NBA Lockout: Jobs That Each Team's Star Player Should Consider While Locked Out

As the NBA lockout continues and it is looking increasingly more likely that there will not be a season this year, employees of teams around the league are trying to find ways to continue to work while the league is not in operation.

Players are no different, and many are making plans to make money in other ways. While some are heading overseas to continue to play basketball, others will end up working in jobs that are unrelated to the game.

Assuming that each player were to stay in the city where they play, here are some suggestions for jobs that star players can do to pass the time during the lockout.

Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Work for the Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company has been headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia since 1886.

Hawks superstar Joe Johnson would easily be able to get a job working for the company that enjoys being the world's biggest brand name.

He may be able to follow other athletes who have endorsed the product over the years, but could also work in a variety of positions.

Just think of Johnson being the one to fill the vending machine, restock shelves, be in charge of regional distribution or work in the lab to mix the next great flavor of Coke.  

Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics

Consultant for the Red Sox

While there are many possible jobs for Paul Pierce that would be available to him in the Boston area, there is a big need with one of the city's other sports team.

During the lockout, Pierce could lend his years of experience as a player in the Boston area to the Red Sox as a consultant as to what direction the team should go.

After missing out on the playoffs this season, firing the manager and losing Theo Epstein to the Cubs, the team needs all the help they can get.

Maybe Pierce can help them out. Maybe as part of his payment he can take a few swings and hit one over the Monster.

Tyrus Thomas, Charlotte Bobcats

Bank Teller

Imagine driving up the window of your bank to make a deposit and seeing Tyrus Thomas on the other side of the window.

Charlotte is the second-largest banking city in the Unites States and the headquarters of Bank of America.

I am sure that there would be at least one teller position that Thomas could fill. Maybe they could run a promotion that if you open a savings account that you can get an autographed picture or you are put into a drawing for game tickets.

It could be a win-win situation for both Thomas who would have a job, and the bank that can draw new customers.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Baggage Handler at O'Hare Airport

Chicago's O'Hare Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States and in the world.

As a Bull, Rose plays in the United Center so it only seems fair that he work for United during the lockout.

Perhaps he could work as a baggage handler who loads and unloads luggage before and after flights.

If he handles the luggage as well as he handles the basketball, everyone's luggage will arrive safe and sound.

Antawn Jamison, Cleveland Cavaliers

Tour Guide at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Not sure what type of music Jamison listens to, but one place he could look for a job is at the nearby Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Located in downtown Cleveland, the Hall of Fame serves as a museum to honor some of the most influential music artists of all time.

It would not take Jamison long to learn the routine and start directing tours, and he may make a career out of it when his basketball days are over.

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Relief Pitcher for the Rangers

Now that the Texas Rangers have punched their ticket into the 2011 Major League Baseball World Series, it may time to add Dirk Nowitzki to the roster.

So maybe his pitching isn't up to speed, but he does know a thing or two about winning a championship. Even if he doesn't make a relief appearance, he could be a good guy to have on the bench.

If it doesn't work out for him this postseason, and the lockout wipes out the whole season, he may be able to take some time to work on his throwing mechanics and report with pitchers and catchers next spring.

Al Harrington, Denver Nuggets

Player for the Denver Broncos

It is no secret that Al Harrington is a tough guy. He is interested in MMA and is one of the more physical players in the NBA.

Currently at the bottom of their division with only one win, maybe the Broncos could use a guy like Harrington.

Why not give Harrington a chance to line up at the tight end position or lead the pass rush from the nose guard spot. Opposing quarterbacks would have a hard time throwing over him.

At this point in the season, what would the Broncos have to lose? Besides, they let Tim Tebow play so why not give Harrington a shot?

Richard Hamilton, Detroit Pistons

Automobile Assembly Line Worker

When one thinks of Detroit, they think of the automobile industry.

During the lockout it is possible that Richard Hamilton stay in the area and work for one of the automobile companies that are there.

Perhaps he can be the guy that attaches the rear-view mirror to the brand new Ford F-150s, or be the one who performs the final inspection on each vehicle that leaves the assembly line.

Either way, he should be able to get a job making cars.

Maybe he could be a welder as he is already used to wearing a similar mask.

Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors

Executive at Twitter

Monta Ellis could get a job with the Bay Area company Twitter. He could either work in a job they have or maybe he can be in charge of all tweets about the NBA. He would be a good

(Sorry, I only had 140 characters for this slide.)

Kevin Martin, Houston Rockets

Astronaut for NASA

After over 50 years of operation at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, it may be time for NASA to send another type of Rocket into space.

Kevin Martin not only plays for the Rockets in the NBA, but could also ride in on one during the lockout.

