When it comes time to hang up their basketball shoes, a lot of pros start to think about what they’d like to do heading into a new phase of their lives. For many, the allure of continuing a career in the spotlight draws them to Hollywood, while others choose for a quieter existence, living off their earnings after investing their money in various ventures. The list of stories is incredible and endless, echoing how it’s possible to still have a successful second wind in your career, regardless of whether it may feel like you’ve peaked in something. The NBA stars on this list are a testament to this, reaching new heights that many of them couldn’t have imagined.
Vin Baker: Starbucks Manager
Vin Baker Starbucks Manager
After a career spanning more than a decade, NBA star Vin Baker was set up for life, or so it may have seen, with career earnings totaling in the millions. A battle with alcoholism would drive him to the brink, however, and all these years later he now has a job as a manager at Starbucks, while also working part-time as a minister at his father’s church.
Baker isn’t ashamed of the downgrade in his career, coming to grips with the fact that his alcoholism contributed to him losing his fortune and to some extent, his good reputation. While outsiders are quick to judge, Vin remains practical about his decision, citing that his age and the fact that he has four kids means he has to “pick up the pieces”. Kudos to him for taking full responsibility.
Shawn Kemp: Sports Bar Owner
Shawn Kemp Sports Bar Owner
With fourteen years under his belt at the NBA, this six-time all-star retired in 2003. Stepping away from the court, Shawn Kemp didn’t want to leave the sport entirely. This inspired him to open a sports bar in Seattle, called “Oskar’s Kitchen”.
The business was a challenge for the NBA star, especially as the economy continued to tighten over time. The bar managed to keep its doors open until 2015, until it came time for him to close this chapter and move on to a new endeavor. These days, he is a part-owner of “Amber’s Kitchen”, which is also in the Seattle area.
Mark Blount: Auntie Anne's Franchisee
Mark Blount Auntie Annes Franchisee
This Celtics start entered the NBA all the way back in 1997, debuting officially in 2001. Eight years later retirement called, and Blount decided that he wanted to invest his money somewhere he could see it put to work. He bought to “Auntie Anne’s Pretzels” franchises purely because he loved the brand.
Franchises have become a popular acquisition for former NBA stars. While Shaq hasn’t made the list today, he is also a proud franchise owner for Auntie Anne’s. Next time you’re in the mood for a pretzel, do a double-take before you pay, as you never know who could be behind the counter!
Dan Dickau: Barbershop Owner
Dan Dickau Barbershop Owner
Well known as Gonzaga University’s best basketball players of all time, Dan Dickau is someone who fell relatively flat when it came to the NBA. After just six years as a professional player, his dream ended and it was time to start looking elsewhere. As a first move, he decided to open a barbershop called “The Barbers” in Washington, and the rest is history.
In the time since he opened the shop, it has become a popular spot for locals and tourists. Although this has taken up most of his time, Dickau has also done a couple of side gigs in broadcasting, making appearances here and there on ESPN Radio and other networks.
Michael Jordan: Entrepreneur
Michael Jordan Entrepreneur
The man needs no introduction. The Chicago Bulls icon surely didn’t need any extra coins in his pocket after retiring from earnings of over $90 million in 2003. Well, this wasn’t to be the end of his path and financial success. Today, he has a net worth of over $1.3 billion, showcasing just how seamlessly he has transitioned and maintained his superstar status.
The accumulation of wealth came from working hard and eventually acquiring the Charlotte Hornets. He simultaneously keeps making deals with big companies like Gatorade, Hanes and others, even owning a car dealership and a string of restaurants, keeping his passive and active income growing at all times. Can you say LEGENDARY?
Bryant Reeves: Cattle Farmer
Bryant Reeves Cattle Farmer
Bryan Reeves is known for having a lot of potentials, but ultimately his career ended as his body simply couldn’t handle the injuries anymore after just six seasons. Nicknamed “Big Country”, Reeves decided that he wanted a simpler life, opting to open a cattle ranch after his retirement. Sports glory may have eluded him, but he does know what he’s doing on a farm.
