Daring predictions have all the time been a part of NBA tradition, gamers typically making assured affirmations on themselves or their groups. A memorable instance happened earlier than the common season 2003-2004.
On the time, the rising star Gilbert Arenas had simply joined the Washington Wizards – and he didn’t hesitate to set excessive expectations. Not just for himself, but additionally for the influence that Gil plans to have on a franchise in issue.
A brand new period at DC
When Arenas signed an settlement of $ 65 million over six years with the WizardsHe was praised as some of the vital free agent acquisitions this summer time. In any case, just a few months earlier, the Guard of 6’4 “had made a reputation for himself by profitable the worth of probably the most improved gamers within the league. This recognition got here after a second -year marketing campaign of the NBA with the marketing campaign with the Golden State WarriorsThe place “Agent Zero” collected a mean of 18.3 factors, 6.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds per recreation.
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In fact, the signing of a rising star like arenas at solely 21 years outdated introduced an prompt enthusiasm to DC, and the brand new face of the franchise was additionally clearly excited. Recognized for his fearless angle, Gil instantly confirmed his enthusiasm, making a daring assertion at his first press convention on what Arenas wished to attain throughout his first season with the staff.
“I can show it, and I’ll do it: we’re going to do the playoffs”, “ declared The native of Florida, by ESPN. “We’re going to do every little thing it’s good to make the playoffs this 12 months.”
Hype, hope, sorrow
When Arenas predicted that wizards 2003-04 would make the playoffs, it stunned lots of people. To essentially perceive why it appeared so unlikely, it’s important to have a look at how badly the staff had carried out the years previous this season.
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The franchise had not made the playoffs since 1997 and had not gained an eliminatory match since 1988. Even the legendary Michael Jordan, throughout his keep at DC – each as a body and as a participant – couldn’t finish their drought within the playoffs. Lastly, MJ was launched by Washington’s entrance workplace earlier than Gil’s arrival.
“Agent Zero” was decided to do what “his Airness” could not. An method to get there, as he noticed, was to set the tone together with his work ethics.
“As soon as a participant sees how exhausting you’re employed, the remainder of the staff will observe,” defined the longer term Triple All-Star of the NBA. “We might begin slowly, however we’re going to end effectively.”
To assist obtain this objective, the proprietor of the time, Abe Bollin, employed Ernie Grunfeld as GM and Eddie Jordan as head coach. With this programming, the franchise started the 2003-04 season, with arenas predicting that though they might “Begin slowly”, “they might end exhausting”.
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He turned out to be the exact opposite. Washington gained three of his first 5 video games, together with two declaration victories, however issues shortly took a flip for the worst. The accidents, particularly for Stister Jerry Stackhouse, who missed many of the 12 months attributable to a knee harm and solely performed 26 video games, aggravated issues.
Over the season, wizards have grow to be extra obvious. After the celebs break in February, they gained solely 9 of their remaining matches and, lastly, the primary season of Gil at DC was a disappointment. The Wizards completed 25-57, inserting them thirteenth on the East Convention and as soon as once more lacking the playoffs.
