Professional athletes are defined by an exceptional range of physical tools and versatility. While many NBA players eventually commit to basketball as their sole focus, several stars have displayed significant aptitude for other sports, either as high-level competitors or dedicated hobbyists. NBA players possess elite athleticism and are invariably good at other sports. While others treat them as hobbies, some are talented enough to dominate.
Steph Curry is widely recognized for his prowess on the golf course, most notably winning the 2023 American Century Championship at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Nevada. Curry began playing at age 10 and was the top golfer at his high school, Charlotte Christian. His skills are frequently described as near-professional, leading to speculation from peers like Draymond Green that he could eventually compete on the PGA Tour. He started playing at 10 and was the No, according to Business Insider.
LeBron James also maintains a strong interest in football and golf. During his time at St. Vincent-St. Mary high school, James played as a wide receiver and drew recruitment interest from Division I programs, including the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In more recent years, he has taken up golf as an addiction, frequently playing with other NBA stars and recently visiting Scotland’s Loch Lomond Golf Club alongside former teammates such as Kevin Love and J.R. Smith.
Michael Jordan famously pivoted to professional baseball during his first NBA retirement between 1993 and 1995. He signed a contract with the Chicago White Sox and was assigned to their Double-A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons. Across 127 games, he recorded a.202 batting average with three home runs and 51 RBIs. Beyond baseball, Jordan is widely considered one of the best golfers among professional athletes.
For Hall of Famer Steve Nash, soccer served as a vital foundation for his basketball success. He played competitively as a youth before transitioning to basketball at age 13, and he attributes much of his court vision, passing angles, and spatial awareness to his experience on the pitch. In addition to soccer, Nash also participated in ice hockey, rugby, and lacrosse during his formative years.
Tim Duncan, often cited as the greatest power forward in history, was a standout competitive swimmer in his youth while growing up in Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands. He was among the top-ranked swimmers in the U.S. in his age group and had trained for the 1992 Olympics in various freestyle events. However, he moved to basketball after a Category 4 storm destroyed the island’s only Olympic-sized swimming facility.
Chase Budinger represents a rare crossover success, transitioning from a seven-year, 407-game NBA career to professional beach volleyball. He is the only athlete to have competed in both an NBA regular-season game and an Olympic beach volleyball match, representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics and securing gold at the 2023 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour. Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
Charles Barkley remains a fixture at celebrity golf events, though his unique swing often draws attention. While he is known for his erratic form today, Michael Jordan has noted that Barkley was once a highly capable golfer before he received contradictory technical advice from various instructors.
Danny Ainge, the current Utah Jazz alternate governor and CEO of basketball operations, enjoyed a three-season career in Major League Baseball while in college. Between 1979 and 1981, he played second base, third base, and center field for the Toronto Blue Jays, hitting.220 with two home runs across 211 games. He remains the second-youngest player in the franchise’s history to hit a home run, and the Boston Celtics had to buy out his contract following his selection in the 1981 NBA draft. Teams All NBA TEAMS Atlantic Boston Celtics Brooklyn Nets New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers Toronto Raptors Central Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers Detroit Pistons Indiana Pacers Milwaukee Bucks Southeast Atlanta Hawks Charlotte Hornets Miami Heat Orlando Magic Washington Wizards Pacific Golden State Warriors Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers Phoenix Suns Sacramento Kings Southwest Dallas Mavericks Houston. Rockets Memphis Grizzlies New Orleans Pelicans San Antonio Spurs Northwest Denver Nuggets Minnesota Timberwolves Oklahoma City Thunder Portland Trail Blazers Utah Jazz.
Pat Connaughton brought a multi-sport background to the NBA, having played basketball, baseball, and football in high school. He notably played professional baseball for the Aberdeen IronBirds, then the Baltimore Orioles’ Class-A short-season affiliate, and possesses a fastball clocked at 96 mph (154 km/h).
Chris Paul has established himself as a prominent figure in the professional bowling community. He is a competitive bowler who has hosted numerous celebrity and youth charity events through his CP3 Foundation. In 2012, he expanded his involvement by becoming the owner of L.A.X., a professional team within the Professional Bowlers Association.
