From The Court To The Capitol: NBA Players Who’ve Made The Political Leap

Due to the different origins of the players, the NBA has always been a mix of cultures and ideologies. Nowadays, NBA players are more vocal about their political beliefs and use their platform to support causes they care about. Some have even gone to the extent of entering politics, changing their jerseys to ties and suits.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr recently gained notoriety for his humorous comments during the closing ceremony of the Democratic National Convention. His comments demonstrated a growing trend of NBA players participating in political discussions.

However, Kerr is not alone. After their basketball careers a large number of former NBA players have found success in politics.

Bradley Bill: A Legend in Basketball Turned Senator

Basketball player Bill Bradley, who has been inducted into the Hall of Fame, had a stellar NBA career that lasted 10 years. He decided to join politics after retirement and traded his jersey for a suit. Apart from serving three terms as a Democratic US Senator, Bradley also declared for the 2000 presidential election, which he eventually lost to Al Gore.

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Royce White: The Senate to the NBA

Recently, former NBA star Royce White emerged victorious as the Republican candidate for the US Senate. His transition from the basketball floor to the political arena shows the adaptability of NBA players. Throughout his career, White played for several clubs, including the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings.

Dave Bing: The Detroit mayor

The late great NBA point guard Dave Bing had a major impact on Detroit both on and off the court. After his playing career, Bing entered politics and won the 2009 mayoral election in Detroit. During his five years in the position, he used his leadership abilities to address issues facing the city.

Kevin Johnson: A Former NBA Star Turned Mayor

Another NBA point guard who moved from sports to politics was Kevin Johnson. During his tenure as Sacramento mayor from 2008 to 2016, he used his position to promote several neighbourhood projects.

Terry Dehere: Basketball Court to the Boardroom

After leaving the NBA, Terry Dehere, a former player, found success in politics. After winning a seat on the Jersey City Board of Education, he rose to the position of vice president.

These NBA players are among a handful of people who have entered the field of politics. The athletes are using their platform to change things in their communities and to grow the NBA as well.