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Gilbert Arenas has once again sparked controversy with his recent comments, this time targeting multiple MVP winners Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic. During an episode of his show, "Gil's Arena," Arenas boldly claimed that neither Curry nor Jokic are generational talents. But how could this be? The term "generational talent" to me refers to someone who is so far above their competition that we see their level of dominance only once in a generation. This is precisely what Jokic is achieving and what Curry has already accomplished.
In a video spanning just over nine minutes, Arenas argued that a generational talent is something that cannot be replicated. "Can you mimic Magic Johnson, a 6'9" point guard with vision? No," he stated. "You can't mimic Shaquille O'Neal's body. You can't mimic LeBron James.You can't mimic Wemby." While it's true that physical attributes like those of Shaq, Wemby, and LeBron, as well as the mental prowess of Magic, LeBron, and Michael Jordan, are innate and cannot be taught, there is a significant difference between recognizing these unique physical traits and dismissing the unprecedented skills of Curry and Jokic as non-generational, who can do what they do with their consistency?
Curry, a two-time MVP and two-time scoring champion, has revolutionized the game with his extraordinary three-point shooting. His consistent performance year after year has transformed the sport, encouraging players to take more three-point shots. Young players idolize him and aspire to emulate his style. Similarly, Jokic, while younger, is reshaping the role of centers in basketball. His ability to pass, rebound, score, and shoot from beyond the arc sets a new standard for future big men, evident in rising stars like Wemby and sure others who will follow.
Arenas further contradicted himself by stating that generational talents are defined solely by physical traits. While it's true that players like Shaq, Wembanyama, and LeBron are nearly unparalleled in their physicality, it is narrow-minded to believe that being a generational talent requires such physical dominance. Consider Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan-two players with unmatched scoring abilities without being physical powerhouses and believe me those two are historic more than generational.
Gilberts' comments miss the mark. Time will ultimately reveal the significance of Curry and Jokic in their eras and the legacy they will leave behind. Both players have already cemented their status as generational talents through their unique skills and transformative impact on the game.