After a 19 year NBA career, Grant Hill’s life after basketball is equally impressive as an entrepreneur. In addition to his television duties at TNT and CBS, Hill balances his time in commercial real estate, has co-ownership stake in the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, a part ownership role in Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles. Additionally, along with his wife and recording artist, Tamia Hill, the Hall of Famer is a part ownership of soccer’s Orlando City CS and the Orlando Pride.
A seven-time All-Star and the NBA’s co-Rookie of the Year recipient in 1995, Hill’s calculated transition into business was influenced by a bevy of childhood mentors in football and basketball. “It was really people like Junior Bridgeman,” Grant Hill tells me.
An NBA vet for 12 years, most notably with the Milwaukee Bucks, Bridgeman is the current owner of both Ebony and Jet magazines and according to Forbes, has a net worth of $600 million, which makes him one of the wealthiest former athletes in the world.
Roger Staubach & Grant Hill Connection
Hill, the son of Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Champion Calvin Hill, also counts one of his father’s teammates for inspiring him and showing him the way in business. “Roger Staubach,” smiled Hill.
“He was a family friend who named me. I was nameless for three days. Watching him transition and build a business; and just to see guys who’ve done it and done it at a high level and also have done it quietly under the radar. Staubach was really the guy for me back when even before I got into the NBA. Being aware of the different careers as a player, but also as a business person.”
Staubach who is known for his business and personal ethics and for holding his employees to high ethical standards, is one of the wealthiest NFL players in history.
With an estimated net worth of $600 million, the Hall of Fame QB is co-owner of Hall of Fame Racing in NASCAR. Additionally, the two-time Super Bowl champion started The Staubach Company in 1977, which he later sold to Jones Lang LaSalle for $613 million in 2008. Following the sale, Staubach then served as executive chairman of the Americas region of Jones Lang LaSalle until 2018.
Grant Hill Reveals How Growing Up The Child of An Athlete Is A Case Study On Life
In today’s sports world, children of sports stars are carrying on the tradition of their dads in cool ways. Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James, for example, has generated over $50 million in revenue for the Lakers through jersey sales, which is more than his father LeBron James’ salary. That’s a huge return on investment for the purple and gold who signed the youngest James to a four-year, $7.9 million contract, which is fully guaranteed through the 2025-26 season.
Hill, who like James is the child of a professional athlete, believes that having exposure to that life gives the player’s children a head start. “I think understanding professional sports and understanding that one day it’s gonna end,” Hill said referring to his professional sports career.
“I think watching my father and watching contemporaries of his and seeing those that succeeded on and off the field and those that didn’t, I think it just gave me perspective and it also gave me examples — like Roger Staubach who was a family friend watching what he did both as an athlete and also post-playing career so, that perspective was invaluable. And people you know… just have perceptions and stereotypes because you’re a child of a professional athlete but now you see more and more children of professional athletes now in the NBA. And I think just growing up around it knowing about the worth, sacrifice and discipline and all that goes into it can’t help but help you and be a resource towards your journey.”
Grant Hill Discusses LeBron James’ Impact In Basketball in Year 22
While Hill wears many hats in real estate, ownership and television, he’s also heavily involved in the game of basketball through his role as managing director of the USA Men’s National Basketball Team. Hill’s experience as a two-time College Basketball National Champion during his days at Duke University coupled with NBA career averages of 16.7 points, 6 rebounds and 4.1 assists, also surely have garnered him instant credibility after replacing Jerry Colangelo.
A two time gold medalist during his playing career with USA Basketball, Hill was a member of the 1996 Dream Team. Now in his managing director role, Hill assembled a star-studded roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which included 12 NBA All-Stars, four NBA MVPs, six NBA champion and four NBA Finals MVPs
One of those superstars on that roster includes 40 year old NBA superstar, LeBron James. James is still putting up solid stats in his 22nd season in the NBA and Hill respects what the Akron, Ohio native is doing. “I saw a lot of him this past summer up close and personal,” said Hill.
“He takes care of his body and he works like he’s trying to make the team! His professionalism, work ethic and of course his intellect.”
Like James,’ Hill was an exciting open-court player who could finish above the rim. Hill also had a reliable jump shot and was a good rebounder. Although LeBron may be the better point guard, the 6’8” Duke product was also a terrific playmaker and excellent passer. “He’s just a smart guy and he knows the game,” shared Hill.
“He may not do it like he once did it, but he just knows how to get it done. He knows how to make the right reads, he picks and chooses his spots. It’s impressive what he’s done throughout his career with his longevity, but maybe it’s more impressive to what he’s doing now.”
