Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has found a nice post-playing career as an online personality with his own show. But he might have lost some respect from fans of NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson.
Speaking at the recent Fanatics Fest in New York City, Arenas was asked if he sees the New York Knicks guard as an NBA "superstar," to which he immediately responded "No." That remark got a chorus of boos from the crowd and everyone else on the stage who (perhaps jokingly) walked off the set in protest.
All alone on the stage, Arenas doubled down on his take and began to argue with the crowd. He pointed to a bunch of Brunson fans and asked them if they has "Jalen Brunson shoes."
“No, but he could be. You got the Jalen Brunson shoes? Did you go get the new Jalen Brunson shoes?” Arenas repeatedly asked. "He don't have 'em, right? He has the Kobes..."
Brunson = Superstar?
NBA fans took to social media and immediately started arguing the case for Brunson to be considered a superstar. Some pointed out that Brunson is only lacking a signature shoe because he chooses to represent the late-great Kobe Bryant's brand, others believe he's simply farming engagement:
"You got this wrong bro. Jalen is 3rd in the entire league in jersey sales. He opted against his own signature shoe when Nike approached him and decided to do Kobe PE exclusive shoes in his colorway bro," one user wrote.
"He’s a star, no doubt. You lead a team the way he did, you’re a star. No doubts! If you want people to buy your shoes, they need to either be really good shoes or the player has to be fun to watch. Look at Jokic, 3 time MVP but no shoes, he’s a superstar!" wrote another.
"Nike offered him his own shoes, he declined and preferred to honor Kobe’s legacy by wearing it. He said he would rather have unlimited supply of Kobe’s for the rest of his career. Once again, the guy is different, none of these clout and money chasing guys will ever understand," a third remarked.
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"Gil is just talking at this point. Brunson is the top star in New York City and just won a chip. Using sneakers as an example of superstardom means nothing. I bet more people have the Brunson Kobe’s than the Luka sneaker."
"Gil came ready to bait for engagement."
He may not be a superstar in the way that every other NBA fans has to respect him, but Brunson will now and perhaps forever be a legend in New York City for delivering an NBA title to the Knicks and ending their 53-year drought.
