From Court to Career: The Surprising New Jobs NBA Stars Are Thriving In Today

So, what happens when NBA stars hang up their jerseys and their buzzer-beating glory days fade into the rearview mirror? Some dive headfirst back into the spotlight—think Shaq and Charles Barkley—while others take unexpected detours that lead far from basketball courts. Ever imagined a former slam dunk champ slinging pretzels or a retired all-star driving a UPS truck? Yep, it’s a mixed bag out there! From farmers tending to cattle instead of courtside seats to franchise owners flipping pretzels instead of plays, these ex-NBA players prove that life after basketball can be anything but predictable. Curious who swapped dunks for donuts or three-pointers for tractor seats? Let’s dig into these surprising second acts—because retirement in the NBA isn’t just about the money, it’s about the hustle that never quits. LEARN MORE.

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 completely different careers.

See which former NBA superstars are now working normal jobs as truck drivers, farmers, or even UPS drivers!

Mark Blount – Auntie Anne’s Franchisee And Real Estate Mogul

Mark Blount entered the NBA in 1997 and made his long-awaited debut with the Celtics in 2001. In 2009, he retired, ending an unspectacular career. In retirement, Blount decided to invest his money, buying two Auntie Anne’s Pretzel franchises.

Blount isn’t the only former NBA star who loves Auntie Anne’s. After four years as a franchise owner, Blount sold his stores to focus on real estate opportunities. His initial $700,000 investment ended up earning him a $2 million payday!

Read on to learn what Birdman is up to these days.

Dan Dickau – Barbershop Owner And ESPN Broadcaster

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Dan Dickau is one of Gonzaga University’s greatest basketball players of all-time. If only his talent had translated to the NBA! Six years into his professional career, it was over and Dickau was forced to find work elsewhere. To make a living, the former college star opened The Barbers in Washington.

The house of hair has become a neighborhood staple since opening. Aside from owning and operating his own barbershop, Dickau is also an on-air personality for ESPN and the Pac-12 Network.

Still ahead, a player who prefers raising cattle now.

Greg Oden – Sports Adviser

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The Portland Trailblazers selected Greg Oden with the first overall pick in 2007 hoping they had found the face of their franchise. Over an injury-riddled career, Oden only played more than 23 games once and retired with chronic foot problems.

With his NBA career over, Oden turned back to his academics. He took a job at Ohio State as the student manager of the men’s basketball team. The position allowed him to go back to school and take classes to help him prepare for a second career. In 2019 he graduated with a degree in sports industry and accepted a job as the athlete adviser for Edyoucore Sports and Entertainment.

Tim Duncan went from being a “monster” on the court to a monster somewhere entirely different.

Adrian Dantley – Crossing Guard

adrian dantley post nba career crossing guard

This might be the most surprising post-NBA job on our list. Adrian Dantley had a 15-year NBA career that ended with him scoring 23,000 points and being inducted into the Hall of Fame. In 2010, Dantley, who had been coaching, left the league for good and became a crossing guard.

The low-profile job reportedly pays Dantley $14,000 a year, so we know he’s not in it for the money. According to the big man himself, he enjoys helping other people. It doesn’t hurt the job provides health benefits, too. Dantley also works as a referee for high school and recreational teams during his spare time.

Detlef Schrempf – Business Development Officer

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In college, Detlef Schrempf majored in International Business. As soon as his 16-year NBA career was over, he put his degree to good use, signing up to work for Coldstream Capital Management as a business development officer.

On top of his 9-5, Schrempf has also dipped his toe into acting. He had a recurring role on Parks and Recreation while it was on the air, and looked very comfortable in front of the camera.

Coming up, we reveal what Brandon Roy has been keeping busy with since retiring.

Brandon Roy – High School Basketball Coach

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Many analysts believed Brandon Roy was on his way to a Hall of Fame NBA career when knee injuries derailed his future. Roy’s knee never recovered correctly and he was forced to retire young. Initially, he attempted a second career in broadcasting, only to learn he wasn’t a fit.