Gilbert Arenas discusses why NBA players prefer dating women with ties to the league, emphasizing the stability and predictability they provide.

Gilbert Arenas recently shed light on a curious trend in the NBA world during his appearance on ‘Vlad TV’. The topic arose when Vlad brought up James Harden’s relationship with Paije Speights, who previously dated Lou Williams and has a child with Mario Chalmers. Vlad asked why many NBA players seem to date women who have been involved with other players, instead of seeking out new relationships outside the familiar NBA circles.

DJ Vlad: “Why do you think so many NBA guys date girls that other players have dated or have babies with girls who have ties to other NBA players, instead of seeking someone completely new without any connections to the people they’ll be playing with or against?”

Gilbert Arenas: “It’s like Finding Nemo, right? There’s a big ocean out there, but going outside that fishbowl, we don’t know what to expect. You’re talking about a bunch of guys who are more controlled than you would think. With social media being so present, you don’t really know who NBA players are off the court. You don’t often see them unless someone snaps a photo and puts them on a story.”

“You don’t know what Kevin Durant does in his free time, or Klay Thompson. You barely see them. The same goes for Paul George, Giannis, Jayson Tatum, and Ja Morant. If they don’t turn on their social media, you don’t get to see their lives.”

“This girl, she’s been an NBA girl, which means she understands the rules, the layout, and what needs to be done to keep these men happy. If you have two girls, one who is brand new to this world and one who has dated two players, the one with experience knows the schedule.”

“She knows when he comes home from practice and will have lunch ready. She knows how to pack his clothes and what to give him. The new girl has to learn all this in real time.

“So, it’s easier for an NBA player to be with a girl who’s already been around the block. The new girl might not know the lifestyle, and if they get into a fight, she might call the police, which could lead to an arrest and mess up the money. She might rant on social media and expose him.”

“Girls who have been around might have a bit more dirt under their nails, but they keep the player’s image cleaner because they know how to handle the lifestyle.”

Arenas explained that NBA players tend to stick within a known circle of relationships because of the predictability and understanding that comes with dating someone familiar with the NBA lifestyle. He likened it to staying within a controlled environment rather than venturing into the vast unknown.

The practical knowledge and experience these women bring to the table can make the relationship smoother and less stressful for the players. Newcomers, unfamiliar with the NBA lifestyle, might inadvertently cause disruptions, from misunderstandings about travel schedules to more significant issues that could escalate publicly, potentially harming the player’s image and career.

In essence, Arenas highlighted that the decision is often about minimizing risk and maintaining stability. NBA players prefer the predictability and support system that comes with dating someone who already understands their world, rather than dealing with the uncertainties and potential pitfalls of a new, uninitiated relationship.

This preference, while seemingly insular, is a strategic choice to ensure their personal lives do not negatively impact their professional careers.