The Orlando Magic made major moves this week by reacquiring the multifaceted Hedo Turkoglu from the Phoenix Suns. The move marks Turkoglu’s return to the team he led to the 2009 NBA Finals only to lose at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Orlando dispatched Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, and Mickeal Pietrus to Phoenix in exchange for Turkoglu, Jason Richardson, and Earl Clark.

This deal is what a player such as Hedo Turkoglu desperately needed. He returns to where he had the most success and meaning as a player during in his career, a place where the fans loved him before, and will likely love him again.

Daddy is back in town guys, time to make the postseason matter again.

For Orlando this deal represents the franchise’s admission of failure in that they are reacquiring Hedo, a player they let walk after they should have paid him in the first place. He did lead them to the NBA Finals after all. You know, the place where every team wants to be, but only two lucky teams can go each season?

Hedo was a major reason Orlando performed well during the playoffs and even made the surge to the finals. He’s streaky but always has a knack for rising up in meaningful games.

Vince Carter has lost a step or two in recent years. He now joins another player who is undoubtedly on the decline, Steve Nash, to play together on a team in a tougher Western Conference. It’s hard to imagine that the two stars remain in Phoenix for the rest of the year.

Carter can post highly inflated stats playing out meaningless games as Phoenix tailspins into further futility, or he might find himself as the lone alpha dog surrounded by young new blood if Phoenix trades Nash to a team willing to give up enough for the Suns to make another move.

The winner in this trade is unquestionably the Orlando Magic.

The Magic get their catalyst back in Hedo, swap out Vince’s old knees and declining game for ultra-athletic Jason Richardson, and lose Marcin Gortat (and his whining for playing time) for a low risk high reward scenario in Earl Clark.

Mickeal Pietrus fits into this equation, but I am still not sure how, other than making the salaries work.

I believe that this deal could work out well for the Magic, and definitely more so for the Magic than it will the Suns. It’s hard to imagine that this would have happened if Steve Kerr still ran things for the Suns.

The Magic made a deal moving Rashard Lewis to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Gilbert Arenas that will also help Orlando. Orlando now has powerful offensive weapons in Arenas, Richardson, and likely a resurgent Hedo Turkoglu. They gain even more by means of subtraction in that they were able to ditch Lewis’ rediculously high contract to Washington.

Both trades in my opinion make the Magic stronger, however, in the bigger picture of the Eastern Conference, it won’t help them much in their attempt to get past Boston or Miami.

Gilbert Arenas must have something wrong within his mind. He arrived to the Wizards this season appearing to be more manic than anything, and now has faked an injury to allow other Nick Young to get more playing time, and declaring that although he said his time is soon done in Washington, that he is not seeking an early exit.

What’s next, youtube videos where he eats Vaseline and shirtless rub down for the “bro-ssage”? What other insane behavior might he possibly have left? Bringing guns into the locker room to play a prank on his teammate? Oh wait a minute, that’s right…..

I gotta get outta here.

Arenas is obviously unhappy about something. Either that or he is pulling off his greatest prank ever. For the sake of having a good time, lets go with the idea that he is depressed and unhappy in Washington. Here’s one reason why: John Wall.

John Wall has all the hype and all the love of Washington fans. This used to be Gilbert’s gig. That must hurt a  bit. All the popularity that was once Gilbert’s has been replaced with the love for Wall.

Instead of being a man, and realizing that he is still making ridiculous millions of dollars, and that he can now be a scorer rather than a distributor, Arenas is found sulking and doing all he can to distance himself from a team dynamic.

If Arenas is truly that unhappy, why not simply ask for a trade and try to seek a new start? Or better yet, why not try to win with what you have? Surely wall is a better talent than Arenas, so why not join forces and prosper together from Wall’s presence instead of dispensing a grumpy old man attitude?

Why not jsut try to win?

There exists a proven cultural standard in American sports fanaticism that if you comeback and win, people will conveniently forget everything bad you did. Ask Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, etc.

