The 15 Unusual Jobs NBA Players Held Before Making Millions


Many professional athletes, including NBA players, have had to work odd jobs before making it to the big leagues and earning millions. These jobs can range from waiting tables and driving delivery trucks to selling insurance and working in retail. The purpose of these jobs were to make ends meet while they were working on their basketball skills and chasing their dream of becoming a professional player. These jobs give an insight of the dedication and the hard work these players have put in before making it to the top. Understanding the sacrifices and the hard work that went into their careers can make fans appreciate their dedication to the game even more. Today, CoinPlay comes in with a very amusing article: The 15 Unusual Jobs NBA Players Held Before Making Millions.

  1. Larry Bird as a Burger Chef

Larry Bird

Name: Larry Bird 
Net Worth: $75 Million
Burger Chef Salary:  $35,090 per year
Date of Birth: Dec 7, 1956 (66 years old)
Place of Birth: West Baden Springs
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Nationality United States of America

Before becoming one of the most successful players in NBA history, Larry Bird had a variety of jobs. Growing up in French Lick, Indiana he worked as a janitor at his high school while still playing basketball and attending classes. After graduating from high school, Bird took an apprenticeship to become an electrician but eventually decided that was not the career path for him so he joined the military reserves instead. 

While serving with the U.S Army Reserve Corps, Bird held several odd jobs including working as a cook at Burger Chef restaurant and washing dishes in local restaurants around town before finally taking on coaching duties for his former team’s summer league games back home after being discharged from service. During this time period it became clear that his true passion lay within basketball which led him to pursue college ball at Indiana State University where he made history by leading them to their first NCAA tournament appearance ever.

It is safe to say that Larry Bird's hard work paid off since today we know him best for being one of Basketball's greatest players ever. 

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  1. Serge Ibaka as an Auto Mechanic

Auto Mechanic

Name: Serge Ibaka
Net Worth: $12 Million
Auto Mechanic Salary:  $40,000 per year
Date of Birth: Sep 18, 1989 (33 years old)
Place of Birth: Brazzaville
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Nationality Congo

Serge Ibaka was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to France when he was seven years old. Before becoming a professional basketball player, Serge Ibaka had a much different career path. As a young adult living in France, he worked as an auto mechanic at his father's garage where he learned how to repair cars and motorcycles. He also helped out with odd jobs around the shop such as painting vehicles or helping customers find what they needed for their car repairs. 

In addition to working at the family garage, Serge Ibaka pursued music production on the side during his teenage years while still living in France. With some help from friends who were already involved in producing music professionally, Ibaka began creating beats that eventually caught attention from other producers and labels alike which led him down this creative path even further until it eventually became something more than just a hobby for him - it became another way of making money outside of working as an auto mechanic at his father’s shop. 

Ibaka continued pursuing both careers simultaneously until one day when someone noticed his natural talent on the court playing basketball with friends after work hours back home near Paris - this ultimately changed everything for him because shortly after being scouted by scouts from Spain’s Liga ACB league.he decided to pursue basketball full-time instead. This decision paid off today. He is currently one of the NBA's most successful players having made multiple All-Star appearances throughout his career so far.

  1. Kevin Durant as a Car Washer

 Kevin Durant

Name: Kevin Durant 
Net Worth: $200 Million
Car Washer Salary:  $28,700 per year
Date of Birth: Sep 29, 1988 (34 years old)
Place of Birth: Washington, D.C.
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Nationality United States of America

Kevin Durant was born in 1988 and grew up in the Washington D.C area. Before becoming a basketball millionaire, he worked hard to make ends meet for himself and his family. He started off working odd jobs such as mowing lawns, washing cars, and delivering newspapers when he was just twelve years old. He also sold candy at school to help out with the household expenses while attending college at the University of Texas Austin on an athletic scholarship for basketball.

