I’ve tried to make my case over the last few weeks that the Redeem Team could use the services of Gilbert Arenas to no avail (You are aware that Jason Kidd has 9 points and 9 assists in Beijing, right?  That’s not a per game average, that’s his total output in Beijing.), but at least the director of USA Basketball, Jerry Colangelo won’t shut the door on another appearance by Arenas.  Here’s what he had to say in his chat with the Washington Post:

Chicago, IL: Has Gilbert Arenas burned any bridges with USA basketball, or will he be under consideration for the team in future years?

Jerry Colangelo: I’ve always stated that I’m one to give people 2nd chances and opportunities, and we’re human beings and we all make mistakes in what we say or in our actions. Gilbert was asked to join us and participate and he accepted. It didn’t work out the first time around, he was injured, but he was on the cusp of making the team. And despite some of his ill-placed remarks, which weren’t very accurate, I didn’t make a big deal of it, so he would still be under consideration.

[Note: This will be my last post for about a week or so as I go through the process of moving, so don't be alarmed if Gilbert does something crazy and I don't do a post about it right away.  Feel free to discuss anything that happens in the comments.]

- Awful Announcing delivers even more evidence that Gilbert really could’ve been useful at the Olympics this year, even if only to help the trampoline dunkers.

- If you missed out on Gilbert Arenas’ 60 point performance against the Lakers, you can now see the entire game (well, except for the first six seconds) on Hulu.

Not only is Gilbert a big jersey seller in China, but he’s also a popular cover boy on Chinese magazines.  Let’s just hope he doesn’t reach Dwyane Wade levels in terms of Chinese marketability, lest we find Gilbert inadverently on the cover of something he might not want to be on.

I’m not sure what Gilbert’s next step is in terms of marketability both here and abroad, but let’s hope it involves changing his name.  I think these jerseys would be a huge hit:

(via the Wizznutzz)

If nothing else, the fan interaction that Gilbert would’ve had with the Chinese people should’ve been enough to get him a roster spot on the Olympic team.  His shoes a big hit over there and there are plenty of fans that like to wear his jersey as well.  Darren Rovell reports that Gilbert has the sixth best selling jersey in China, putting him ahead of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, and some guy by the name Yao Ming.

I know there’s been a lot of talk lately about how Josh Childress started the movement of players going to Europe.  If Gilbert can stay as popular as he is now, he might be the first player to jump ship to Asia.  After he’s through with his contract of couse.

- He might not be on the U.S. Olympic Team that’s headed to Beijing, but there’s still a part of Gilbert that’s in China.  The Rocky Mountain News (via DC Sports Bog) has a look at the piece that Gilbert did for Adidas’ traveling art exhibit featuring pieces of art from various athletes.  Maybe I’m biased, but I’d say that Gilbert’s is the best work of the bunch.  Jeremy Wariner’s piece comes in a close second.

- Gilbert’s discussion on politics in his latest blog prompted some thoughts from Truth About It wondering if his decision to vote is a sign of immaturity and the Sporting Blog wonders if his outspokenness was a factor in keeping him off the Olympic team.