We’ve all been there—sitting through one of those classic parent rants: “Back in our day…”, and saying that today’s generation has it easy. Sound familiar? It’s like a national pastime to roast the younger crowd. But, hey, guess what? One such NBA MVP legend broke the cycle and gave today’s players their flowers, calling them more disciplined and focused than ever. Finally, some love for the “distracted” generation!

Gilbert Arenas was buckets, plain and simple—a three-time All-Star, dropped over 28 a game at his peak, and once lit up the Lakers for 60 points like it was just another Tuesday. Off the court? He had a solid run with Adidas, even scoring his own signature shoe line. Sure, he wasn’t everywhere like LeBron or Kobe on billboards, but in that mid-2000s era. But he had his own cult following.

Now, years later, instead of ripping the new generation, Agent Zero pulls a classic move—dropping a take so wild, it’s part roast, part love letter. Only Arenas could hype you up while leaving you wondering, “Wait… did he just say that?” Well apparently, it’s all in their heads. Or what’s not on it, maybe?

Arenas goes full Agent Zero mode in his latest DJVladTV interview—and trust us, you might need a second to process it. When asked about how today’s NBA players are making more money off the court than on it, Arenas launched into a wild (and oddly brilliant?) generational breakdown that somehow turned into a baldness roast of the ’90s. “When was the last time you see a bald head in NBA?” he asked, dead serious. “You remember the s— in the 90s, everybody was bald like Montel, every f—— celebrity wanted to be bald.”

He didn’t stop there. Taking a jab at the aging curve of old-school hoopers, he said, “If you look at some of those 80s pictures and then you look at the player and then look at their age, you like Jesus Christ. They aged very bad then.” Well, if you look at it like that, the assessment of the players from the 80s is a little provocative but even though the comparison is harsh, It sure does show us how much respect and appreciation Gil has for the current generation.

But wait—there was a point in all this. Arenas was actually praising today’s players. He said they’re smarter, more curious, and know how to cash in beyond basketball: “That’s what this new generation is doing… why can’t I have a podcast and play?” He even took it a step further, slamming the old habits: “They’re not sitting in f—ing clubs getting drunk all day… not flying to Vegas and having cocaine problems… that was f—ing fine back then when you played.”

NBA players today aren’t just hooping-they’re hustling. Between podcasts, YouTube channels, and sneaker lines, they’re raking in money off the court like never before. Let’s look into some of our players’ profiles to understand better.

From hardwood floors to boardroom doors

In 2023, after selling the Charlotte Hornets, Michael Jordan became the first pro athlete to land on Forbes’ list of America’s 400 richest people. Not bad for someone who made “just” $94 million over 15 NBA seasons, even becoming the highest-paid player in 1997 and 1998. But off the court? That’s where he really cashed in—raking in an estimated $2.4 billion with brands like McDonald’s, Gatorade, Hanes, and of course, Nike. Fast-forward to 2025, and he’s sitting on a net worth of $3.5 billion. Goat stuff—on and off the hardwood.

Michael Jordan’s post-playing career success exemplifies the immense potential for athletes to build lucrative business empires. His strategic endorsements and ownership ventures have solidified his status as a global icon and financial powerhouse.

In 1990, Magic Johnson, then 31 years old, told Sports Illustrated about his audacious goal of earning between $100 and $200 million in the future. Naturally, the magazine wanted to know what he would do with that type of money.  Magic, ever the visionary, responded, “For a franchise. And it doesn’t have to be the Lakers; it doesn’t even have to be an NBA team. I’m a sports fan. If baseball became available before basketball, I’d be right there. I want to do big business.” Talk about setting the stage for greatness. The Hall of Famer is now worth $1.2 billion thanks to investments in several professional sports teams and a life insurance company.

Magic Johnson’s early ambition to become a significant businessman showcases a forward-thinking approach to his career beyond basketball. His successful investments in various sectors demonstrate the potential for athletes to transition into influential entrepreneurs.

Another business mogul is Kevin Durant. Through his venture firm, Thirty Five Ventures, KD has invested in over 100 startups, spanning tech, media, and sports. He’s also the co-founder of Boardroom, a media brand focusing on sports, music, and entertainment. Off the court, Durant’s endorsement game is strong. He’s inked a lifetime deal with Nike, and his portfolio includes brands like Beats by Dre, Panini, and Acorns. In 2023, Forbes ranked him as the 10th highest-paid athlete globally, with around $50 million coming from endorsements. As of 2025, Durant’s net worth is estimated at $300 million, thanks to his NBA earnings, endorsement deals, and smart investments.

So, while Gilbert Arenas might have taken a rather… unique route to get there, his underlying message rings clear: the modern NBA player is evolving. They’re not just exceptional athletes on the court; they’re increasingly savvy entrepreneurs and individuals who seem to be approaching their careers and lives with a different kind of focus and ambition than generations past.

Whether you agree with his baldness barometer or not, it certainly paints a picture of athletes building legacies far beyond the final buzzer. It makes you wonder what the long-term impact of this off-court hustle will be on the league and the players themselves.