There are colorful basketball players, there are quirky basketball players and then there's Gilbert Arenas. Ever since he entered the NBA as a second round pick of the Golden State Warriors in 2001, the man known as Agent Zero and The Hibachi has been making waves with both his talent and his antics.
Like most second round picks, not much was expected of Arenas despite a stellar college career at Arizona. Miscast as a traditional point guard and plagued by injury, he didn't do much to prove anyone wrong during his rookie season.
That changed dramatically during his second year, when a healthy Arenas exploded to the tune of 18.3 points per game, earning the NBA Most Improved Player Award. He signed with the Washington Wizards following that season, and has blossomed into one of the most prolific scorers in the league.
Fueled by slights both real and imagined - he wears the number '0' because he claims that's how much playing time people thought he'd get at Arizona - Arenas is fiercely competitive and relishes the spotlight. His numerous quotes make sure he gets it, and while he's known for his wacky off-court behavior, it's usually done with a sense of playfulness, like when he joined the Elvis impersonators dunking off a trampoline at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.
Collectors have taken to Arenas' game and his personality. As a second round pick, his rookie cards were printed in greater quantities than players picked higher in 2001. That means some of his card values lag behind the likes of Jason Richardson and Tony Parker in some sets. But if he continues to pile up the points and the quotes, don't expect them to stay there forever.
Gilbert Arenas 2001-02 Rookie Cards
- Flair # 116 - #'d to 1500
- Fleer Authentix # 131 - #'d to 1250
- Fleer Genuine # 147
- Fleer Premium # 154 - #'d to 1500
- SP Authentic # 126 - autographed, #'d to 1525
- SPx # 129 - #'d to 1999
- Stadium Club # 129
- Topps # 249
- Topps Chrome # 157
- Topps Heritage # 187
- Topps High Topps # 137 - autographed, #'d to 850
- Topps Xpectations # 129
- Ultimate Collection # 62 - #'d to 750
- Upper Deck # 202
- Upper Deck Flight Team # 119 - 3 versions #'d to 500 each
- Upper Deck Hardcourt # 96 - 3 versions #'d to 1000 each
- Upper Deck Honor Roll # 92 - #'d to 2499
- Upper Deck Inspirations # 112 - dual autograph with Morris Peterson #'d to 1149
- Upper Deck Legends # 102 - #'d to 3250
- Upper Deck MVP # 211
- Upper Deck Ovation # 94 - 3 versions #'d to 625 each
- Upper Deck Playmakers # 127 - #'d to 1999
- Upper Deck Pros and Prospects # 118 - #'d to 1000