His 300-acre ranch in Oklahoma is still in operation today, ensuring that his nickname is here to stay. While many people fantasize about the life of a pro athlete, others have the talent but have different ambitions for themselves. Reeves is a good example of someone who preferred living somewhat more ordinarily, like the rest of us.
Dennis Rodman: Political Ambassador
Dennis Rodman Political Ambassador
Never one to be out of the limelight, Dennis Rodman’s celebrity status has grown in stature since he left the sport. While he hasn’t had to go into a typical job, his post-NBA career is so interesting, we couldn’t resist including it on our list today.
His first attempt at a career after basketball involved getting into professional wrestling. Once the gig ran dry, he decided that becoming a political ambassador would be the best use of his time. He even went as far as to visit North Korea in 2013, calling leader Kim Jong Un a “friend for life”. He would later visit North Korea again in 2017. Fascinating, and a little bizarre!
Birdman: A Return To The NBA
Birdman Wants A Return To The NBA
When Chris Anderson wrapped up his career in the 2016/17 season, he was still playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Birdman”, as he was affectionately called by fans, saw a lot of change in the twelve months that followed his retirement, generating a fire and a spark for him to get back out on the floor.
He continues to train and keep up his fitness, with the hopes that he’s going to be getting a call one of these days. We can imagine that sometimes it feels a little hopeless, but never count Birdman out. Sooner or later he may just get the break that he needs.
Tim Duncan: MMA Fighter
Tim Duncan MMA
The San Antonio Spurs lost a great player when Tim Duncan retired, but another sport seemed to have gained a specialist in the wake of this. Duncan trains regularly as an MMA fighter, with his trainer referring to him as a “monster” (in the best possible sense of the world) as well as a legitimate contender in the future.
Duncan is a jack of all trades, also running an auto body shop which he opened back in 2013. The shop is involved in philanthropic endeavors, helping out with Hurricane Harvey and getting supplies delivered across the state. Coaching may also be in his future, as in 2019 he agreed to coach the Spurs while deciding that he still wanted his shop to remain open. Boss!
Greg Oden: The Student
Greg Oden Student
Greg Ogden was dubbed to become the new face of the Portland Trailblazers in the late 2000’s. It wasn’t meant to be, however, as his string of injuries meant he could never complete a full season. Upon retirement, he had chronic foot problems and little hope of operating at peak level again.
Not one to be deterred and keen to learn more, he decided to focus his attention on academics. Taking on a job as the student manager of the men’s basketball team at Ohio State, he was allowed to take additional classes as part of the deal, setting him up nicely for the second wind of his career in the process.
Adrian Dantley: Crossing Guard
Adrian Dantley Crossing Guard
You may well be very surprised by this one! With a 15 year long career in tow, Adrian Dantley was inducted into the Hall of Fame, scoring more than 22 500 points as a professional ballplayer. While he still coached a little on the side, when 2010 rolled around he decided to become none other than a crossing guard.
While he surely can’t be in it for the money, with salaries estimated at $14k a year, it seems that he simply has a love for helping other people. Don’t forget that the job has some health benefits too! When he’s not helping people to cross the streets, he also referees high school games where possible.
Detlef Schrempf: Business Development Manager
Detlef Schrempf Coldstream Capital Management
Detlef Schrempf knew he wanted to give himself options, so in college, he majored in International Business. Sixteen years later it was time to dust off the old degree, where he didn’t have to wait long to get a job working for Coldstream Capital Management in the role of business development officer.
When he’s not helping other businesses to gain momentum, he also likes to take on the odd acting gig too. He had a recurring role on NBC’s hit show Parks and Recreation, showcasing that he is a man of many lucrative talents.
Brandon Roy: High School Basketball Coach
Brandon Roy High School Basketball Coach
It’s always sad when someone who is dubbed to be the next Hall of Famer has to end his career early due to injury. Roy had persistent knee problems, which meant his retirement came earlier than expects. While there were a few open doors in terms of broadcasting, this wasn’t something he was particularly passionate about.
