EX-NBA forward Bobby Simmons has always had the mind of an entrepreneur.
The former Michael Jordan teammate launched two separate business ventures even before officially ending his 10-year NBA career.
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Bobby Simmons started his NBA career with the Washington Wizards in 2001, playing alongside Michael JordanCredit: Getty
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He launched two businesses, a sneaker shop and nightclub, before officially ending his 10-year NBA runCredit: Annie Costabille / Sun-Times
That’s because Simmons, 43, quickly learned the value of education – and that there would be a lot of life left to live after he stopped hooping.
“This mentality was embedded in me as a kid growing up in the projects of Chicago,” the former 6-foot-6 forward told The Chicago Sun-Times.
“As a kid, I always wanted more.”
With that mindset, it was a blessing for Simmons to start his NBA career with the Washington Wizards right when Jordan came out of retirement.
The Wizards picked the ex-DePaul standout with the 41st overall pick in 2001, a few months after MJ – Washington’s part-owner and executive – announced he would also suit up for the team on the court.
The Illinois native recalled seeing His Airness taking business calls and getting work done on his computer before NBA games.
Then a few years later, he learned about another athlete-turned-businessman after signing with the Milwaukee Bucks.
“When I got to Milwaukee, the name Junior Bridgeman kept coming up,” Simmons said, speaking of one of the wealthiest former athletes in the world.
“As I did more research, I thought to myself, ‘Wow, this guy is very influential.’ He showed me it can be done.
“You have to utilize your platform while you have it.”
Simmons used the business knowledge he had acquired during a year-long break from basketball.
After suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2006, he crafted a business plan for what would be a Chicago-based sneaker store.
Together with his business partner, Lavelle Sykes, the NBA forward opened the boutique – called Succezz – in 2008.
Four years later, he launched the Society 2201 nightclub.
That would also turn out to be Simmons’ last year in the NBA.
Although he expressed interest in continuing his career in December 2012, the 2005 Most Improved Player award-winner failed to find a new team after spending the 2011-12 campaign with the LA Clippers.
In 466 regular-season games, Simmons averaged 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting an eye-catching 39.6 percent for 3.
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