
This was the reflective Gilbert Arenas on Monday, presumably after meditating on the mountaintop, asking the deep basketball questions of his time.
“What is a true point guard?” he said, at least one not named Jason Kidd, the favorite of Eddie Jordan.
The latter is not the best name to drop in the presence of Arenas, who once lobbied to have Jordan’s contract extended before their relationship went down in a crumpled heap in Charlotte, N.C.
That was nearly 30 months ago, the last time Arenas was healthy.
“What is a leader?” Arenas said, seemingly ready to assume the responsibility.
The hibachi has been placed in storage. Agent Zero, the alter ego of Arenas, has been retired. The entertainer who was Arenas is no more. And no more blogging, either.
Or so Arenas said.
He also said he is done with being interviewed the rest of the season.
He may even keep to that vow through training camp in Richmond.
You just never know with Arenas, powered by a disarming openness and a 100-watt smile.
The 27-year-old Arenas undoubtedly has been impacted by all his time on the shelf. He would not be human if he did not have doubts and frustrations from the ordeal. And he won’t know where he truly is until he is on the floor in the regular season.
Asked if he were satisfied with his recovery, Arenas said, “The season hasn’t started yet.”
If he has a goal, it is to play in all 82 games, a condition he has been able to meet only once in his career.
Antawn Jamison pronounced Arenas physically fit after playing with him in the pick-up environment the last month.
“He’s definitely healthy,” Jamison said. “He has that swagger about him.”
View Entire StoryBy Robert F. Turner
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