Gilbert Arenas will continue his basketball career overseas. (Getty Images) |
Last time we saw Gilbert Arenas, he was struggling in limited playoff minutes with the Memphis Grizzlies. He shot just 25 percent on eight total shots in 23 minutes with the Grizzlies during the playoffs.
After not receiving any interest from NBA teams this past offseason, Arenas has turned to the Chinese Basketball Association for the next chapter of his career. (Via Yahoo! Sports):
Gilbert Arenas is nearing an agreement on a one-year contract with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association, a source told Yahoo! Sports.
Arenas will join former NBA lottery pick Yi Jianlin on the Guangdong Southern Tigers. This also marks the second former NBA All-Star to make the move to China this offseason. Tracy McGrady signed with Qingdao roughly two weeks ago when he agreed to a one-year contract.
Why are former NBA stars heading to China to follow in the footsteps of Stephon Marbury? Well, the business aspect could be a big reason. These guys know they don't have much of a chance to generate enough interest in the NBA to get them an offer above the veteran's minimum that also comes with significant playing time.
By heading to China, they not only get a big playing opportunity with minutes, but it also allows them to be marketed in one of the biggest consumer bases in the world. Many players, including Kevin Love and Dwyane Wade, have signed shoe deals in China recently. Exposure in this market could lead to bigger business opportunities, even for players like Arenas and McGrady who are well past their primes.
Lionel Hollins and the rest of the Memphis brass gave Arenas a chance to revive his career for the final month of last season, only to see him have trouble with his shooting and overall play. He shot just 40.6 percent from the field and played only 12.4 minutes per game in 17 regular-season contests.
Arenas is just 30 years old, meaning he could spend a decent chunk of his "twilight years" playing in the Chinese league and giving his basketball career a new life.