When NBA players retire, they often start basketball-related careers such as working as a coach or broadcaster, or in the front offices of NBA teams. Then there is the unique story of ex-NBA player Desmond Mason, who has been quite successful selling his artwork to celebrities and others.
During his nine-year career as a shooting guard/small forward, Mason played for six teams in the NBA. He also won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2001, becoming the first Seattle player to win it.
Mason brought his art equipment with him when traveling during away games. In 2002, he held his first art show, which received positive reviews from critics.
He made a huge change in his art after seeing a biopic about Jackson Pollock, an abstract painter. That inspired Mason to use the style of abstract expressionism rather than realism.
Mason has sold his artwork to several celebrities, including baseball player Alex Rodriguez, actor George Clooney and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.
Interestingly Mason has been creating art with several media for quite a while. He started while attending Oklahoma State, where he majored in studio art.
Mason received a summons during his rookie NBA year from commissioner David Stern. The latter told Mason he was interested in buying a drawing that was featured in a Sports Illustrated article about his painting, according to NY Post.
Mason grew up near Dallas and used art as a method of escapism. That is because his neighborhood was full of violence and drugs.
Today, Mason's studio is actually in Oklahoma. However, this week he will be appearing at the Athletes for Art Renaissance Show in New York City, according to Yahoo.