A few games into the preseason, Gilbert Arenas has clearly been shown the writing on the wall…as in John Wall.  And, of course, he doesn’t like it.

The Wizards’ selection of #1 NBA Draft pick John Wall was predictable, and they were hoping that Arenas could handle the demotion of not having the ball at his constant disposal like the professional that he has never been.  Well, so far he has been unable to do that.

Arenas sat out of last night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks.  Knowing that veterans usually don’t lace them up (and if they do, they don’t go hard) in preseason contests, this alone was not a surprise.  However, when asked about his absence from the lineup, here’s what the $111-million-dollar man said:

“I told (Nick) I’d sacrifice playing tonight so he can get some time in because I know he’s kind of frustrated he’s not getting a chance to crack the 3 position, especially since we’re going three guards. So I told him I’ll go and fake an injury or say something’s wrong with me so you can start.”

On the surface, this seems to be on par with the traditionally peculiar behavior of Agent Zero.  But digging a little deeper would allow us to notice that Arenas was also an inconsistent participant in Washington’s training camp, missing three of the final four camp sessions.  Gilbert cited a sore leg and a sprained ankle as the ailments keeping him out of action of those occasions.  Nonetheless, Wizards coach Flip Saunders said that Arenas was fined for his revealing, yet truthful remarks (after all, he lied to Saunders about his status).

Arenas did play in the team’s first three exhibition contests, and did what was asked of him.  He played his part in the offense, running off of screens (a la most shooting guards) and preparing to catch and shoot or attack off the dribble.  But it was also easy to see that Arenas was simply going through the motion, and was a bit disconnected from the emotional, motivated play that drove him to superstar status early in his career. 

Arenas has put in a lot of hard work to get to where he is today.

Last night, Arenas was unable to check his ego at the door of the Verizon Center.  Instead of focusing on developing chemistry with the team’s new point guard stud, Gil would rather pass that opportunity to someone else – someone who is not commanding one of the biggest salaries in the NBA, as he is.  In the blink of an eye, Arenas had abandoned what initially made him special.  Beginning in Golden State – after being selected early in the second round (and consequently, not receiving a guaranteed contract) – Gil fought for what was his.  He had the utmost belief in his ability and proved it with his play on a struggling team.  The Wizards put their trust on the line by offering a talented, but ultimately unproven, guard with the chance to lead their franchise.  The journey from Arizona to Golden State to Washington had many obstacles along the way, but Arenas accepted every challenge and conquered them in his own, mercurial way.

Arenas has entertained us with his flashy personality, edgy behavior and refreshing honesty.  And some might feel that Tuesday night’s incident was no different.  But in some manner, Wall’s immediate ascension to franchise player is irritable to Arenas – and his latest reaction was the only way that he knows how to handle such situations…jokingly.

Washington’s new center of attraction, Wall, is enjoying a productive preseason – and has done nothing short of dazzle onlookers.  Along with veteran newcomer Kirk Hinrich, the rookie Wall has been elected as captain of the team.  The organizational shift towards youth seems to be a battle that Arenas is unwilling to fight.  The Wizards have had unfulfilled seasons over the past few season – each one with the hope of a return to All-Star form by Arenas.  Each time, the team’s hopes have gone up in smoke.

Arenas is not naive, and his history demonstrates that he is not one who is unfamiliar with the business of the NBA.  He is simply playing the hand that has been dealt.  And after receiving a hand that isn’t to his liking, he is about to fold and take his chances with another hand.

But Arenas had better proceed with caution.  After all, who knows how many hands are willing to take a chance on him.

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