Agent Zero

Gilbert Arenas may have hit a clutch 3 point shot to send the game into overtime, but we aren’t going to win many games with Hibachi getting outplayed by the likes of Jamal Tinsley. Last night Arenas finished with 34points, 3assists, and 5 turnovers. Tinsley on the other hand had 20points 8assists and only 1 turnover. I know Agent Zero is the man, but we cannot win games when he only has 3 dimes. The blame does not entirely fall on Gil. No one had more than 3 assist last night. The offense was stagnant last night, too much one-on-one basketball. The Wizards will once again start slow this season. There are quite a few new faces on the bench this season and it will take time for everyone to find what their role is. I like that the team is deeper, it will just take time.

Juwan Howard

Howard is not a good fit for this Dallas team. Where do you see him playing? With Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard taking up most playing time at forward, when do you see him getting on the floor? Howard is best fit to shoot mid range jumpers opposite a dominant post player. The place for him to go was Miami. He would be a great fit as Haslem’s back up. After all, he was pretty eager to leave the Wizards for Pat Riley and the Heat back in 96’.

Darius Washington Jr.

I was happy to see Darius Washington Jr. Tuesday night. In case you don’t know who I am talking about, let me explain. Next time you watch the San Antonio Spurs play check out their back up point guard. He is number 35 and has a Freeway type beard. If you watch college basketball you should remember him. In 2005 with the time expired in the Conference USA Tournament Championship Game freshman Darius Washington sat at the free throw line with his Memphis Tigers down by two. Darius was fouled shooting a three at the buzzer and had to make two free throws to tie the game with Louisville and three to win. The only way the Memphis Tigers had a chance of qualifying for the NCAA tournament was to win this game and the conference title. Washington made the first free throw, then proceeded to miss the second two. I will never forget the sight of him laying on the court crying after the free throws. The former McDonald’s All-American entered the draft following his sophomore year, but was never drafted. I remember reading about how Darius Washington and his father were inseparable and about his battles with Sebastian Telfair constantly competing for the title of best point guard in the country as high school seniors. It is good to see that he finally accomplished his dream of making it to the NBA.

The Seattle Super Sonics

Last night I watched the Seattle Super Sonics play the Denver Nuggets. More importantly, I got my first glimpse of Durant as a pro. I have to say, he seemed timid throughout the game. I felt he settled for too many three pointers and when he did drive to the basket he kept throwing up floaters. P.J. Carlesimo should inform Durant that he is not 6’3� Tony Parker, but 6’9� Kevin Durant, take one more dribble and finish at the rim. A few other things I noticed about Seattle’s team. Seattle has three talented young point guards. Delonte West was suppose to be the third string point guard, but with Luke Ridnour’s broken nose West proved he deserved minutes. As the season progresses I can see the team dealing one of their point guards and I’m guess it will be the starter Earl Watson.

The Portland Trailblazers

The Portland Trailblazers looked good in their season opener. They will not be competing for a championship in the next year or two, but the nucleus is definitely there. Between Steve Blake and Jarrett Jack the team is set at point guard and with Travis Outlaw and Martell Webster the team is set on wing players. Outlaw has always been an athletic slasher, but after one game it appears he has worked on his midrange jump shot. Webster is also showing promise this year after being drafted with the 6th pick of the 2005 draft. Webster came into the NBA with a reputation of 6’7� sharp shooter so hopefully he will be able to live up to the hype.

Did anyone get a look at my pick for most improved player of the year LaMarcus Aldridge Tuesday night? The second year pro scored 27points on 12 of 19 shooting from the field (63%). Not to mention he was being guarded by one of the best defenders in the NBA, Tim Duncan. LaMarcus is going to reek havoc his sophomore season, just watch. I still can’t understand why the Bulls chose Tyrus Thomas over him in the draft when they needed an inside scorer.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe is not the reason the recent Laker/Bulls/Kings trade did not work. The real reason? Who in their right mind would trade Kobe Bryant for Ron Artest and Ben Wallace? That is the dumbest trade I have ever heard, I don’t even think the computer would do that in NBA Live. Think about it. A starting five of Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, and Ben Wallace. How many games do you really expect that team to win? Not to mention your taking on huge contracts of washed up veterans. Ron Artest is due about 15 million over the next two years and Ben Wallace is due in excess of 40 million over the next three years. With those contracts you couldn’t even sell the Staples Center on a rebuilding project. Personally I think the Chicago Bulls should stay pat. The Bulls are the best team in the East without Kobe and a main reason is their depth. But with Ainge going out and getting KG it only seems like a matter of time before Paxson follows suit and trades for Black Mamba.