NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams leaves the court behind and begins bold new career

Michael Carter-Williams had a blazing start to his NBA career, but a string of injuries gradually dimmed his light. Now, the former basketball player has stepped away from the hardwood and into the ring.

The NBA’s 2013-14 Rookie of the Year made his amateur boxing debut in a three-round, heavyweight bout with two-minute rounds. The 33-year-old Syracuse alum defeated 36-year-old Sam Khativ by decision during the Broad Street Brawl at the Leman Ballroom in New York.

The event served as a fundraiser for Bigvision Community, a nonprofit that supports young adults recovering from substance addiction. Carter-Williams had previously told Ariel Helwani that boxing was something he wanted to try – and now he has.

“I think it’s just to scratch the itch. I’ve been competing my whole life, and this is something I want to do. I want to keep competing. I respect the sport [of boxing], I’m a big fan, I watch it a lot.”

In the same interview, the All-Rookie First Team selection from 2013-14 said he hopes to build a professional boxing career, though he knows it will take time. He’s aiming to improve gradually and isn’t ruling out the influencer-boxer path taken by the likes of Jake Paul.

“I don’t know where this will take me. I know there’s a path for people who’ve played pro sports to step into the boxing ring. I’m taking it one step at a time – it’s something I want to keep getting better at. I’ve thought about it [the influencer route].”

NBA career in numbers

Carter-Williams wrapped up his pro basketball career in the 2023-24 season with the Capitanes de Ciudad de México in the NBA G League. Before that, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic.

Born in Hamilton, Massachusetts, he was the 11th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and played a total of 395 games in the league. He averaged 10.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.