From Court to Career: The Surprising New Jobs NBA Stars Are Thriving In Today
Kevin Garnett – Actor
In addition to his broadcasting duties on TNT since retiring, Kevin Garnett has also looked to Hollywood to start a new career. He played himself in Uncut Gems, a movie that was met with critical and commercial praise.
We know that Garnett might not be settling for a quieter career managing a Starbucks or driving a truck like other players. For some former NBA stars, staying out of the limelight is just never going to happen.
Steve Nash – Consultant
After retiring from the NBA, Steve Nash had one goal – live a more private love. His love for the sport reeled him back in, though, and he turned to consulting, with franchises including the Golden State Warriors.
In 2020, Nash realized he couldn’t stay off the court and began interviewing for head coach jobs, landing the gig with the Brooklyn Nets. If that doesn’t work out, we imagine he’d fall back on consulting.
Caron Butler – Burger King Franchisee
Caron Butler starred in the NBA for 15 seasons before finally calling it quits after the 2016 campaign. During his time on the court, Butler was a two-time all-star and won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
After retiring, Butler went back to his roots. Before playing in the NBA, he worked at Burger King. Once he was out of the NBA, he became a six-time franchisee. In 2020, he also was hired as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat.
David Harrison – Stock Trader
David Harrison only played in the NBA for four seasons. A former top college recruit, he let personal problems overtake his professional life and found himself at rock bottom.
After leaving the world of basketball behind, Harrison took a job behind the counter at McDonald’s. He quit after two weeks. Today, he works as a stock trader and has left his troubles in his past.
Larry Johnson – Business And Operations Representative
Larry Johnson had his future set up after retiring from the NBA. He returned to college at UNLV where he got his bachelor of arts in social studies. He then was hired by the Knicks to be a business and operations representative.
The good times didn’t last. In 2015, Johnson was forced to file bankruptcy when it was revealed he owed over $100,000 in unpaid child support.
Ben Wallace – Owner
Ben Wallace was massively successful during his NBA playing days. He lasted in the league for 16 seasons, was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year four times, was an all-star four times, and led the league in blocks once.
After retiring, Wallace faced several legal problems, but not that damaged him financially. In 2018, Wallace paid his way into the ownership group of the Grand Rapids Drive of the NBA’s G-League.
Bill Laimbeer
During his 15 year NBA career, Bill Laimbeer and his father started planning for life after the league. In 1994, they founded Laimbeer Packaging Corporation, which was located in Melvindale, Michigan.
Less than a decade later, Laimbeer got back on the court, becoming a coach in the WNBA. Overall he has a record of 282-207 as a head coach and has won three WNBA Championships.
Mark Eaton – Restaurant Owner
Mark Eaton was a one-time all-star during his NBA career. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times and led the league in blocks four times. And when he retired, what did he do?
Eaton has dipped his toes into several new career opportunities since he retired. He has provided regionally commentary on the radio for the Utah Jazz. He has also opened his own restaurant in Salt Lake City, named Tuscany.
Tony Parker – Musician
Tony Parker officially retired from the NBA in 2019 after a Hall of Fame-worthy 18-year career. He won four NBA Championships, was named the Finals MVP once, was a six-time all-star, and was a major piece of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty.
Off the court, Parker has pursued several post-career lifestyle paths. Most notably, he has dabbled in becoming a rapper, even releasing his own album in France.
Chris Webber – Investor/Actor/Author
A five-time NBA all-star and the 1994 NBA Rookie of the Year, Chris Webber spent 16 seasons in the NBA making a case as a possible Hall of Famer.
When Webber retired, he didn’t stop. Not only has he gotten into broadcasting, but he also opened a restaurant, an investment company, and is even working on writing his very first book. Webber doesn’t just have one normal job, he’s got several odd ones!
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