Arenas' return remains uncertain

Mar 24, 2008 - 7:23 PM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Gilbert Arenas may have to wait at least another week before he can return to the Washington Wizards' lineup.

Arenas, sidelined since undergoing surgery on his left knee on November 21, expected to play in Sunday's contest against the Detroit Pistons.

The All-Star guard participated in the team's morning shootout but was told prior to the game that he would not be in the lineup.

"I went in there hoping to have them look at the knee and say I could play," Arenas told the Washington Post. "Then, (the doctor) told me I need one more week."

A bizarre scene ensued, as Arenas stormed out of the locker room about 75 minutes before tip-off and left the Verizon Center. As he left the arena, he told reporters that he didn't think he would play again this season.

But Arenas returned to the Verizon Center during the first quarter wearing street clothes and cheered from the bench as the Wizards defeated the Detroit Pistons, 95-83.

Following the game, Arenas was in a better frame of mind.

"It wasn't what I wanted to hear," he said. "It took me a long time to get my mind right about coming back at all and I was there. I wanted to play."

Before the surgery, Arenas averaged 22.4 points and 5.9 assists in eight games for the Wizards (36-33), who hold the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference.