Vin Baker prefers vanilla lattes to cautionary tales.
The veteran center left the NBA in disgrace a decade ago under a cloud of alcohol abuse and money issues. But Baker has rebounded in his second life as a minister, a father and a soon-to-be manager at a Starbucks in Rhode Island.
“In this company there are opportunities for everyone. I have an excellent situation here at Starbucks and the people are wonderful,” the 42-year-old Baker told the Providence Journal.
Baker is in training at the moment thanks to an opportunity given to him by Starbucks CEO and former Seattle SuperSonics owner Howard Schultz. The SuperSonics were one of six teams Baker played for in a 13-year career in which he made four All-Star teams and earned over $100 million.
But Baker lost his career savings due to bad investments, bad friends and bad choices. The once-dominant power forward battled weight and alcohol issues at the end of his career, and admitted to binge drinking in hotel rooms after bad games.
“For me this could have ended most likely in jail or death. That’s how these stories usually end,” Baker, who is now four years sober, told the paper.
“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. I get energy from waking up in the morning and, first of all, not depending on alcohol, and not being embarrassed or ashamed to know I have a family to take care of. The show’s got to go on.”
And for Baker, it’s going on with four kids, a new wife and a possible new role in the NBA. Baker worked with Bucks players at the behest of Milwaukee coach and former teammate Jason Kidd. Aside from talking hoops, he counseled players on how to avoid the mistakes that plagued his career.
“When you learn lessons in life, no matter what level you’re at financially, the important part to realize is it could happen,” said Baker, who played 41 games over two disastrous seasons with the Knicks.
“I was an alcoholic, I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it. For the people on the outside looking in, they’re like, ‘Wow.’ For me, I’m 43 and I have four kids. I have to pick up the pieces. I’m a father. I’m a minister in my father’s church. I have to take the story and show that you can bounce back. If I use my notoriety in the right way, most people will appreciate that this guy is just trying to bounce back in his life.”