After making millions of dollars in the NBA, retirement offers the league’s brightest stars the ability to start a second life. Some, like Shaq and Charles Barkley, can’t stay out of the spotlight and move into television. Others take their money and invest in more normal careers. Going from NBA stardom to sports bar owner is a big transition, but one that Shawn Kemp is happy he made. Shandon Anderson took his talents to the kitchen, where he has become a successful vegetarian chef, while another player now has truck driving jobs. Their stories are incredible, and so are the rest of the NBA stars on this list.
Scottie Pippen: Livestock Farmer
Scottie Pippen: Livestock Farmer
Did you know that it took Scottie Pippen quite a while to accept his retirement? Pippen, who is among the greatest Chicago Bulls player in history, retired in 2004 but immediately regretted his decision and he spent the next few years attempting a comeback, desperate to snag a seventh ring. When Pippen accepted that the comeback was not happening, he found another career with his brother. The two are co-owners of an Arkansas livestock farm. On the side, the NBA star still appears on television several times a year.
Shawn Kemp: Owner Of A Sports Bar
With a successful 14-year NBA career, Shawn Kemp was an all-star six times and was chosen three times to be part of the All-NBA Second Team. Even though he stepped off the court when he retired in 2003, he could not really leave behind his love for the game. This is why he opened his own sports bar in Seattle, naming it Oskar’s Kitchen. Located in the Pacific Northwest, the sports bar was a daring venture for the former NBA player, and he kept the business running as long as he could pay for rent. Kemp was eventually forced to close the bar in 2015, but he continues to work in hospitality since he co-owns Amber’s Kitchen in Seattle.
Shawn Kemp: Owner Of A Sports Bar
LaRue Martin: UPS Community Services Manager
LaRue Martin was the first overall NBA Draft pick back in 1972. He was full of potential, but four years into his NBA career, his potential seemed to have dried up and the league let him go. Since Martin needed to make a living, he got a UPS entry-level job. His perseverance and patience paid off and he was promoted to Community Services Manager in 2005. Aside from his 9-5 job, he also serves on the board of directors of the NBRPA (National Basketball Retired Players Association).
LaRue Martin: UPS Community Services Manager
Mark Blount: Franchise Owner of Auntie Anne’s
In 1997, Mark Blount joined the NBA, but he only made his debut in 2001, playing for the Celtics. After an unspectacular career, he retired in 2009 and invested his money on two franchises of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Actually, there is another former NBA star that loves Auntie Anne’s. Shaq may not be included in this list, but he is a proud franchisee of the snack stand staple as well. Next time you go order a pretzel at the mall, try to see who is working – you never know who is going to be there.
Mark Blount: Franchise Owner of Auntie Anne’s
Dan Dickau: Owner Of A Barbershop
Dan Dickau is among the greatest basketball players in the history of Gonzaga University, but sadly, his talent did not translate to the NBA. His professional career only lasted for six years and Dickau had no choice but to find work elsewhere. The former college star decided to make a living by opening The Barbers in Washington, which has turned into a neighborhood staple. In addition to owning and operating his barbershop, Dickau has made appearances on the Pac-12 Network and ESPN Radio as well.
Dan Dickau: Owner Of A Barbershop
Bryant Reeves: Cattle Farmer
After six seasons, Bryant Reeves AKA Big Country staggered out of the NBA as it seemed injuries had been too much for him to handle. He went into a quiet life on a farm raising cattle, where he appears to have found success. At present, Reeves owns and operates a cattle ranch in Oklahoma that spans a massive 300 acres, and the nickname he earned while he played seems very appropriate. Reeves may have grown up with dreams of playing in the NBA, but it appears he is just fine living the life he has now.
Bryant Reeves: Cattle Farmer
Tim Duncan: Car Shop Owner & MMA
Many people are surprised to hear that Tim Duncan, the San Antonio Spur legend, has been training in MMA but he actually started doing it back in 2009. Even though his training is currently just considered a hobby, his trainer has commented that he has great potential, calling the NBA star “a legit contender” and “a monster.” While Duncan waits for his career in MMA to begin, he keeps busy running the auto body shop BlackJack Speed Shop, which he and his partner opened in 2013. The shop helped in organizing the delivery of supplies to the victims of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Tim Duncan: Car Shop Owner & MMA
Chris Andersen AKA Birdman: Big3 Player
Chris Andersen, aka Birdman, played in the NBA for 18 years. His unique nickname derived from the excess tattoos on his arms, chest, neck, back, hands and legs. Chris currently plays in the Big3, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league. Both former NBA players, as well as international players, make up the rosters. Chris is on Power at the moment. This seems like a perfect job for players who don’t have the ability to play in the NBA any longer, but who still can’t see themselves retiring just yet.
