In film, the movie is always judged by the actors and known by the actors. While this is somewhat fair, because their performance matters so much, a lot of people tend to overlook the fact that hundreds of other people work and ensure the success of the film.
This can range from the director, to the screenwriter, to the editor, and even to the set design.
Much in the same way, wives work behind the scenes and often go unnoticed or unappreciated. But, they are the glue that often holds an NBA player together.
They support the player and help with finances while the player is busy doing what he does best. Most wives also take care of any children the couple may have.
This is a difficult process, as the professional athlete is so busy and dedicated to basketball that he unfortunately has little time to stay around the children, especially during the season.
NBA wives handle a lot of adversity and frustration. Usually it is them, and not the professional athlete who reads his name in the newspaper and on television bashed by “experts” and reporters.
NBA wives must sit in the crowd and deal with hecklers and other critics who can abuse the player with words and nasty remarks. Sometimes the hecklers even get so personal as to call out the player’s family or personal matters.
NBA wives also must deal with life in the spotlight, especially if the player is a star. The media is always talking about the player, sometimes starting false rumors while in the public fans and foes alike are always surrounding the athlete for autographs and other time commitments.
The wife must understand that a life full of secrecy and quietness will never happen – at least not until retirement or several years after. The wife must deal with lot of attention and raise the children predominately by themselves.
NBA wives do not receive the credit they deserve, but their hard work is definitely or should definitely be appreciated by the player. Unfortunately there has been some rumors and somewhat unfair stereotype labeled on professional athletes who often cheat on their wives while on the road. While this is not true for everyone, it does happen and it’s very unfortunate.
NBA wives put up with a lot, hopefully first off because they love their man more than anything and secondly for the money. While NBA wives do endure a lot, at the end of the day they are much richer then they ever imagined. Anything is available to them and their children.
Often the couple is able to provide opportunities for their children that they never had their disposal. This can include opportunities for a sound private education in high school and extra circular activities all taking place in a good neighborhood.
Famous NBA Wives
Eva Longoria-Parker is by far the most famous NBA wife, probably because she was famous even before she married San Antonio Spur, Tony Parker. Longoria-Parker stars on the ABC hit show, “Desperate Housewives.” She’s a sight for sore eyes, combining dark hair with tan skin. She’s very gorgeous and is found on the sideline of many games when she’s not shooting for the show.
Venessa Bryant made headlines a few years back for the wrong reasons. While Kobe Bryant was involved in a “statutory rape” case back in Colorado, Venessa was dealing with intense media coverage about the couple’s current relationship. Kobe’s famous multi-million dollar diamond ring bought her love back if nothing else.
Piper Billups is married to my favorite player in the NBA, Chauncey Billups of the Denver Nuggets. She’s often seen on the sidelines and their strong relationship often documented in the media.
Shahara Simmons is Elton Brand’s longtime girlfriend from Duke and now the two are married. Simmons and Brand created the perfect sweetheart couple from school.
Kevin Garnett is married to Brandi Padilla, sister of Jimmy Jam Harris (music producer) and Allen Iverson is married to long-time spouse Tawanna Iverson.
Famous Divorces
Shaquille O’Neal, Vince Carter, and Jason Kidd have all recently had public divorce settlements.
Maybe more famous then any is Jason Kidd’s rough divorce with his former wife. Back in the day Kidd use to blow a kiss to his sweetheart before every free-throw, so what has the routine turned to since the divorce…a kiss on the tips of the fingers and then a pat on the butt. Now that’s cold blooded.