Where there's an Arenas, there's a way

August 25, 7:45 PMWashington Wizards ExaminerGeorge Panagakos

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Wizards fans,

I'm excited to join you for what could be the most dominant season of the last decade!

Before the Gilbert Arenas era, the last time the Wizards managed to make the playoffs was during the 1996-97 season, when the Wizards boasted the frontcourt play of Gheorghe "Big George" Muresan, Chris Webber, and Juwan Howard.  In the summer of 2003, future All-Star Gilbert Arenas, then a Golden State Warrior, had two options: The L.A. Clippers, or the Washington Wizards.  Luckily for us, Gilbert, rumored to have put chance to the flip of a coin, landed on Washington, and the Wizards won out.

Although Gilbert led the Wizards with 19.6 points per game, his first season with D.C. did not earn the team a playoffs run.  Management acquired forward Antawn Jamison in 2004, and slasher Caron Butler in 2005, leading to four consecutive playoffs appearances from 2004 to the present.

What we have to look forward to in the 2008-09 season is a healthy "Big Three," strong potential in frontcourt pick JaVale McGee, and veteran minutes from Brendan Haywood, whose career year last season helped bandage unaccounted injuries.  The Wizards have the determination, dedication, and discipline as well as the candor to win games and have fun while they do it, and I hope to have fun while I report on all of their happenings.

Championship or bust!
 

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