Some of you probably remember a while back when we compared Rod Benson to Gilbert Arenas.  If you thought the similarities were weird then, just think what would happen if they were on the same team.  It might not seem like there’s a good chance of this happening, since Gilbert isn’t back to playing yet and Rod is playing in the D-League, but Rod has an idea on how it could work:

When you look at it as D-League guys (a few of them rookies) vs. #6 pick Yi Jianlian, #1 pick Andrew Bogut, Charlie Villanueva, Mo Williams, and team USA standout Michael Redd, it becomes more clear that these guys can actually play a little bit. There is real basketball going on down here and guys are improving in NBA style systems.

While watching, I came to the conclusion that the D-League should be more like AAA baseball. The NBA should allow guys who are rehabbing to work themselves back in by playing D-League games. I’ve heard it said before, and I think it’s a great idea. I’ve watched SportsCenter and seen Roger Clemens pitching for the AAA “Whozamawhatsits” many times while working back into shape. Why couldn’t a big NBA star do the same?
That being said, I think it would be off the chain if Gilbert Arenas were to rehab with his team affiliate, which just so happens to be my current team, the Dakota Wizards. It is clearly illegal for this to happen right now, but let’s pretend the year was 2012 and Gilbert and the real Wizards were facing the same predicament they are right now. Gil needs some game experience to get his wind back, while the team is jockeying for playoff position. Gilbert, not wanting to hurt the team during the transition back into game shape, comes out to Bismarck, ND and averages 40 points during his 20 minutes per game. Crazy, son.

Personally, I think it would be a good idea if it wasn’t so close to the end of the season.  The D-League would give him a better opportunity to get his stamina back and work into a rhythm, but with only a handful of games left it’s much more important to get back into the flow with his teammates.  Just my two cents though.