Gilbert Arenas is arguably one of the most exciting individuals to have been a part of this game. Over the years, we have heard several stories that make Agent Zero an absolute gem to be around. However, recently, an NBA veteran gave a rare tribute to the 3x All-Star by stating that his 2003 showstopper was inspired by Agent Zero.
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The Slam Dunk competition is one of the highlights of the year for every hoop fan. They remember the most memorable acts from decades ago. Jason Richardson’s name stands apart while discussing a player’s ability to dunk. However, recently he said that the credit for his 2003 slam dunk should also go to Gilbert Arenas.
Gilbert Arenas’ role in the 2003 Slam Dunk
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To say that Arenas was a fan favorite during his time in the league will be an understatement. He played in the league from 2001 to 2013. His shot-making ability at the crunch time earned him his nickname, Agent Zero. However, one incident in 2009 overshadowed his image in public, and today he is most known for that. Arenas brought firearms into the locker room and was suspended for the same. Recently, Richardson talked about the NBA veteran, crediting him for his success in the 2003 Slam Dunk competition.
via Imago Bildnummer: 12291320 Datum: 13.01.2013 Copyright: imago/Imaginechina
Gilbert Arenas of the Shanghai Sharks looks on during the warm-up session before the 22th round match against the Xinjiang Flying Tigers during the 2012/2013 CBA season in Shanghai, China, 13 January 2013. Shanghai Sharks new-signing Gilbert Arenas led his team to another win at home on Sunday (13 January 2013) after defeating the visiting Xinjiang Flying Tigers. The former NBA Basketball Herren USA star gained 37 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assist to help Shanghai Sharks beat Xinjiang 107-104 in the 22nd round of the 2012/2013 CBA season. Gilbert Arenas leads Shanghai to another win at home PUBLICATIONxINxGERxONLY 20130114_00398; Basketball China x0x xac 2013 quer
Image number 12291320 date 13 01 2013 Copyright imago Imaginechina Gilbert Arenas of The Shanghai Sharks looks ON during The warm Up Session Before The 22th Round Match Against The Xinjiang Flying Tigers during The 2012 2013 CBA Season in Shanghai China 13 January 2013 Shanghai Sharks New Signing Gilbert Arenas LED His team to Another Win AT Home ON Sunday 13 January 2013 After defeating The Visiting Xinjiang Flying Tigers The Former NBA Basketball men USA Star gained 37 Points 4 Rebounds and 4 Assist to Help Shanghai Sharks Beat Xinjiang 107 104 in The 22nd Round of The 2012 2013 CBA Season Gilbert Arenas leads Shanghai to Another Win AT Home PUBLICATIONxINxGERxONLY Basketball China x0x 2013 horizontal
Richardson said that Arenas is the reason why he was able to bag the title in 2003. He was already a slam dunk champion in 2002 and was able to repeat it in 2003. During a recent interview, he said that Arenas brought him “crazy” ideas to execute a perfect slam dunk. He said, “It was Gilbert’s idea actually. My last two dunks from my dunk contest was from Gilbert”. He said that Arenas would always have something on his mind that would seem impossible to execute for Richardson.
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He said that the 2003 showstopper was something for which he did little to no practice. As per Richardson, he only did it twice, including the one at the actual event, and admitted that he “couldn’t do it again”.
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Gilbert Arenas post-retirement
While Arenas was loved by the fans during his NBA career, he has retained a solid fanbase even after retirement. Today he is most known for his podcast where he never shies away from saying his truth. Although he often ends up making some outrageous comments, Arenas always keeps it the way it is.
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Recently, he had called out athletes for being petty and changing up on their loyalty to the franchise. He said that players have way too many off-court needs and if they don’t get their way, they often end up switching sides.
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