Dominique Wilkins once said that he prepared for retirement 5 years before he retired. He setup his businesses, investments, work, family, etc so he could easily transition. Other players need to listen to that so they can do the same thing.

lol shard acting like he a retired megastar 😂

As a lifelong normal guy, it's not so bad. I imagine it does suck after being treated like a demigod for 10+ years.

K Mart low key laughing at Shad is beyond funny dab 😂😂😂😂😂😂

What Gil is talking about happened to me as a highschool baseball player.. sadly.. not professional level but all i knew was baseball and all I wanted to be was a baseball player.. then one day I realized I wasnt going to make it to be big leagues and had to ask myself the big question“who are you?” .. thank God i didnt turn out bad 🙏🏼

Not even 30 seconds in and McCants is getting roasted LMAO

RUSTY CROWN 👑🤴🏾🤣

Yo I watched this clip while eating and K Mart made me put my food in the fridge. 😂😂😂 “eat till you full not till it’s gone” 😂😂😂

"It's rough though, you wake up and you used to having that routine, and it all changes, so now you gotta find a different routine." - Kenyon Martin

“I retired after college. I saw the vision.” This made my day. This level of self awareness is rare but I respect it.

The whole cast trying to keep a straight face after the clip like Rashad didnt just get flame-grilled😂😂😂

McCants came down to Earth a bit, after Gil gave a very humble, introspective answer. What he ended the clip with was more realistic and not all that ego and bravado.

Gil’s take is 100% spot on. Since I got out the army I haven’t had a competitive space to unleash

the guy with the crown was frontin. Gil's explanation was real and honest and made him take those shades off.

Going from having a whole stadium cheer for you cuz you just hit a 3 or a dunk or a block etc to never experiencing that ever again is tough. Most ppl never hear a small crowd cheer for them let alone a whole stadium of thousands.

Depression is part of the progression , so beautiful I’m going through tough time now

It's no way anyone listens to mccants without laughing lol ....bro is a character 🤣😂😭😭

The look on K-Mart's face listening to McCants say all that nonsense. Priceless 😂

Gil's take was the best and he elaborated in the simplest way for ppl to understand

Appreciate Gil for being so honest and open. This platform is great.

"Depression is part of the progression" For real this is one of the greatest quote I just heard much respect for you all my brothas

McCants waited until the end to give a real answer 😂. Make him go last in topics, he try too hard to be cool and need somebody else to be vulnerable before he say what he really feel. Man is 40 acting 14.

They need to talk more about the struggles of retired sports player's life

K-Mart trying not to laugh. That was the longest drink ever😅😅

K-Mart was one of my favorite players to watch. As a Nets fan, he and his team were all I saw. I think he earned a good life post playing

This is a real and intelligent conversation. Young athletes need this type of education.

I was super depressed the first few years out of the military. There’s nothing to replace the feeling of camaraderie between the people you work closely with. It took me a couple of years to find myself. It was hard to adjust to the civilian world. Totally understand the conversation.

K-Mart laughing at McCants 😂

This is deep & sad 😢😢😢. This really hits homes

People think because they retire with millions it still isn’t a struggle. Most will do “depression spending” before they figure out what’s wrong. I’ve seen retired NBA players barrow money from their AAU coaches several times. And they only been out the league 5 years. The money isn’t shit when your mental is still underdeveloped due to coddling from teen years to your 30s. Or 20s if you had a short career.

When mcants finally took off his shades and let go of his ego because of what nick young said, he said some REAL SPILL at the end 💯

McCants felt that rusty crown line😂

“You aint got no games today, watch these kids”🤣🤣😭

This may be the realist segment they’ve had......this is REAL for these dudes!!

This conversation is bigger than just Basketball. Thank you for the conversation and for everyone who shared. As somone moving on from plan A .... It makes me feel normal for once having to readjust and move onto other plans. Finding another purpose than the last 10 years. Reinventing and creating.

Rashad ego is so high he talks like he’s had the status and career of Kobe or MJ

We need more of these discussions from NBA guys. We hear it pretty consistent from NFL players. Much needed conversation that is often not had in detail or glossed over on all the Former Athlete Podcast.

Nick young got me crying lmao 😂

As a person who grew up in the streets now tryna turn my life around nd leave that alone this really resonated with me I never had no structure or discipline growing up now being a father tryna be a productive citizen in society I completely understood the reality of yall situation leaving the game tryna be a father being depressed cuz your routine ain’t the same tryna fill that void in your life change bad habits or not let your bad habits ruin your now life thank you for this segment nd letting me know there’s still plenty of life to live this is why I watch Gil’s arena

That Must’ve HURT , but A MAN has to have a PURPOSE , KEEP MOVING 💪🏾🙏🏾

This podcast over the past year has completely transformed everything I ever knew or assumed about Gil, which is a big statement about myself and my own biases, but it is also a testimony to the power of podcasting. I always knew Kenyon was an intellectual but I never knew Gil was.