Durant's hard work paid off when he entered into professional sports after being drafted by Seattle Supersonics in 2007 NBA draft. During this time period Kevin had already established himself as one of best players in college basketball which made him a prime target for many teams looking to add young talent to their rosters. However, it wasn't until 2009 that Kevin made his first million dollar contract with Oklahoma City Thunder which allowed him take care of his family financially more comfortably than ever before. 

Today, Durant is recognized as one of the best players currently playing professional basketball due all success has achieved both professionally and personally throughout career. His current net worth is estimated to be around $170 million dollars according to Forbes Magazine.

  1. Derrick Rose as a Foot Locker Consultant

Derrick Rose

Name: Derrick Rose 
Net Worth: $90 Million
Foot Locker Consultant Salary:  $50,000 per year
Date of Birth: Oct 4, 1988 (34 years old)
Place of Birth: Chicago
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Nationality United States of America

Derrick Rose was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised on the south side of the city. He attended Simeon Career Academy where he starred as a four-year varsity basketball player and led his team to two state championships. Before becoming an NBA superstar, Derrick Rose worked various odd jobs to make ends meet for his family. 

Rose worked at a local Foot Locker store stocking shelves and helping customers find shoes that fit their style or size needs. During this time period, he also volunteered as a coach at summer camps teaching young kids how to play basketball correctly while having fun doing so. This experience helped him develop into one of the best players in the world by giving him more insight into what it takes to be successful on court from both sides – coaching and playing wise. 

In addition to working with Foot Locker, Derrick Rose also found work delivering newspapers door-to-door during early mornings before school started each day. It was here that he developed discipline which would later help him become an NBA star; 

  1. Ben McLemore as a Dishwasher 

Ben McLemore

Name: Ben McLemore
Net Worth: $30 Million
Dishwasher  Salary:  $22,920 per year
Date of Birth: Feb 11, 1993 (29 years old)
Place of Birth: St. Louis
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Nationality United States of America

Before becoming a basketball millionaire, Ben McLemore had an incredibly varied and interesting career. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he grew up playing sports like football and basketball while also working odd jobs to help support his family. He worked as a dishwasher at local restaurants before eventually getting hired full-time at the age of 16 by the Kansas City Star newspaper as part of their circulation department. This job allowed him to develop relationships with many influential people in the area who helped guide him towards success later on in life when it came time for college recruitment offers from universities across America for his athletic talent. 

In addition to his work with newspapers, Ben McLemore was also involved with youth programs throughout St Louis where he served as both mentor and coach for young athletes looking to make it big one day just like himself someday soon enough. His experience coaching these kids gave him valuable insights into what makes someone successful both on-and off-the court which would come in handy once he began receiving scholarships from top schools around the country such as University of Kansas or Texas A&M University where ultimately decided upon attending after being drafted 7th overall by Sacramento Kings during 2013 NBA draft season. 

  1. Dwyane Wade as a Dishwasher 

Dwyane Wade

Name: Dwyane Wade
Net Worth: $170 Million
Dishwasher Salary:  $22,920 per year
Date of Birth: Jan 17, 1982 (40 years old)
Place of Birth: Chicago
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.93 m)
Nationality United States of America

Before becoming a basketball millionaire, Dwyane Wade was working multiple jobs to make ends meet. He worked as a dishwasher at the local Bennigan’s restaurant and also had small side gigs doing odd jobs such as cutting grass or washing cars. His mother was struggling financially so he wanted to help out in any way he could.

At the same time, Dwyane Wade was honing his skills on the basketball court and playing for his high school team. With great focus and hard work, it wasn't long before college scouts began taking notice of him due to his impressive athleticism and leadership abilities on the court which ultimately earned him an athletic scholarship from Marquette University in Milwaukee Wisconsin where he continued developing into one of today's most recognizable NBA stars.

After completing four years at Marquette University, Dwayne Wade declared himself eligible for the 2003 NBA draft where Miami Heat selected him with fifth overall pick making all of his dreams come true by signing a multi-million dollar contract that made him an instant millionaire overnight. Since then has gone on to become one of most successful players in league history winning three championship titles two gold medals Olympic games while earning tens millions dollars endorsement deals along the way.

  1. Zach Randolph as a Newspaper Carrier

Zach Randolph

Name: Zach Randolph
Net Worth: $85 Million
Newspaper Carrier Salary:  $400 per week
Date of Birth: Jul 16, 1981 (41 years old)
Place of Birth: Marion
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Nationality United States of America

Zach Randolph is a professional basketball player who has made millions of dollars over the course of his career. Before becoming a millionaire, however, Zach Randolph had to work hard to make ends meet. Growing up in Marion, Indiana he worked various odd jobs including being an assistant at his father's barbershop as well as delivering newspapers and mowing lawns for extra money. 

In high school Zach was already showing promise on the court and it wasn't long before college scouts started taking notice. He eventually accepted an athletic scholarship from Michigan State University where he continued to hone his skills on the basketball court while also completing courses towards a degree in sociology. After two years at MSU he declared himself eligible for the 2001 NBA draft where he was selected 19th overall by Portland Trail Blazers - beginning what would become one of most successful careers in professional sports history. 

Since then Zach Randolph has gone on to have immense success both professionally and personally; with multiple All-Star game appearances under his belt along with several lucrative contracts that have earned him millions upon millions of dollars throughout this illustrious career thus far. His story serves as inspiration not only for aspiring athletes but anyone looking to follow their dreams no matter how difficult it may seem – proving that anything is possible if you’re willing to put your best foot forward each day.

  1. Leon Powe as a Truck Driver

Leon Powe

Name: Leon Powe 
Net Worth: $4 Million
Truck Driver Salary:  $45,000 per year
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Nationality United States of America

Leon Powe was an American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for seven seasons. Before becoming a millionaire, Leon Powe had to work hard and make sacrifices to achieve his goals of playing professionally.

Prior to his NBA career, Leon Powe worked various jobs such as construction worker and truck driver while attending high school in Oakland, California. He also attended Contra Costa College where he studied business administration with the intention of eventually opening up a clothing store or restaurant after retirement from basketball. During this time he also worked at an auto shop doing odd jobs like oil changes and detailing cars on weekends when not playing ball or studying for classes. 

In 2003-2004 season, Leon signed with University of Memphis Tigers men's team as a freshman but left early due to academic eligibility issues that were later resolved by enrolling into University Of Massachusetts Amherst where he continued his studies while starring on their men’s basketball team until 2006 when Boston Celtics drafted him in second round pick which marked beginning of successful professional career that saw him win two NBA championships before retiring due injuries sustained during games throughout years.

  1. Giannis Antetokounmpo as a Street Vendor 

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Name: Giannis Antetokounmpo 
Net Worth: $70 Million
Street Vendor Salary:  No salary
Date of Birth: Dec 6, 1994 (28 years old)
Place of Birth: Athens
Gender: Male
Nationality Greece

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most successful and talented basketball players in the world. Before becoming a multi-millionaire basketball star, however, Giannis had to work hard to make ends meet. He grew up in Greece as an undocumented immigrant with his parents and four brothers. His family struggled financially and they often relied on odd jobs just to get by each day. 

When he was 16 years old, Giannis started working at a local clothing store selling clothes for extra money before school every day while still playing amateur basketball after school hours. He also worked as a street vendor selling items such as watches or sunglasses at traffic lights around Athens during weekends when there were no games scheduled for him to play in his team’s league matches. In addition. he would help out friends who owned small businesses like helping them move furniture or unload trucks from time-to-time. 

Giannis' determination eventually paid off when he was drafted into the NBA straight out of high school at 18 years old – making him one of only three Greek players ever selected into this prestigious league. Since then, his career has been nothing short of amazing - winning multiple awards including MVP honors twice . This is all thanks largely due to how hardworking and dedicated Gianni remained even through difficult times prior becoming an international superstar athlete today.

