Gilbert Arenas enjoying China, not looking to return to NBA

Gilbert Arenas has gone the way of many former NBA stars and turned to China to revive his basketball career. Things must be going pretty well for him, because he made the cover of SLAM China.

Arenas’ interview with SLAM didn’t reveal a whole lot, except that he has gone back to wearing number zero, and he seems to be doing well. Gil even told SLAM that he’s not looking to get back to the NBA.

From SLAM’s interview:

SLAM: So do you have long-term plans in China? What do you see for yourself in the future here?

GA: 32 games a year. Maximum 36 minutes. That’s all I need at this point in my career. So as long as China teams want me, I’ll be here.

SLAM: Do you have any plans or hopes to tryout with the NBA again?

GA: Nah! [Shakes head vehemently] Because after this season I can enjoy my family. You know my kids are getting older. Being in the NBA, you don’t really get to enjoy your family life because you’re always on the road, you’re always gone. So, no. After this season will be the first time I’ll get to be with my kids for a long period of time.

Arenas’ team went 10-22 and finished 14th out of 17 teams. He missed about half the season after sustaining a groin injury in his first game, and re-aggravating it after returning. In his 14 games for the team, which is owned by Yao Ming, he averaged a respectable 20.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent (stats via Asia-Basket).

Arenas is 31 and saw limited action in 17 games with the Memphis Grizzlies last season. He could still play in the NBA, but he’s not close to being the All-Star he once was. He’s probably just as well off playing in China and enjoying being a mini-celebrity. He was a lot of fun during his run of brilliance in the NBA.

Photo credit: Spruce Derden-US PRESSWIRE