Craig Hodges, a former NBA shooting guard and coach, has an estimated net worth of $500 thousand in 2026, shaped by his basketball career and influential social activism.
Craig Hodges is a retired American professional basketball player and former coach whose net worth stands at $500,000 as of 2026. He gained fame as an NBA shooting guard celebrated for his remarkable three-point shooting, his two championship titles with the Chicago Bulls, and his bold political engagement. Hodges earned notoriety for securing three straight NBA Three-Point Contest victories between 1990 and 1992 and for presenting a letter addressing racial injustice to President George H.W. Bush during a Bulls' White House celebration. His refusal to stay silent on social issues, combined with his activism, is widely believed to have led to an informal exclusion from the league. In 1996, he took legal action against the NBA with a $40 million lawsuit, accusing the league of deliberately keeping him out due to his political stance—a case that drew widespread attention but was eventually thrown out. Regardless of the controversy, Hodges remains remembered as both a champion and an uncompromising advocate for justice. Craig Anthony Hodges was born on June 27, 1960, in Park Forest, Illinois. His love for basketball developed early, and he attended Rich East High School in his hometown. He then pursued higher education at Long Beach State University from 1978 to 1982, where he thrived under Coach Tex Winter and set a school record for most career assists. Hodges entered the NBA after being chosen in the third round of the 1982 draft by the San Diego Clippers. He spent two seasons with the Clippers before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 1984. During his time with Milwaukee, he distinguished himself as an elite shooter, leading the league in three-point shooting percentage on multiple occasions. He later played for the Phoenix Suns and the Chicago Bulls, where he achieved his greatest team accomplishments. Hodges helped the Bulls win back-to-back NBA championships in 1991 and 1992, while also solidifying his reputation as one of the most skilled three-point shooters in league history by winning the NBA Three-Point Contest three consecutive times from 1990 to 1992, becoming only the second player to achieve this feat. Throughout his NBA career, Craig Hodges' income reflected the salary trends of the 1980s and early 1990s. In the mid-1980s, his compensation with the Milwaukee Bucks was reported around $115,000. By the 1991–92 season with the Chicago Bulls, his earnings had risen to roughly $700,000. While precise career earnings are not completely recorded, his salary grew steadily as he gained more experience and visibility, especially during his championship years in Chicago. Despite remaining a reliable shooter and seasoned player, no NBA team offered Hodges a contract after the 1992 season. Many observers suggest his activism and outspoken nature were seen as contentious within the league, effectively resulting in an unofficial blacklisting. In 1996, Craig Hodges initiated a $40 million lawsuit against the NBA, claiming he had been systematically excluded from the league due to his political views and public advocacy. The lawsuit alleged that his involvement in social justice initiatives—including delivering a letter to the president and openly criticizing government policies—caused teams to secretly agree to avoid signing him. Hodges contended that despite his sustained high-level performance—including three straight Three-Point Contest wins and two NBA titles—he was suddenly denied contract opportunities after 1992. The lawsuit cited breaches of his rights under federal labor laws and civil rights statutes. The case was dismissed in 1998 when the court ruled there was not enough evidence to prove the NBA or its teams had conspired to keep him out. While the lawsuit did not succeed, it amplified public awareness of Hodges' allegations and underscored the conflicts between activism and professional sports during that period. Following his retirement from active play, Hodges stayed connected to basketball. He served as head coach at Chicago State University and later joined the Los Angeles Lakers coaching staff, where he contributed to two NBA championship victories (2009, 2010) as a special assistant. He also coached in various international basketball leagues and remained active in community programs, using basketball to mentor and empower youth. In 2017, Hodges released his memoir titled *Long Shot*, which recounts his life, career, and the sacrifices he made for standing by his principles. Craig Hodges' influence reaches well beyond basketball. He was one of the NBA’s premier long-range shooters and played a pivotal role in the Bulls’ back-to-back championships. However, it is his bravery in speaking out—at a time when few athletes did—that truly defines his enduring legacy. Hodges inspired future generations of athlete-activists and continues to be respected by basketball fans and civil rights supporters alike. © 2026 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved