Players share post-hoops aspirations
The Magic-at-Lakers game late Wednesday night was not completed in time for this edition. Read the game story in our e-edition at OrlandoSentinel.com/late or on our website.
LOS ANGELES — In this city, and just about everywhere else, people know Kobe Bryant best for his playing exploits with the Los Angeles Lakers over 20 seasons.
On Sunday night, Bryant reminded everyone that people can have second careers. He won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short for his role in creating “Dear Basketball.” The film was based on a poem he wrote when he announced his retirement from the sport several years ago. Bryant worked as an executive producer on the film.
NBA players hailed Bryant’s accomplishment.
“I’m super-happy for Kobe,” said Aaron Gordon, whose Orlando Magic faced the Lakers on Wednesday night at Staples Center.
“That’s awesome for him,” Gordon added. “Everybody knows his work ethic is incredible. His drive is unmatched. So it’s great for him, and it expands how people view basketball players. So he’s leading the way.”
Bryant’s victory at the Oscars prompted us to wonder what Magic players would like to do when their playing careers end. Some Magic players, such as 20-year-old rookie Jonathan Isaac, might be a decade and a half away from hanging up their sneakers. But it’s never too early to make plans.
Here’s what the Magic are thinking.
D.J. Augustin, 30 years old
“I want to get into real estate. I’m actually into it already, and I really like it a lot. So hopefully by the time I’m done playing I’ll have a good little portfolio — that’s what I’m trying to build — and go from there. That’s what I’m passionate about. And, obviously, I’d still be around the game of basketball, not as far as coaching but maybe training younger kids or some commentating or something that.”
Evan Fournier, 25
“I honestly have no idea. What I actually enjoy doing right now is being with kids for basketball. Maybe teach them basketball, like be a skills trainer for kids. But outside of that, I really don’t know.”
Aaron Gordon, 22
“Obviously, I’m interested in sports psychology and helping kids develop into professionals and develop [their] character. Developing a younger generation — cultivating a more peaceful, mindful generation — is something that interests me. Whether that’s through schools, whether that’s through basketball camps, just giving them the opportunity that I’ve had in my life [is appealing]. Teaching kids that if you follow your passion ruthlessly — with joy — pretty much anything can come true [is important].
“But people change, man. So in 15 years, who knows what I’ll want to do and what will interest me? Tons of things interest me. Hopefully, I’ll be able to pursue everything that I love to do in this lifetime.”
Jonathan Isaac, 20
“I definitely want to do something in the field of my faith. Whatever that looks like — if it’s speaking, if it’s preaching, if it’s traveling and becoming an evangelist — I don’t know. But I definitely want to do something with speaking the word of God. I just don’t know what it looks like yet. But that’ll be something that I want to do when I’m done.”
Terrence Ross, 27
“Something probably in the TV industry. Hollywood just seems fun. Not so much acting. Maybe producing. Something like that. It’s just fun to me: putting shows together, making TV shows. Who knows?
“I don’t know about financing [shows], but for sure [I’d like to] do something to put them together: produce, make it all come together. That’s more interesting to me than actually acting or directing or anything.
“It’s a different type of storytelling, but bringing that to life would be fun.
“I like a lot of Stephen King novels. A lot of them. I read a couple this summer: “It,” “The Shining,” “Misery” and one of “The Dark Tower” books. He’s just really good at telling stories. Stephen King, he just puts so much into a story that it’s fun to read.”
Nikola Vucevic, 27
“I think about it sometimes. I don’t really have a fixed idea. I would like to try something in the broadcasting world. I don’t know if I want to do play-by-play or do something more in the studio before or after the game. That’s something that I think I would enjoy doing, and not only for basketball. It could be either soccer or basketball. That’s something I’d like to do.
“Lately, I’ve been thinking that maybe I would like to be more involved in basketball. I don’t know about coaching yet, but maybe the front office or something like that[are things] I’ve had more interest in lately. Before I thought I would never want to do that. Now I think I might. Those are two areas I have in my mind.
“I think it would be something related to sports. We’ll see. Hopefully, I’ll have a good amount of years left to play before I have to make the decision.”