Skip to 2017, and Brandon took on a new gig in a field he knew he was comfortable in: coaching. In his first season of working with the team from Nathan High School, they went a perfect 29-0. This earned him the ‘Coach of the Year’ award and showed that life had other ideas for him, now in the exact place where he was meant to be.
Shandon Anderson: Vegetarian Restaurant Owner
Shandon Anderson Vegetarian Restaurant Owner
Shandon Anderson’s career highlight has got to be when he won an NBA Championship for the 2006 Miami Heat. Retirement meant completely turning things on its head, where he pursued a passion that few people knew about at the time: vegetarianism. He got to study, and decided he wanted to be a vegetarian chef at his own restaurant one day.
This would lead to him interning at top New York restaurants, including “Candle 79”, which has a reputation for its high-quality food. Low and behold, he eventually opened up “Drink Art” in Atlanta, specializing in Thai vegan cuisine. The restaurant closed less than a year later, but Anderson gets a nod from us for going after his dreams.
Scottie Pippen: Livestock Farmer
Scottie Pippen Livestock Farmer
Now here’s a player that didn’t waltz into retirement. Known as one of the greatest players of all time, the Chicago Bulls legend retired initially in 2004 but changed his mind almost as soon as the announcement was made. His comeback was long and hard, and he never got that 7th ring he was after all along.
Eventually, it became time to settle on a new dream. Collaborating with his brother, he opened a livestock farm in Arkansas. This, coupled with television appearances everyone now and then, keeps him busy, and helps him not to think about the one that got away.
Charlie Ward: High School Coach
Charlie Ward High School Coach
Charlie Ward is a man of many talents. Initially a football player for Florida State that would end up not being drafted, when he set his sights on the NBA his luck changed. Eleven seasons for the Knicks later, when 2005 came round and he decided to call it a day, it was obvious what his next move should be. Coaching was calling to him.
Ward opted for opportunities at an entry-level, focusing on getting work as a high school coach. The same year he retired, he landed his first gig, as the head coach for Booker T. Washington High School in Florida.
Karl Malone: Truck Driver
Karl Malone Truck Driver
Karl Malone is the kind of player that would never have to worry about working after retirement, especially as he played many seasons as a professional athlete. Not the kind of person to wilt away after one door closes, he started investing in a lot of small businesses in his spare time since playing professionally, and even takes on the odd truck driving gig here and there too, simply because he loves it.
This love became even more clear when he invested in a company that works with timber hauling. He now drives for them from time to time and is said to be very passionate about this line of work. Well done to him for finding something that can give him purpose and meaning irrespective of what others might think.
Vinnie Johnson: CEO of the Piston Group Manufacturing Company
Vinnie Johnson CEO Piston Group Manufacturing Company
Vinnie Johnson was a so-called “Bad Boy” of the NBA, with Detroit Piston fans recalling some heated exchanges between him and other players in the late eighties and early nineties. When he decided to call it a day in 1992, he is said to have found a new path that gives him a lot of satisfaction.
Starting his own company wouldn’t be easy, but in no time at all Piston Group, a small manufacturing company, was growing into a multi-million dollar asset for him. Now working as the CEO full-time, Johnson has shown that he’s a pro at this thing we call life, having two successful career stints in vastly different industries.
Darko Milicic: Apple Farmer
Darko Milicic Apple Grower
A self-professed “NBA draft bust”, Milicic was first drafted in 2003, but never managed to settle anywhere until his retirement in 2012. Nowadays you’re more likely to find him in Serbia, leading a more peaceful life out of the public eye, growing apples to his heart's content.
This wasn’t his first choice for a career outside of the game, however. He initially trained as a kickboxed, soon realizing that the violent sport wasn’t exactly his cup of tea. This led him to a more peaceful job as an apple farmer, and his 125-acre farm keeps him busy most days.
LaRue Martin: Community Services Manager at UPS
LaRue Martin Community Services Manager For UPS
How’s this for a throwback? LaRue Martin was drafted all the way back in 1972, even though his career didn’t end up lasting as long as anticipated. Out of the league and out of a job, he knew he had to make a plan to give himself some kind of earning opportunity, and fast. This led to an entry-level job at UPS, which was to be a new career path for him.