Ultimately, however, it’s really sad to watch the deterioration of one of the quirkier and colorful players of the NBA.

Gilbert Arenas is the latest NBA player changing his jersey number next year. By ditching his now infamous “Agent Zero” namesake and jersey number 0, he will join LeBron James wearing jersey number 6 next year. Arenas is ardently attempting to shake his old reputation, and start anew in 2010-11.

Will a jersey change actually help Gilbert change? (Credit: picapp.com)

This move to number 6 is rather peculiar in that it is strongly reminiscent of how Kobe switched his number from 8 to 24 during his post rape case. Bryant had decided it was time to signify change, and has done so successfully since. Will Gilbert be able to follow suit, or will his “Merry Prankster” antics resurface yet again?

It is likely due to coincidence that he is selecting the same number as LeBron. Either that, or maybe he just wants to follow in James’ footsteps, which is not a bad idea. James talks the talk and never walks the walk (think dunk contest, an NFL career). A far better practice for Arenas to follow than how he has faired thus far on his own.

Will Gilbert follow Kobe’s footsteps further and strike a shoe endorsement deal with Nike just like Kobe?  Adidas terminated his contract shortly after Arenas pleaded guilty to a felony gun possession charge and was suspended for the remainder of the 2009-10 season. Kobe had his contract terminated (along with other international deals) after the rape accusations surfaced in 2003.

After playing in only 15 games total in two years prior to this season, a healthy Arenas played in only 32 games this year, totaling 47 games over the past 3 seasons due to injury/stupidity. That is a lot of time to miss when you are signed to a monster max contract of  6 years and $111 million dollars.

Maybe the 6 year duration of the contract is what really spawned the jersey number 6. In Arenas’ demented mind, I wouldn’t rule it out.

Jay Leno featured NBA Hall of Fame Legend Michael Jordan on The Jay Leno Show last night to participate in his “10 at 10″ segment. Jordan’s job was simple: answer 10 questions via a satellite feed from a resort in the Bahamas. Jordan looked healthy, and in great spirits.

Asked if he can still dunk, Jordan asked Leno "Are you stupid?"

During the show open Leno incorporated current stormy weather in the Los Angeles area into a nifty joke gearing towards Gilbert Arenas:

Later in the same opening segment, Leno discussed the recent report of former Cleveland Cavaliers coach John Lucas  admitting the Cavs intentionally lost games in order for a chance at the #1 overall draft pick in the 2003 NBA draft. He then compared that tactic to the method used by the Los Angeles Clippers and the 2009 #1 pick:

Eventually Michael Jordan comes on for the “10 at 10″ segment. Jordan is as entertaining on the segment as his game was during his career. He shows us that his fiery competitive demeanor is still alive and well, asking Leno “Are you stupid?” in response to Leno’s inquiry as to whether or not Jordan can still slam dunk.

Jordan admits he has never asked for anyone for autograph his entire life, Charles Barkley is such a terrible golfer that he no longer bothers to invite Barkely to his golf tournaments, and much much more. Check it out:

GIlbert Arenas of the Washington Wzards has had all of his merchandise pulled by the league recently, in light of his illicit behavior. You can visit nbastore.com and find that of all the players available, Arenas is not one of them.

Ordering custom jerseys allows clever Arenas fans a variety of splendid loopholes to what the NBA believes to be a solution. While perusing the Wizards section on nbastore.com I found a couple of more potent options that would likely arrive to your mailbox, and make its way past NBA censoring.

You must order an authentic jersey, and select your own personalized custom jersey, non-returnable. You could just type in “Arenas” and for the number, input “0,” but what fun would that be?

Why not own a jersey you can wear and start conversations with long after Arenas’ career is finished?

The Desert Eagle Home Jersey

($185.98 shipping and handling included. www.nbastore.com)

This jersey is for the home fan who has Arenas’s back. The effervescent Arenas fan will share his love for the man whom no one speaks of in Washington (Has Arenas really become Lord Voldemort?). He will proudly sport his Desert Eagle jersey, proud to be an American,and fully supportive of the right to bear arms.This fan will also be too ignorant to realize how idiotic Arenas actions were, and likely has no true ability to identify right from wrong.