  1. Scott Pippen as a McDonald's Worker

Scott Pippen

Name: Scott Pippen 
Net Worth: $20 Million
McDonald's Worker Salary: Hourly pay at McDonald's Corporation ranges from an average of $8.47 to $16.82 an hour
Date of Birth: Sep 25, 1965 (57 years old)
Place of Birth: Hamburg
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 7 in (2.03 m)
Nationality United States of America

Scottie Pippen is one of the most iconic basketball players in NBA history. Before he became a millionaire and Hall of Fame inductee, however, he had to work hard for his success. His pre-NBA career began with humble beginnings as an employee at a fast food restaurant called McDonald’s. It was here that Scottie developed his strong work ethic and dedication to excellence which would later help him become such an impressive athlete on the court.

After leaving McDonald’s, Scottie attended college where he played basketball for two years before entering the 1987 NBA Draft where Chicago Bulls selected him fifth overall pick. Despite being undersized compared to other players in his draft class, Scottie worked hard during training camps and earned himself a spot on the team's roster as their starting small forward going into opening night of their season opener against Detroit Pistons  He went on to have immense success with Michael Jordan leading them all six championships they won between 1991-1998.. 

In addition to playing professionally for 17 seasons (11 with Bulls), Pippen also made sure that offcourt activities were just as important by participating in numerous charity events throughout the Chicagoland area including donating time and money towards local schools and churches while providing scholarships opportunities through various foundations set up under own name. All these efforts show how much they care about giving back to the community even after becoming multi-millionaire from professional sports careers. In conclusion, it can be said that despite humble beginnings. 

  1. Mirza Teletovic as an Engineer in Bosnia

Name: Mirza Teletovic  
Net Worth: $50 Million
Engineer in Bosnia Salary:  $10,000 per year
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Nationality United States of America

Before becoming a basketball millionaire, Mirza Teletovic was an engineer in his home country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He had worked as an engineer for several years before he decided to pursue a career in professional basketball. After making the decision to switch careers, Teletovic began playing professionally in Europe and eventually made it into the NBA after being drafted by the Phoenix Suns.

During his time as an engineer, Teletovic specialized in energy production systems design and development which included designing electrical systems for buildings or other structures such as bridges or roads. His engineering background gave him knowledge that proved invaluable when it came to understanding how different mechanical parts interacted with one another which allowed him to be successful on court later down the line when he became a professional player. 

Teletovic’s success story is one of determination and hard work; despite having no prior experience playing competitively at any level before turning pro, he was able use his engineering skills along with sheer willpower to make himself into a successful athlete who would go on become not only one of best players from Europe but also earn millions through lucrative contracts.

  1. Carmelo Anthony as a Football Player

Carmelo Anthony

Name: Carmelo Anthony 
Net Worth: $160 Million
Date of Birth: May 29, 1984 (38 years old)
Place of Birth: Red Hook
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 7 in (2.03 m)
Nationality United States of America

Before becoming a basketball millionaire, Carmelo Anthony was an avid athlete who excelled in multiple sports. He grew up playing football and baseball in Baltimore, Maryland, but his true passion was basketball. As a high school student at Towson Catholic High School he led the team to two consecutive championships and earned numerous awards for his athletic performance such as being named Gatorade Player of the Year for Maryland. After graduating from high school he attended Syracuse University where he continued to shine on the court earning several accolades including Big East Rookie of The Year and National College Player of The year honors before declaring himself eligible for NBA Draft after just one season with Syracuse Orange Men's Basketball Team. 

Anthony entered into NBA Draft 2003 as one of most sought - after prospects due to his impressive college career statistics which included 22 points per game average along with 10 rebounds per game average during 2002–03 NCAA Division I men’s basketball season at Syracuse University; this made him third overall pick by Denver Nuggets that year thus beginning professional career path towards becoming successful multi-millionaire through sport that had become so close to heart since early childhood days spent playing it streets back home Baltimore neighborhood friends family members alike - all whom were there support him throughout journey until very end when finally achieved longed-for dream: signing lucrative contract extension making sure would remain part organization many years come while also ensuring financial security future generations come well.

