Spend your holidays with the Washington Wizards

November 13, 12:53 PMWashington Wizards ExaminerGeorge Panagakos

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G-Man is sort of like a Santa Claus who only gives out Wizards t-shirts
(George V. Panagakos)

All I Want for Christmas is My One Guard Back
For the 1-5 Washington Wizards, the number one wish right now has to be the return of star point guard, Gilbert Arenas.  Arenas, slated to return mid-December, averaged 19.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game last year.  His return will certainly be a gift for the Wizards organization and fans alike come this holiday season.

Key Holiday Games Coming Up
>Thursday, November 27th (Thanksgiving Day): Washington vs. Orlando [TIX]  
>Sunday, December 21st (Start of Chanukah): Washington vs. Dallas [TIX]  
>Thursday, December 25th (Christmas Day): Washington @ Cleveland  
>Monday, January 19th (Martin Luther King Day): Washington @ Golden State

[Complete Schedule] [New: Holiday Ticket Package]

I'm not going to lie, getting good tickets this far into the season is going to be hard, and unless you want to sit on The Hill, you're talking at least $99-125 for a decent seat, maybe up to $400 if you try second-hand for the big market games that have sold out long ago (in other words, make an account over at Ticketmaster and plan far, far ahead).  By the time you're done, you'll be so good at entering captchas, you'll feel like a robot.

At the time of this post, expect to pay at least $102 a ticket for the Orlando game on Thanksgiving, and about $90 a ticket for the Dallas game on the first day of Chanukah.  I'd probably recommend a 200 or even a 400 center before I'd say go for a 100 behind the basket, but to each his own.  If you're going just to go and have a good time with friends, and don't care about the view, save some money on the ticket, buy a basket of chicken and french fries for $9 (my personal fav), and add a drink of your choice.

Update (11/14/08): In addition to the holiday games recently posted, keep in mind the can't miss list of home games the Wizards will host this year, including two big ones in December against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics.  Expect to pay through the nose for these games, but if all else fails, call the friends and hit the local bar or setup a home party.  Of course, if you do that, you're going to want some gear.

Become the #1 Fan
The Washington Wizards have an awesome online store chock-full of gift ideas for any budget.  Unlike game tickets, there's no subject to availability, and for most of the products, you're talking about something you will use for a good amount of years rather than a single, possibly unforgettable day (I'll let you decide on that).

Well, unless you're talking the Wizard Girls calendar, that would probably only last you one year (although, it's safe to say its value will remain thereafter; plus, it's for a good cause, so you almost have to buy one).

And did I say all budgets?

Update (11/27/08): The NBAStore is currently having a 20% off Post-Thanksgiving sale that will run from Nov 27th to Nov 30th. To get the sale, you will need to enter "NBATGIVING" at checkout. EXPIRED.

Update (12/04/08): The NBAStore is currently having a 30% off one-day sale today.  To get the sale, you will need to enter "NBA30" at checkout.  Be sure to keep checking daily for more deals.

The last shirt I purchased from NBA.com was a generic USA tee, which I had to get to rep the "Redeem Team."  I'm not entirely sure if the NBA.com's Wizards section differs at all with the Wizards' individual shop, but might be worth a look.

Trading Cards and Etan's Poetry
For fans into trading cards, I took a brief look at the 2008-09 Upper Deck Basketball series before the preseason.  I've not yet purchased any from this year's set, but Upper Deck is definitely my first choice when it comes to quality cards.  Yep, I'm a geek.  But Upper Deck sells more than cards.  They also have a selection of Washington-specific memorabilia, including a...mini-replica of a 2007-08 Dodge Charger with a Wizards logo on the side.  Um, like I said, if you're into trading cards, check out Upper Deck.

And last, but not least, Etan Thomas' book of poetry.  And is it me, or is this scary?  Begin your quest for Super Saver Shipping.  You might even feel generous enough to buy Mike Piazza's forthcoming deal.

Do you have more ideas for Wizards fans over the holidays?  Feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions, and have a great Holiday Season!

Go Wizards!