Image via Complex Original
Have you ever stayed up at night and wondered what Rod Strickland was doing? We have. Same with Gary Payton. That intellectual curiousity is what caused us to check up on these "legends" from the NBA's peak to see how life is going after the glory. It's tough to walk away from the spotlight but eventually that's what everyone has to do. You think that guy who picks up roadkill for a living ever wants to retire? Exactly. We take you back to the decade dominated by the Bulls and catch up with Your Favorite NBA Stars of the '90s.
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Mookie Blaylock
Career: 1989-2002
'90s team(s): New Jersey Nets (1990-92), Atlanta Hawks (1992-99), Golden State Warriors (1999)
M-m-m-m-m-Mookie's twins Daron and Zack both play football for the University of Kentucky and are competing to be starting safeties. That's the high point in his life. The low point (and it's not relative, it's a real low point) occurred In May of this year when Mookie got into a vicious car accident (that he caused) in Georgia putting him on life support. Since Mookie's still alive it's evident that his condition improved. The 43-year-old woman that he hit wasn't as lucky. That development is the reason that Blaylock is now facing charges of vehicular homicide. The only way getting released from a hospital sucks is if you get taken to jail right afterwards. That's what happened to Mookie. Somehow you just knew those six DUIs on his record would come back to bite him.
Dan Majerle
Career: 1988-2002
'90s team(s): Phoenix Suns (1990-95), Cleveland Cavaliers (1995-96), Miami Heat (1996-99)
The Ex-Sun and current restaurant magnate, Majerle has stuck with the hardwood even after retirement. After spending five years as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns he was snubbed/fucked over by the franchise that made him kind-of-a star. He's accepted the challenge of coaching Grand Canyon University, a private, Christian school, in their first year as a D1 program. Majerle is replacing a very qualified coach in Grand Canyon's Russ Pennell which has led some to speculate the move is all about the turnstyles for D1's first for-profit university. Don't put it above this shady slice of academia which has been sued by the feds in the past. If Majerle is to prove he's a bonified head coach he'll need to do it for these con artists first.
Tim Hardaway
Career: 1989-2003
'90s team(s): Golden State Warriors (1990-96), Miami Heat (1996-99)
On Valentines Day in 2007, Hardaway wasn't feeling the love when he told Dan Le Batard "I hate gay people." In case you heard that and thought "Where's he going with this?" He clarified by following with "I don't like gay people." Over the course of the past six years Hardaway has claimed to have a change of heart and called Jason Collins, after he came out, as a sign of support. He also supported same sex marriage in his resident state of Florida and symbolically was the first to sign a pro gay marriage petition.
On a familial level he was in the crowd for this year's National Championship to watch Michigan and his son, Tim Jr., lose to Louisville. In June, Tim Jr. was taken 24th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. Now Tim Sr. can root for his son with a Knicks skully halfway covering his dome.
Derrick Coleman
Career: 1990-2004
'90s team(s): New Jersey Nets (1990-95), Philadelphia 76ers (1995-99), Charlotte Hornets (1999)
He was the Detroit Public School's Athletic Commissioner but no longer holds that position. Depending on who you believe, he owes anywhere from $2.2m to $4.7m to over 50 creditors (one of whom is NBA Hall of Famer and current Mayor of Detroit, Dave Bing). When you're facing two $1+ million dollar lawsuits and bankruptcy that means you've hit rock bottom. But in Detroit it just means you fit in.
Glen Rice
Career: 1989-2004
'90s team(s): Miami Heat (1990-95), Charlotte Hornets (1995-98), Los Angeles Lakers (1999)
In 2008, he beat up a man who was hiding in his wife's closet. The man happened to be the dance instructor who created Zumba. So, really, who cares? Finding a man with your estranged wife doesn't help a strugglig marriage so he got divorced from his Real Housewives of Miami housewife. He also confirmed that he bonked at least one of the past two Republican vice presidential candidaties. Currently, Rice owns "G-Force Fights" in Miami whom he actively promotes MMA for. You can watch his son Glen Rice Jr. on the court this fall for the 76ers.
