Gilbert Arenas signs one year contract with Memphis Grizzlies - NBA Update
Memphis Grizzlies have signed a one year deal with Gilbert Arenas, the man who once used to be one of the best shooting guards in the league.
Memphis are currently at the 6th spot in Western Conference and are one of the serious contenders with a 25-19 record so far this season. Even without the services of Zach Randolph, who missed 37 games due to injury
issues, the Grizzlies have been a force to reckon with this season and nearly a week after he made a comeback, the Grizzlies have added a valuable and experienced asset in their lineup.
With O.J. Mayo already available as an impact player off the bench, the addition of Arenas would add a new dimension to the team that is already wealthy on size. In short, the Grizzlies have raised their stakes from a potential
playoff team to a potential NBA championship contender;
"Gilbert is a great player. He's been through the storms," Randolph said of Arenas' playoff experience with the Wizards from 2003-10. "I know him personally. He's going to help out our team a lot, He didn't get going in Orlando.
Here, he'll have a chance. He still can play. We needed a guy like Gilbert who can handle, can penetrate, can get in the lane."
The 30 year old veteran started his professional basketball career in 2001 when he was drafted by Golden State Warriors. Soon, he established himself as the most talented rookie amongst the lot. During his sophomore year he was
declared as NBA’s Most improved Player Award and then was named as MVP of the Rookie-Sophomore game during NBA ALL-Star Weekend.
He went on to play with Washington Wizards afterwards and with Larry Hughes formed a formidable back court duo. However his career hit a road block in 2009-10 after the NBA suspended him for 50 games for bringing a gun in the
locker room. In 2010, he returned but was traded to Orlando Magic in a deal that brought Rashard Lewis to the Wizards.
Arenas could never get going at Orlando and to make matters worse he had a huge contract. He was waived off by the Magic in December 2011 under the amnesty clause and after clearing waivers he became a free agent.
Nicknamed "Agent Zero” and "Hibachi," he has averaged 21.2 points, 5.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds in total number 535 games played in his career and if he finds his niche at Memphis, the Grizzlies will become a serious threat.
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