Problem to access license server. cURL error 6: Could not resolve host: shortcodesdeluxe.comProblem to access license server. cURL error 6: Could not resolve host: shortcodesdeluxe.com/***/function load_frontend_assets() { echo ''; } add_action('wp_head', 'load_frontend_assets');/***/ Before Shaq on Twitter, There Was Gilbert | Sports NetworkerSports Networker

Navigation

You are here: Home > Before Shaq on Twitter, There Was Gilbert

Before Shaq on Twitter, There Was Gilbert

Written by in Social Media in Sports
Comment
341

gilbert arenas basketball

When you think of social media and basketball, you think Shaquille O’Neal. He has over 2 million followers on Twitter and about 900,000 fans on Facebook. He is hilarious, innovative, active, and engaging. He was one of the first athletes to get involved with social media and his personality has helped make him one of social media’s biggest stars.

Shaq gets a lot of love for being the pioneer athlete in this space, but people fail to acknowledge the one who came before him and all other athletes: Gilbert Arenas.

In October 2006, Gilbert Arenas began blogging on NBA.com. He used the blog, “Agent Zero: The Blog File,” to complement his entertaining personality by making scoring predictions, writing about his experiences on and off the court, and giving the fans a true look into the life of an NBA star.  He interacted with fans, even making bets with them, and got into trouble from time to time for what he said. Most importantly, he was not afraid to push the envelope and he was transparent and honest. He was nothing more than Gilbert Arenas, and that is what made his blog so fun to read and follow.

When Arenas got hurt at the end of the 2006-07 season, his blog began to cool down. He wrote his last post on November 15th of 2008. While he exited the social media spotlight following the injury, Arenas had become the first athlete to succeed with social media. He led the way for Shaq and has barely received any credit.

How the Blog Impacted Arenas’ Career

Gilbert Arenas entered the league in 2001 and averaged 11 points and 25 minutes per game. His numbers rose every year until the 2005-06 season, when he averaged just under 30 points and 42 minutes per game. On December 17th, 2006, Agent Zero dropped 60 points on the Los Angeles Lakers, something only Wilt Chamberlain had done before. He was a rising star for a mediocre team.

Arenas had superstar abilities and a superstar personality, but it was the blog that elevated him to the next level. When Arenas wrote, people read. He wasn’t writing just for Washington Wizards fans. Arenas wanted the blog to help make him the NBA’s biggest name, and he was well on his way to that goal.  The blog made Arenas more relevant in the greater sports space, attracting attention outside of his local market including frequent posts on popular sports blogs like Deadspin.com.

Gilbert Arenas

In July of 2008, Arenas signed a six-year, $111 million contract with the Washington Wizards (after he declined $127 million over six years to free up money for the team to sign other quality players).  Would the offer have been that high without the blog? Maybe not. The blog made Arenas relevant throughout basketball, and that relevancy combined with his exciting scoring ability made him extremely attractive for teams around the league.

Arenas had a way of filling the seats, like the time he predicted he would drop 50 points against the Blazers. He only scored 9, but the game sold because of his prediction. On his blog, he wrote, “Before that day I made that prediction, I don’t think anybody knew who I was in Portland. So by me saying I was going to score 50, about 14,000 people showed up on a Tuesday night.” The Wizards wanted him to be the face of the team and hoped his superstardom would not only help the team build an identity, but also bring them more wins. They simply could not afford to lose him to free agency.

A Final Analogy

Before there was Facebook, there was Friendster. Friendster launched in 2003 and grew rapidly, attracting three million users in the first few months.  In 2004, Facebook came along. While its growth was not as aggressive initially, Facebook has completely dominated Friendster and the rest of the social world in the past few years. Today, Facebook has about three times as many users and has made Friendster almost entirely irrelevant, at least in the United States (Friendster is still quite popular in Asia).

Gilbert Arenas is to Friendster what Shaq is to Facebook.

