When players hang up their boots, many people immediately think of endorsements, becoming commentators, or pursuing other ventures. But with hundreds of former players, only a few truly excel in these fields. That’s where the NBA’s Retired Players Association comes in, and now Antonio Davis is stepping up as the new CEO. The former player has recently shared his vision for how he plans to transform the lives of veterans under his helm.

Since 1992, the organization has worked for the welfare of retired players, but now, with his arrival, expectations are higher. In his new role, the Toronto Raptors star said, “My mission is, you know, I’m here to serve players, right? As you transition out, RPA wants to be there to help support you, guide you, give you those tools necessary to make a smooth transition to get back into whatever it is you desire to do.” The former player seemed focused and is all set to take over to look after business operations and enhance services for its large pool of over 1000 players. But with the arrival of the 56-year-old, what more is there to expect? 

Speaking on a podcast with Eddie Johnson and Justin Termine, the Oakland-born player highlighted the biggest change he wants is unity before proceeding further. He said, “The first thing we have to do though is make sure we get united, get on a united front, make sure we’re all thinking about the same thing and everybody’s on my staff is in that serve mode.” To work for the welfare of a big house like this, it is important to build the foundation. For that to happen, everybody under the umbrella needs to be together. Adding to it, he said, “And once we do that, then we can start, you know, worrying about our members and our communication and things of that nature.”

What makes Davis a good fit is his experience. Coming here after being the NBA Player’s Association president, the leader knows how to run the show. Factoring in the strong resume, Charles “Choo” Smith, the NBRPA chairperson of the Board, said, “His vision, passion and dedication will have an enormous impact on our more than two thousand members and our global brand for years to come.” As he joins the new office in Chicago, the expectation and the delivery are expected to be the same.

What does Antonio Davis’ new office do?

The NB Retired Players Association, as per its vision, helps former players find a path in their retired life. And the ‘path’ is not just mere advice, but financial assistance too. While they are basketball players’ profession, the body believes in guiding them in their passion in alternative ways. The organization provides necessary support to these players, and that’s how we see some really good commentators and analysts there. Besides this, one of the primary areas the NBRPA covers is healthcare support for retired players. Well, the job doesn’t end here. 

Besides caring for the veterans, The NBRPA also takes active participation in shaping and promoting the game. The association through its Legends Care initiative has conducted charity events. And what better way to serve the profession than taking the game to the underserved? Youths across the globe get to learn from these former players. Imagine dribbling on the basketball court with a legend alongside! That’s what makes the NBRPA special: it does more than what it is expected to do.

Over 30 years, the NBRPA has only grown bigger. From the young days of Michael Jordan in the NBA to him being a member of the retired association, the growth is self-explanatory. Hosting over 1000 former basketball players, the organization had to break barriers to be what it is today. Though the body seems to work fine, it is a test for Antonio Davis to ‘find’ fresh problems, only to bring solutions.