Craig Hodges, a former NBA player and coach, has a net worth of $500 thousand. He is celebrated for his three-point shooting, two championship wins with the Chicago Bulls, and his bold political activism.
Craig Hodges is a retired American professional basketball player and former coach whose net worth stands at $500 thousand as of 2026. Throughout his career, he played as a shooting guard in the NBA, earning acclaim for his remarkable three-point shooting abilities, his contributions to two championship victories with the Chicago Bulls, and his fearless political activism. Notably, Hodges secured three consecutive wins in the NBA Three-Point Contest from 1990 to 1992 and famously presented a letter addressing racial injustice to President George H.W. Bush during the Bulls' White House visit. His outspoken nature and activism are widely believed to have played a role in what many describe as an unofficial ban from the NBA. In 1996, he pursued legal action against the league by filing a $40 million lawsuit, alleging that his exclusion was politically motivated. The case drew significant national attention but was eventually dismissed. Despite the legal outcome, Hodges' reputation as a champion and a principled advocate remains strong. Craig Anthony Hodges was born on June 27, 1960, in Park Forest, Illinois. His passion for basketball emerged 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 honed his skills under the guidance of coach Tex Winter. During his time at Long Beach State, Hodges distinguished himself as an exceptional player, setting a school record for career assists. In the 1982 NBA Draft, Hodges was chosen in the third round by the San Diego Clippers. He spent two seasons with the Clippers before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 1984. His time with the Bucks showcased his exceptional shooting, as he led 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. With the Bulls, Hodges played a pivotal role in securing back-to-back NBA championships in 1991 and 1992. During this period, he also established himself as one of the most elite three-point shooters in NBA history, winning the NBA Three-Point Contest in 1990, 1991, and 1992—becoming only the second player to claim the title three times in a row. Throughout his NBA career, Craig Hodges' earnings mirrored the salary trends of the 1980s and early 1990s. In the mid-1980s, his income with the Milwaukee Bucks was reported at around $115,000. By the 1991–92 season with the Chicago Bulls, his salary had grown to approximately $700,000. While complete career earnings data is not fully available, his income rose consistently as he gained experience and recognition, especially during his championship years with the Bulls. Despite remaining a skilled shooter and a seasoned veteran, Hodges was not signed by any NBA team following the 1992 season. Many speculate that his activism and outspoken views were perceived as controversial within the league, effectively resulting in an unofficial blacklisting. In 1996, Craig Hodges initiated a $40 million lawsuit against the NBA, alleging that he had been excluded from the league due to his political beliefs and public activism. The lawsuit contended that his involvement in social justice causes—particularly the delivery of a letter to the president and his public criticisms of the government—led teams to collude in preventing him from playing. Hodges asserted that despite his strong performance, which included winning three straight Three-Point Contests and contributing to two NBA titles, he was abruptly shut out from contract opportunities after 1992. The legal complaint cited violations of federal employment laws and civil rights protections. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in 1998 after the court determined there was insufficient evidence to prove that the NBA or its teams had conspired to exclude Hodges. Although the case did not succeed, it amplified attention on his claims and underscored the challenges athletes faced when balancing activism with professional sports during that period. Following his retirement from playing, Hodges remained closely connected to basketball. He served as the head coach at Chicago State University and later joined the coaching staff of the Los Angeles Lakers, where he contributed to two NBA championship wins (2009, 2010) as a special assistant. He also coached in various international basketball leagues and continued to engage in community-driven initiatives, using basketball as a tool for youth mentorship and empowerment. In 2017, Hodges published an autobiography titled Long Shot, which recounts his life, career, and the personal cost of standing up for his convictions. Craig Hodges' impact transcends his basketball achievements. He was one of the most proficient long-range shooters of his era and played a crucial role in two Chicago Bulls championship victories. Yet, it is his boldness in speaking out—when few athletes were willing to take such a stance—that truly defines his enduring legacy. Hodges blazed a trail for future athlete-activists and continues to be admired by basketball enthusiasts and civil rights advocates alike. © 2026 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved