to return in mid-February.
News: The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas (lower abdomen) said he would be sidelined through the February 13-15 All-Star break. That would mean he would miss the next 15 games.
Analysis: Brevin Knight will continue to start in Arenas' absence.
News: Gilbert Arenas will be sidelined three to six weeks with an abdominal injury that has haunted him for over a month. He re-injured it Friday at Orlando.
Analysis: Arenas was placed on the injured list Saturday. Juan Dixon, Brevin Knight and Steve Blake will do their best to replace him in the lineup.
News: The Washington Post reports Gilbert Arenas doesn't expect his strained abdominal muscle to fully heal until the offseason. However, he added that he isn't in much discomfort or hindered much by the injury. "Most injuries like this linger but they don't hurt," Arenas said. "My body has grown used to the feeling. I don't think it's really going to go anywhere from here and it will probably heal this summer."
Analysis: Fantasy owners should keep Arenas active, barring any setbacks. But it might also be a good idea to field trade offers for the Wizards point guard.
News: The Washington Post reports Gilbert Arenas was benched Sunday because he broke team rules by not being on the court in time for pregame preparations. "I was in the pool room, playing pool like I usually do and forgot we had to be on the floor to shoot with the team," Arenas said.
Analysis: Steve Blake started against Milwaukee, but Arenas entered the game with 5:42 left in the first quarter. He should remain active on Fantasy teams.
News: Gilbert Arenas (abdominal) was activated from the injured list on Tuesday. He scored 14 points, but was only 5-of-19 from the floor against Atlanta.
Analysis: Despite the cold night shooting, it appears safe to get Arenas back into the lineup. He was able to play 31 minutes.
News: The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas (abdominal) expects to practice Sunday and Monday, then play Tuesday against Atlanta.
Analysis: Arenas came back too soon in his first return attempt. Plan on reserving him throughout the rest of the week.
News: The Washington Times reports that Gilbert Arenas (abdominal) might be able to play again next week.
Analysis: Arenas should probably stay reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can get his minutes back up to par once he returns.
News: According to the Washington Post, Gilbert Arenas (abdominal) might return Dec. 26 against Miami.
Analysis: Steve Blake will continue to start in his absence.
News: One game after returning from the injured list, Gilbert Arenas (abdominal) was placed back on the I-L Sunday. "He didn't really re-injure himself," coach Eddie Jordan said. "It's just very sore, a little more sore than he expected."
Analysis: Steve Blake will continue to see more minutes in Arenas' absence.
News: Gilbert Arenas (abdomen) scored nine points in 24 minutes Friday against Minnesota. He was activated from the injured list before the game. "It was a little bit sore out there, especially after I sat down," said Arenas. He told the Washington Post that he felt 60 percent but that "it was good to see where I was at."
Analysis: Arenas leads the Wizards in scoring average, but should remain reserved in daily leagues until he is able to play more minutes without problems.
News: Gilbert Arenas (abdomen) was activated by Washington Friday and will play against Minnesota.
Analysis: Arenas will likely play limited minutes in his first couple games back.
News: According to the Washington Post, Gilbert Arenas (abdominal) might return at the end of December.
Analysis: Larry Hughes has taken up the scoring slack with Arenas on the sidelines.
News: The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas (abdominal strain) was examined over the weekend by team doctors and has been ruled out through Friday's game at Memphis. "It might take longer," said general manager Ernie Grunfeld. "But he definitely won't play the next three games."
Analysis: Obviously, keep Arenas reserved in all leagues until he is able to return and play without lingering effects from the injury.
News: Gilbert Arenas was placed on the injured list Tuesday because of a severe abdominal sprain. He was hurt Sunday in a loss at Seattle.
Analysis: Chris Whitney will see more playing time in his absence.
News: The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas (abdominal) is not expected to play in the next two games. He might miss additional time when the team returns from their road trip. He had an MRI on Monday.
Analysis: Chris Whitney will likely start in Arenas' absence Tuesday against Portland. Reserve Arenas for the rest of the week and possibly next week.
News: The Washington Post reports that Gilbert Arenas left in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game at Seattle with an abdominal injury. He has a lower abdominal strain that could be serious. "It's bad," said head coach Eddie Jordan. Although, Arenas added, "I'm not worried about it."
Analysis: Arenas was replaced by Juan Dixon, who will likely start in his place at Portland Tuesday.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 27 points to go with seven rebounds and seven assists at Miami on Friday. He also had eight turnovers in 50 minutes in the overtime loss.
Analysis: Arenas has not disappointed his Fantasy owners this season. He should be used as a No. 1 guard in all leagues.
News: Despite suffering a bloody lip due to a Samuel Dalembert elbow, Gilbert Arenas posted 36 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in Tuesday's loss to Philadelphia.
Analysis: Arenas is putting up huge numbers for Fantasy owners, and is easily a must-start player.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 25 points, added 10 assists and pulled down 12 rebounds for his first triple-double of the season on Wednesday against Dallas.
Analysis: Arenas has given the Wizards everything they could have asked for in the early going. He is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: According to the Washington Post, Wizards coach Eddie Jordan wants Arenas to shoot the ball more. "Look for my shot more," Arenas said Jordan told him. "I was looking at tape and every other time I touched it [Jordan] was like, 'Shoot that one. Shoot that one. Okay, you have to shoot that one.' I'm passing up a lot of shots that I could be taking."
Analysis: Arenas is already a solid Fantasy starter, so an increase in shots makes him that much more valuable.