Chris Andersen AKA Birdman: Big3 Player
Karl Malone: WWE Star
With his legendary career in the NBA, Karl Malone has surely made so much money that he does not have to work ever again. However, since he quit pro basketball, Malone has invested his money in a number of businesses and he’s gotten into wrestling! His most famous match was the 1998 Bash at the Beach with Diamond Dallas Page. The WWE team ended up losing to Dennis Rodman & Hulk Hogan. At a towering 6’9″, his large frame is a perfect fit for the wrestling ring!
Karl Malone: WWE Star
Greg Oden: Student
In 2007, Greg Oden was the first overall pick and joined the Portland Trailblazers, who selected the player in the hopes of having him as the face of the franchise. Throughout his injury-riddled career, Oden played around 23 games and had to retire due to chronic foot problems. Oden went back to academics after his NBA career and he worked at Ohio State as the men’s basketball team student manager. The position let him go back to school, take classes, and help him get ready for a second career.
Greg Oden: Student
Adrian Dantley: School Crossing Guard
Adrian Dantley enjoyed an impressive NBA career that lasted 15 years. He not only scored 23,000 points while playing, he also earned a spot in the Hall of Fame. Dantley had been coaching before he left the league definitively in 2010 and became a school crossing guard. This low profile job has got to be one of the most surprising post-NBA jobs on this list, as well as the one with the most modest salary, with Dantley reportedly being paid $14,000 a year. It is pretty clear that money is not the motivation here and the big man himself said he likes helping other people. We guess the health benefits that come with the job are not so bad either.
Adrian Dantley: School Crossing Guard
Detleft Schrempf: Business Development Officer
Detlef Schrempf’s major in college was International Business and once his 16-year NBA career ended, he put it to good use. He took a job as a business development officer at Coldstream Capital Management. In addition to his 9-5, Schrempf has tried his hand at acting. He played a recurring character on the hit show Parks and Recreation, and looked really comfortable on screen.
Detleft Schrempf: Business Development Officer
Vin Baker: Manager At A Starbucks
Vin Baker’s incredible NBA career lasted 13 years long, but sadly, he lost his money in retirement after battling alcoholism. Baker now works as a Starbucks manager and is also a minister at a church. He knows how people might look at working at a Starbucks, but he has accepted that. Baker explained, “I was an alcoholic, I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it. For the people on the outside looking in, they’re like ‘Wow.’ For me, I’m 43 and I have four kids. I have to pick up the pieces.”
Vin Baker: Manager At A Starbucks
Brandon Roy: Basketball Coach At A High School
Many analysts have said that Brandon Roy would have had an NBA career that could have earned him a spot at the Hall of Fame had he not had those nasty knee injuries. Roy’s knee never actually recovered, so he had no choice but to retire young. He initially tried a career in broadcasting but it wasn’t a fit and in 2016, he started his job as the head coach of the boys’ basketball team at Nathan High School. The team went on to have a perfect 29-0 in his first season and he received the Naismith High School Basketball Coach of the Year Award for his efforts.
Brandon Roy: Basketball Coach At A High School
Shandon Anderson: Owner Of A Vegetarian Restaurant
In 2006, the Miami Heat won the NBA Championship with Shandon Anderson being one of the team’s role players. When Anderson retired, he literally started over since he decided to go back to school and become a vegetarian chef, planning to open his own restaurant someday. He actually had his internship at Candle 79, which is one of the most famous vegan restaurants in New York. After that experience, Anderson opened ‘Drink Art’ in Atlanta, his very own restaurant which specializes in vegan Thai cuisine. Unfortunately, Drink Art closed after being open for less than a year.
Shandon Anderson: Owner Of A Vegetarian Restaurant
Charlie Ward: Head Coach At A High School
Some people do not know that Charlie Ward actually played football at Florida State and won the Heisman Trophy, but was undrafted in the NFL. He turned to the NBA and played 11 seasons, mostly with the New York Knicks, before his NBA career ended in 2005. Ward then turned to another passion of his – coaching, though he did not get into professional or college coaching. Instead, he went into the high school level and in 2005, he became Booker T. Washington High School’s head coach.
