Though Early, Gilbert Arenas' Offense with Orlando Magic a Cause for Concern

But I like the aggression. Remember I believe he said himself he is not in real gameshape yet. So I think he will be fine in about a week or so. Love the vision though. And he is trying really hard on defense. Had a big steal against San Antonio. All the talk about defense to me was always overrated. Stan still here? Yes. Dwight? Yes. Ok we are fine on defense.

This this this!!!

Actually has a lower PER than Duhon does through the first five games of his Magic career.

At least Duhon was scoring somewhat efficiently when he did shoot the ball. Gil’s TS% is a horrific 35.6% so far.

He needs to start hitting shots. His contract is bad enough without him wasting possessions missing field goals.

 Anyone seen the rumor that the Magic might be trying to send J-Rich to Charlotte for Diaw?

Aren’t those the same pair that Pippen first wore back in 96-96 with the Bulls?

There is a high probability that Gilbert’s shooting percentage would improve when he settles in and gets more practice time. However, Gilbert’s true strength is driving the ball to the basket, making the layup, and draw fouls. I don’t have any numbers to validate my point, but it seems to me that in Magic’s uniform, Gilbert’s drives to the basket have not produced desirable results when they often ended in taking fade-away shots or missing layups. It is possible that – when acclimated to the system – he could pass out to open shooters if he is not able to get a good shot off himself.

The big question mark is whether or not his knees could afford such aggresive style, and for how many minutes per game?

The shot isn’t falling, but I think it is good to see him shoot the ball as long as he continues to do the other things that are great benefits, like push the ball and make good passes to set up easy shots. I am hopeful that Arenas can improve his shooting percentage by a lot, the guy hasn’t played much in a couple years so I don’t see how we can judge what he can do with what he did do the past couple years. If he can stay healthy I think he will be able to find a groove. Even if he played at his current clip the rest of the year I wouldn’t mind, as he is still getting the offense in motion and creating shots. Really I am just excited to see people able to pass the ball again, I had forgotten since it seems only Redick and Jameer had the knack, and Jameer seems to have lost some touch or “plays it safe”, to lob that ball up anymore. Good to see Hedo and Gilbert aren’t bashful. As long as J Rich get his shot going and Gilbert and Hedo keep making passes to set up good shots, then I say well done. If we can get Gilbert to improve that percentage then awesome, if not, he is running the team exceptionally and keeping Jameer with fresh legs for fourth quarters. Win/Win.

Since Duhon’s set such a low standard, I’m not really worried. I agree with E.D., it’s a concern, but I’ll give him until mid-January to reserve judgement. Same thing with Hedo.. I still remember the “good ol’ days” when he’d sleep through the game until the 4th quarter.

And are his knees really that shot as to the public’s perception? I haven’t really followed his career that long.

Good stuff

Let’s not be so quick to judge. He does not know the offense and is RUNNING it. It takes more time then playing the wings.

I know his knees are not the same, but hopefully his issues are more about comfort and knowledge of the offense rather than permamnent injury.

If your knees are hurt, does it affect your first step/explosiveness more?

Or does it affect your cutting/ability to change direction more?

Or is it different for every person? Or all of the above?

Just interested in how it changes Arenas game-doesn’t seem to affect his willingness to shoot, so I’m assuming it doesn’t hit the vert as palpably.

Gilbert Arenas IS NOT GOOD AT SHOOTING THE BALL. And no amount of learning the offense or shooting less (not going to happen; everyone that liked this trade was excited that the 2nd unit was picking up a free-wheeling shooter anyway) is going to change this fact: when the ball leaves Arenas’s hands, it is overwhelmingly unlikely to end up in the basket. Period.

is that this will be a fresh start for him. Give him more time.

Love the way you just allow this endless back-and-forth to go on and on…. How MANY paragraphs does it take to get a point accross?

I think we all GET IT… and each is entitled to their own opinion. Mine? Let time PROVE Arenas worth to us… a 4-game stretch is to small a sample to make a judgement. But, that’s just me…

… over Rashard. Both contracts are equally bad. The only thing I don’t understand is why couldn’t we use Rashard off the bench similarly as we’re using Arenas now. Apparently, the contract size is not an issue. Or at very least, it’s not an issue anymore. And I’m not saying that he would be more productive off the bench than Arenas is (God knows I didn’t like what Rashard was putting on the table), but I think that this is a fair question. Especially considering the fact that we’re in desperate need of size.