Muggsy Bogues
Career: 1987-2001
'90s Team(s): Charlotte Hornets (1990-97), Golden State Warriors (1997-99), Toronto Raptors (1999)
The shortest dude in NBA history is currently coaching at United Faith Christian Academy, a prep school in Charlotte. They finished 18-5 this year (8-0 in conference) and finished ranked 12th in North Carolina. It's scary to think how good they would've been if he was taller.
Larry Johnson
Career: 1991-2001
'90s Team(s): Charlotte Hornets (1991-96), New York Knicks (1996-99)
He went back to school and got his Bachelor of Arts from UNLV. That social science studies degree will be more than enough to support his massive family. Like a lot of former players, he rejoined the game in an administrative role. In this instance the New York Knicks hired him as a "basketball and business operations representative." He also said he'd be uncomfortable with a gay teammate by tweeting: "don't know Jason Collins personally but he seems like a great guy. Me personally gay men in the locked (sic) room would make me uncomfortable.'' Lucky for both Johnson and the Knicks that there aren't any gay people in New York City.
Isaiah Rider
Career: 1993-2001
'90s Team(s): Minnesota Timberwolves (1993-96), Portland Trail Blazers (1996-99), Atlanta Hawks (1999)
Rider has entrenched himself in the upper echelon of off-the-court athlete screwups. He's been dogged with legal issues extending long after his playing career from assault to drugs. He served roughly four months in prison on cocaine charges. That was in 2007, as of 2011 he was still having run-ins with Johnny Law. His wife thinks the reason is due to a "she-devil, man-hating" probation officer. But his rap sheet makes it hard to give him the benefit of the doubt.
He did an autobiographical documentary called My Testimony: Raw and Uncut. We have absoutely no idea where you can find it. (It doesn't appear to have been released). He's on a semi-path to personal redemption after starting his own charity (Sky Rider Foundation) for underprivileged kids. It's just one of those reclaimations we'll wait to judge.
David Robinson
Career: 1989-2003
'90s Team(s): San Antonio Spurs (1990-99)
"The Admiral" co-founded the Admiral Capital Group which invests in real estate and the hospitality industry (in Robinson's case that means nine different hotels). David's business savvy drew praise from Wall Street legend and complete and utter economy wrecking shithead Jamie Dimon (he's a big name though). On a personal note, despite making over $110 million in his career, Robinson has told his kids he'll pay for their college (though one son is headed to Notre Dame to play football) and then they'll get no inheritance. That's called tough love. We wouldn't expect anything less.
Chris Mullin
Career: 1985-2001
'90s Team(s): Golden State Warriors (1990-97), Indiana Pacers (1997-99)
Assuming you watch basketball (and if you're reading this you probably do), then you already know that Mullin is serving as an analyst for ESPN. The Sacramento Kings have tried to entice Mullin with a job as a "consultant." It seems likely that Mullin will accept after working with new Kings owner Vivek Ranadiv after the two worked together for Golden State before Mullin was forced out (though it's still pending). Thanfully, he's also still rocking the remnants of a flat top.
Kevin Johnson
Career: 1987-2000
'90s Team(s): Phoenix Suns (1990-98)
Since retirement Johnson has proved he's no one trick pony. Johnson recieved a B.A. in Political Science from Cal-Berkeley after his playing days and put it to use. In 2007, allegations of sexual harassment were made against Johnson by a student at St. HOPE (a charter school Johnson founded). The student recanted her story and despite calls to release the police report (probably politically motivated) the Sacramento County Sheriff refused to reopen the case. A few months later Johnson was elected Sacramento's Mayor by a 57-41 margin.
During his first term, he launched initiatives for: community service, local art, ending homelessness, better schools, green energy, literacy, and reducing gang violence. In 2011, Johnson married Michelle Rhee a former Chancellor of the D.C. School System. In 2012, Johnson was re-elected as Sacramento's Mayor by 35% over his next closest challenger. In 2014, he's expected to serve as President for the United States Conference of Mayors (which is exactly what it sounds like). Sounds like his career could just be getting started.