Charlie Ward: Head Coach At A High School
Vinnie Johnson: CEO Of The Piston Group Manufacturing Company
Fondly remembered as one of the league’s “Bad Boys” by NBA fans, Vinnie Johnson was with the Detroit Pistons when he won titles both in 1989 and 1990. When he retired in 1992, he found his true calling and started the Piston Group, which used to be a small manufacturing company but has now become a multi-million dollar asset. Johnson continues to work as CEO and has proven that he is not just an NBA superstar, but also a life superstar!
Vinnie Johnson: CEO Of The Piston Group Manufacturing Company
Darko Milicic: Apple Grower
Darko Milicic likes to call himself the all-time biggest NBA draft bust, probably because he was the second overall pick back in 2003. Milicic jumped around the league before joining the Celtics and calling it quits in 2012. He now leads a quiet life growing apples on his 125-acre farm in Serbia, though he did train to become a kickboxer before settling into this simple life. Needless to say, the violent sport was not really a fit for him and he seems to prefer wandering up and down rows of apple trees.
Darko Milicic: Apple Grower
Oscar Robertson: Advocate For Affordable Housing
An old school NBA superstar, Oscar Robertson had an amazing 14 year career, having been a 12-time NBA all-star and one of the highest scoring guards ever in the league. Still, his greatest accomplishment would have to be his work in creating affordable housing in Indianapolis for African Americans. For his outstanding efforts to improve the community, he was honored by the University of Cincinnati with an Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters back in 2007. When he has time, the NBA icon enjoys woodworking as well.
Oscar Robertson: Advocate For Affordable Housing
Michael Ray Richardson: Substitute Teacher
Michael “Sugar” Ray Richardson’s professional basketball career spanned two decades, 24 years to be exact. He may have started in the NBA, but he also played in other leagues, mostly in Europe for 14 years. In 1986, the NBA commissioner banned Richardson from playing in the league for life, though he was reinstated in 1988. When he retired in 2002, he got into coaching and did it for a couple of years until he discovered substitute teaching, his second love. Now in his 60’s, Richardson is a teacher in Oklahoma and he also does basketball camps for underprivileged children.
Michael Ray Richardson: Substitute Teacher
Derrick Coleman: Supplier Of Drinking Water
Even though Derrick Coleman had a 15-year NBA career, his coaches still labeled him as lazy. However, they cannot really say that about his life after leaving the league since Coleman works tirelessly in order to deliver water to many families in need. He spends his time driving around Flint, Michigan to make sure that residents have clean drinking water. Coleman explained, “That’s what I’m seeing. Distress. I’m seeing people who need help. I’ve seen the rust and everything that’s in their water. Flint is like a ghost town, and it’s sad… How can this happen here in America?”
Derrick Coleman: Supplier Of Drinking Water
Steve Francis: Businessman
Steve Francis has nine NBA seasons under his belt and after leaving the league, he went on to do other passion projects. Music is one of those passions, leading him to form Mazerati Music. Even though his attempt to start his own hip-hop record label was not so memorable, it led him to his next project. Following Mazerati Music, he started We R One, his own clothing line. Unfortunately, all his projects are currently on hold while he sorts through financial problems.
Steve Francis: Businessman
Dennis Rodman: Political Ambassador
With his boisterous personality, this NBA icon loves attention and has never really stayed out of the spotlight. So far, Dennis Rodman has avoided taking a 9-5 job, though his career after leaving the NBA is so strange that we just had to include it here. After his time in the league, Rodman went into professional wrestling and when he could not do that anymore, he tried his hand at being a political ambassador. He first went to North Korea in 2013 and when he came home, Rodman referred to Kim Jong Un as a “friend for life.” In 2017, he went on another trip to North Korea.
Dennis Rodman: Political Ambassador
Latrell Sprewell: Commercial Actor
Latrell Sprewell is a name that has always come with controversy. When he played in the NBA, he was considered a superstar, though his career was marred by his violent attack on Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo back in 1997. After Sprewell retired in 2005, it appears that karma struck back as his multi-million dollar house was foreclosed and his yacht crashed. With all that, Sprewell found a new gig by appearing in a Priceline commercial. In the ad, he admits to making bad decisions in life and we just hope that he has indeed learned his lesson.