The “Felon” Away Jersey

($185.98 shipping and handling included. www.nbastore.com)

This jersey is for remaining 29 teams around the NBA, and will especially sell in bundles to the fans at Quicken Loans Arena. To a die hard Cavs fan this jersey represents a pyschological advantage to break the concentration and spirit of the Wizards when they are in town.

Fans can hold the jersey, pump it in the air, or simply turn their back and point to the name on it, chanting “Fe-Lon, Fe-Lon.” Odds are they will harras DeShawn Stevenson in particular. There is no doubt the power of this jersey will indeed crush morale, lessening whatever already bleak chances for a road victory the Wiz might have had.

This is all written in jest, and should only be taken as such. I do not take Arenas’ actions lightly, nor would I ever endorse them. I am simply highlighting that there glaring ways for someone to find a convenient (albeit expensive) workaround to completely undermine what the Wizards and David Stern believe is a solution to help clean up a messy situation.

The Washington post reported that Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards was formally charged today for the felony of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. If convicted, Arenas faces up to 5 years in prison. All of this because of a game of cards?

Arenas' prank has more than backfired. (Credit:picapp.com)

Gilbert went from glorified prankster to having all the skeletons yanked out of his closet by investigating government and NBA agencies. What horrible stories emerged as a result are downright disgusting. The highlights include Arenas conspiring in grand theft auto, and defecating into a teammates shoe, all for the sake of his prankster nature.

Seriously though, who defecates in a shoe? That is absolutely disgusting.

Jamison did damage control to the Wizards fans. (Credit: picapp.com)

Arenas has already had all merchandise and visual propaganda involving his likeness eradicated from nbastore.com and the Verizon Center. Glorifying felons in stadium banners are naturally bad for business.

Look for Arenas’ contract to be torn to shreds and voided very soon. The Wizards organization has already had team captain Antawn Jamison address the fans about their concern over their image. His apology was heartfelt, sincere,and makes you wonder if he is happy Arenas is gone. Exiling Arenas will be the next step in proving this to their fans.

Expect Commissioner David Stern to follow suit in a possible lifetime ban from the NBA. Prank of not, a crime of this caliber leaves Stern no wiggle room. He must come down hard on Arenas, and set a precedent that will open eyes league-wide.

Gilbert Arenas was  suspended today, without pay and effective immediately, by commissioner David Stern. The length is indefinite. Stern is quoted that the consequences could possibly be worse than a suspension. Is he hinting at a lifetime ban? Man he makes our NBA Lookalike Morphing more and more ironic!

All jokes aside, handguns are as serious as serious gets, and if you have every had instructions with firearms, you would be informed and taught there are serious rules and consequences for attempting to meddle with these rules.

Gilbert Arenas might be the dumbest player in the NBA.

It was only a joke….. (Credit: picapp.com)

Who would think they could bring firearms to a locker room, even as a joke, and not have someone take it the wrong way? Guns scare people. They take lives. Hello?

David Stern has every right to suspend him. If he gives him a lifetime ban, so be it. Loaded or not, there is no place whatsoever for weapons in a workplace, let alone professional sports. This act will result in a major example being made out of Arenas.

Stern has been combating the “thug” image in the NBA with his dress code and other half-ass rules, but on this one, he must come down with massive consequence, or just imagine what someone like J.R. Smith or Stephen Jackson might do next.

All jokes aside (no pun intended) it is truly tragic that Arenas acted like this. There is practical joking in sports and we have all seen footage of pranks and rookie hazing from the entire domain of sports, ranging from little league to the pros. This content has been presented to us in the forms of blooper and outtake reels for our entertainment.

However, there is a line not to be crossed in hazing or joking, and this  instance is wrong and needs harsh punishment. Players need to realize that they are accountable, and I support David Stern (though I rarely do) on this one, and hope he gives Arenas all that he deserves and more.