News: Gilbert Arenas made 5 of 9 field goals and 6 of 8 free throws for 16 points, three steals and seven assists at Toronto Friday.
Analysis: Arenas remains a must-start player in all leagues.
News: Gilbert Arenas scored 18 points and he dished out six assists on Wednesday at Chicago.
Analysis: Arenas is primed for another huge season. He is an above-average Fantasy guard in most leagues.
News: The Warriors officially failed to match the offer sheet to Arenas. He is now a member of the Wizards, as they offered him a six-year deal. Arenas will again be an above-average Fantasy guard this season.
Analysis:
News: It appears Arenas will join the Washington Wizards next season. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Warriors will not match Washington's offer sheet for the versatile guard. The team has intentions of signing Speedy Claxton to replace Arenas at the point guard position. Arenas should remain a solid Fantasy player with the Wizards.
Analysis:
News: According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Arenas has accepted Washington's offer sheet. "I don't know if the story's hit yet, but he made his choice to Washington," Arenas' father, Gilbert Arenas Sr. said Monday. Arenas will be a hot commodity for Fantasy owners next season.
Analysis:
News: The Clippers have offered Arenas a contract, according to the Los Angeles Times. The deal is reportedly worth $60 million over six years, which is similar to the deal Washington offered Arenas last week.
Analysis:
News: The Washington Post reports Arenas received an offer from the Wizards. The deal is reportedly for six years. The Los Angeles Times reports he was offered a comparable deal by the Clippers, as well. He has also received an offer from Utah and might prefer to remain in the Western Conference. Arenas emerged last season as an above-average Fantasy guard and is expected to be a middle-round pick on Draft Day.
Analysis:
News: According to the Denver Post, Arenas will likely not return to Golden State next season. The Nuggets seem to be the team most interested in signing Arenas at this point.
Analysis:
News: Arenas (knee) played in Monday's game against the L.A. Clippers. He posted 13 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in Golden State's 122-113 loss.
Analysis:
News: Arenas, who had been struggling lately due to a sore lower back, scored 34 points in Golden State's win over Utah. He connected on six 3-pointers to go along with five assists and four rebounds.
Analysis:
News: Arenas sat out the fourth quarter of Sunday's win over Denver. Arenas, who is dealing with lower back pain, scored just one point. The injury seems to be hindering his point production recently, so consider reserving him if you have a solid replacement.
Analysis:
News: Arenas is dealing with lower back pain, according to the Contra Costa Times. But just two days after saying he was considering "shutting it down" for the rest of the season, Arenas said he will play in Friday's game against Portland. "Yeah, I'm going to play," Arenas said. "We're on (national) TV." Fantasy owners should monitor Arenas' status this weekend.
Analysis:
News: Arenas posted 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists in Wednesday's loss to San Antonio. He remains a strong weekly starter in most Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Arenas (ankle) played in Friday's game. He limped off the court in pain with 4:37 left in the second quarter, but returned to start the third. "Gil has his own agenda," coach Eric Musselman said. "He has basketball in his veins."
Analysis:
News: Arenas has emerged as a quality third option at guard. He is one of the few players in the NBA averaging at least 15 points, five assists and five rebounds.
Analysis:
News: Arenas will be the starting point guard for the regular season. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Arenas has been given the nod over injured guard Bob Sura (calf). Arenas should be an adequate third or fourth Fantasy guard. However, keep an eye on him. Coach Eric Musselman might try Sura as a starter later in the season.
Analysis:
News: Despite some solid play during the preseason, Arenas will begin the regular season as the backup point guard. Monitor this situation. Arenas might emerge as a solid starter for the Warriors and Fantasy leaguers.
Analysis:
News: Arenas doesn't seem to be bothered by his turf toe injury. He played 46 minutes in Thursday's game. Arenas scored 13 points, had seven assists and five rebounds. Monitor his progress. He might be a quality Fantasy guard this season.
Analysis:
News: Despite his solid play during the preseason, Arenas believes that the Warriors will go with the veteran Bob Sura as the starting point guard. "I still think it's going to be Bobby starting," Arenas told the San Francisco Chronicle. "I guess they're going to go with a veteran point guard. There is nothing I can do about it. . . . I guess (the coaches) had their mind set up as soon as they got here." Monitor this situation. the move isn't official yet. Arenas will be a quality fourth Fantasy guard if he becomes the starter.
Analysis:
News: The Contra Costa Times reports that Arenas is suffering from turf toe. He will play through the injury, but monitor this situation. The ailment might develop into a problem later on in the season.
Analysis:
News: Arenas returned to a reserve role Monday after a two-game stint as the starting point guard. Arenas still managed to score 18 points. He might remain a reserve but his increased playing time and production makes him worth using if you need a guard.
Analysis:
News: Arenas has moved into the starting lineup at point guard. Larry Hughes has moved back to shooting guard, while Jason Richardson has joined Antawn Jamison at the forward position. Danny Fortson is out of the starting lineup. Arenas has started in the past three games and has played well averaging 11.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Consider picking Arenas up if you need another guard.
Analysis:
News: Arenas returned to action on Tuesday after missing one game due to a case of tonsillitis. He scored four points in 16 minutes against Seattle.
Analysis:
News: To make room for the return of Cedric Henderson, the Warriors placed rookie Arenas on the injured list with a strained lower back Friday. Arenas has played in two games this season, scoring just one point and grabbing one rebound in 11 minutes.
Analysis: