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WASHINGTON (AP) -New Washington Wizards coach Flip Saunders thinks Gilbert Arenas can be just as good - or better - than the All-Star point guard was before having three operations on his left knee.

Saunders says Tuesday, a week before training camp opens, that he and Arenas speak on a daily basis and the coach is confident that they will get along this season.

Because he is discarding the Princeton offense, Saunders believes Arenas can improve a lot by having the ball in his hands more than before.

Saunders signed a four-year, $18 million contract in April. He took over from interim coach Ed Tapscott, who filled in after Eddie Jordan was fired 11 games into last season. The Wizards went 19-63, tying the worst mark in franchise history.