Former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas used to be one of the best scorers in the league when he was in the NBA.
However, Arenas believes he would average 40 points per game in today’s NBA.
“What’s James Harden averaging? 36? [I would average] 40. Easy 40, too,” Arenas told NBC Sports Washington’s Chris Miller. “Because the thing you’ve got to remember is that he’s averaging 36 and dribbling before each move 17 times. I didn’t need to dibble. I just go score and get quick buckets.”
Arenas, 39, played in an era where centers were more prevalent.
As a matter of fact, he believes he would score at ease now because the defensive strength of big men is much lower.
“The reason that I will average 40 is the fact there’s no Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal), Alonzo Mourning, Yao Ming back there. I don’t know who’s protecting this rim, but I’m pretty sure a 6-foot-5 power forward ain’t stopping me from getting to the bucket,” Arenas said.
Arenas made a name for himself on the Wizards, who he played with for the majority of his career.
As a member of the Wizards, the guard collected 25.0 points, 5.7 assists, 4.2 boards and 1.8 steals per game. He was one of the top scorers during the latter half of the 2000s.
The three-time All-Star faced former Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James in the postseason numerous times. However, Arenas was never able to crack through James and reach the NBA Finals.
