Pivot Podcast

"It really hurt...It was a toll on me. I'm not even gonna lie, I really hated the world." Gilbert Arenas  In a conversation covering more than just sports, this impactful discussion evolves into life lessons, reflections, advice for handling adverse situations and how finding closure is possible even when you can’t see the light in life’s darkest moments.  In our latest episode of The Pivot, three-time NBA All-Star, Gilbert "Agent Zero" Arenas sits down with Ryan, Fred, and Channing to open up about his upbringing, controversial career, personal struggles, climbing back from rock bottom, parenting and the future of the NBA.  Known for his raw honesty and larger-than-life personality, Arenas takes the guys through his journey, sharing Pivotal moments that shaped him, on and off the court: From the highs of his All-Star days to the lows of losing it all.  You’ve heard the stories and seen the headlines, now Gilbert is sharing his side and perspective from living it to reflecting on it. Gilbert is well aware how a split second decision changed it all for him and how something he didn’t intend to become a moment turned into an entire movement. Specifically, he explains the 2009 gun incident with then teammate, Javaris Crittenton, that changed both their basketball paths forever as Gil opens up on the one part of it, that he wishes he could take back.  He feels regret years later not just for derailing his own career but also for messing up a young player’s path, which he holds himself accountable for as well as the impact and toll it took on his own life. Gilbert keeps it real and speaks from the heart, hoping that his true feelings and thoughts continue to help others right their wrongs and alleviate the opportunity of making similar choices.  Whether it be public feuds, personal turmoil or career scandals, a media frenzy overshadowed Gilbert’s stellar play for most of his NBA time and the years following. He reminisces about studying Kobe Bryant, the night he scored 60 points against the icon and reveals the intricate moments of his game-plan that no one knew at the time. Humbling to his core, he opens up to Ryan, Fred, and Channing on the emotional toll life took on him, the grind to the top to his costly mistake and how depression pushed him to step away from the game he loved so much.  Going through a public divorce was not easy but, Gilbert emphasizes how being a father gives him purpose and clarity through the chaos, as he says one of the lessons he likes to share with his kids is to put them in situations they can fail so they learn how to survive and rise above tough times. His everyday approach to life stems from his upbringing and how he believed in better times by appreciating the little things and understanding the future his father strived to give him. Even when his father didn’t have the financial means, he still provided stability and support by never giving up and never walking away.  After having Kwame Brown on our show a year ago, the guys had to ask Gilbert what the real scenario between the two of them is and where it all stems from. Gilbert sets the record straight, from playoff drama to their current back and forth, he addresses the misconceptions and why he feels he became a scapegoat in Brown's story.  Channing and Fred ask Gilbert's take on LeBron and Bronny James, a topic he's been outspoken about, as Channing has made his thoughts abundantly clear recently while Fred and Ryan continue to share their overall feelings. To no surprise, Gilbert has some strong words for people critiquing Bronny and reminds everyone how rare it is to see what LeBron has accomplished. Tap in now for an episode so intriguing that it will have you re-thinking some of your own perspective and a reminder to never judge by looking at something or someone from the outside. Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube now as we approach 1Million subscribers!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices