Vin Baker was in the NBA for 13 years before he nearly hit rock bottom.
The 43-year-old former basketball star, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks, the Celtics and the Seattle SuperSonics, sadly fell into alcoholism and lost almost $100 million, according to ESPN. Now, though, his life is taking a turn for the better, and he's found happiness working at a Starbucks in Rhode Island. This may possibly make the 6-foot-11 star the tallest and most famous barista out there.
"I love North Kingstown," Baker told the Providence Journal. "It reminds me of my hometown, so it's comfortable. I like this community. Starbucks draws a lot of repeat customers and so many know me."
After falling into alcoholism, things weren't so easy on him. He had a failed restaurant and simply just could not stop spending his money. He admits to spending way to much, and mixed with an addiction, this wasn't the best thing for him.
"If you don't have a perspecitive in your personal life and you don't understand what this $1 million or $15 million means, it will go," he said.
He is now four years sober, newly married with four children and has found a work place where he feels at home. He thanks former Seattle SuperSonics owner and Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz for this life-changing opportunity.
"In this company, there are opportunities for everyone," he continued to say. "I have an excellent situation here at Starbucks, and the people are wonderful."
People may look down on him for this considering he went from being a pro, someone who won an Olympic Gold medal in 2000, which he auctioned off in 2014, but he doesn't see it that way at all, and he shouldn't. He's put his past behind him and started out fresh, giving himself a much more positive and happy lifestyle.
"When you learn lessons in life, no matter what level you're at financially, the important part to realize is it could happen. I was an alcoholic, I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it," he said. "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 fathers 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."