When Gil said "what was the question?" What he was saying was McCants said all that cap.

Anyone that's good at something going through this. There will be a time where your skill is phased out or you become more trouble then you're worth. That point in life shows who you are as a person. Most star athletes grown up slower then normal people. So this hits them later in life.

Gil keeps it real, that’s why it show show and he’s entertaining. He gives you a look behind the curtain. MCcants is speaking from ego, “ never been a civilian” and he’s the one with the least star power of the 3 nba players there smh lol.

Thank you Gil because McCants is still in imagination land

McCants “I always kept myself busy… just finished my 4th book” 😂😂

Gil is the LAST person you want saying "I told you so" 😂

Gil was the only one who spoke with reality his angle was well spoken and heart felt

Gil is the only one that said the truth

Rusty Crown 😂😂😂 McCants be flustered a whole episode off one comment

"Don't Cheat Now" Gil: Say what now 😮

Thank you for this....As a former college athlete, I really appreciated and identified with all that was said. Those years of practice and competing on the highest level and then to have it go away, never to return is a shock. what is normal after being pampered and living the " good " life. At least I can go to my old school see my name in the Hall of Fame and say, yes, you did accomplish something in your lifetime but this talk is so real...

This was the best and most vulnerable and honest episode that I've ever seen . Wow , the Crown King has spoken , And I think he needs to get his own podcast cause he's definitely a star ⭐😊

Damn, his honesty at the end got me thinking honesty, best episode so far... damn "Depression is the way to progression. Can't have progression without depression." Deep

As a former bodyguard of an NBA Hall of Fame player, I can say without question that the transition from a superstar athlete, to an average dude, is extremely hard for the majority of players. Especially for those who lacked the knowledge and/or discipline to secure the financial resources to sustain the lifestyle that they're accustomed to. Those are the players that suffer the most. Because the minute the money disappears, everything that came with the money disappears, e.g. fake ass women, fake ass friends, fake ass family members and fake ass business associates. And when that reality kicks in, it's extremely hard for them to process. And it's extremely hard to watch it unfold.

"Look at Gil whole couch, they miserable" yo that broke me up and they didnt like that Lol😂😅😂

Probably the realest show you guys have had… 💯 Any real hooper living that post-hoop life can relate…

Love & respect Gilbert take on this one . Everything he said was factual he went deep in his bag & not jus give a surface answer to get the question over with or shield himself from understanding that regardless of his celebrity status , he is still a civilian with a few extra zeros in the bank account 🤝🏾🙏🏾

I was a college athlete and basketball was my life, and when it was over I did get lost but I took everything I learned from the game and put those practices into my life and I turned out alright

After playing college ball and going into the real world of a “job” I went through severe depression. Not having your brothers around, working out as a team everyday, the days of looking the those lights above your head on game day… practically your entire life since 4 has been acknowledged as a successful basketball player. It’s your identity. I eventually played professionally basketball but man that was hard to get over

The NBA should create an age 35+ NBA league for players who aren’t in the NBA anymore. 32 game season. 16 teams. 8 man roster. 8 minute quarters. Similar to the Senior PGA in Golf.

It makes sense. Imagine working towards the NBA everyday. Like everyone can play a sport but practicing, chances are, every day. Shooting, dribbling, working on your skills. Before school, during and after. And then you do the same thing in college. And assuming you make it to the league now you have to work to stay in the league. And then one day, it's all over. You don't have to wake up early anymore. Don't get to practice, don't get to play games. You know have to figure out what to do with the rest of your life after a good chunk of it at that moment was basketball. And what sucks is that some of these guys probably haven't thought about what they like besides basketball. Never took the time to discover themselves. It's just basketball to them.

Gil saying he's a basketball player is where these guys have trouble. Basketball was an activity that turned into a profession. It was never who you were. They leaned on this identity, and when it was gone is when the real work needs to take place...finding out who you are, not what you are.

The realest conversation this cast has ever had. Respect

0:26 😂 McCants catching strays

Might be their best episode. They went deep and all their takes were really good.

Love both k martin and McCants answers.... Gil keep it 💯 real at the end 💯 👌.. Fire 🔥 Kings 🤴 🔥 🙌.... Military prison and athletes all can relate 2 that Depression Gil. When reality kicks in, u find out who u really are..

Gil , assessment in life as a NBA player was excellent , raw and very informative!!