  1. Steven Adams as a Butcher

Steven Adams

Name: Steven Adams 
Net Worth: $20 Million
Butcher Salary:  $22,210 per year
Date of Birth: Jul 20, 1993 (29 years old)
Place of Birth: Rotorua, New Zealand
Gender: Male
Nationality New Zealand

Steven Adams was born in New Zealand and grew up playing basketball throughout his childhood. Before becoming a professional basketball player, he held several odd jobs to make ends meet. His first job as a teenager was delivering newspapers for the local newspaper company in Rotorua, New Zealand. He also worked at an abattoir where he slaughtered animals and prepared them for sale at the butcher shop near his home town of Rotorua. 

Adams then moved to Wellington when he turned 18 years old and took up various construction jobs such as building fences, digging trenches, laying bricks etc., while attending college part-time during nights and weekends studying business management with hopes of getting into real estate one day. During this time Steven Adams also coached junior teams on weekends which helped him develop leadership skills that would serve him well later on in life when it came time to lead NBA teams onto victory court after court. 

After finishing college Steven decided that pursuing a career in professional sports would be more rewarding than taking up any other job so he joined the Wellington Saints team before eventually being drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder back 2012 - making history by becoming only second ever Kiwi player chosen for an NBA draft pick. From there onwards it's been nothing but a success story with Steven signing lucrative deals from various sponsorships and endorsements along the way leading all way till multi-millionaire status we know him today.

  1. Matt Barnes as a Pizza Delivery Guy

Matt Barnes

Name: Matt Barnes 
Net Worth: $13 Million
Pizza Delivery Guy Salary:  Between $10 and $13/hour.
Date of Birth: Mar 9, 1980 (42 years old)
Place of Birth: Santa Clara
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Nationality United States of America

Before becoming a basketball millionaire, Matt Barnes was an ordinary man with extraordinary dreams. He grew up in Sacramento, California and attended Del Campo High School where he excelled at both football and basketball. After high school, Barnes chose to pursue his passion for sports by attending the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA). During his time there he became a two-time All American in both sports while also earning numerous accolades such as being named Pac 10 Player of the Year twice.

After college graduation Matt went on to play professionally for several teams including the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010 which made him one of their highest paid players ever at that time. Before all this success however Matt worked various jobs to make ends meet such as working construction sites or delivering pizzas while still training hard everyday so that one day he could live out his dream playing professional basketball on some of the biggest stages around the world. 

Matt's story is truly inspiring because it shows us how dedication can pay off even if you come from humble beginnings like him. 

  1. Lebron James as a Burger King Worker

Lebron James

Name: Lebron James
Net Worth: $600 Million
Burger King Worker Salary:  $11.97/hour
Date of Birth: Dec 30, 1984 (38 years old)
Place of Birth: Akron
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.05 m)
Nationality United States of America

Before becoming a basketball superstar, Lebron James was just an ordinary kid from Akron, Ohio. At the age of 18 he became one of the most sought after prospects in NBA history and would go on to become one of the greatest players ever. But before all that fame and fortune came his way, he had to make a living like everyone else. For LeBron James this meant working hard for minimum wage jobs at local stores such as Burger King or doing odd jobs around town like cutting grass or shoveling snow for extra money.

James also found success outside of work by playing basketball in high school where he quickly rose up through ranks thanks to his immense talent and dedication towards improving himself as an athlete. He made it onto national television during high school when ESPN aired a documentary about him entitled “More Than A Game” which showcased how much potential LeBron had even back then despite not having any real income coming in yet from professional sports contracts or endorsement deals. 

After graduating high school with honors. LeBron decided it was time for him to take another step forward towards achieving his dream career by entering into college but ultimately chose instead to enter directly into the NBA draft due mainly because there were already so many offers available from teams eager to sign him up right away. This decision proved fruitful as shortly afterwards Lebron signed with Cleveland Cavaliers where within just a few years earned millions dollars salary plus various endorsements deals making millionaire overnight.

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