NBA Players and Marriage
NBA players are some of the most recognizable faces in the world. From their incredible athleticism on the court to the lavish lifestyles they lead off the court, the lives of professional basketball players can seem almost out of reach to the average person. One question that often comes up among fans is: what percent of NBA players are married?
The answer is not as straightforward as it might seem. According to a 2017 study by the National Basketball Players Association, less than 30% of NBA players were married. However, this figure does not include players who are in long-term relationships or living with a partner. In addition, the data does not differentiate between players who are married to another NBA player or a non-athlete.
NBA Player Marriages: an Overview
When it comes to marriage, NBA players have a wide range of experiences. Some players choose to get married young, while others wait until they have established their career and earned enough money to provide for a family. Some players have multiple marriages, while others have chosen to remain single throughout their entire career.
The majority of NBA players who are married have chosen to marry someone outside of the NBA. This could be due to the fact that they may not want to enter into a relationship with another player, or they may simply not have the time or opportunity to meet someone within the NBA.
The average age at which NBA players get married is 28. This is slightly older than the average for the general population, which is 26 for men and 24 for women.
Reasons Why NBA Players Marry Later
There are a number of reasons why NBA players choose to marry later in life. One of the major factors is the amount of time and energy that is required to maintain a successful basketball career.
NBA players spend a significant amount of time practicing, traveling for games, and taking part in promotional activities. This leaves little time for a relationship, let alone marriage.
In addition, NBA players may have difficulty finding someone who is willing to commit to a relationship when they are constantly on the road. This can be especially true for younger players who may not have the financial means to support a family.
Finally, NBA players may choose to delay marriage until they have achieved some level of success and financial stability. This can take some time, especially when they are in the early stages of their career.
Notable NBA Marriages
Despite the fact that fewer than 30% of NBA players are married, there are some notable marriages among professional basketball players. Here are just a few:
- Kobe and Vanessa Bryant: Kobe and Vanessa Bryant were married in 2001 and have been together ever since. They have four children together and are considered one of the most iconic couples in NBA history.
- LeBron James and Savannah Brinson: LeBron James and Savannah Brinson have been married since 2013 and have three children together. They are one of the most high-profile couples in the NBA.
- Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry: Stephen and Ayesha Curry have been married since 2011 and have three children together. They are one of the most beloved couples in the NBA.
- Draymond Green and Jelissa Hardy: Draymond Green and Jelissa Hardy were married in 2016 and have one child together. They are one of the most talked about couples in the NBA.
NBA Players Who Are Not Married
While there are some NBA players who are married, there are also many who are not. Some of the most well-known NBA players who are not married include:
- Kevin Durant: Kevin Durant is one of the most recognizable faces in the NBA, but he is not married. He is currently in a long-term relationship with a woman named Cassandra Anderson.
- Kawhi Leonard: Kawhi Leonard is one of the most talented players in the NBA, but he is not married. He is currently in a long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart, Kishele Shipley.
- James Harden: James Harden is one of the best players in the NBA, but he is not married. He is currently in a long-term relationship with a woman named Khloé Kardashian.
The Benefits of Marriage for NBA Players
Marriage can offer many benefits for NBA players, both personally and professionally.
On a personal level, marriage can provide stability and companionship for NBA players. This can be especially important for players who may be dealing with the pressures of the NBA lifestyle and the constant travel associated with it.
On a professional level, marriage can help NBA players focus on their goals and prioritize their commitments. This can help them stay on track with their career and maximize their potential on the court.
The Challenges of Marriage for NBA Players
Despite the many benefits of marriage, there can also be some challenges for NBA players.
One of the biggest challenges is the fact that NBA players are away from home for long stretches of time. This can make it difficult for NBA players to maintain a healthy relationship with their spouse.
In addition, marriage can add to the financial pressures that NBA players already face. This can be especially true if they are married to a non-athlete who does not have the same income as them.
Finally, marriage can also be a challenge for NBA players if they are in a long-distance relationship. This can make it difficult for them to spend quality time together, which is important for any relationship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, less than 30% of NBA players are married, although this figure does not include players who are in long-term relationships or living with a partner.
Marriage can offer many benefits for NBA players, including stability and companionship, but it can also come with some challenges, such as the financial pressures and the difficulty of maintaining a healthy relationship while being away from home for long stretches of time.
No matter what the situation, it is important for NBA players to find the right balance between their personal and professional lives in order to be successful both on and off the court.