NBA veteran Andre Iguodala recently made an appearance on “Gil’s Arena,” the popular podcast hosted by the legend Gilbert Arenas. On the podcast, he offered his opinions on a variety of subjects. One discovery, though, really popped out: Iguodala’s emotional thanks to Gibby, who unexpectedly helped the 2015 Finals MVP secure an additional $20,500,000 through his well-known “Agent Zero Blog.”
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Arenas, known for his frank analysis, used his well-respected “Agent Zero Blog” as a stage to talk about many elements of the league. Hibachi explored the fascinating intricacies of rookie contract extensions as well, a subject that would go on to have a huge impact on Andre Iguodala’s professional path.
Andre Iguodala Thanked Gilbert Arenas’ Financial Advice
Iguodala recalled Arenas’ insightful remarks about his decision to extend his rookie deal as well as those of other players, including Ben Gordon. Gilbert’s research revealed how occasionally players could unwittingly jeopardize their potential earnings. Iguodala recalled:
“Gilbert used to do that. I’m like, does that still happen? But on your uh, Agent Zero blog, he was talking about me. You were talking about Ben Gordon and somebody else who didn’t sign their extension off their rookie contract. You were talking about how uh, Ben Gordon and myself were shooting ourselves in the foot – no pun intended.
But you were saying it’s a bad business decision because I think I had 60 on the table and Ben might have had like 45, 50 on the table or something else. And you were saying we weren’t in the position of leverage to not take the extension going into that year because the team has all the leverage and how they play calling,… you don’t know, young, that a team can pretty much determine what type of season you have. But I’ve never forgot. Right now, I’m like, why am I making the wrong decision? But it ended up working out for kind of both of us. It worked out, but I always remembered that, which is pretty funny. But I thought it was really good insight, and so the angle you spoke at it – it wasn’t like disrespectful, but it was funny. And then I remember like, huh, I remember feeling some type of way, like, wait, am I missing something here?”
The significant $60 million offer Iguodala got from the Philadelphia 76ers was the turning moment. Iguodala, though, dared to reject the initial offer rather than accept it. He ultimately signed a $80 million contract in 2008, making an additional $20.5 million as a result of his risky move.
Arenas and Iggy Both Went to the University of Arizona
Gilbert Arenas and Andre Iguodala have a shared history rooted in their time at the University of Arizona. Graduating from this esteemed institution solidified their credentials. It also forged a deep friendship that transcends their on-court successes. According to the former NBA champion, Hibachi stands out as the finest athlete to emerge from Arizona.
He said:
“Gilbert Arenas is the best player to come out of Arizona. First of all, Gilbert Arenas is the best player to come out of Arizona. Izzy clear-cut, not even close. What I’m a big fan, I’m big on Gilbert. Gilbert had everything – Hibachi, Hibachi – put 60 on the Lakers and a pair of Dolce and Cabanas. Yeah, I remember that one. I do. We went to Dolce Gabbana and said, ‘Give me some shoes that are high top,’ and he strapped them on. And people don’t know how good Gilbert Arenas was.”
This underscores the profound level of admiration they hold for each other. Additionally, the podcast brought up a variety of topics, many of which could be highly beneficial for the young players in the league. The display of knowledge from these two veterans of the game was profound and could serve the generations of NBA superstars to come.
