What's going on.
Here in Cleveland before the start of Game 5. As we know, the Cavaliers have a 3-1 series lead on the Wizards and will tip off about a half hour from now. What we didn't know until about 30 minutes ago was Gilbert Arenas, the Wizards star player, isn't playing. He's aggravated a nerve around the knee he injured that kept him out most of the season. Arenas talked about how difficult it will be to sit, but said he feels it's best to get "healthy bodies" on the court.
While I didn't think Gil should have even been out there to begin with, his coach, Eddie Jordan, figured he would. Jordan said he didn't know Gilbert wasn't playing until Gilbert was talking to the media about it.
Wow.
Jordan said he's not concerned how he found out about it, 'right now.' With Gilbert having the option to becoming a free agent after this season, it's going to be very interesting in Washington this summer.
As for the Cavaliers, LeBron James said he'd figured Arenas would play. He also seemed relaxed as he should be. However, he said he hasn't heard the song the guy out of D.C. named Proverb rapped about him in response to the song Jay-Z did ripping the Wizards and DeShawn Stevenson.
Speaking of Stevenson, he was wearing a Michael Vick jersey and Atlanta Falcons ball cap outside a Cleveland hotel. Don't really know what to make of it. We know where Vick is. It's just adding to the drama surrounding this whole thing.
As for Jay-Z. No signs of him. LeBron said yesterday he hadn't talked to him in a while. Of course Jay-Z is on tour with Mary J. Blige. He's scheduled to perform in Philadelphia tonight.
A little side note, Sasha Pavlovic is dressed for today's game and is available to play for the Cavaliers. He's been out with the ankle injury. He's another shooter the Cavs can throw out there.
-- Duane Rankin