Latrell Sprewell: Commercial Actor
Wilt Chamberlain: Practically Everything
In 1973, Wilt Chamberlain retired, but during that time, he was actually the greatest player ever to have laced up on the court. He tried his hand at every job pool possible after retiring in an attempt to find out which job was right for him. In the end, he settled into life being a pitchman. In 1999, Chamberlain sadly passed away due to heart failure but he is not really gone seeing as his memory lives on both in his commercials and his highlight reel.
Wilt Chamberlain: Practically Everything
Gilbert Arenas: Sports Analyst
People did not really expect Gilbert Arenas to be as amazing of a player as he was. In the 2001 Draft, he was the 31st pick, but he ended up earning $163 million throughout his career. You would think that after retirement he would never work another day, but we guess he enjoys the grind. Though he hasn’t actually gone full 9-5 since retiring, he has chosen to stay in the business. He is a sports analyst on Complex and currently hosts a sports show on YouTube for them.
Gilbert Arenas: Sports Analyst
Kenny Anderson – Camp Director
After leaving the league, Kenny Anderson took a job as a basketball coach at a high school, but in 2013 he got arrested and charged with a DUI, which got him fired. It may have taken him some time to rebound, but nowadays, Anderson makes a living by running basketball camps within Florida. He continues to coach as well, working in basketball travel leagues. Anderson’s big goal is to be able to go back to high school coaching, though he knows he cannot rebuild his reputation overnight.
Kenny Anderson – Camp Director
Jay Williams: Spokesperson
Jay Williams was meant to be among the best players ever in the NBA and the hype around the then young star was real. He was drafted by the Bulls but sadly, even before his career began, he had a motorcycle accident and the Bulls cut him, effectively ending his career. Since he overcame his career’s tragic loss, Williams has become a motivational speaker. He is also a spokesperson for different organizations and has become the face of Visions Federal Credit Union. Not only that, he is also a college basketball analyst for ESPN.
Jay Williams: Spokesperson
Antoine Walker: Financial Advisor
Antoine Walker definitely made plenty of money during his NBA career, and in fact, he made more than $100 million in 13 seasons. Needless to say, he still somehow spent all of his money and had to file for bankruptcy in 2010. Fortunately, three years later, he successfully paid his debts and started his second career. He now works at Morgan Stanley Global Sports and Entertainment and teaches financial literacy to promising stars. Well, the man himself did learn that it was not okay to own seven luxury cars at one time, so who better to get tips from?
Antoine Walker: Financial Advisor
Adam Morrison: College Basketball Coach
The promising NBA career of Adam Morrison was put on hold in 2007, when the player tore his ACL. He did recover but was just always a role player when he played for the Los Angeles Lakers. After retiring, he made the decision to finish his degree in sports management. When he went back to school, he did not only enroll at Gonzaga, but also took a coaching staff position on the basketball team. Since he joined the Zags, Morrison has quickly gone up the ranks in college coaching.
Adam Morrison: College Basketball Coach
Rony Seikaly: DJ
After his really successful 11-year NBA career, Rony Seikaly embarked on another journey and started his second career as a DJ. Some former players may have failed to find success as entertainers after leaving the league, but not Seikaly – he is a natural. Since transitioning, he has played in clubs in Las Vegas, New York, Miami, and Ibiza. Seikaly says it was never his intention to become a DJ full time, but “the opportunity came organically and it seemed like it would be fun and it grew from there.”
Rony Seikaly: DJ
John Stockton: Youth Basketball Coach
While playing in the league, John Stockton was known to be one half of a dynamic duo together with Karl Malone. Stockton was known for his unselfish outlook on basketball, always willing to be part of an assist instead of score the basket himself. After he retired from the NBA back in 2003, he gave up playing professionally, but he did not leave the sport behind entirely. He has coached the women’s basketball team at Montana State University and he also regularly coaches several youth basketball teams.
John Stockton: Youth Basketball Coach
Bill Walton: Sports Broadcaster
Bill Walton’s basketball career started in the ‘70s when he played for the UCLA Bruins, where he won two national titles. After playing college ball, he was drafted and joined the Portland Trailblazers, winning two NBA Championships and an MVP award. After retiring in 1987, Walton overcame his problem with stuttering and went on to become a successful NBA commentator. He worked for NBC, CBS, ABC/ESPN and the Los Angeles Clippers, and then took a break from broadcasting. Walton is now back in sports broadcasting full time.