With the right training, he could become the first locked-out NBA player to travel to the moon.

If actually travelling in the space shuttle is not possible there are hundreds of other jobs he could perform to keep himself busy. Maybe he can be the guy that clears the shuttle for takeoff and landing.

Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers

NASCAR Driver

With the Indianapolis Motor Speedway not far from where the Pacers play, Danny Granger could cross over into a new sport and try his hand at automobile racing.

He would have to get permission to use car No. 33 from Kevin Harvick, but it may turn out that he is as good at driving a race car as he is at driving to the basket.

If driving is not his thing, maybe he can be the guy on the pit crew who cleans the windshield. He is used to cleaning the glass on the basketball court, so it shouldn't be too hard.

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

Kia Salesman

The perfect job for Blake Griffin would be with a local, Southern California Kia dealership.

Not only would he be good at describing the safety features of the family-friendly Sedona, he could quickly learn the optional accessories that come with the Sportage.

The one selling point that he would have that would close the deal every time would be to tell the prospective buyer that he has dunked over a Kia to win a Slam Dunk Contest.

That alone would make him the top salesman on the lot.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Flipping Burgers at In-N-Out

The job for Kobe Bryant combines the best basketball player in Southern California with the best place to eat.

If he gets bored, or if times get tough for the superstar, Bryant could always throw on an apron and a paper hat and start serving up some double-doubles.

Maybe he could start by working the potato-slicing machine or by cooking the fresh meat patties.

If the lockout goes long enough, he might be able to work his way up to the front counter to ask if guests want fries with their order.

Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

Elvis Impersonator

I am not sure what the official record is, but I would imagine that if Marc Gasol took this job, he would be the world's tallest bilingual Elvis impersonator ever.

Memphis, known for Elvis and being the home of the Grizzlies would be the perfect place for Gasol to launch a second career.

Depending on the job market in Tennessee, he may have to do some work in Las Vegas. Maybe he could pass out flyers on the Strip, or he could get licensed to perform weddings when he is dressed like Elvis.

If he takes this suggestion, he will be fine for as long as the lockout lasts.

LeBron James, Miami Heat

Lifeguard

Now that LeBron James has taken his basketball talents to South Beach, perhaps he would like to work on the actual beach.

James would make a good lifeguard that could sit in the tower and monitor the waves all day long.

Not only would he be quick to help those in need of help, he would have the chance to save someone from drowning, a feat that he was unable to accomplish with the Heat in the playoffs last season.

If he needs any pointers on how to do the job, I am sure that David Hasselhoff would be willing to help him out.

Andrew Bogut, Milwuakee Bucks

Quality Control at a Brewery

Instead of playing basketball while he is locked out, Andrew Bogut could get a position as a taste tester for one of the local breweries in Milwaukee.

He would be responsible for making sure that each batch of beer that is made has just the right ingredients, taste and coloring.

It may take some time for Bogut to adjust to the taste of the beer, and I would be willing to bet that he would never say that American-brewed beer is better than Foster's.

Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

Checker at Target

Kevin Love is used to playing in the Target Center, and could easily pass the lockout time by working as a checkstand employee at a local Super Target store. 

Target, which is headquartered in the Minneapolis area, would be a great place for Love to work because when he becomes a free agent or is traded away from the team, he could also put in a transfer to another store.

If he does not want to work at the checkstand, he is versatile enough to work in electronics, sporting goods or even in the produce section.

Deron Williams, New Jersey Nets

Join the Cast of Jersey Shore

Deron Williams was traded to New Jersey in the middle of last season, while the cast of Jersey Shore was in Italy.

When the show returns, Williams may have to audition to join the cast in some type of role to help himself make it through the lockout.

There is no doubt that he would be looking for more than just a guest appearance. Williams does bring television experience with him as he has already appeared in an episode of The Suite Life on Deck on the Disney Channel.

Joining the cast of Jersey Shore may be the only thing that keeps him from continuing to play in Turkey.

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

Mardi Gras Bead Distributor

Although it is likely that Chris Paul will be leaving New Orleans as soon as he is a free agent, he will be able to work one last time at the annual Mardi Gras celebration.

Paul, known for distributing the ball and passing out assist on the court, would do a good job of passing out bead necklaces to party-goers at Mardi Gras.

I am not sure how much that job would pay him, but it at least would be a lot of fun.

Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Taxi Driver

What better way for Carmelo Anthony to get acquainted with his new city and his fans than by driving a New York City Taxi during the lockout?

Just think of hailing a cab, sitting down in the back and discovering that Carmelo Anthony is your driver.

If driving a taxi doesn't work out for him, maybe he could try a hot dog stand in the middle of Central Park.

