Former NBA All-Star Faces Backlash For Bold Idea To Change Draft

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas floated an idea to change the NBA Draft.

Nov 27, 2010; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas (9) reacts against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images / Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Gilbert Arenas was once among the best guards in the NBA when he made the All-Star Game for three straight seasons (2005-07).

He last played in the league during the 2012 season but has been able to regain notoriety for his popular podcast (Gil's Arena).

Recently, Arenas floated an idea to change how the NBA Draft works.

Arenas: "They should test the theory out. You have the draft so we know who's picking. Whoever is considered mock draft at number one, number two, you ask ask him what team he wants.... Let's say you want to go to the Lakers and play with LeBron and you're supposed to be the number one pick and that pick is 17th and that's 17th money. Are you going to take that 17th money?"

Should the NBA consider dropping the Draft?! 💭 pic.twitter.com/RffPxk3M4m

— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) September 13, 2024

Many fans (who did not like the idea) reacted on social media (h/t Legion Hoops).

Gilbert Arenas floats idea that top NBA draft picks should be allowed to pick where they’re drafted.

(via @GilsArenaShow) pic.twitter.com/03GF5ohWkr

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 14, 2024

Via @JustinOchoa317: "💀💀💀 absurd idea"

💀💀💀 absurd idea https://t.co/i3xLlxBLxt

— Justin Ochoa (@JustinOchoa317) September 14, 2024

Via @seanhalfcourt: "Death, taxes, and Gilbert Arenas having the worst possible take on every topic when it comes to basketball.

The three constants of life."

Death, taxes, and Gilbert Arenas having the worst possible take on every topic when it comes to basketball.

The three constants of life. https://t.co/I9jNXH8hjD

— Sean Murphy (@seanhalfcourt) September 14, 2024

Via @Drbluejaykay: "We need to stop podcasting"

We need to stop podcasting

— Drbluejay (@Drbluejaykay) September 14, 2024

Via @AidanLaPorta69: "Stop giving this dude a platform"

Stop giving this dude a platform

— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) September 14, 2024

Via @ESPNneedsIKD: "Horrible idea once again 🔥"

Horrible idea once again 🔥

— IKD (@ESPNneedsIKD) September 14, 2024

Via @CookedByRiley0: "I don’t think he has ever come up with a good take dawg how does it get worse every time"

I don’t think he has ever come up with a good take dawg how does it get worse every time

— ɪᴍ.ʀɪʟᴇʏ シ ✞ ☘️ (@CookedByRiley0) September 14, 2024

Via @CallMeMrRivas: "Stop reposting this clown. OMG"

Stop reposting this clown. OMG https://t.co/FVcHxgcK9N

— Poppa Mamba 🇩🇴 (@CallMeMrRivas) September 14, 2024

Via @tschwartz09: "He’s said many egregious things but this is up there with the worst of the worst"

He’s said many egregious things but this is up there with the worst of the worst https://t.co/GKllGxIBLb

— Tyler Schwartz (@tschwartz09) September 14, 2024

Arenas played 11 seasons for the Grizzlies, Magic, Wizards and Warriors.