Gilbert Arenas Returns for the Wizards

Gilbert Arenas, who not too long ago was regarded as one of the best point guards in the NBA, played his first game of the season on Saturday night. The 27-year-old fan favorite for the Washington Wizards scored 15 points and dished out ten assists in his 2008-09 debut.

Gilbert Arenas Returns to Wizards (Image: Newscom)

Not surprisingly, the 17-57 Wizards lost the game. However, the return of Arenas gave the team a chance. With the Detroit Pistons up by two points with under ten seconds to go in the contest, Arenas lined up a three-pointer for the win. A triumphant return wasn’t meant to be as ex-Wizards number one overall draft pick Kwame Brown blocked the attempt to secure a 98-96 victory for the Pistons.

Late in the 2006-07 season, Arenas suffered a knee injury that has since derailed his career. He only played 13 games last season and had missed the entire season this year after requiring additional surgery over the summer.

Arenas’ best year came in the 2005-06 season. The former Arizona Wildcat averaged 29.3 points, 6.0 assists and 3.5 assists in 42.3 minutes per game.

While the Wizards don’t have much to play for this year, a successful end to their 2009 campaign could give the team momentum heading into next season.