I love hearing Kenyon’s perspective. Real OG

Gil Smoked this segment.. very well said

This was arguably one of Gilbert Arenas best shows, educating the audience on real life. This was nice because it had nothing to do with propping up favorite NBA players, talking about the money being made, comparing eras etc. It's simple real homely talk. I could see it in their eyes how they missed the limelight, the cameras, the money, the attention etc. This platform is like gracefully detoxing from the game, because they know this is as close at it gets to where they came from. It's like a sad ending to a good story. And what people don't understand, is that playing professional sports allows them to live a fairytale lifestyle, living out all the fantasies they ever wanted in life. Traveling around the world, meeting celebrities from all walks of life, government officials, the women, wild sex parties, etc. Suddenly everything comes to a crashing end and it's all over. I see former players like Patrick Ewing, Gary Payton, Michael Jordan, Anfernee Penny Hardaway, George iceman Gervin as they've gained weight over the years as they've aged. Then you see people like Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and you see father time has engulfed them so they stay away from the cameras as much as possible. Some end up going to jail in trying to keep that money flowing with fake insurance policies, Eddie Johnson went to prison after turning to a life of crime, he's now deceased. Once prolific scorer John Drew went homeless, as did Ray Williams and Delonte West. Heck I wouldn't be surprised if Shaquill Oneal suddenly died of a heart attack from gaining so much weight since his retirement, Kendrick Perkins as well, along with Antoine Walker. All of those guys are well over 350 to 400 lbs easily. Life after sports is gruesome. I didn't play professional sports but I played in college and recreational until around 36 before I stopped altogether, and I played at 175lbs at 6'4. I ended up gaining weight and ballooned all the way up to 335lbs before I decided to get it together and lose the weight, I got it all the way down to 198lbs at age 49, jogging, doing pushups, crunches and yoga. Plus I had to stop the eating and push away from the table at Kenyon Martin said. I know I'm being long winded but this was good stuff, thanks guys.

EVERY HOOPER THAT PLAYED PAST HIGH SCHOOL GOES THROUGH THIS ONCE THE BALL STOPS NOT JUST NBA PLAYERS!

I believe that yall should be the one's that talk to these new ballers. I understood all yall points

This is an interesting topic because we see mega stars and it's hard to sympathize with "the struggle" of their life after the NBA BUT, for "normal" players, this can be somewhat relatable.

K mart can't even pretend he don't like McCants lmaooooo I'm deady

Nick Young had me DYING!!!!! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

Mccants lost in the sauce fr 🤦🏾‍♂️😂😂😂

BEST And MOST informed show thus far .. ALL NBA AND OTHER SPORTS PLAYERS SHOULD STUDY THIS..

Life after the NBA is great for the elite of the elite, Kobe, Lebron, Jordan, Magic. You have to be iconic and your star power never dies. But for guys like Gil you have to actually do something after you retire

Gil. You keep it more real than any other athlete podcast I've seen with relevant topics. You really give us insight into a world that we have no access to. Thank you for that!

Gill's "what was the question again!?!" After McCants rant was too funny 😂😂😂. K-mart just made it worse 😂😂😂

Mccants be killing me 😂😂

You guys don't understand How much is available to you You guys are needed

So the Argument of 🏆 over money is now settled Gill said it himself. After you done the money doesn't matter.

The lvl of respect i have for gil since i found this channel...

People see the money and think life great But a lot of guys lose their purpose. You been age 13, for some younger, committed to one thing. Then there’s the aches and pains of the injuries from when you played. Losing your sense of purpose is one of the most harmful things athletes face post career. Especially mentally.

Man never seen a room of tough guys be so humble.

This clip felt like I watched a funeral 😂 the sad faces were too somber

Yeah, you guys have really grown up. Gilbert, your answer was real on all professions. I can relate.

Very well said by Rashad. It applies to many other situations in life. Sometimes you’ve got to embrace the pain / disappointment and rebuild yourself from there.

McCant is my guy but regardless of all he said , you’re still a civilian bro lol

Nick look like he was in ross

That was an award winning segment right there, no cap.

People should give gil a lot more credit for his perspectives.its an honest one the he articulates very well.

K mart is real af! Glad he'd a regular on Gils arena

Millionaires talking about there life sucks while I’m eating a lunchable

Gil is the only one who gave a truthful answer. These guys have lived in a bubble their entire lives and now they are own their own. Comparing it to be in the military or prison is a good comparison. Those folks have lived in a rigid structure their entire adult life and that is gone. The fact that it will take most of them a lifetime to make a fraction of what the made in one year playing in the NBA is sobering. Their prime is over when most folks are just hitting theirs. Really hard to compare a normal citizen to a former pro athlete.

The Honesty is sobering. Salute Gil & Crew.

Omg Nick Young is so funny 😂😂😂

McCants is a perfect example of how thin a line there is between confidence and delusion. Everytime he speaks I’m back on NBA reference like idk maybe I read his stats wrong or somethin 😂