Adrian Dantley – 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 23,000 points and a Hall of Fame induction. In 2010, Dantley 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. The job also provides health benefits. Dantley also referees high school and recreational teams in his spare time.

Detlef Schrempf – Business Development Officer

In college, Detlef Schrempf majored in International Business. As soon as his 16-year NBA career ended, he put his experience to good use, signing on with Coldson with 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 aired and looked very comfortable on camera.

Scottie Pippen – Livestock Farmer

Scottie Pippen took a long time to accept his retirement. One of the greatest Chicago Bulls of all time, Pippen retired in 2004 and instantly regretted his decision. He spent the next several years trying to make a comeback, desperate to win a seventh ring.

After Pippen accepted that a comeback would never happen, he started a second career with his brother. Together, the two co-own a livestock farm in Arkansas. On the side, Pippen still makes television appearances multiple times a year.

Vinnie Johnson – CEO Of Manufacturing Company

Johnson started Piston Group, a small manufacturing company that has grown into a multi-million-dollar asset. Still serving as CEO, Johnson has proven he’s more than just an NBA superstar; he’s a life superstar!

Shawn Kemp – Sports Bar Owner

Shawn Kemp had a successful 14-year NBA career. He was a six-time All-Star and named to the All-NBA Second Team three times. After he retired from the court in 2003, he stepped away from the game, but his love for it remained, so he opened Oskar’s Kitchen in Seattle.

The Pacific Northwest sports bar was a daring endeavor for the NBA star. He ran the business for as long as he could afford rent. In 2015, Kemp was forced to close the bar’s doors. Today, Kemp still works in hospitality as a part-owner of Amber’s Kitchen in Seattle.

Karl Malone – Truck Driver

Karl Malone made enough money during his legendary NBA career to never have to work another day in his life. Don’t tell him that, though. Since leaving his first love, Malone has invested in several businesses and even works part-time as a truck driver.

One of the businesses Malone has invested in is a timber hauler. Oddly enough, Malone’s interest in the company was both business and pleasure. According to those close to him, he drives trucks for the company part-time and has become very passionate about the industry.

Birdman Wants A Return To The NBA

The last time Chris “Birdman” rsen stepped onto an NBA hardwood floor was in the 2016-17 season, when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers. A year or so later, Andersen says he was back on the floor.

Staying in shape and hoping a team will call while you’re in the NBA is a job in itself. Since 2018, he has played in the Big 3 league.

Oscar Robertson – Affordable Housing Advocate

An old-school NBA star, Oscar Robertson peaked during his 14-year career. He was named an all-star 12 times and retired as one of the league’s highest-scoring guards ever. Still, his greatest accomplishment was his work to create affordable housing for African Americans in Indianapolis.

For his amazing efforts to improve his community, the University of Cincinnati honored Robertson with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2007. When he has time to himself, the NBA icon also enjoys woodworking.

Vin Baker – Starbucks Manager

Vin Baker had an incredible 13-year NBA career. Sadly, he lost his fortune in retirement and struggled to adjust to the major life change. Today, Baker works as a Starbucks manager and serves as a minister at his father’s church.

Baker knows how working at a Starbucks might look to people on the outside, but has come to terms with that, saying, “I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it. For the people on the outside looking in, they’re like, ‘Wow.’ I’m 43, and I have four kids. I have to pick up the pieces.” In 2019, Baker became an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Dennis Rodman – Political Ambassador

Dennis Rodman has never stayed out of the public eye. The NBA icon with a boisterous personality to match loves attention. So far, he has avoided a 9-to-5 job, but his post-NBA career is too strange to ignore.

After retiring, Rodman got into professional wrestling. Once he could no longer do that, he became a political ambassador and made his first trip to North Korea in 2013. When he came home, he called Kim Jong Un a “friend for life.” He returned to North Korea in 2017.

Tim Duncan – MMA/Coach

Easily the strangest retirement choice on this list, San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan has been training as an MMA fighter since retiring. For now, his training is just a hobby, though his trainer is high on his potential, calling him “a monster” and “a legit contender.”

While he waits for his MMA career to begin, Duncan keeps himself plenty busy running BlackJack Speed Shop, an auto body shop he opened in 2013. In 2017, the shop helped organize the delivery of needed supplies to Hurricane Harvey victims. In 2019, Duncan agreed to return to the Spurs as an assistant coach. He has no plans to sell his auto shop.

Wilt Chamberlain – Everything

Wilt Chamberlain retired from the NBA in 1973. At the time, he was the greatest to ever lace up. After retiring, Chamberlain dipped his toes into every job pool possible, trying to find what was right for him.

Ultimately, he settled into life as a pitchman. Sadly, Chamberlain passed away in 1999 from heart failure. He may be gone, but his memory lives on in his highlight reel and his commercials.