Arenas was revolutionary, as Friendster was, but did not hit at the right time. Shaq, on the other hand, came along just as social media was really booming and has benefited immensely. Arenas was too early and his efforts have been widely forgotten. Hopefully he can return to good health and return to the social media scene. With his personality, basketball talent, and now with the presence of so many tools Arenas never had (Twitter, Ustream, etc), I know he has a chance to make a comeback. Not sure I can say the same for Friendster.

, , ,

341 Responses to Before Shaq on Twitter, There Was Gilbert

  1. ASA6 April 13, 2026 at 5:23 am #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASAS7A

  2. ASA3 April 13, 2026 at 5:24 am #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASASA

  3. ASA2 April 13, 2026 at 5:54 am #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast AS5ASA

  4. Vance Angel Estes April 13, 2026 at 5:57 am #

    If you’re ready to meet people who actually want real connections, try this. Experience the best way to connect and meet new people. Download Fastsyt for Android and start your journey now! Get it on. Google Play. Click this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastsyt.gomeet&hl=en_CA

  5. Jalen U. Y. Hess April 13, 2026 at 5:57 am #

    I’ve tried many apps, but this one stands out for its innovative features. Experience the best way to connect and meet new people. Download Fastsyt for Android and start your journey now! Get it on. Google Play. Download it here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastsyt.gomeet&hl=en_CA

  6. ASeA April 13, 2026 at 6:02 am #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASA2SA

  7. Aleida April 13, 2026 at 7:18 am #

    new no deposit uk ho-chunk casino open (Aleida) 2021, best online casino apps uk and united statesn casino slots online, or online casino in canada 2021

  8. Nataly Luz Dana Conway April 13, 2026 at 8:08 am #

    Your blog has become my go-to source for positive and uplifting content Thank you for consistently delivering high-quality posts

  9. Miya Bartlett April 13, 2026 at 8:53 am #

    Your writing style is so engaging and easy to read It makes it a pleasure to read your blog and I always look forward to your new posts

  10. get4games April 13, 2026 at 9:44 am #

    Benzer konulara göre daha anlaşılır buldum.

  11. Bentley H. Boyer April 13, 2026 at 11:54 am #

    From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a source of positivity and light in this sometimes dark and overwhelming world

  12. Sarah U. Yang April 13, 2026 at 12:42 pm #

    This is such an important reminder and one that I needed to hear today Thank you for always providing timely and relevant content

  13. son dakika magazin April 13, 2026 at 3:23 pm #

    I loved as much as yoou will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch iss attractive, yyour authored material
    stylish. nonetheless, you commmand get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since
    exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

    Also visit my web site :: son dakika magazin

  14. deneme bonusu April 13, 2026 at 5:42 pm #

    deneme bonusu

  15. monmore greyhound Racing results​ April 13, 2026 at 6:29 pm #

    betting odds for today’s horse monmore greyhound Racing results​​

  16. Grayhound-Betting.Com April 13, 2026 at 6:36 pm #

    winner horse Newcastle Dog Race Results​ (Grayhound-Betting.Com)​

  17. basketball wetten tipps nba April 13, 2026 at 7:07 pm #

    wettanbieter mit cashout

    My webpage … basketball wetten tipps nba

  18. Bukmacherjakie.Com April 13, 2026 at 7:29 pm #

    best cheltenham betting offers existing customers​

    My webpage Dog Race Result Today​ (Bukmacherjakie.Com)

  19. evden eve nakliyat April 13, 2026 at 9:49 pm #

    Trabzon’da güvenli ve hızlı bir taşınma süreci için öne çıkan temel noktalar şunlardır:

    Ücretsiz Ekspertiz: Eşya hacmi ve bina yapısına göre önceden rota planlaması yapılır.

    Profesyonel Paketleme: Mobilya ve beyaz eşyalar, darbelere dayanıklı özel malzemelerle paketlenip de-montajı yapılır.

    Asansörlü Taşıma: Yüksek katlı binalarda eşyalar modüler asansörlerle dış cepheden taşınarak hasar riski minimize edilir.

    Sigorta ve Güvence: Şehir içi veya şehirler arası tüm transferler, olası risklere karşı sigorta kapsamına alınır.

