Javaris Crittenton holds an estimated net worth of around $10,000, a staggering figure for a former first-round NBA draft pick who earned over $4 million during his professional career. His trajectory from a McDonald's All-American and standout at Georgia Tech to a prison sentence for manslaughter remains one of the most cautionary tales in modern sports history.
Understanding what happened to his wealth requires looking past simple numbers. Legal defense costs, a total absence of income for a decade, and poor financial choices stripped away his earnings long before his release from custody in 2023.
The Rise: High School Stardom and Georgia Tech
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Crittenton built a stellar basketball reputation early on. At Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, he shared a court with future NBA star Javaris Javaris—correction, Dwight Howard—leading his high school to state championship finals and earning consensus McDonald's All-American honors in 2006.
He chose to stay home for college, enrolling at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In his lone collegiate season (2006–2007), he started at point guard and averaged roughly 14 points, 5.8 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game. His clutch play in the ACC caught the attention of professional scouts, convincing him to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2007 NBA Draft.
Professional Career and NBA Earnings
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Crittenton 19th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft. While he didn't anchor the Lakers' long-term plans, he signed a standard rookie scale contract that guaranteed a steady stream of income. Over his brief stint in the league, playing for the Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Wizards, his total basketball earnings reached approximately $4.1 million before taxes, agent fees, and escrow withholdings.
His time on the court unraveled quickly, punctuated by the infamous 2009 locker room gun incident with teammate Gilbert Arenas while playing for the Wizards. Suspended by the league, Crittenton bounced to international play in China and the NBA D-League, but his professional basketball momentum had effectively flatlined.
The Legal Downfall and Prison Sentence
The true destruction of his livelihood and personal life occurred away from the hardwood. In August 2011, authorities charged Crittenton with the shooting death of Jullian Jones, a 22-year-old mother of four in Atlanta. Investigators alleged he was targeted in a robbery and mistakenly shot Jones while aiming for the perpetrators.
After spending time as a fugitive before being captured in California, Crittenton faced severe felony charges. In April 2015, just as his trial was set to begin, he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a weapon and aggravated assault with a firearm. The court sentenced him to 23 years in prison, which was later modified to a 10-year term.
Where Did the Money Go?
Professional athletes often face rapid wealth depletion when income stops abruptly, but Crittenton's case involved extreme financial drain:
- Massive Legal Defense Bills: Defending against capital murder and subsequent felony charges requires elite, high-retainer criminal defense counsel over several years.
- Zero Earning Potential: Incarceration from his mid-20s through his mid-30s eliminated any capacity to generate income or build investments.
- Asset Liquidation: Whatever cash reserves, vehicles, or personal property he accumulated during his brief NBA tenure were exhausted to pay legal fees and family support obligations.
Life After Release and Current Status
Crittenton was released from prison in April 2023 after serving roughly a decade of his sentence. Since re-entering society, he has largely avoided the spotlight, though his name reappeared in legal filings regarding civil suits tied to the 2011 tragedy.
He has attempted to reintegrate into the basketball community through grassroots coaching and youth training circuits, aiming to steer younger athletes away from the pitfalls that derailed his life. Outlets like ESPN and major sports archives document his era as a stark reminder of how quickly athletic promise can vanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Javaris Crittenton's net worth today?
His net worth sits at approximately $10,000. While he earned millions as a rookie, legal expenses, lack of income during a decade in prison, and asset depletion reduced his wealth entirely.
How long was Javaris Crittenton in prison?
He served roughly 10 years following a 2015 guilty plea for voluntary manslaughter. He was released in April 2023.
Did Javaris Crittenton play with Kobe Bryant?
Yes. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007 and spent his rookie season playing alongside Kobe Bryant before being traded to Memphis.
What happened in the Gilbert Arenas incident?
During the 2009–10 season, Crittenton and teammate Gilbert Arenas brought unloader firearms into the Washington Wizards locker room following a card game dispute over money. The incident resulted in heavy suspensions and effectively ended both players' standing in the NBA. Read more about basketball history through Basketball Reference.
