<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>"I don't want to say if we lose in the first round, that's it, I'm gone," he said. "It's about your competitiveness, to see how you match up against those elite teams. Personnel. We can go all the way to Game 7 of the second round, but it depends on how we're competing, what are the decisions this summer." It's clear the decisions made in the coming months by Grunfeld will go a long way toward deciding whether Arenas remains in Washington. "If I [sign an extension], it will be the last day I can sign an extension," he said. "Because I want to see what we do, who we acquire, who we sign back."</div> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...40502395_2.html This is the best thing for Washington. I'm sure Wizards fans don't want to be stuck with a Wizards squad that is always facing first and second round exits. This way Washington has to make moves to bring Arenas back. As much as I'm upset and angry at Gil that he could very well be on his way out the door if he doesn't sign an extension this summer (Contract runs out 2008) I think that this is best for the Washington franchise and it will force us to improve. Arenas is trying to prevent himself from becoming KG and AI and as I said before this is the best thing for the Wizards.
Personally, I think the Wizards play their best basketball when they're considered the underdogs. They will definitely be the underdogs in the playoffs, and we all know this team can do great things when motivated. This team has a good chance to get past the 1st round (that is, if we face Toronto), and in the 2nd round we'd be playing Cleveland, whom I think we can take to at least 6 games.It's all about effort, heart, and passion at this point.
When I read the title of this topic, I was expecting him to bash management, but after reading that quote I agree with him. Looking around the league you'll see a lot of star players who have not had the support of their front office in bringing in capable help for them to do damage in the postseason. The only way Arenas can make sure that the front office does everything they are supposed to do is basically threatening to leave if they don't do their job.They already have the core pieces in Arenas, Butler and Jamison (although I'm not sure on the contract situation with Butler and Jamison)... now all they have to do is basically try to find the perfect mix of players to put around them. Washington is a lot closer to contending for the Eastern crown than some people think.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BigMo763 @ Apr 6 2007, 07:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>They already have the core pieces in Arenas, Butler and Jamison (although I'm not sure on the contract situation with Butler and Jamison)... now all they have to do is basically try to find the perfect mix of players to put around them. Washington is a lot closer to contending for the Eastern crown than some people think.</div> Antawn can opt out this year or if he doesn't his contract will run out in 2008 with Gilbert if Gil doesn't get an extension. Butler we have until 2010'ish. There are some key guys in the draft/free agency this year that would be amazing pickups for the Wizards. I'd say Gerald Wallace would be an amazing fit with his complete defensive game and can also put points up. Also Aaron Affolo or any other backup swingman in the draft. Time to go watch Wiz Cavs.