Climbing the corporate ladder would be his next objective, and by 2005 he was promoted to Community Services Manager. This hasn’t meant a total departure from basketball, however. He also works part-time on the Board of Directors for the National Basketball Retired Players Association, meaning he still gets to see some of his old colleagues and friends from time to time.
Oscar Robertson: Affordable Housing Advocate
Oscar Robertson Affordable Housing Advocate
Known as one of the NBA’s biggest stars, Oscar Robertson had a career spanning nearly a decade and a half. Across his fourteen years as a professional, he was named an all-star twelve times, and is still one of the highest-scoring guards of all time.
You’d think that this would be his greatest achievement, but he cites creating affordable housing for African Americans living in Indianapolis as his biggest victory yet. So much so, that the University of Cincinnati awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2007. Aside from his community work, he also likes woodworking, which may well turn into more than a hobby somewhere down the line.
Michael Ray Richardson: Substitute Teacher
Michael Ray Richardson Substitute Teacher
With 24 years of professional basketball under his belt, “Sugar” Ray Richardson is one of the most recognizable names you’ll come across in the sport. After receiving a ban from the NBA in 1986, he continued to play for another fourteen years on a different continent.
As with so many players, retirement called nevertheless, and in 2002 he decided to get into coaching. Not one to be tied down for too long, he tried his hand at substitute teaching, which he fell in love with right away. As he approaches the latter stages of his life, he continues to run a youth camp for underprivileged children.
Derrick Coleman: Water Supplier
Derrick Coleman Water Supplier
Even though he played NBA basketball for fifteen years, Derrick Coleman still couldn’t shake being referred to as lazy by his coaches. Now done with his career, the pro baller is trying to put his energy to better use, working hard to help to bring water to families in impoverished communities.
His philanthropic work sees him on the ground in Michigan to ensure more people have access to clean drinking water. He often references the distress he sees around him, especially in poorer areas where the rust is visible on the pipes. Flint is a town that remains close to his heart, and he continues to try and make it a better town in any of his business endeavours.
Steve Francis: Entrepreneur
Steve Francis Entrepreneur
With almost ten NBA seasons to his name, Steve Francis decided that he wanted to try his hands at some other passion projects that were itching for him to jump into. One of those included the creation of an indie music label called Maserati Music, which didn’t end up lasting too long, although he claims to have learned a lot from the experience.
Not one to be down on himself for too long, a clothing line was his next venture. “We R One” launched not long after the idea was formed, although he has since had to put it on hold, while he starts to deal with some unforeseen financial problems.
Latrell Sprewell: Pitchman
Latrell Sprewell Pitchman
Latrell Sprewell has never been shy to steer clear of controversy. The superstar baller made headlines in 1997 when he violently attacked Warriors head coach P.J. Carlesimo. Skip to 2005, and the universe did it’s rounds again, resulting in the foreclosure of all his houses and a yacht crash that still has an air of mystery surrounding it to this day.
Ready to repent, Sprewell currently works as a pitchman (salesperson) for Priceline. As part of his pitch for the service, he leads by admitting that he’s made some terrible choices in his lifetime. Here’s to hoping that it will lead him back to the straight and narrow in the near future.
Wilt Chamberlain: Different Strokes
Wilt Chamberlain Everything
Wilt Chamberlain was the “greatest of all time” when he hung up his laces in 1973, and many thought that he had the world of opportunities ahead of him when he left the game. As with so many people, this led to him trying multiple career paths, in a bid to see what was going to work for him.
He would eventually settle into life as a pitchman, until his untimely death due to heart failure in 1999. His memory lives on, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest ballplayers to grace us with his talent.
Gilbert Arenas: Analyst
Gilbert Arenas Analyst
It’s safe to say that Gilbert Arenas wasn’t the hottest property in the game when he was drafted with the 31st pick in 2001. Little did they know then that he would amass over $150 million in his career since. With this kind of cash, why not just put your feet up and ride the wave of life?
