The Arenas Quandry

For the past 2 years, despite Washington's love affair with the Redskins, the biggest sports story is our Washington Wizards point guard, Gilbert Arenas. In equal parts due to his quirky personality and his exciting, varied basketball skills, Arenas has become this city's biggest sports star, eclipsing even equally exciting personalities like Clinton Portis and Alexander Ovechkin. Despite his season ending knee injury this past season, the Wizards in January and February of 2007 played like the best team in the Eastern Conference and, had they continued that play, might have advanced near the Eastern Conference finals.

Now, of course, Gilbert wants to opt out of his contract after 2007 and become a free agent. Players like Arenas rarely, if ever, hit free agency, and despite his stated intention of returning to Washington, expect every NBA team with or without salary cap space to make an end run at acquiring him. While Washington has the advantage of a 6th year and added money, will that be enough?

Arenas has frequently stated his desire to see the team improved before he commits to a nother long-term deal with Washington. While a franchise never wants to be held hostage by one player (see, Kobe, Lakers) the Wizards in this instance almost have to acquiesce to their stars' demands. The question is, how?

With next season a huge litmus test for the Wizards, their goal should be to advance as far as possible in the playoffs, period. No "building for the future." You only get a chance at the "future" in the NBA for a 4-5 years window every 15 years (or if you're the Wizards, 20 years) or so. With Arenas, Butler and Jamison, the Wizards are positioned to make some noise in the East, with draft stars Oden and Durant likely banished to Portland and Seattle, respectively. So, with the 16th pick, the Wizards need to pick a player who can contribute NOW. No Tiago Splitter, no Thaddeus Young, no Javaris Crittendon. They need a player who is ready to step in and give them something.

Pecherov (our 1st round pick last year) is coming here this season; with him and a steady draft choice (i.e. Marco Bellini) the Wizards can compete with anyone in the East. A trip to the Eastern Conference Finals may be the only thing that keeps Gilbert in those hideous bronze uniforms.