With the NBA witnessing a huge surge in popularity through television viewership, social media activity, and the gambling handle constantly swarming in from the top NBA betting sites, professional basketball players have become celebrities for their endeavors both on and off the hardwood floor.
NBA players like LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard are sensations for sure no matter what they do, but could you imagine seeing one of them working at a Starbucks taking orders?
Most NBA players submerge themselves so deeply into their basketball career that you would never expect them to do anything else after retirement. Yet, for some pros, the reality of playing basketball forever eventually comes to an end, and several have found jobs in other areas.
Here we explore some of those alternative options, as we take a look at some former NBA hoopers who now have regular, everyday jobs.
Visit Shawn Kemp at Seattle Restaurant, Amber’s Kitchen
Earning the all-star title six times and receiving All-NBA Second Team three times makes for a successful NBA career. After a 14-year career in the NBA, Shawn Kemp retired in 2003 but couldn’t leave sports behind entirely.
Kemp attempted to open his own sports bar, Oskar’s Kitchen, but the business fell through. He had to close it down in 2015, forcing him to find employment elsewhere.
You can now find Shawn Kemp at Amber’s Kitchen in Seattle, where he is part owner.
Scottie Pippen Now a Livestock Farmer
While he hasn’t disappeared from the spotlight entirely, making television appearances a few times a year, it was hard for Pippen to accept that his NBA days were over.
Scottie Pippen played 17 seasons in the league, playing for Chicago, Houston, and Portland. Winning six titles and playing wingman for Michael Jordan with the Bulls, it’s no surprise that Pippen got the urge to make an attempt at an NBA comeback in 2007.
It never happened.
Scottie now co-owns a livestock farm with his brother in Arkansas, which is quite different than running down a court for a living.
Junior Bridgeman’s Success in Fast Food
Now, this one weirdly worked out for the best. Junior Bridgeman is owner of Bridgeman Foods, a network that holds up more than 450 fast food franchises. Included in the list are Wendy’s, Chili’s, and Blaze Pizza.
His current net worth is estimated to be around $400 million, which is in part thanks to the NBA but more so thanks to greasy foods.
David Harrison’s Trip to McDonalds and Back
Before starting his NBA career with the Indiana Pacers, David Harrison was a McDonald’s All-American during high school. Life really does come full circle because after Harrison’s many career issues, following drugs and NBA brawls, Harrison took a job at McDonald’s.
Just two weeks after taking the job, David Harrison quit.
He claims he couldn’t take the intrusive questions from customers and the weird looks people gave him. Harrison is now a stock trader and seems to be happier doing that than taking cheeseburger orders.
Look for Karl Malone Truck Driving on the Highway
Karl Malone was once considered to be the most powerful forward in all of the NBA. He played for the Utah Jazz and made a significant amount of money during his career due to his incredible stats. Malone came close to winning an NBA Championship ring, but his team lost to the Chicago Bulls in the 1997-98 season.
After his basketball career, Malone began investing in various businesses around the State of Arkansas and still does so today. He doesn’t just invest money either, Karl Malone likes to be hands on in his business endeavors.
Malone is a truck driver for one of the companies, so keep an eye out for Malone hauling around timber across Arkansas’ highways.
LaRue Martin Could Very Well Deliver Your Next UPS Package
While he was selected as the number one pick for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1972 NBA Draft, LaRue Martin slowly faded in the NBA. Martin struggled to make a name for himself during his ball-playing days, and he was not shy about trying out different jobs after realizing his NBA career was over.
LaRue Martin became an employee at Nike headquarters in Oregon. He also took a job at an insurance company after his career in the league. As of 2005, Martin became an employee for UPS. He is currently a Community Services Manager for the company.
While we wish our favorite NBA players could play in the league forever, it’s not possible. Things happen, whether it’s aging or health issues, all careers are forced to come to an end.
When it’s time, LeBron James could go to these guys for some advice on where to find job applications.
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