Ivan Carter gives the latest on Gilbert’s knee situation on Wizards Insider, mostly focusing on his latest blog post. He also includesa little personal analysis and in doing so comes up with quite possibly the best quote from someone not named Gilbert Arenas about Gilbert Arenas.
The thing hovering over all of this of course is that contract. I said this when he signed it and I’ll repeat it now: from here on out, everything Gilbert does will be viewed through the context of the $111 million Abe Pollin and Ernie Grunfeld committed to him.
When he scores 35 points in a loss, folks will ask why he didn’t have 12 assists.
If he misses a game-winner, folks will say that a guy making that much should make that shot. If this team loses in the first or second round, folks will point to the contract and say that he is not a true franchise player.As I’ve mentioned before, I grew up in Minneapolis and those are the exact kinds of things that were said about Kevin Garnett after he signed his huge deal back in the day. “Why can’t he get them out of the first round?” “He’s a great player but not a clutch scorer in the fourth quarter.” “He’s not a real leader.” Etc. Etc. Etc.
Now that KG is a champion, nobody mentions the contract.
3 responses so far ↓
Truth // Sep 20, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Well….Carter is a little dramatic in citing possible game to game criticisms.
If he drops 35 and 3 assists in a single loss…oh well. Perhaps talk to me if it comes during a string of losses.
Of course, people are going to naturally bring up the contract should there be another first, or second round exit in the playoffs…they’ll also bring up Eddie Jordan’s job.
But Carter should give me a break on contract criticism if Gilbert misses a game winner….please. Ivan has got to put things in a better perspective.
JakeTheSnake // Sep 20, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Well, the Cleveland fans would bring it up if Gilbert ever missed another game winner vs. the Cavs.
But of course, that will never happen again, so that’s kind of a moot point.
bryan // Sep 23, 2008 at 12:59 pm
so is he saying gil wont get a chip with the wiz?
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