OAKLAND -- It was draft day 2001, and Golden State's second-round draft choice, Gilbert Arenas, told the world he would be starting by midseason.

It was a bit bold, but more revealing was the confidence level.

Arenas, 20, started his third game of the season Friday night against the Kings. He says he wasn't trying to be cocky or prophetic.

"Hey, I said I'd be starting, and I am starting to play," he said before the Kings' 116-108 win. "I didn't say what I'd be starting to do.