Antawn Jamison Receives High Praise from Former Wizards Teammate Gilbert Arenas

[caption id="attachment_507483" align="alignnone" width="662"] Rocky Widner/Getty Images[/caption]   Earlier this week it was announced that the Washington Wizards, hired former small forward Antawn Jamison, as their new Director of Pro Personnel. Jamison spent the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers as a scout.

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Antawn back to the Wizards organization,” said Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard. “In addition to his strong feel for the game and basketball knowledge, he has always been a true professional and a dedicated worker. We look forward to him bringing those qualities to our front office.”

Jamison spent six seasons as a member of the Wizards and averaged 20.8 points and 8.9 rebounds from 2004 to 2010 before he was traded to Cleveland in a three-team deal. Per ESPN's Marc Stein, the Cavaliers sent Zydrunas Ilgauskas and his expiring $11.5 million contract to Washington. Washington also gets a 2010 first-round draft pick from Cleveland along with the rights to Emir Preldzic, who was selected in the second round of last year's draft. Meanwhile, the Wizards received Al Thornton from the Clippers, and Los Angeles would acquire Drew Gooden. Earlier this week, Gilbert Arenas spoke very highly of his former teammate of six seasons with the Wizards.

I think it is a great hire. You have a guy that is professional and understands basketball. His mindset is nothing but professionalism and to bring in greats and bringing back guys that you know put in the work to be successful. To bring back to the organization teach the upcoming players is what the NBA needs, Arenas told me over the phone. I am tired of looking on the side of these benches and seeing guys that never played a lick of basketball trying to teach someone how to play basketball. How to teach someone how to be an NBA professional player. So, people like, Rick Barry, Scottie Pippen all these guys should be there to teach the next generation of greats. I would be a great coach or a great player development because my mindset was more mental, and I studied the game. That will allow me to teach players how to become better, and these are the areas you need to get better in. That is my talent.

Throughout his 12 year career, Gilbert Arenas averaged 20.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and was a 3-time All-Star with the Washington Wizards.