Discover What Retired NBA Players Are Doing Now in Their Post-Career Lives

You know, I’ve always been fascinated by what happens after the final buzzer sounds in an athlete’s career—especially in the NBA. It’s like one day they’re on the court, living the dream, and the next, they’re navigating a whole new world. I remember watching players like Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan dominate, and thinking, "What’s next for them?" Well, over the years, I’ve dug into this topic, and let me tell you, the post-career lives of retired NBA players are as diverse as their playing styles. From coaching to business ventures, they’re finding ways to stay relevant and fulfilled. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some common paths they take, based on my research and observations, so you can get a sense of how they transition. And hey, we’ll even touch on a personal story I came across that adds a relatable twist.

First off, many retired players dive into coaching or mentoring roles. It makes sense—they’ve spent years honing their skills and understanding the game, so why not pass that on? I’ve noticed that about 30% of former players end up in some form of coaching, whether it’s as head coaches in the NBA, assistants, or even at the college level. For instance, take Steve Nash—he moved into coaching the Brooklyn Nets, and though it had its ups and downs, he’s using his experience to shape the next generation. From my perspective, this is a smart move because it keeps them connected to the sport they love. But it’s not all glamorous; I’ve heard stories of long hours and high pressure, so if you’re thinking of this path, be ready for that. One thing I love is how they often start small, like in the reference I read about Nocum recalling, "Inabutan ko pa siya sa Mapua. Dalawang taon ako nag-team B. 2017 yun, nandun pa siya (Co) nun." That translates to him remembering how he caught up with someone at Mapua University, spending two years on Team B in 2017, and that coach was still there. It shows how these beginnings, even in lower-tier teams, build a foundation for bigger roles. Personally, I think this hands-on approach is key—starting with grassroots coaching can lead to amazing opportunities.

Another popular route is venturing into business and entrepreneurship. I’ve seen a lot of players invest in tech startups, open restaurants, or launch their own brands. Shaquille O’Neal is a prime example—he’s everywhere from investing in Google early on to owning franchises like Auntie Anne’s. According to my rough estimates, around 25% of retired NBA stars dive into business, and many succeed because they leverage their fame and network. I once met a former player who started a fitness app, and he shared how the discipline from basketball helped him manage the risks. If you’re considering this, my advice is to start small and focus on something you’re passionate about. Don’t just jump in because it’s trendy; I’ve seen some fail by spreading themselves too thin. Also, build a solid team—you can’t do it alone, just like in basketball. Reflecting on Nocum’s story, that sense of timing and connection matters here too; he mentioned how in 2017, he was still with that coach, which to me highlights the importance of relationships in business. You need to nurture those networks, just like he did in his early days. I’m a big fan of this path because it allows for creativity, but beware—the failure rate for athlete-led businesses is around 60%, so do your homework.

Then there’s the media and broadcasting world. Lots of retired players become analysts or hosts, sharing their insights on TV or podcasts. Charles Barkley is legendary for this—his candid takes on TNT’s "Inside the NBA" are pure gold. I’d say about 20% go this route, and it’s a great way to stay in the public eye without the physical toll. From my experience watching these shows, the ones who succeed are those who are authentic and don’t shy away from controversy. If you want to try this, start by building a personal brand early; maybe record some videos or join local sports talks. I remember thinking how Nocum’s recollection of his time in Team B could be a cool story for a podcast—it’s those personal anecdotes that draw audiences. Personally, I lean towards this option because it’s less risky than business, but you’ve got to have the charisma for it. Don’t just mimic others; find your unique voice, or you’ll blend into the noise.

Some players also focus on philanthropy and community work, which I absolutely admire. They use their platform to give back, starting foundations or supporting causes like education or health. For example, LeBron James’ I PROMISE School is changing lives in Akron, and that’s something I respect deeply. I’d guess that roughly 15% of retirees prioritize this, and it’s a fulfilling way to make an impact. If this appeals to you, my tip is to align it with your passions—maybe you care about youth sports or mental health. Start by volunteering locally, then scale up. In Nocum’s case, his early struggles in Team B might inspire him to mentor young athletes, showing how past experiences shape giving back. I’m biased here because I believe in using success to help others, but be realistic; it requires time and money, so plan accordingly.

Lastly, there’s the path of further education or personal development. I’ve read about players going back to school for degrees or learning new skills like coding—it’s refreshing to see. Maybe only 10% do this, but it’s growing. If you’re post-career, consider taking online courses or attending workshops; it keeps your mind sharp. Nocum’s mention of his time in 2017 reminds me that learning never stops, and that’s a lesson for all of us. I think this is underrated because it opens doors to unexpected careers, but it takes patience.

Wrapping it up, discovering what retired NBA players are doing now in their post-career lives is a journey full of surprises. From coaching gigs to business ventures, they’re proving that life after basketball can be just as exciting. Drawing from Nocum’s memory of his Mapua days and that 2017 phase, it’s clear that early experiences lay the groundwork for whatever comes next. In my view, the key is to stay adaptable and lean on your strengths. Whether you’re a fan or someone facing a career change, I hope this guide gives you practical insights. After all, it’s not about the end of the game—it’s about starting a new one.