Bill Walton: Sports Broadcaster
Michael Jordan: Businessman
Considered to be one of the greatest to have ever played basketball, former Chicago Bulls powerhouse did not really need to earn more money after he retired in 2003. While he was playing in the NBA, Jordan earned $90 million in total, though his current net worth is estimated to be at $1.3 billion. The basketball superstar could have just sat back and not done any work, but he decided to continue gridning and is now one of the owners of the Charlotte Hornets. Aside from that, he works with massive companies, like Hanes, Gatorade, and many more, and he owns seven restaurants and one car dealership.
Michael Jordan: Businessman
Hakeem Olajuwon: Dealer Of Real Estate
Between the years 1984 and 2002, Hakeem Olajuwon played for the Houston Rockets, where he won back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. In addition, he is known for mentoring other amazingly skilled players, like Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Dwight Howard, among others. Olajuwon has made some really good investments while playing in the league and after, and he knew he could use his money wisely. Olajuwon is now a real estate dealer and the money keeps coming in.
Hakeem Olajuwon: Dealer Of Real Estate
Shawn Bradley: Cattle Rancher
Shawn Bradley is known for being one of the tallest NBA players to have stepped on the court. He started out by joining the Philadelphia 76ers, but he later went on to play for the New Jersey Nets. Bradley, however, spent most of his career with the Dallas Mavericks. Besides playing a role in the movie Space Jam, after he retired in 2005, Bradley made a decision to take his talents elsewhere and now runs a massive cattle ranch.
Shawn Bradley: Cattle Rancher
Maceo Baston: Owner Of A Cupcake Store
During his career in the NBA, Maceo Baston played for both the Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers. He went on to travel the world by playing basketball in different countries before he made a decision to hang up his jersey. He and his wife then started a cupcake business in Michigan called Taste Love Cupcakes. Their business actually competed in Cupcake Wars and took home $10,000, though Baston is not really the baker and is more like the taster.
Maceo Baston: Owner Of A Cupcake Store
Tom Chambers: Sports Broadcaster
Did you know that Tom Chambers scored 20,000 points during his career? He may not be in the Hall of Fame but he is very much eligible, having been a four-time NBA All-Star with a career that lasted 16 years. At present, Chambers is a sports broadcaster for Fox Sports Arizona and covers the Phoenix Suns. Aside from that, he breeds horses in Utah, though he considers this aspect of his life a hobby and not an actual job.
Tom Chambers: Sports Broadcaster
Junior Bridgeman: Distributor For Coca Cola
Currently worth $600 million, Junior Bridgeman played in the league for 12 years, from 1975 to 1987. He joined the Lakers and then the Bucks. After he retired from playing ball, Bridgeman used his money to acquire 450 restaurant franchises, mostly Chili’s and Wendy’s. However, most recently, he put many of his restaurants on the market so that he could work with Coca Cola. At present, Bridgeman is a distributor for Coca Cola and is also a third independent bottler for the company.
Junior Bridgeman: Distributor For Coca Cola
Chris Washburn: Works For A Home Mortgage Company
One of the biggest NBA players ever to have played in the league, Chris Washburn was third pick in the 1986 NBA draft, joining the Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, he lost his way because of drugs and was banned from the league for life after he failed three drug tests within three years. Needless to say, this ended his basketball career, but in 2000, he finally made a decision to change and cleaned up his act. Around this time, he and his girlfriend went into a fried chicken business and while that lasted just a year, Washburn is now working at a home mortgage company.
Chris Washburn: Works For A Home Mortgage Company
Evan Eschmeyer: Lawyer
Evan Eschmeyer was drafted in 1999 and was with the New Jersey Nets for four years. However, it was not easy for him to get playing time because of his knee problems, and he only played in 153 games and scored 421 points. Eventually, his knee forced him to retire in 2004. He then went back to Northwestern University, where he played college basketball, and enrolled in the highly competitive JD-MBA program, earning both an MBA and a law degree. Eschmeyer has since worked as a lawyer, entrepreneur, and as the director of finance of Atlas Tower.
