I’m forgotten NBA star who invested in Papa John’s and amassed $100m fortune
Every athlete has had the same thought at one point in their careers. What’s next? Jamal Mashburn has found unfathomable success away from the NBA courtGetty It can be a scary and intimidating whisper that slowly builds over time as one’s athletic prowess starts to subside, or it can come out of nowhere and stop you dead in your tracks. Jamal Mashburn was ready for life after his long 11-year NBA career came to an end. Most people don’t think of Mashburn when they are asked to name an All-Star or All-NBA player. But he was. He was the fourth overall pick in 1994 by the Dallas Mavericks, where he was a member of the All-Rookie First Team squad. Mashburn had a career year in 2003, making the All-Star team and earning All-NBA honors, after averaging 22 points, six rebounds and six assists with the New Orleans Hornets. However, the NBA vet only played for one more season after that due to chronic knee problems, before retiring. In his last season, Mashburn averaged 20.8 points per game. That put him on a short list next to exclusive company. Since 1970, only six players, including Mashburn, have averaged at least 20 points per game in their final NBA season. Mashburn had a long and successful NBA careerGetty Mashburn averaged 19 points per game over the course of his careerGetty The other five? Jerry West, Larry Bird, Drazen Petrovic, Reggie Lewis and Michael Jordan. Not bad company. In total, Mashburn made nearly $75 million in career earnings. However, it’s what he has done away from the court that is even more impressive. Mashburn runs more than 90 businesses, including 38 Outback Steakhouses and 40 Papa John’s, three Dunkin’ Donuts, and a handful of car dealerships. Mashburn is also invested in the real estate space, along with horse racing. In total, the NBA player turned entrepreneur has accumulated a net worth of over $100 million “Everyone can’t be blessed with a 6’8” frame and natural athletic abilities,” Mashburn said via his website. “For me, the pursuit of becoming a professional basketball player was always a means to an end. “While honing my basketball skills as a boy, I also aspired to one day become a successful businessman who carried a briefcase to work. “I was motivated to become successful in business because I wanted to provide for those that I love and to make them proud. “I’m very proud of my success on the basketball court, but accomplishing the business goals that I set in my youth has been a tremendous source of pride. “In basketball, and in life, having the support of a talented and dedicated team is essential. “Nobody does it alone.” For Mashburn, he has taken a successful playing career and transformed it into a thriving business empire.
Every athlete has had the same thought at one point in their careers.
What’s next?
It can be a scary and intimidating whisper that slowly builds over time as one’s athletic prowess starts to subside, or it can come out of nowhere and stop you dead in your tracks.
Jamal Mashburn was ready for life after his long 11-year NBA career came to an end.
Most people don’t think of Mashburn when they are asked to name an All-Star or All-NBA player.
But he was.
He was the fourth overall pick in 1994 by the Dallas Mavericks, where he was a member of the All-Rookie First Team squad.
Mashburn had a career year in 2003, making the All-Star team and earning All-NBA honors, after averaging 22 points, six rebounds and six assists with the New Orleans Hornets.
However, the NBA vet only played for one more season after that due to chronic knee problems, before retiring.
In his last season, Mashburn averaged 20.8 points per game.
That put him on a short list next to exclusive company.
Since 1970, only six players, including Mashburn, have averaged at least 20 points per game in their final NBA season.
The other five?
Jerry West, Larry Bird, Drazen Petrovic, Reggie Lewis and Michael Jordan.
Not bad company.
In total, Mashburn made nearly $75 million in career earnings.
However, it’s what he has done away from the court that is even more impressive.
Mashburn runs more than 90 businesses, including 38 Outback Steakhouses and 40 Papa John’s, three Dunkin’ Donuts, and a handful of car dealerships.
Mashburn is also invested in the real estate space, along with horse racing.
In total, the NBA player turned entrepreneur has accumulated a net worth of over $100 million
“Everyone can’t be blessed with a 6’8” frame and natural athletic abilities,” Mashburn said via his website.
“For me, the pursuit of becoming a professional basketball player was always a means to an end.
“While honing my basketball skills as a boy, I also aspired to one day become a successful businessman who carried a briefcase to work.
“I was motivated to become successful in business because I wanted to provide for those that I love and to make them proud.
“I’m very proud of my success on the basketball court, but accomplishing the business goals that I set in my youth has been a tremendous source of pride.
“In basketball, and in life, having the support of a talented and dedicated team is essential.
“Nobody does it alone.”
For Mashburn, he has taken a successful playing career and transformed it into a thriving business empire.