It wasn’t in his blood to live like that, as he enjoys the grind. This has led to a gig as a sports analyst for complex, and while it isn’t a full-time thing, it is something that fulfills his life tremendously. More recently, he’s also gone on to host a Youtube sports show too.
Kenny Anderson: Camp Director
Kenny Anderson Camp Director
Kenny Anderson is renowned for his work as a high school basketball coach, who had made quite a name for himself by the time the 2010’s came rolling around. That all changed in 2013, when he was arrested and charged for drunk driving, and subsequently let go from his prolific position.
It would be a while before he found his feet again, and these days he is able to earn some money through running basketball camps in Florida. He still enjoys coaching but does so more on a freelance basis. With hopes to get back into the high school coaching game, we’re sure that he will rebound at some point, considering his lasting reputation as an influential figure in the sport.
Jay Williams: Spokesman
Jay Williams Spokesman
When he was drafted by the Bulls, Jay Williams was dubbed as one of the best to join the league. It’s safe to say that people were excited about his prospects. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be, and a motorcycle accident meant the end of his contract and his career was over just like that.
Working through a sudden loss like that was surely traumatic, but since, Williams has decided to dedicate his time towards becoming a spokesman, to help others gain strength from his story. He is also the face of Visions Federal Credit Union, which is a bit of a less glamorous job. From time to tie, you can see him as a college basketball analyst on ESPN too.
Antoine Walker: Financial Advisor
Antoine Walker Financial Advisor
With over $100m in the bank in his thirteen season career, Antoine Walker was surely never going to be able to spend it all, right? Wrong. Byways that only he can understand, or possibly some others who have faced similar challenges, he ultimately had to file for bankruptcy in 2010. Yikes.
In 2013, with his debts paid off, his second career chapter started in the form of a job with Morgan Stanley Global Sports and Entertainment, to do what, you ask? Teaching financial literacy to up-and-coming stars. Now this is a way to pay things forward (excuse the pun). Everyone needs someone to tell them that it’s a bad idea to own a couple of yachts, without any savings.
Adam Morrison: Coach
Adam Morrison Coach
We’ve seen time and time again that injuries end careers, and the same can, unfortunately, be said for the Los Angeles Lakers’ Adam Morrison. When he tore his ACL in 2007, it was all over, resulting in him heading back to school to try his hand at a different career path.
Finishing a degree in sports management, he decided to take on a position on the team’s coaching staff while he was studying. This helped him start to move up the ranks, and has landed him many opportunities to keep growing his career. Trust in the difficult, the old saying suggests.
Rony Seikaly: DJ
Rony Seikaly DJ
Everybody to the window... everybody to the wall! Ok, not literally. But this next person on the list might have you shaking your booty considering he’s not playing to clubs in Vegas, Miami, New York and Ibiza.
Rony Seikaly spent 11 years with the NBA, but found his natural calling in the DJ booth. While few NBA stars find a lot of success as entertainers, this was a seamless transition for him. Taking a risk when the opportunity presented itself, he just never left, and has been living a new dream in the process.
John Stockton: Basketball Coach
John Stockton Basketball Coach
In his time with the NBA, John Stockton was often referred to as one half of the sport's most prolific duo’s alongside Karl Malone. Stockton was revered for always being an asset, rather than scoring the basket for himself, which often meant he was overshadowed by other players. He wasn’t all too phased, as it turns out.
Leaving his playing days behind in 2003, he decided that he could be even more useful to the game as a coach. When an assistant coach position opened up at Montana State University for their women’s team, he was quick to jump at the opportunity, and has coached a bunch of youth teams ever since.
Bill Walton: Sports Broadcaster
Bill Walton Sports Broadcaster
Bill Walton’s basketball career began in the 1970’s, where he won two national titles at a school level. Drafted into the NBA for the Portland Trailblazers, two would be his lucky number, as he won two NBA championships in his time with the team.