Evan Eschmeyer: Lawyer
Jonathan Bender: Medical Device Mogul
Jonathan Bender was the 5th overall pick in the 1999 draft, making the leap into the NBA straight out of high school. Unfortunately, his athletic prowess and 7 foot frame were a fit for high school, but the NBA was a whole different league. Jonathan ended up retiring early and created a medical device to alleviate the knee pain he dealt with. He hoped his JBIT MedPro, otherwise known as JB Intensive Trainer, would help other athletes as well as himself. The pain alleviating medical device is actually improving training, rehab and physical therapy. Way to go Bender!
Jonathan Bender: Medical Device Mogul
David Harrison: McDonald’s Man
In high school, David Harrison was a McDonald’s All-American player, later going into the NBA. He didn’t last long in the league though, personal issues and pot smoking led him to retire early. With no college degree, David was forced to work at a McDonald’s, but later quit after only 2 weeks. We guess serving fries and milkshakes wasn’t up his alley. From McDonald’s player to McDonald’s server, this NBA player’s life went full circle.
David Harrison: McDonald’s Man
Chris Andersen AKA Birdman: Big3 Player
Chris Andersen, aka Birdman, played in the NBA for 18 years. His unique nickname derived from the excess tattoos on his arms, chest, neck, back, hands and legs. Chris currently plays in the Big3, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league. Both former NBA players, as well as international players, make up the rosters. Chris is on Power at the moment. This seems like a perfect job for players who don’t have the ability to play in the NBA any longer, but who still can’t see themselves retiring just yet.
Chris Andersen AKA Birdman: Big3 Player
Larry Bird: Actor
Indiana native, Larry Bird was the 6th overall pick in the 1978 draft. He was chosen by the Boston Celtics and continued his entire 13-year career wearing green. After his retirement, he went on to appear in a number of films. He appeared in Blue Chips in 1994, Space Jam in 1996 and Celtic Pride that same year. Larry is also the inspiration for the alien named Larry Bird in the TV show The Neighbors.
Larry Bird: Actor
Clyde Drexler: Real Estate Investor
Clyde Drexler, also known as “Clyde the Glide” during his playing career, was in the NBA for 15 years. He was named a 10-time All-Star during his career and was also on the list, The 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. During his rookie NBA season, Drexler began investing in real estate, and he hasn’t stopped since. Although he is mostly retired, he still manages the downtown Houston office of Drexler Holdings LLC.
Clyde Drexler: Real Estate Investor
Shaquille O’Neal: Conductor
Shaquille O’Neal had a wildly successful career in the NBA, but retirement didn’t stop him from working. Shaq has a love for music so he decided to put it tog good use following his exit from the league. In total, Shaq has released five studio albums and 1 compilation album. He even featured on “2 Bad” alongside Michael Jackson on his 1995 album HIStory. Shaq recently ventured into conducting and was the lead conductor for the Boston Pops Orchestra at the Boston Symphony Hall in 2018. Color us impressed!
Shaquille O’Neal: Conductor
David Robinson: Builds Schools
David Robinson played center for the San Antonio Spurs for his entire career before retiring in 2003. A few years before he put his basketball uniform away, he founded and funded a non-profit private school for inner-city children called Carver Academy. In 2012, the project in San Antonio became a public charter school and changed to IDEA Carver. David is still extremely involved in the school, going almost every day to assist in various daily activities.
David Robinson: Builds Schools
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: U.S. Global Cultural Ambassador
As you are probably already aware, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest to have graced the NBA, ever. His career heated up upon his retirement, as he became an actor, basketball coach and best-selling author, among other ventures. He is best recognized for being chosen by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to be a U.S. Global Cultural Ambassador. Thought that was impressive? He became a true legend in 2016 when then-President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: U.S. Global Cultural Ambassador
Herb Williams: WNBA Coach
Herb Williams played in the NBA for 18 seasons, from 1981 to 1999. Although he did retire, he hasn’t stepped away from the basketball court. He is currently the assistant coach for the New York Liberty of the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association. He was hired by the Big Apple team in 2015 and remains there today.
Herb Williams: WNBA Coach
Dirk Nowitzki: Saxophone Player
German basketball player Dirk Nowitzki played in the NBA from 1998 until 2019. He just retired about a month ago, but not before becoming the only player to ever play for a single franchise for 21 seasons. Dirk was apart of the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history. Dirk has always been a big saxophone player, and since he has more time on his hands, he is now able to enjoy his hobby.