Dominique Wilkins
Career: 1982-1999
'90s Team(s): Atlanta Hawks (1990-94), Boston Celtics (1994-95), San Antonio Spurs (1996-97), Orlando Magic (1999)
In addition to being their Vice President of Basketball he's also an analyst for the Atlanta Hawks. Outside of basketball, Wilkins is a partner with 24-Hour Fitness; together they've developed the Dominique Wilkins Basketball Acadmey in Hawaii. A boxing academy may've been more apt as Wilkins threw down with ex-ref Rashan Michel over who bought one of Wilkins' $12,500 suits. The fight began after a game when Michel punched Wilkins in the chest (probably because he couldn't reach any higher). Michel claims Wilkins punched him first. Instead of risking a huge settlement, next time "The Human Highlight Film" should just pay the debt.
Penny Hardaway
Career: 1993-2007
'90s Team(s): Orlando Magic (1993-99) Phoenix Suns (1999)
The former shoe maven now helps a cancer-stricken friend coach an at-risk middle school basketball team in Memphis (his hometown). Like we said in the tagline some of these guys are doing good. It's the first time that Hardaway returned to his hometown in fourteen years. He also still makes money off of his signature sneakerline with Nike.
Rod Strickland
Career: 1988-2005
'90s Team(s): New York Knicks (1990), San Antonio Spurs (1990-92), Portland Trail Blazers (1992-96), Washington Wizards (1996-99)
The 2008 inductee into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame is now an assistant under John Calipari at the University of Kentucky (he was there in Memphis, too). Strickland has gotten a few DUI's in his post-playing career causing to be demoted to a "non-coaching role" by Coach Cal in 2010. He's gotten charged with more traffic violations since. He's also Kyrie Irving's godfather.
Mitch Richmond
Career: 1988-2002
'90s Team(s): Golden State Warrios (1990-91), Sacramento Kings (1991-98), Washington Wizards (1998-99)
The six-time All-Star called it quits in 2002 and is now a self proclaimed "NBA Legend," NBA analyst and founder of Rock Life (an anti-bullying organization). Recently he worked hard to keep the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento. He's also selling his 13,000 square foot home just down the street from Justin Bieber. If you can pony up $9.4m you can live next to the little entitled fucknut.
Nick Van Exel
Career: 1993-2006
'90s Team(s): Los Angeles Lakers (1993-98), Denver Nuggets (1998-99)
Van Exel has made the transition (as many ex-point guards do) to a career as a coach. In 2009, he was hired as an assistant for Texas Southern University. While there, he was part of a coaching staff that didn't follow restrictions on practice time and received NCAA sanctions. After a year, he was hired by the Atlanta Hawks to be a Player Development instructor. This upcoming season will be the first for Van Exel as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks.
In January of this year, Van Exel's son Nickey, 22, was convicted of murder. Nickey was allegedly a member of a gang who shot his friend Bradley Eyo to prevent him from testifying against the younger Van Exel about robberies they committed together. Though Nick maintained the shooting was an accident, the judge well exceeded the minimum 5-year sentence and instead sent Nickey away for 60 years.
Shawn Kemp
Career: 1989-2003
'90s Team(s): Seattle Supersonics (1990-97), Cleveland Cavaliers (1997-99)
You'd think Kemp would be busy raising his seven kids from six baby mamas but when you're a deadbeat dad it's really not that big of a deal. In 2008, Kemp "played" in Italy despite going five years without playing pro basketball. He played three preseason games, went home to check the damage caused by Hurricane Ike, and then never came back. One of Kemp's kids (Shawn Jr.) was an alternate in the 2010 McDonald's All-American Classic. He chose to play for Auburn University. He was academically ineligible so he transferred to the University of Washington. Kemp, along with Ron Harper and Eddie Jones had the dishonorable distinction of losing a 3-on-3 game to the "Joes" on Pros vs. Joes. During the contest Kemp missed three layups.