Walton was known for his stutter, and it was a surprise when in 1987 he decided to pursue a career in broadcasting. Overcoming his problem, he soon signed as a commentator for some of the biggest networks in the world. Even in the midst of a few breaks along the way, to this day he still works full-time as a sports broadcaster, with his story inspiring many others to overcome their challenges.
Hakeem Olajuwon: Real Estate Dealer
Hakeem Olajuwon Real Estate Dealer
Hakeem Olajuwon had two primary teams in his NBA career, namely the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors. This led to back-to-back championship wins in 1994 and 1995 and a career that lasted all the way until 2002. His off-court antics were often applauded too, where he was known to mentor up-and-coming players like Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and more.
While he has kept a grip on his investments since he retired, today he works as a real estate dealer too, ensuring he always has some form of income coming in. Talk about doing things the right way.
Shawn Bradley: Rancher
Shawn Bradley Rancher
One of the many NBA giants, Shawn Brady had two stints in his career, one for the Philadelphia 76ers, and another for the New Jersey Nets. It would, however, be his role with the Dallas Mavericks that would be his most notable contribution to the sport.
A small stint in ‘Space Jam’ aside, after leaving the sport in the early 200’s he figured that he was best suited for the farm lifestyle, buying a cattle ranch that is big enough to house him and his tremendously tall legs.
Maceo Baston: Cupcake Store Owner
Maceo Baston Owns A Cupcake Store
In his time with the NBA, Maceo Baston played for two prominent teams, earning himself a reputation as a player to be counted upon by his teammates. After spending time seeing the world through the sport, he knew that the time would come for him to retire, and when it did, he was ready for a new venture.
Alongside his wife, Maceo opened up a cupcake shop called ‘Taste Love Cupcakes’, which would eventually take over the market in Michigan. They even competed on the popular show Cupcake Wars where they earned the business a hefty $10 000.
Tom Chambers: Sports Broadcaster
Tom Chambers Sports Broadcaster
Astonishingly, even though he scored over 20 000 points in the course of his career, Tom Chambers was never inducted to the Hall of Fame. In fact, he is the only person with so many points and a sixteen-year career that never received the accolade, perhaps as his career spanned six different teams resulting in many shake-ups. Aside from this, Tom hasn’t let his love for the sport dwindle. Today, he works as a sports broadcaster for Fox. He apparently also likes to breed horses in his spare time, likely as a result of some of the hard-earned cash he made on the court.
Junior Bridgeman: Coca Cola Distributor
Junior Bridgeman Coca Cola Distributor
With twelve years under his belt, you’d think that Junior Bridgman wouldn’t have been tempted to keep increasing his wealth. Playing for the Lakers and the Bucks between 1975 and 1987, after retiring from the game he made the smartest financial decision of his life: investing in and acquiring 450 restaurant chains. Heard of Wendy’s, anyone?
Selling the chains off one at a time, he started working with Coca Cola, acting primarily as a distributor for the brand. He even bottles Coke as an independent supplier, with his net worth growing in excess of $600 million as a result. Is there anything this man can’t do?
Chris Washburn: Mortgage Company Employee
Chris Washburn Works For Mortgage Company
Drafted as the third pick in 1986, Chris Washburn was one of the biggest guys ever to play the sport. Sadly, drugs got in the way of him ever reaching his full potential, and he was given a lifetime ban from the league after failing three tests over the course of 36 months.
This would be the shock he would need to eventually clean up his act in 2000, when he started a fried chicken business with his partner. A year later, he decided to call it quits as an entrepreneur, and now works full-time for a home mortgage business.
Evan Eschmeyer: Attorney at Law
Evan Eschmeyer Attorney
This New Jersey Nets native spent four years playing in the NBA from 1999. Knee injuries would be the end of his relatively short career, where he scored a measly 421 points across more than 150 games. His knee would force him out of the game for good in 2004.
Picking things back up, he felt it was a good time to get back to University, enrolling in a JD-MBA program where he would eventually get a law degree as well as his masters in business. Since, he has worked as an attorney, director and sole entrepreneur, with many lucrative financial prospects in his arsenal.
