Second Chance Begins With Number Zero For Blatche

Andray Blatche was brought into Washington in hopes of igniting the fuel to jump start his career. He was scouted to have tons of potential, but bone-headed plays and immaturity blocked his way. As a result, Blatche was amnestied, falling to the lowest point in his career. Lower than being kicked out of the starting rotation, lower than being mocked for coming into training camp out of shape. He no longer was just out of a starting position, he was out of a job.

“I was at rock bottom,” Blatche said. “I felt like after that, nobody felt I was going to make it back into the league after last season..."

So that's why when given the chance to pick up his new number, Blatche choose the number zero. At least, that's one of his reasons.

"zero reminds of me how everybody gave up on me.” 

Going back just far enough, fans can remember the last infamous player to bear the number zero as well, who, not be accident, played alongside Blatche in Washington. Yes, Gilbert Arenas, Agent Zero, was a major factor for Andray in choosing his new number.

“Gil told me a lot of stuff that was going to happen to me and gave me a lot of advice on how to handle it. So I took zero,” Blatche said. “I feel like it matched me the best.”

The Brooklyn Nets look to take a chance with Andray Blatche, who will primarily serve as Lopez's back-up with possible minutes at power forward. Blatche has been heard to have been working out multiple times a day, and thanks to Instagram he's posted pictures that show him in shape. Even Billy King has pointed out that Blatche has been in the best shape he's seen. But it's now time for him to prove himself on the court. To prove he can be mature, and that he knows his place on the team while being productive.

Since joining the Nets, he's been under the wing of Coach Avery Johnson, whose had his own share of appraisal for Andray Blatche.

“I’ve put him on a program,” Johnson said. “He’s always early, whenever there is a certain part of his program. We don’t expect any problems with him. He knows I don’t have a failure to communicate. There is a price to pay if there is a failure to cooperate in a certain area, so he is doing well.

He’s been consistent. He’s like a kid in a candy store. He’s excited to be here,” Johnson said. “He’s got great positive energy. I hear that from my coaches, training staff, strength and conditioning.”

In the preseason debut, Blatche scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds in an overtime win against the Sixers. Today, Blatche will face up against the team that got rid of him, the Washington Wizards.

“Of course, playing against your old team and old teammates, you’re always going to have a little plus-side to it, but other than that, we’re getting prepared for the season,” Blatche said. “It’s more than just my rivalry with the Wizards.”

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