Career Timeline of Gilbert Arenas: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Gilbert Arenas built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Gilbert Arenas is a former professional basketball player. He attended Grant High School and the University of Arizona before being drafted 31st overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 NBA draft. Known for his scoring ability and flashy style of play, Arenas achieved significant success in the NBA, particularly with the Washington Wizards, where he became a three-time All-Star. However, his career was also marked by controversy, including a suspension for bringing firearms into the Wizards' locker room.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1997: Wizards Make Playoff Berth

In 2004-05, Gilbert Arenas guided the Washington Wizards to a playoff berth, their first since 1997.

November 4, 2001: NBA Debut

On November 4, 2001, Gilbert Arenas made his NBA debut for the Golden State Warriors against the Portland Trail Blazers, going scoreless.

November 7, 2001: First NBA Point

On November 7, 2001, Gilbert Arenas scored his first NBA point in a game against the Toronto Raptors, from a free throw.

2001: Arenas Drafted by Golden State Warriors

In 2001, Gilbert Arenas was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the 31st overall pick in the NBA draft.

2001: Arenas Enters NBA Draft

In 2001, after a productive college career, Gilbert Arenas entered the NBA draft and was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 31st overall pick.

2001: Named First-Team All-Pac-10

In 2001, during Gilbert Arenas' sophomore year at the University of Arizona, he was named first-team All-Pac-10.

January 16, 2002: First NBA Field Goal

On January 16, 2002, Gilbert Arenas made his first NBA field goal in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 7 points.

February 15, 2002: First Career Start

On February 15, 2002, Gilbert Arenas made his first career start in the NBA.

February 17, 2002: First Double Digit Scoring Game

On February 17, 2002, Gilbert Arenas had his first double-digit scoring game, scoring 12 points against the Atlanta Hawks.

2002: Arenas Signs with the Washington Wizards

After the 2002-03 season, Gilbert Arenas became a restricted free agent and signed a six-year, $60 million contract with the Washington Wizards, becoming the face of the franchise.

2002: NBA Most Improved Player

In 2002, Gilbert Arenas was voted the NBA Most Improved Player in his final season in Golden State.

March 2003: 41 Point Game vs Wizards

During March 2003, Gilbert Arenas had one of the best performances of his career, scoring 41 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing five assists in a win against the Wizards.

2004: Highest Scoring Backcourt Duo

In 2004-05, Gilbert Arenas teamed up with Larry Hughes to give the Wizards the highest-scoring backcourt duo in the NBA, and Arenas was selected for his first NBA All-Star Game.

2005: Playoff Series Victory

In 2005, during the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, Gilbert Arenas hit a game-winning shot to give the Wizards a victory over the Chicago Bulls, and the Wizards won the series, their first playoff series victory in more than two decades.

December 17, 2006: Career-High 60 Points

On December 17, 2006, Gilbert Arenas scored a career-high 60 points in an overtime game versus the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the Wizards to a 147-141 victory. This tied the Wizards' franchise record for points scored in a game.

2006: Desire to Win Championship

During the off-season of 2006, Gilbert Arenas expressed a desire to win a championship with the Washington Wizards and said he was willing to take a pay cut to give the team additional money to sign free agents.

2006: All-Star Game Replacement

In 2006, Gilbert Arenas was named as a replacement for the All-Star Game after Jermaine O'Neal was injured.

2006: Withdrawal from National Team

In 2006, Gilbert Arenas withdrew from the United States national team for the FIBA World Championship, feeling that the roster was predetermined. He then vowed to average 50 points against the teams of assistant coaches Mike D'Antoni and Nate McMillan.

January 3, 2007: Buzzer-Beater against Milwaukee Bucks

On January 3, 2007, Gilbert Arenas hit a 32-foot buzzer-beater to win the game against the Milwaukee Bucks, 108-105.

February 2007: All-Star Game Starter

In February 2007, Gilbert Arenas was voted as a first-time starter for the 2007 NBA All-Star game for the Eastern Conference.

March 21, 2007: Game-Winning Layup vs Seattle SuperSonics

On March 21, 2007, Gilbert Arenas hit a game-winning layup as time expired to beat the Seattle SuperSonics.

2007: Opting Out of Contract

During the off-season of 2007, Gilbert Arenas told The Washington Post that he would opt out of his contract after the 2007-08 season, making him a free agent.

April 2, 2008: Return to Action Against Milwaukee Bucks

On April 2, 2008, Gilbert Arenas returned to action against the Milwaukee Bucks after a knee injury, scoring 17 points in a 110–109 home loss.

June 9, 2008: Arenas Opts Out of Contract

On June 9, 2008, Gilbert Arenas officially opted out of the final year of his contract with the Wizards, stating he would re-sign if Antawn Jamison was retained. He received offers from the Golden State Warriors for a five-year contract worth over $100 million and from the Wizards for a six-year deal worth $124 million.

July 13, 2008: Arenas Signs Six-Year Contract with Wizards

On July 13, 2008, Gilbert Arenas signed a six-year contract with the Washington Wizards worth $111 million.

March 28, 2009: Arenas Returns from Injury

On March 28, 2009, Gilbert Arenas made his season debut, scoring 15 points and providing 10 assists in a 98–96 loss to the Detroit Pistons after recovering from lingering injuries.

December 18, 2010: Arenas Traded to Orlando Magic

On December 18, 2010, Gilbert Arenas was traded to the Orlando Magic for Rashard Lewis, reuniting with former Warriors teammate Jason Richardson. He chose to wear #1 on his jersey in honor of Penny Hardaway.

2010: Arenas Traded to Orlando Magic

In 2010, Gilbert Arenas was traded to the Orlando Magic.

December 9, 2011: Arenas Waived by Orlando Magic

On December 9, 2011, Gilbert Arenas was waived by the Orlando Magic under the amnesty clause following the end of the 2011 NBA lockout, becoming the first player to be waived under the newly established clause.

2011: Waived under Amnesty Clause

In 2011, after the NBA lockout, Gilbert Arenas was waived under the "amnesty clause". He then signed with the Memphis Grizzlies for the 2011-12 NBA season.

March 20, 2012: Arenas Signs with Memphis Grizzlies

On March 20, 2012, Gilbert Arenas signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, serving as a backup point guard to Mike Conley Jr.

May 13, 2012: Arenas' Final NBA Game

On May 13, 2012, Gilbert Arenas played his final NBA game in the seventh game of the 2012 Western Conference First Round against the Los Angeles Clippers. He played for 3 minutes and recorded no stats. Memphis lost the game.