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Rodeo Clown

He may have to go outside the city for this one, but Kevin Durant would make a great rodeo clown.

I can see him all dressed up in traditional cowboy gear with his face painted trying to distract an angry bull.

His speed and athleticism would be an asset for him as he might be able to outrun and jump the others to do his job but keep himself safe.

Durant may want to get used to being chased around by Bulls as it is a possibility that Chicago and Oklahoma City could soon meet in the NBA Finals.

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Cast Member at Disney World

As his alter ego Superman, Dwight Howard has already saved the world from evil.

For his employment during the lockout, he can again pull on a disguise in order to fight bad guys.

Being so close to Disney World, Howard should become a cast member and dress up like a Disney character that spends time with the guests.

Some character suggestions for him would be Hercules or the Genie from Aladdin.

Maybe he could even dress up like Frozone from The Incredibles. I can almost hear him saying, "Woman, where's my super suit?"

Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers

Security Guard at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The city of Philadelphia is known for its sports teams, and for a strong dedication to the arts.

To combine each of these, Andre Iguodala could get a job working as a security officer at the world-famous Philadelphia Museum of Art.

For those not familiar with that museum, it is the building that is shown on the outside of the first Rocky movie when Rocky runs up the steps.

Iguodala would make a good security guard, and anyone would be crazy to try to mess around in the museum with him on duty.

Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

Golf Pro

Suns point guard Steve Nash may have the best job on this list. The nice thing about his being a golf pro during the lockout is that he is also getting a jump on his retirement.

Living in Phoenix, there is not a shortage of golf courses for him to choose from, and this would be good practice for a few years from now when he leaves the league.

We know he is good at basketball and soccer; why not give golf a try?

Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers

Nike

What better place for an athlete to work than for Nike?

Located near Portland, Nike could become the employer for Brandon Roy. Not only would an endorsement deal make a lot of sense with Roy being in commercials, but he could contribute in other ways as well.

Roy could become the official basketball consultant, help the new product development team or help to redesign certain team uniforms.

The best thing that he can do is take the job of the guy who keeps creating the crazy college football uniforms that just keep getting more bizarre.

DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

Assistant to Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson

DeMarcus Cousins could accept a position on the staff of current Sacramento city mayor and former NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson.

Johnson, who played 13 seasons in the league with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns, would be a great mentor for the young and often-explosive Cousins.

He could teach him ways to remain calm, be diplomatic and handle situations by working them out instead of getting upset.

Cousins may not turn out to be more than a coffee runner or an intern, but maybe this would be a good start for a political career after basketball for Cousins.

Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Tour Guide at the Alamo

Tim Duncan has been around the league long enough that he may actually remember the Alamo.

Duncan, who has accomplished nearly everything possible in the NBA could pass the lockout time by becoming a tour guide at one of the most important historical landmarks in the state of Texas.

Imagine going to the tourist attraction for a history lesson and being surprised to see Tim Duncan come out as your tour guide.

It is well known that Duncan is one of the more educated players in the league, having graduated with high honors before declaring for the NBA draft.

While he may be eligible for other jobs, it would be great to see him at the Alamo during the lockout.

Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors

Zookeeper at the Toronto Zoo

With over 700 acres of land, 16,000 animals and nearly 500 species, the Toronto Zoo is the largest in the entire country.

Instead of returning home to Italy during the lockout Andrea Bargnani can work as a zookeeper and take care of the animals at the zoo.

He can take care of the hippos, feed the lions and clean up after the monkeys.

Even though they are considered to be extinct, many people would come to see the only Raptor they will ever see at the zoo.

Al Jefferson, Utah Jazz

Ski Lift Operator

After living in Boston, Minnesota and now in Utah, Jazz center Al Jefferson is getting used to living in the snow.

Not only does he live in it, he can now become like many Utahns and earn a living with it.

Jefferson is going to work as a ski lift operator at one of the premier ski areas in Utah. Although it is probably in his contract that he can't, perhaps he will pick up skiing or snowboarding while he is there.

At the very least he can spend his winter outside loading and unloading skiers onto the lift for a ride up the mountain.

John Wall, Washington Wizards

Work in Congress

Like DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall can also take the time during the lockout to get a start on his political career.

Wall has the advantage of working in our nation's capital and could work in one of many different governmental positions. Maybe he can work closely with his congressman to make changes to the law, or perhaps he could complete an internship with President Obama.

Who knows, maybe during the lockout Wall can lay the foundation needed for him to follow the many other players who have moved to politics after their days in the NBA.

Maybe one day we will see Wall and Cousins' name on the ballot for president and vice president of the country. The two did well together as college freshmen at Kentucky; they may do well together in the future also.