In the NBA, the hardwood isn’t the only place where battles are fought. The media landscape, too, is a battleground that allows players and legends to hash it out over disagreements. One such battlefield is the popular talk show, “Undisputed,” where co-hosts Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe have been engaging in verbal duels for years. Recently, however, Sharpe departed from the show after 7 years. 

Gilbert Arenas, who has never shied away from expressing his views, was recently asked about the prospect of stepping into Sharpe’s shoes. What followed was a candid reaction from the Most Improved Player of the 2002-03 season. 

Gilbert Arenas’ candid response to Shumpert’s suggestion

The conversation between Arenas and former NBA champion Iman Shumpert took an interesting turn when Shumpert suggested that Arenas should consider filling Sharpe’s seat on “Undisputed.” 

Shumpert commented, “They need you in a suit on one of these shows, bro. Shannon just stepped down, you know, get in there with Skip, man.”

Arenas, in his characteristic style, dismissed the idea with a scathing critique of Bayless, “You’re sitting there trying to argue real basketball like, oh man, get rid of that paper,” Arenas said, adding, “Goddamn nobody give a shit about that goddamn paper? That 1985 paper you talking about was better than this. No, no, we’re not doing that.”

The former Wizards’ point guard joins a storied list of NBA legends who have stood against the use of advanced analytics. Former hoopers often vouch for the eye test over any statistical signs of a player’s greatness. Clearly, Arenas is not the type to put on a suit and talk numbers. He also had a bold statement to make about analysts that abuse the modern tactic.

Gilbert also takes aim at longtime hater of LeBron James

Skip is infamous for his biased view of King LeBron James. Arenas’ reaction was not just a rejection of the job offer, but also a direct slam on Bayless, whose style of debate often relies heavily on statistics and historical comparisons.  Arenas argued that such an approach fails to capture the true essence of the game.

“I don’t give a shit what kind of stats you have on that piece of paper. If Shaq played against any big man he’s giving them buckets, bro. Alright, I don’t give a shit what your stats say he’s giving them buckets,” Arenas iterated confidently. 

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Statistical analysis is important. However, Arenas’s response emphasizes that the passion and skill of players on the court are often intangible. Given Skip Bayless’ history, one can expect that he will keep finding new numbers to bash LeBron James.

Now the only question is – who will join him on the “Undisputed” hot seat?

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