Arenas Strains Groin In Practice

[James]

eh this isnt good for the wizards, he wasnt really playing anyways. shame to see him get hurt.

Gilbert Arenas suffered a groin strain during Team USA's practice on Monday and will not play in the FIBA World Championships, USA Basketball announced.


Arenas, of the Washington Wizards, suffered the injury Monday morning during a practice outside of Seoul.


"We know Gilbert is really disappointed, he's done a great job. It's an unfortunate situation but he is not going to be able to continue on," managing director Jerry Colangelo said. "We're concerned because he has had a history regarding groin pulls. This is a precautionary move but it is important that he return home and get treatment."


Arenas' departure leaves 13 players competing for 12 spots on the roster for the World Championships, which starts Aug. 19 in Sapporo, Japan. His absence will likely ease the competition at point guard and could open the door for a player who might have been in danger of being cut for the tournament.


The 13 remaining finalists contending for the roster include: Carmelo Anthony, Shane Battier Chris Bosh, Bruce Bowen, Elton Brand, Kirk Hinrich, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Antawn Jamison, Joe Johnson, Brad Miller, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade.


Arenas played in all four of the team's pre-tournament tune-up games. He started once, averaging 3.8 ppg., 2.3 rpg. and 11.0 minutes per game.

Source

 

[Ourhouse]

So who does it save from being cut?

 

[Smooth]

It's probably between Battier, Jamison and Bowen now.. With Arenas going down, this makes Kirk Hinrich, a more valuable assest to this team..

 

[Karma]

Bowen has barely been used. Look for Battier to be selected ahead of him as the defensive swingman. Bruce Bowen will be the final player cut.

 

[King James MVP]

Nice cop-out by Arenas. I'm now positive that Bowen will be cut.

 

[James]

cop out? the man got hurt...

 

[kevolution]

According to Jim Gray on Rome is burning this afternoon Gilbert was not fitting into Coach K's gameplan. Some speculate that this was a way to move out Gilbert without him losing face.

Gray responded by saying that Team USA was very vocal about not wanting Iverson this year and with that being said why wouldn't they just come and say the same about Arenas if they didn't want him. Gray went on to say that Wizards GM was quoted as saying that Gilbert's injury is very minor and it's nothing to worry about.