The reality is people cannot go through life blanketing their mistakes and misdeeds on the excuse that it is”only a joke.” Hopefully, Arenas can learn from his mistake, and realize that if he can continue his NBA career, he should act more mature, and be a responsible adult.

If he is truly concerned about his young kids, why would he joke around with firearms in the first place, and use them as the excuse to avoid punishment? What lesson will they grow up and learn from this?

Update: Arenas is now under investigation by NBA and Law Enforcement for foul play involving firearms in the Wizards locker room.

It has been awhile since we have published a Lookalike Morphing. We apologize, but with so much going on, we have had to put them on the back burner, unless of course the requests come in, in which case we will always squeeze ‘em in. That being said, please be patient, we will get to your morphs as soon as we can!

Special thanks to reader Adam for suggesting we morph Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards with actor Jesse Martin of the famous television show Law & Order. Ironic, no?

Jesse Martin is a theatre, film, and television actor. He started his career on stage with the role of Tom Collins in Rent, but is most widely known and accomplished as hard-nosed Detective Ed Green in the NBC series Law & Order. He played this role from 1999 to 2008.

Much like Arenas, Martin’s role is a detective who share characteristics: savvy and street-smart. With partner Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach), Detective Green hits the streets to find the facts and solve crimes. They are on top of their game, so to speak. They sniff out the truth.

Good thing for Arenas Detective Green is an actor, and cannot use his make believe skills to investigate during the Gilbert Arenas probe.

Gilbert Arenas, if you didn’t know, is the star point guard of the Washington Wizards. His team is located in D.C., the symbolic and ironic heartland of “Law & Order.”  Laws are born here.

Arenas case has the recipe that adheres to the Law and Order script protocol:

• Arenas initially tried to cover up the truth by lying about his alibi. This never looks good. He should ask Monta Ellis about honesty.
• He possibly faces jail time if this goes bad. Sure Arenas didn’t pull a “Plaxico Burress,” but he brought the guns into the locker room, while he was on the job. Ouch.
• Someone knows what really happened in the locker room. The probe will uncover this person, and then we will know what happened.
• If Arenas and the law get ugly with each other,he has a lot to lose. His contract might be voided. If it turns out he knowingly lied to attempt a cover up, the law issues strict justice.

When healthy, Arenas is an elite level player. He combines with Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler to make up the Wizards “big three” in D.C. It has been shaky for Washington in this season for Arenas and his teammates, and this is the kind of distraction that could light the fuse that results in roster fire sales and rebuilding.

We now bring you NBA Lookalike Morphing #15: Gibert Arenas vs. Jesse Martin. Enjoy!

Click here to see all of Protect the Paints NBA Look-ALike Morphings

Have a NBA look alike comparison that you would like to see us morph? Please submit the form below or mail morphing@protectthepaint.com to submit!
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Gilbert Arenas is the key to unlocking many mysteries in the Eastern Conference. Having undergone 3 surgeries over the last 1.5 years,  buzz is brewing that he healthy, and has not lost a step.

If this is true, every team in the East should fear the Wizards.

Agent Zero is the cog that will unleash fury against the Cavaliers and the Celtics. He is a massive presence on both ends of the floor and will make life far easier on Caron Butler Antawn Jamison.

We are going to be really really really good... (Credit: picapp.com)

Washington has a plethora of talented centers, forwards, and guards. Their depth is impressive everywhere.

Arenas should be paired with mercurial scoring threat Randy Foye in the backcourt starting games. Foye will experience a rebirth having escaped the drudges of Minnesota. The game will come easier for Foye with the surrounding talent pool. Expect great numbers.

I'm gong to Washington and playing with Agent Zero! (Credit: picapp.com)

When Foye and Arenas fatigue, the Wizards can choose Mike Miller or Nick Young  for instant shooting. Veteran Mike James provides leadership and poise. Javaris Crittenton, still only 21, will not be forced to accelerate his maturity and development. At 6’5″, Crittenton is also a athletic gritty defender who can defend taller guards.