Dirk Nowitzki: Saxophone Player
Manu Ginóbili: Father
Argentine basketball player Emanuel Ginóbili had over a 23-season professional career. He is one of only two players to win an NBA championship, a EuroLeague title, and Olympic gold. Since retiring in 2018, he now has more time to focus on his family. Manu has 3 boys with his wife Marianela, 9-year-old twins, Dante and Nicola, and 5-year-old Luca. Manu says the boys love playing basketball just like their dad. They currently live in San Francisco.
Manu Ginóbili: Father
Rick Mahorn: Radio Analyst
Rick Mahorn played for the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and the New Jersey Nets during his 19-year professional career. Rick went on to become an NBA coach following his retirement, but later ditched that and ventured into the world of radio analytics and hosting. He is currently a radio analyst for the Detroit Pistons and is an analyst/co-host for NBA Radio on SiriusXM.
Rick Mahorn: Radio Analyst
Allen Iverson: BIG3 Co-Pl-Ca
Allen Iverson was in the NBA for 14 seasons before retiring from the league. When BIG3 was created in 2017, he went on to become a coach, player, and captain of the team 3’s Company (hence the Co-Pl-Ca). When interviewed about his new job, he said, “I signed up to be a coach, player, and captain. Coach part is going to go on throughout the game. Playing part is not going to be what you expect. You’re not going to see the Allen Iverson of old out there.”
Allen Iverson: BIG3 Co-Pl-Ca
Chris Webber: NBA Analyst
Chris Webber was selected by the Orlando Magic in the 1999 draft as the #1 pick. He went on to become one of the most popular players in the NBA before retiring in 2009. Boy, has Chris had quite the career post-NBA! He is currently an analyst on NBA TV’s NBA Gametime Live, Tuesday Fan Night, TNT’s Inside the NBA, and TNT’s Monday coverage called Players Only. Chris also starred in the film Uncle Drew where he played a preacher in the film starring Kyrie Irving.
Chris Webber: NBA Analyst
Gary Payton: Actor
After his time in the NBA as the Seattle SuperSonics’ point guard, Gary has ventured into other domains. He sure likes acting seeing as he’s been in the films White Men Can’t Jump, Eddie, Like Mike, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, The Breaks and on the TV show The Jamie Foxx Show.
Gary Payton: Actor
Kevin Garnett: Soccer Team Owner
Kevin Garnett played in the NBA for 21 seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets. He is considered one of the best power forwards ever, known for his versatile playing ability and his intense defensive skill. He has more time on his hands now that he’s retired and in 2011, he decided to put it to good use. He became a shareholder of the American-owned Italian Serie A soccer team, A.S. Roma. He clearly loves sports!
Kevin Garnett: Soccer Team Owner
Kobe Bryant: Film Director
Kobe Bryant is a household name…there’s no way you’ve never heard of him! Kobe was drafted straight out of high school by the Los Angeles Lakers. He stayed with them throughout his entire 20-year career, winning a total of 5 NBA championships. After retiring in 2016, he has done many great things, including directing a film! The said short film, Dear Basketball, won an Oscar Award for Best Animated Short Film. Impressive!
Kobe Bryant: Film Director
Larry Johnson: Practicer Of Islam
Power forward, Larry Johnson played with the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks during his illustrious NBA career. During one season in particular, he converted to Islam. When he was a player, he observed Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. We can’t imagine how difficult that must have been on top of difficult training sessions and games. After going into retirement, he has gotten more serious about his faith and his involvement in his mosque. Larry continues to practice Islam today.
Larry Johnson: Practicer Of Islam
Magic Johnson: HIV/AIDS Advocate
In 1979, Magic Johnson was the #1 overall NBA draft pick by the LA Lakers. He went on to play with them for 13 seasons before retiring. In 1991 Magic publicly announced that he was HIV positive, and was widely commended for his bravery. Magic helped squash the stereotype that heterosexuals are immune to the disease. He is currently an advocate for prevention and safe sex, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster and motivational speaker. He created the Magic Johnson Foundation, which helps bring awareness and raise funds for the disease.
Magic Johnson: HIV/AIDS Advocate
Penny Hardaway: Barbershop Owner
Penny Hardaway was a shooting guard and point guard in the NBA from 1993 until 2007. He played for the likes of the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, NY Knicks, and Miami Heat. After his retirement in 2007, he returned to his hometown to do good for the community. Penny currently owns and runs a barbershop and beauty salon in downtown Memphis, as well as a turf business based in Miami, FL.
Penny Hardaway: Barbershop Owner