Dikembe Mutombo
Career: 1991-2009
'90s Team(s): Denver Nuggets (1991-96), Atlanta Hawks (1996-99)
He has an honorary doctorate from Haverford College, Georgetown, and State University of New York College at Cortland. All three are due to his humanitarian work in Africa. Humanitarian work has been a major part of Mutombo's life during and after his basketball career. He has recieved awards (including one from President George W. Bush) for his efforts in reducing polio worldwide as well as his resolution to assist the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Now he's helping out visually impaired kids in D.C. He's on the Board of Trustees of the National Constituion Center along with Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and retired Supreme Court (and first female) Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Most importantly, he stars in one of those insufferable GEICO ads that everyone else besides me must like because they keep making them.
Clyde Drexler
Career: 1983-1998
'90s Team(s): Portland Trail Blazers (1990-95), Houston Rockets (1995-98)
"The Glide" is the color commentator for Houston Rockets home games which has to make Blazers fans sort of feel like Anthony Weiner's wife. He also assisted fellow list member Hakeem Olajuwon in recruiting Dwight Howard to play for the Rockets. Additionally, he made (minor) waves by suggesting that he would've won the '92 All-Star MVP over Magic Johnson except everyone felt sympathy for Magic because they thought he was "going to die" from HIV. He also thinks that's why he made the original Dream Team. Later he claimed the quotes were "ludicrous."
Dennis Rodman
Career: 1986-2000
'90s Team(s): Detroit Pistons (1990-93), San Antonio Spurs (1993-95), Chicago Bulls (1995-98), Los Angeles Lakers (1999)
Dennis Rodman’s an “alcoholic” which partially explains his money problems (the other being that he’s Dennis Rodman). That means since his career ended he has been trapped in reality TV hell. From Celebrity Mole (which he won) to Celebrity Rehab to Celebrity Apprentice, twice.
He also found himself trapped in the cable news cycle this year when he visited North Korea as part of a promotion for Vice Media. It was the first time Kim Jong-un had seen an American in person (think about the first time you saw snow). Regardless, Dennis referred to the “leader” as a “friend for life,” an "awesome dude" and suggested President Obama call him to squash a potential future war because they both like hoops. Then he came back and stated he should win the Nobel Peace Prize. We like his odds.
John Stockton
Career: 1984-2003
'90s Team(s): Utah Jazz (1990-99)
There really isn't much interesting Stockton news, after all, he's John Stockton. He has written an autobiography that should be coming out around Halloween of this year. You're more then sure to get your fill of everything John Stockton there (including his views on abortion). Sounds enthralling!
Reggie Miller
Career: 1987-2005
'90s Team(s): Indiana Pacers (1990-99)
As if you didn't know he's a commentator now, and not a very good one at that. Went from one of the most hated players to one of the most hated commentators. Everyone's a Knicks fan all of a sudden.
Charles Barkley
Career: 1984-2000
'90s Team(s): Philadelphia 76ers (1990-92), Phoenix Suns (1992-96), Houston Rockets (1996-99)
Charles has become the most recognizable analyst in the NBA today. And for good reason because, unlike many in a mundane cliche infested industry, he's actually entertaining to listen to. The Emmy winner has frequently teased that he'd be retiring from broadcasting "soon" to run for political office between DUI arrests. Never change, Chuck!
Scottie Pippen
Career: 1987-2004
'90s Team(s): Chicago Bulls (1990-98), Houston Rockets (1999), Portland Trail Blazers (1999)
In 2011, he won the coveted NBA Celebrity All-Star MVP by outplaying heavyweights like Jason Sudeikis, Rob Kardashian, and Justin Bieber. For his day-job, he's a senior advisor to Michael Reinsdorf, the Bulls' president and COO. Like Glen Rice's ex, Scottie's wife Larsa is on The Real Housewives of Miami.
