WASHINGTON (AP) -Gilbert Arenas practiced Tuesday and remains on course to make his Washington Wizards season debut against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
“The plan was Saturday, and we’re still working towards that end,” interim coach Ed Tapscott said. “As we’ve got it planned out right now, he’s going to play in selective games and no back-to-backs. As we work through the process of making sure that, as he comes back, we do it in a way that is beneficial to his health and our team development.”
The three-time All-Star offered various comeback scenarios in several different interviews Monday, including the possibility that he will play in only five of the Wizards’ final nine games – the four home games plus the April 8 game at Cleveland. Arenas did not speak to reporters Tuesday.
d good out there. He looked real sharp. I can’t wait to see him out there live and see the response and the fans.”
Arenas played in only 13 games last season and none so far this season as he’s dealt with a left knee injury that led to three surgeries in an 18-month span. He began practicing at full speed last month, and his next game will be his first chance to give the Wizards some return on the six-year, $111 million contract he signed last summer.
The Wizards would like to see Arenas play a few games in the coming weeks if only to make sure the knee is completely healthy, which would erase a good deal of uncertainty heading into next season. The Wizards have been playing recently without four of their projected five starters and have more losses than any team in the NBA.
Another of the sidelined starters, center Brendan Haywood, was a full participant in practice Tuesday for the first time this season as he works his way back from a torn wrist ligament. There remains no definitive timetable for his return.
Butler, who has missed the past six games with a sore left hamstring, was a limited participant in practice. He didn’t rule out returning for Wednesday’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats.
ly I roll over tomorrow on the right side of the bed.”
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