Is Dana Barros Better Than Gilbert Arenas? NBA Stats Decide

Few NBA comparisons generate more debate than Dana Barros vs Gilbert Arenas. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Gilbert Arenas takes 5 categories while Dana Barros claims 3, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the G position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Gilbert Arenas's Rebounds Per Game of 3.9 compared to Dana Barros's 1.9 represents a 105.3% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. Dana Barros falls 53.7% below the career average of 4.1 in this category while Gilbert Arenas exceeds it. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Gilbert Arenas's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Free Throw %, where Dana Barros posts 85.8% against Gilbert Arenas's 80.3% — a gap of just 6.8%. Dana Barros can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 5-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Free Throw % is the statistical ammunition for the Dana Barros side.

In NBA history, backcourt players are judged on their ability to create offense for themselves and teammates alike. Points per game captures scoring but assists and efficiency metrics reveal the complete offensive picture.

The verdict favors Gilbert Arenas — 5 categories to 3 — but Dana Barros makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Dana Barros has real statistical ammunition particularly in Free Throw % where the gap narrows to just 6.8%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.