Currently, Scottie is being sued for $4,000,000 by Camran Shafighi after Shafighi pestered Pippen with calls for autographs and began snapping pictures of him at the Malibu restaurant Nobu. Pippen claims the guy was drunk and called him the 'n-word' and then spat on him. Earlier in the night he even sat at Pippen's table when a guest got up to drop a pile. Either way, Shafighi looks like kind of a douche (a term that won't come up in the court proceedings). If someone called us a racial slur and spit on us we would knock them out too.
Alonzo Mourning
Career: 1992-2008
'90s Team(s): Charlotte Hornets (1992-95), Miami Heat (1995-99)
During the 2008-09 season, "Zo" became the first member of the Miami Heat to have his number retired. A couple months later, Mourning was hired to his current position: Vice President of Player Programs and Development. For the upcoming season he'll definitely face a major challenge.
After Chris Bosh got married in 2011, Alonzo drove his Porsche into 21-year-old William Candelerio's Audi after 3 a.m. and then bailed (...for some reason). He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and subsequently sued. Mourning claims that it was an accident, caused by Candelerio, already in progress. We'd love to hear Candelerio's side but we can't because he claims to have amnesia from the crash (which sounds fishy as hell). Alonzo also found himself in a media-made controversy this year when he said Scottie Pippen told him "LeBron would kick Jordan's ass."
Gary Payton
Career: 1990-2007
'90s Team(s): Seattle Supersonics (1990-99)
Before being replaced (after one season) by Kevin McHale, the newly enshrined Hall of Famer was an analyst for NBA TV and occasionally NBA on TNT. He was also featured on the very short-lived, Onion Sportsdome on Comedy Central. Payton has been very clear that he does not want his number retired by the Oklahoma City Thunder as a show of solidarity to the city of Seattle. He has stated that he wants to bring back a team to the Emerald City.
Between working with charities, writing a book and working with Nike on a re-launch of his shoe, he's also been mentoring John Wall. If you ever have an extra couple grand lying around you can get your ass kicked by him in a game of one-on-one. Or, if you prefer, sit in awkward silence (knowing that you paid the man to eat dinner with you) as you two share a meal.
Patrick Ewing
Career: 1985-2002
'90s Team(s): New York Knicks (1990-99)
Ewing has been a coach in the NBA for over a decade beginning in Washington, then on to Houston and Orlando. This year his patience will be tested in Charlotte (where he'll be joining another '90s legend, Mark Price). If there's a silver lining it could be that after the team starts 3-32 he'll finally get his long-awaited chance to be a head coach. Maybe nepotism can get his son, Patrick Jr., on the floor (though first he has to make the team).
Hakeem Olajuwon
Career: 1984-2002
'90s Team(s): Houston Rockets (1990-99)
Olajuwon has worked with a number of NBA stars including: Yao Ming, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and LeBron James. The Rockets hope to keep him in the family this time by having him mentor new big man Dwight Howard (whom he helped recruit). Most of the year, howeve,r he lives in Jordan. As in the country. That's a long flight.
Karl Malone
Career: 1985-2004
'90s Team(s): Utah Jazz (1990-99)
He's a member of the NRA Board of Directors (he owns a summer home in Alaska, prime real estate for hunting, though, it's probably too far north for "little Mexican girls"). He's also been seen on Hannity windbagging about politics (what else is that show for?) despite the fact that he's an absentee father who had a kid with a 13-year-old when he was 20 (read that a-fucking-gain) and on at least one occassion tried to bang Kobe's wife. He also said what all of us are really thinking by saying he'd take Scottie Pippen over Michael Jordan. This season (like "The Dream") he'll be working with the Utah Jazz in a limited capacity to tutor their young big men.
Michael Jordan
Career: 1984-2003
'90s Team(s): Chicago Bulls (1990-93, 1995-98)
He's still got his shoes and as long as he has his shoes he has a license to print money. He married model Yvette Prieto in 2012 (which may or may not have to do with the money printing). He is the Head of Basketball Operations and more importantly the Majority Owner for the Charlotte Bobcats. We'd be impressed if it was any team but the Charlotte Bobcats. At least he managed to get their name changed back to the Hornets.