Sports History

Gilbert Arenas, nicknamed "Agent Zero," carved a unique path in the NBA. From his electrifying scoring outbursts to his battles with injuries and off-court controversies, his career was a mix of dazzling talent and unfulfilled potential.

Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2001, Arenas quickly established himself as a gifted scorer. He earned the Most Improved Player award in 2003 and blossomed into one of the league's most prolific scorers. His signature crossover dribble and clutch shooting made him a fan favorite.

In 2003, Arenas was traded to the Washington Wizards, where he formed a dynamic duo with teammate Caron Butler. During his peak years with the Wizards, Arenas averaged over 25 points per game and led them to several playoff appearances. He was a three-time All-Star and earned All-NBA selections, showcasing his offensive prowess and leadership qualities.

However, Arenas' career was also marred by injuries and off-court controversies. A knee injury in 2007 significantly hampered his athleticism and consistency. He also faced a suspension in 2010 for violating the NBA's firearm policy, derailing his momentum and tarnishing his image.

Despite his setbacks, Arenas briefly regained his scoring touch with the Orlando Magic in 2011. However, injuries continued to plague him, leading to his retirement in 2014.

Born November 21, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Guard Earl Monroe. This legend was known by many endearing nicknames like Earl The Pearl, Black Jesus, Black Magic, Einstein, The Lord’s Prayer, Thomas Edison, and The Magic Man. Monroe lived up to the hype as he was a four-time NBA ALL-Star, a Rookie of the Year in 1967-68, and was selected to be on the 2017 NBA 75th Anniversary Top 100 Players list. He was a master at handling the ball and contributed over 18 points and 3.9 assists per game on average during the span of his fourteen seasons in the League.

Born May 29, 1932, in the Bronx, New York, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame player, Richie Guerin. Guerin played in the NBA, most notably with the New York Knicks from 1956 to 1963 and was a player-coach of the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks franchise where he spent nine years. Guerin played in six consecutive NBA All-Star Games.

Danny Ainge's basketball journey is a captivating tale of perseverance, clutch play, and a remarkable transition from player to executive. Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1981, Ainge carved out a successful 14-year career as a shooting guard known for his competitive fire and clutch three-point shooting. But his impact on the sport extends far beyond his on-court accomplishments.

Ainge's playing style embodied hustle and heart. Undersized yet relentlessly competitive, he earned the nickname "The Microwave" for his ability to instantly heat up a game with his scoring bursts. While never averaging over 20 points a season, his clutch performances in high-pressure situations were legendary. He famously hit a game-winning three-pointer against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1984 playoffs, a shot that cemented his place in Celtics lore.

Following his playing career, Ainge's shrewd basketball mind shone through. He transitioned seamlessly into the role of executive, first with the Phoenix Suns and later returning to his beloved Celtics as General Manager in 2003. He quickly gained a reputation for his bold trades and strategic maneuvering. Ainge masterminded the acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, forming a "Big Three" that brought the 2008 NBA championship back to Boston, ending a 22-year title drought.

Throughout his tenure, Ainge continued to wheel and deal, accumulating draft picks and building a sustainable contender. He drafted future stars like Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and Jayson Tatum, ensuring the Celtics remained competitive for over a decade. Even after stepping down as GM in 2021, Ainge remained with the organization as President of Basketball Operations, guiding the franchise through yet another rebuild.

Jack Sikma: A Pioneering Center with Championship Pedigree
Jack Sikma, a seven-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer carved a unique path in basketball history. Drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1977, he became a cornerstone of their championship run in 1979, playing alongside the iconic Gus Williams. Sikma's career spanned 14 seasons, leaving an indelible mark with his innovative style and consistent production.

Known as the "hitch and shoot" artist, Sikma revolutionized the center position by stepping outside the paint and draining shots from mid-range and even beyond the three-point line. He led the league in free throw percentage (92.2%) during the 1987-88 season, a remarkable feat for a center, and finished his career with an impressive 84.9% free throw accuracy. He also developed a strong rebounding presence, leading the league in defensive rebounds twice.

Sikma's impact went beyond individual statistics. He was a pivotal piece in the Sonics' success, their offensive engine, and a defensive anchor. His basketball IQ and leadership qualities complemented the talents of his teammates, making him a valuable asset both on and off the court.

After a successful run with the Sonics, Sikma moved on to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he continued to refine his game and even added a three-point shot to his repertoire. He retired in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, versatility, and championship pedigree. His place among the game's greats was cemented by his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.

Born November 14, 1955, in Kankakee, Illinois, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Big Man Jack Sikma. This legend played Power Forward and Center at a high level, being selected to seven NBA All-Star teams and winning an NBA Championship in 1979 as a member of the Seattle SuperSonics. After nine seasons with the Sonics, Sikma played his last five seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.

---

The brilliant streal of 77 sunk shots at the charity stripe for Cleveland Cavaliers Guard mark Price came to an end on April 2, 1993.

---

Bob McAdoo of the Buffalo Braves was a one-man wrecking crew. He owned the paint that season and there were not many that could stop him from putting the ball in the hoop. April 1, 1975 Bob McAdoo record.

---

Lefebvre won Rookie of the Year honors, 1x All-Star, 1965 World Series, and wore Number 5

Toronto-based journalist Dave Zarum uses his years of reporting on the NBA to write a very comprehensive history of many of the League's greatest teams, players, and events from the organizations that merged into the NBA to Jerry West, Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, George Mikon, the Harlem Globe Trotters, Minneapolis Lakers, Wilt Chamberlin, Syracuse Nationals, Michael Jordan, the Boston Celtics,Lebron James, and more..