Michael Carter-Williams was a talented basketball player, good enough in college at Syracuse University to be the 11th pick in the 2013 NBA draft, so much of a standout in his first year as a pro that he was selected the rookie of the year for the 2013-2014 season.

His numbers dropped off a few years later, as did his minutes. Carter-Williams – a point guard and shooting guard – sat out the 2021-2022 season with an injury, played only four games in the 2022-2023 season, and spent just a couple of months in the NBA’s developmental league in 2023 before leaving the sport for good.

In his career, Carter-Williams played in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic. 

He works these days as a college basketball analyst for ESPN. But he also now has a new sport: boxing.

Carter-Williams will have his first amateur match on May 29 at the Leman Ballroom in New York City, part of a fundraiser for Bigvision Community. According to a press release, the nonprofit is “dedicated to supporting young adults in recovery from substance abuse.”

The 33-year-old is listed on Basketball Reference as 6-foot-5 and 190lbs, though one imagines he's not at his playing weight anymore.

“We are excited to have someone of Michael Carter-Williams’ caliber on the show,” said Ronson Frank of Uprising Promotions, one of the event’s promoters. “You do not get to the top of the game like he did in basketball without being a seriously hard worker, so I am curious to see how his athletic ability transitions into boxing. 

“Along with Bigvision Community and the other participants who will be fighting on this card, Michael Carter-Williams will be helping us provide assistance to individuals who are working to make a positive change in their lives. We really hope the boxing community will come out and support this great event so we can make an even stronger impact.”