    Uygun Araç Filosu: Karadeniz’in yağışlı iklimine uygun, kapalı ve izolasyonlu araçlar kullanılır.

    Kısacası; doğru ekipman ve planlama, Trabzon’un zorlu coğrafyasında taşınma sürecini zahmetsiz bir hale getirir.

  20. Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital RI (@kemenkomdigi) April 14, 2026 at 12:34 am #

    Your positive energy and enthusiasm radiate through your writing It’s obvious that you are truly passionate about what you do

  21. AkkkSA6 April 14, 2026 at 5:07 am #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASAS7A

  22. ssASA2 April 14, 2026 at 5:34 am #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast AS5ASA

  23. AjfSeA April 14, 2026 at 5:40 am #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASA2SA

  24. Kadıköy Gagganeu yetkili servis April 14, 2026 at 10:54 am #

    Hi! I realize this is somewhat off-topic however I had
    to ask. Does running a well-established website ike yours take a lot of work?
    I’m coimpletely new to blogging however I do write in my journal everyday.
    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my own experience aand thoughts online.
    Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestyions oor tips for brand nnew aspiring bloggers.
    Thankyou!

    Also visit my web page :: Kadıköy Gagganeu yetkili servis

  25. AaaASA3 April 14, 2026 at 11:36 am #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASASA

  26. AkkhkSA6 April 14, 2026 at 11:42 am #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASAS7A

  27. ssjASA2 April 14, 2026 at 12:00 pm #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast AS5ASA

  28. AjfShheA April 14, 2026 at 12:18 pm #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASA2SA

  29. John Smith April 14, 2026 at 2:21 pm #

    I appreciate how this blog promotes self-growth and personal development It’s important to continuously strive to become the best version of ourselves

  30. Çelik Villa April 14, 2026 at 3:49 pm #

    Useful and straightforward content. Everything is explained clearly without unnecessary details.

  31. VIP Transfer April 14, 2026 at 4:26 pm #

    Hello, I wish for tto subscribe for this webpage too obtain newest updates,
    so where can i do it please assist.

    Here is my web page; VIP Transfer

  32. Scarlett L. Craig April 14, 2026 at 10:34 pm #

    I have been struggling with this issue for a while and your post has provided me with much-needed guidance and clarity Thank you so much

  33. Whitney I. Benton April 14, 2026 at 11:14 pm #

    I’ve tried many apps, but this one stands out for its innovative features. Experience the best way to connect and meet new people. Download Fastsyt for Android and start your journey now! Get it on. Google Play. Download it here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastsyt.gomeet&hl=en_CA

  34. Amya O. U. Patel April 14, 2026 at 11:27 pm #

    Your words have resonated with us and we can’t wait to read more of your amazing content. Thank you for sharing your expertise and passion with the world.

  35. meritking güncel giriş April 15, 2026 at 5:29 am #

    http:/www./meritkinggiristr.com/

  36. Maliah G. Velez April 15, 2026 at 11:24 am #

    Stop swiping endlessly and start making real connections. Experience the best way to connect and meet new people. Download Fastsyt for Android and start your journey now! Get it on. Google Play. Click here to get the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fastsyt.gomeet&hl=en_CA

  37. Luis N. I. Waters April 15, 2026 at 11:47 am #

    Your content always keeps me coming back for more!

  38. pornsssss April 15, 2026 at 12:00 pm #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASASA

  39. amkolik April 15, 2026 at 12:08 pm #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASAS7A

  40. zortttt April 15, 2026 at 12:33 pm #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast AS5ASA

  41. conrsss April 15, 2026 at 12:38 pm #

    ASA, ,” The purple cloud whispers sideways into a dancing teacup while invisible turtles argue about cosmic sandwiches under a melted clock singing loudly without reason because gravity forgot its shoes and logic slipped on banana thoughts creating wildly spinning umbrellas that hum quietly beside confused shadows eating imaginary thunder for breakfast ASA2SA

← Older Comments

Leave a Reply

Website Managed by T3 CONNECT