At the forward positions Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are stalwarts at their positions.  Backing them up are multidimensional Andray Blatche and defensive nuisance Dominic McGuire.

There will be no loss of size, intensity with either reserve for short stints.

The only liability  is the inconsistency of play by both reserves.

Can't wait to do this in the Easter Conference Finals! (Crdit: picapp.com)

At center Washington has Brandon Haywood, Fabricio Oberto, and young phenom JaVale McGee. Haywood is coming back healthy after having wrist issues last year, and Oberto’s his heart ailments could cost him his season/career as well.

If either have recurring health issues, McGee will be expected to to fill the shoes. Although not naturally a center, Andray Blatche is big enough to absorb minutes in the middle.

Washington has 18-plus hard fouls (Including Blatche) they can throw at Shaq during the playoffs.

What this constitutes is that the Wizards have depth. They will be fresh and capable of logging long playoff minutes if they can remain healthy.

The triple headed snake of Arenas, Butler, and Jamison will be venomous and lethal, ready to strike.

Again this all hinges on Arenas, but teams in the Eastern Conference should fear the Wizards.

The Orlando Magic  rose out of the Southeast division into the NBA finals this year. The possible return of Josh Childress to Atlanta (they still have his rights as a restricted free agent), roster moves made by Miami, and the future of Hedo Turkoglu’s free agency ventures all will factor into this summers moves.

There is plenty of  room for teams to rise and fall in this division. If Washington starts the season healthy they are Protect the Paint’s choice to have the biggest turnaround year, possibly turning a 19 win last season into a 50 win season.

Jordan Hill’s game would be a nice fit in Washington. (Credit: ESPN)

Washington Wizards (19-63)  With the  #5 pick  Jordan Hill or James Harden looks like the most promising for the Wizards. Adding someone with size and or scoring ability is a good contingency plan for an injury riddled roster.

At the 32 pick it is not too far-fetched to see someone like Patrick Mills or Darren Collison being  selected for additional depth at PG. This might be a wise choice as Gilbert Arenas’ knee is an unknown factor.

Charlotte Bobcats (35-47)  Charlotte is stacked at the forward position. They should focus to find smart, athletic and defensive minded guards that can play for Larry Brown. With the 12th pick look to see Charlotte selecting Jrue Holiday, Jonny Flynn, or Terrance Williams.

It is a possibility that Raymond Felton Leaves leaving the Bobcats with DJ Augustine and little else at the point. This philosophy should hold up with the 40th pick as well, and North Carolina Tarheels’ Wayne Ellington and Danny Green could be available this deep.

Ty Lawson is a champion in the NCAA. Can that translate to the NBA? (Credit: themixtapemonster.com)

Atlanta Hawks (47-35) In a deep draft for guards, a PG reserve for Mike Bibby would not be bad with both  the 19th and 49th pick. Marvin Williams and Josh Childress are restricted free agents.

Rumors for Josh Smith being moved also can play into Atlanta moving up in draft order.  With people worrying Ty Lawson might be injury prone, look for him to still be available at pick 19.

Joe Ingles could surprise the NBA (Credit: draftexpress.com)

Miami Heat (43-39) holds the 43rd and 60th (via Indiana). Vastly improved with a rejuvenated Dwyane Wade. The heat must ask if Mario Chalmers is the long term answer at the point, and if Michael Beasley is a more natural fit at the 3. The Heat could look for a big like Joe Ingles or Josh Heytvelt.

If all quality bigs are gone by pick #60, look for Miami to have another “steal of the draft” type Guard in Jodie Meeks or international players Rodrigue Beaubois (France), Nando De Colo (France), or Patrick Beverly (Ukraine).

Orlando Magic (59-23) Orlando has no picks in this years draft and will make retaining free agent Hedo Turkoglu their main objective. Look to see potential trades involving Rafer Alston including picks or future picks. Other than that, the Magic stand pat (no pun intended, Pat Williams)