Wizards fans have seen their team's season completely destroyed by injuries, and of course the biggest name on the club hasn't appeared in a single game all year. But that could change this Saturday, when Gilbert Arenas may make his season debut at home against the Detroit Pistons.
Maybe, that is. Because Gilbert is being his familiar, quirky self when it comes to confirming the details.
The initial report came from Comcast SportsNet's Andy Siegel (via Twitter, naturally), and was followed by a post of the actual text message that Arenas sent to CSN's Chris Miller, which read:
"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."
This, of course, was followed by the well-rested local media attempting to confirm the report at the team's morning practice -- with mixed results.
Dan Steinberg asked Gilbert it Miller's report was true, and was told "It's only true if I play on Saturday. If I don't play, it ain't true."
Sports
Arenas repeated a similar sentiment to Ivan Carter, when he told Carter "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."
Finally, Outlet's Mike Jones got a confirmation that indeed "that game, playing against Detroit, Saturday's the plan."
I understand Arenas wanting to be cautious here and not over-promise on when he'll be ready to come back. But making everyone in the D.C. media chase him down for confirmation of something he obviously wanted to put out there seems a little ridiculous.
Whether it's Saturday or at some point shortly thereafter, it'll be good to see Gilbert back in action before the end of the season.
Gilbert Arenas to Return Saturday? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.