Vin Baker Reveals a Basketball Resume Anyone Can Be Proud of: “I Spent $100 Million in NBA Salary and Had to Work at Starbucks Before Giannis’ ‘Magic’ Turnaround”
Vin Baker’s journey through the highs and lows of professional basketball and personal redemption is a story that resonates far beyond the court. Once a celebrated NBA All-Star who earned over $100 million in salary and endorsements, Baker faced a devastating fall due to alcoholism, financial mismanagement, and personal struggles. Yet, his remarkable recovery, marked by a humbling stint at Starbucks and a triumphant return to the NBA as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, showcases a resilience that has inspired many, including Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Baker’s basketball career began with promise. Drafted eighth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1993 after a standout college career at the University of Hartford, he quickly rose to prominence. Standing at 6-foot-11, Baker was a finesse center with a rare combination of size, skill, and versatility. He earned four consecutive All-Star selections from 1995 to 1998, first with the Bucks and later with the Seattle SuperSonics. His career highlights include a triple-double in 1995, a career-high six blocks in a 1997 game, and an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2000. Baker’s on-court success made him a household name, and his earnings reflected his status as one of the league’s premier big men.
However, beneath the accolades, Baker was battling a crippling addiction to alcohol. His struggles began early in his career, fueled by the pressures of fame and the NBA lifestyle. “It was like, I made it. Along with that came the celebration. And I celebrated and celebrated almost every day,” Baker recalled in an interview with Yahoo Finance. His addiction spiraled, leading to poor performances, weight gain, and eventual release from the Boston Celtics in 2004 after coaches detected alcohol on his breath during practice. By 2006, Baker was out of the NBA, his fortune depleted by bad investments and excessive spending. He lost homes, faced a DUI arrest, and at his lowest point, resorted to drinking mouthwash. “I knew I felt abandoned by God,” he told the Los Angeles Times, reflecting on the depths of his despair.
Rock bottom came in 2011, when Baker, broke and living with his parents in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, entered rehab for the fifth time. This time, it worked. Nine months into his sobriety, he reached out to Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks and ex-owner of the SuperSonics. Schultz offered Baker a job as a barista in a Connecticut Starbucks, a humbling pivot for a former millionaire athlete. “For me to summon the strength to walk out here and get excited about retail management at Starbucks and try to provide for my family, I feel that’s more heroic than being 6-11 with a fade-away jump shot,” Baker said in an interview with The US Sun. The role taught him discipline and responsibility, laying the groundwork for his recovery.
Baker’s time at Starbucks was more than a job; it was a lifeline. He embraced the challenge, learning the coffee business and co-managing a store. This period of humility allowed him to reconnect with his faith and family. By 2016, he transitioned to broadcasting for the Bucks, and in 2018, he joined their coaching staff under Mike Budenholzer. His role as an assistant coach, particularly mentoring big men like Antetokounmpo, marked a full-circle return to the NBA. In 2021, Baker celebrated a championship with the Bucks, a testament to his perseverance.
His bond with Antetokounmpo, forged during offseason training in Greece, is particularly poignant. “One night we were talking, and Giannis said to me, ‘Coach, like, your story’s amazing. Like, I cannot believe it,’” Baker shared with Basketball Network. Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, was in awe of Baker’s journey from addiction to redemption. This connection underscores Baker’s impact off the court, as he uses his story to inspire others. In 2022, he opened the Vin Baker Recovery Center in Milwaukee to support those struggling with addiction, emphasizing that recovery is possible. “People who overcome addiction are very unique and special people,” he told The Boston Globe.
Today, Baker, sober for over 14 years, views his journey not as a tragedy but as a testament to resilience. His work with the Bucks, his recovery center, and his plans to open a similar facility in Seattle reflect a commitment to helping others. “I understand the addiction from every single level,” he said. Baker’s story, from NBA stardom to Starbucks barista to championship coach, is a powerful reminder that redemption is possible, and his influence on players like Antetokounmpo ensures his legacy endures.
