Craig Hodges, an American former NBA shooting guard and coach, has a net worth of $500 thousand. Known for his three-point shooting, two championship wins with the Chicago Bulls, and his bold political activism, Hodges left a lasting legacy both on and off the court.
Craig Hodges is a retired American professional basketball player and coach whose estimated net worth stands at $500 thousand in 2026. During his time in the NBA, Hodges played as a shooting guard, earning fame for his remarkable three-point shooting skills, his two championship titles with the Chicago Bulls, and his fearless political activism. He is widely recognized for securing three consecutive victories in the NBA Three-Point Contest from 1990 to 1992 and for presenting a letter addressing racial injustice to President George H.W. Bush while the Bulls visited the White House. Hodges' outspoken nature and activism are believed by many to have led to an unofficial ban from the NBA. In 1996, he initiated a $40 million lawsuit against the league, alleging he was excluded due to his political stances—a case that drew widespread attention but was eventually dismissed. Despite the challenges, Hodges' reputation as a champion and an advocate for meaningful causes remains strong. Craig Anthony Hodges was born on June 27, 1960, in Park Forest, Illinois. His early passion for basketball led him to play at Rich East High School in his hometown before he moved on to compete at Long Beach State University from 1978 to 1982. Under the guidance of coach Tex Winter, Hodges distinguished himself as a standout player and set a school record for the most career assists. Selected in the third round of the 1982 NBA Draft by the San Diego Clippers, Hodges spent two seasons with the team before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 1984. While with the Bucks, he built a reputation as a deadly three-point shooter, repeatedly leading the league in three-point shooting percentages. He played for the Phoenix Suns and the Chicago Bulls later in his career. His time with the Bulls proved to be his most successful, as he helped secure back-to-back NBA championships in 1991 and 1992. During this period, he also solidified his reputation as one of the league’s finest three-point shooters by winning the NBA Three-Point Contest in three consecutive years, from 1990 to 1992—making him only the second player to achieve this feat. Throughout his NBA career, Craig Hodges’ income aligned with the salary standards of the 1980s and early 1990s. In the mid-1980s, reports indicated his earnings with the Milwaukee Bucks were roughly $115,000. By the 1991–92 season with the Chicago Bulls, his salary had risen to about $700,000. Although comprehensive career earnings figures are not fully recorded, his income grew steadily as he gained experience and recognition, especially during his championship seasons in Chicago. Despite remaining a skilled shooter and a seasoned player, no NBA team offered Hodges a contract after the 1992 season. Many observers suggest that his activism and outspoken views were seen as contentious within the league, effectively resulting in an unofficial ban. In 1996, Craig Hodges filed a $40 million lawsuit against the NBA, claiming he had been blacklisted due to his political beliefs and public advocacy. The lawsuit argued that his involvement in social justice causes—particularly the letter he delivered to the president and his public criticisms of the government—led NBA teams to secretly agree not to sign him. Hodges maintained that despite his consistent performance—including three consecutive Three-Point Contest wins and two NBA titles—he was suddenly excluded from contract opportunities after 1992. The lawsuit claimed violations of his rights under federal employment laws and civil rights protections. The case was dismissed in 1998 after the court found insufficient proof that the NBA or its teams had conspired to keep him out. Although the lawsuit did not succeed, it drew further attention to Hodges’ assertions and underscored the conflicts between political activism and professional sports during that period. Following the end of his playing days, Hodges stayed connected to basketball. He served as 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 remained active in community initiatives, using basketball as a tool for mentoring youth and promoting empowerment. In 2017, Hodges released a memoir titled Long Shot, which recounts his life, career, and the sacrifices he made for standing by his principles. Craig Hodges’ impact extends well beyond his basketball achievements. He was one of the NBA’s premier long-range shooters in his era and played a vital role in the Chicago Bulls’ back-to-back championships. However, it is his bravery in speaking out—at a time when few athletes were willing to do so—that truly defines his enduring influence. Hodges blazed a trail for future athlete-activists and continues to be admired by basketball enthusiasts and civil rights supporters alike. © 2026 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved