"You’ve got to like the Lakers," Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards told The Star via telephone interview from the adidas Superstar Camp in Shanghai, China. "They definitely have a Dream Team, even though they don’t want to play sometimes. In the East, I think Detroit’s defense is too good for them not to make it to the Finals."
The 6-3 guard, who was drafted by the Golden State Warriors for the 2001-2002 season, doesn’t believe that the surging Minnesota Timberwolves stand a ghost of a chance of barging into the NBA’s championship round.
"Oh, no, no, not even close," chuckled Arenas, the MVP of the league’s Got Milk? Rookie Challenge last season. "I love Kevin Garnett, but I don’t think they can match the Lakers or Detroit."
As for his new team, the Washington Wizards, last season’s Most Improved Player says they have a lot of work cut out for them if they want to get into the playoffs. He’s tired of being a spectator.
"Right now, I’m here teaching some kids, having fun. But watching the playoffs on your widescreen TV, you really feel like playing sometimes," he admits. "I had to adjust to new teammates, whatever they would think of me.
Next year, we’re gonna trade the guys who don’t want to be here and get people who’ll be willing to help the team. There are a couple of guys on my team who’ll be on the All-Star team, so we’re going to need to fill in key areas and make us stronger."
Arenas’ numbers have steadily climbed since his rookie season. In 2001-2002, he averaged a respectable 10.9 points, 4 assists and 5 rebounds per game.
This season, those stats have climbed to 19.6 points, 5 assists and 8.2 boards, impressive numbers, given his size.
"I just want to be a better, smarter player, elevate my game overall. My personal goal is for us to make the playoffs next season."