Wizards G Arenas could return this season

Feb 15, 2009 - 6:48 PM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Washington Wizards star guard Gilbert Arenas, who is recovering from a third knee surgery in less than two years, may return for the final 15 games of the season, according to Sunday's Washington Post.

The report is encouraging news for the Wizards (11-42), owners of the second-worst record in the NBA. Washington hopes to bring Arenas and injured center Brendan Haywood (wrist) back to build continuity for next season.

According to the report, the plan is to have Arenas and Haywood play 15 minutes a game and hold them out of any back-to-back contests. Haywood has been out since having wrist surgery in October.

Last month, Arenas told the Post he was "not even close to returning." He told the newspaper he had been playing two-on-two games with teammates to get back in shape, but he wasn't sure it was worth returning given the Wizards' record.

A three-time All-Star, Arenas had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on September 17.

Arenas signed a six-year, $111 million contract extension in July. He was expected to be out between three and four months.

Arenas had season-ending surgery in April 2007, then returned for the first eight games of last campaign before going under the knife again in November. The seven-year veteran averaged 19.1 points and 5.4 assists in 13 games last season.

Arenas has career averages of 22.8 points, 5.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 431 games with Golden State and Washington.