Posted By Riah June 19, 2023
GILBERT ARENAS!!!!! 🙂
AGENT ZERO’S NBA GAME PLAN
- Attack opponent before they attack me- Trash Talk
- Finish Positive
- Come out on Top
- Straight Kill Mode (1-4 flat)
“This is how I attacked each and every game. Stats didn’t matter to me. I broke it down by quarter and that’s how Agent Zero became Agent Zero” – Gilbert Arenas 10-27-22; No Chill Podcast with Victor Oladipo.
Happy Juneteenth !
Today, I am overflowing with excitement to be able to write about Gilbert Arenas formally known as Agent Zero of the Washington Wizards. First, I would like to thank Gil for allowing me to write about him. I have previously written about him before but this time I will go more in depth about his career.
Before social media became popular, having the opportunity to write about someone I have watched many times in person during their prime is awesome.
Social Media was not prevalent as it is today, we still had to read the paper, listen to games on the radio, and regularly tune into ESPN to see highlights. I would listen to Dave Johnson a long time radio broadcaster for the Wizards as he would call every game. He made you feel as if you were at the game with his excitement and the ability to explain the entire game as it’s happening.
Basketball has been my favorite sport since I was young, and by the time I saw my first professional game in 2003, I was completely immersed in the sport.
Today’s post will highlight Gil’s NBA career primarily his time in Washington where I saw him play the most, how I met him, and his current endeavor Gil’s Arena.
Gil’s NBA Career
In 2001, With the 31st pick in the 2nd round, The Golden State Warriors drafted Gilbert Arenas from Arizona. He averaged 19 pts. per game for his first couple seasons in the league. In 2003, he was traded to the Washington Wizards.
Who knew once Gilbert arrived in DC, it would change the trajectory of NBA basketball in the DC area. Players after him such as John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant all considered or even played in DC due to his impact during his time with the Wizards.
Gil played with the Wizards from 2003 -2010. At the age of 11, I saw him play in person for the first time and have kept up with his career ever since. I was in awe of his work ethic and his approach to the game so much so that I was keeping track of his stats in my head.
In his tenure in Washington, he averaged 25 points per game (ppg), 5.7 assists per game(apg), and 4.2 rebounds per game (rpg), as well as consecutive playoff appearances.
Gil’s other accolades while with the Wizards by the age of 25 included:
3x All NBA Team (2005-2007)- this honor was voted on at the end of each season.
3x NBA All Star (2005-2007)-this honor was voted on by the fans.
Top 5 NBA Scorer (2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07)
Some of his iconic games include game winners against the Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls (playoff game winner), and scoring 60 points against the late Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gilbert redefined basketball and how the game was played. He was difficult to guard due to his speed, ability to shoot mid-range as well elevating his long-range game. He was shooting from the logo effortlessly before Stephen Curry came on the scene
Playoffs
From 2004-2008 The Wizards made the playoffs consecutively being the first team under the Wizards name to do so since 1997. Their most memorable playoff win came during the 2004-2005 season, facing the Chicago Bulls. During this series the Wizards went down 0-2, tied the series, Gilbert hit a game winning shot in Chicago in Game 5 to force a Game 6 with the Wizards closing it out at home in 6 games. I was able to attend game 6. It was the most electrifying atmosphere I had been a part of during that season. The City of DC had its new face of DC basketball, and his name was Gilbert Arenas. In 2008, Gil extended his contract with the Wizards; a 6-year $111 million dollar deal. This would be the last contract former owner Mr. Abe Pollin, who loved and adored Gil, would sign before he passed away in 2009. In 2016, his contract payment with the Wizards ended.
Fun Fact
For the 2007 NBA All- Star Campaign, Adidas, and Gil were negotiating his shoe deal. Gil decided to throw a (fake) party to market himself and the All-Star game which was being held in Las Vegas. The marketing event worked when Gil bet on himself. His deal initially worth $15 million over the course of 5 years, ended up being agreed to for $40 million. Lesson: Don’t be afraid to bet on you and showcase your worth! In 2007, Gil was voted as a starter and headliner for the All- Star game.
My favorite memories
Pic 1: When I met Gil at a Mystics game, he signed my hat for me. 🙂 Fun Fact: Gil was the first official NBA Autograph I ever received. It was important and special to me because I was finally able to meet one of my favorite players. He was genuinely nice and approachable. Gil was sitting adjacent to where we were sitting in the stands. I just remember waving at him, and he motioned for me and my sister to come over, sign our hats and take a picture. I felt like I had a piece of DC basketball that I could keep with me for a lifetime.
Pic 2: 11/18/2022 The night he was honored for shaping DC basketball during the 25 year celebration. The hat we received at the game. It was long overdue but I’m so glad DC welcomed him back with open arms. It was Gil’s first time back in DC in 12 years.
Another favorite memory: The Martin Luther King Jr. Game against Utah. My mom, sisters, and I attended this game. Little did we know we were about to see a game winning shot from who else, Agent 0!! The shot went in, and I jumped with excitement because the Wizards just won the game. The Washington Wizards won 114-111 against Utah Jazz. The game winner gave Gil 51 points for the game.
Let it be known Adidas Campaign
This was so much fun to just take pictures in the shirts and support one of our favorite players.
What’s Gil up to now?
Gil played 11 seasons in the NBA. Outside of his basketball skills on the court, his knowledge and IQ of the game has ignited the NBA fanbase. He started his podcast NO Chill Gil (his newest nickname). He speaks his mind, has fun, and even ties in his own personal experiences with his guests.
Gil has expanded from a Podcast to a weekly basketball show called Gil’s Arena (WOO WOO) with Josiah Johnson. In the last few months, this show has grown tremendously. The show airs live on YouTube Tues/Wed/Thurs at 2:30pm EST. You can stream the episodes soon after it has aired live. The show is everything you can think of sports related, entertainment, debates, latest news, and loads of fun. The best part, the fans (subscribers are allowed to interact with them as well).
I am looking forward to what is to come for Gil. 🙂 Good luck with everything! I am glad I was able to connect with you!
Be sure to keep up with Gil
IG: no chill.gil
Twitter/ Tiktok : GilsArena
This blog was a special one for me. I appreciate everyone who took the time to read it.
I will be back friday with another one 😉
*Gil Pics courtesy of Google Images*
*Gil accolades courtesy of the official Washington Wizards instagram page, be sure to follow them @washwizards*
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