Gilbert Arenas: From Zero to Hero

Is he the fiery point-guard from Arizona who still is trying to claim vengeance on every team that passed him by in the first round? Is he the prankster who used to hide his teammate's jerseys before games? Is he a gambling addict or just a misunderstood oddball?

More importantly, is Arenas an All-Star? Is he a MVP candidate? Is Gilbert Arenas a leader?

Is Gilbert Arenas a hero?

These days athletes get a free pass from the general public way too often. The overwhelming sentiment is that those who can run and shoot balls better than us are heroic in some way or fashion. The fact is that being good at a game is hardly enough to qualify as a hero or an icon. There are plenty of athletes, like Pacman Jones of the NFL and Ron Artest, who should not be role models for any child.

But Gilbert Arenas is not one of them.

Even in the earliest period of his career, when most players excel easily, Gilbert had to fight. His coach told him he would get zero minutes of playing time in college. All twenty-nine NBA teams passed on him in the first-round of the NBA draft. Too small to play in the NBA they said. Not good enough of a passer to play point guard they said. Most players in his position would complain and give up.

Give up? Gilbert Arenas? Never.

Ironically choosing the number zero for his jersey, Gilbert Arenas played hard in the small chances he had in Golden State. It didn't take him long to get recognized. By his second season in the NBA he was the NBA's Most Improved Player. By his fifth season he earned his first All-Star berth. He has upped his scoring in almost every season he has been in the league.

Unlike other players, he has fun playing as well. He doesn't mind taking showers at halftime in full uniform to get revved up. Gilbert has no problem making side-bets with audience member on whether or not he will hit the game-winning shot. He has no shame in admitting he filled out numerous All-Star ballots to get himself into the game. He realizes he is playing a game and should be having fun.

And Gilbert Arenas reaches out to his community. Look at how he gives away a jersey at each and every game he plays in. That is out of his pocket. He has pledged to give $100 for every point he scores at home. His owner matches his efforts during road games. When a young boy lost his family to Hurricane Katrina, Gilbert treated him as his own brother and took him under his wing.

He may not score at will like Kobe Bryant or win championships like Michael Jordan. He may not be the NBA's "Chosen One" or the Olympic committees choice for a member of the 2008 roster. But Gilbert Arenas is the best that an athlete can offer in every way possible. He knows the game starts and ends within three to four hours. He knows he is fortunate to be paid such large amounts to play a game. He knows young, impressionable fans look up to him.

Most of all, Gilbert Arenas knows it takes a real zero to become a hero.