From NBA Courts to Pickleball Courts: Terrence Ross Finds a New Passion After Retirement
Former Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic shooting guard Terrence Ross has always been known for his high-flying dunks and sharp shooting. But after retiring from the NBA, Ross needed a new way to channel his competitive spirit — and he found it in an unexpected place: pickleball.
A New Chapter Begins
Ross shared how he stumbled into the sport:
“The summer after I retired, I played pickleball on the weekends with my wife and a couple of our friends,” said Ross. “We would play right when the sun goes down during the evening and it was just perfect. And after I played it once, I was hooked.”
Humbled on the Court
Like many athletes transitioning to a new sport, Ross expected his athleticism to carry him.
“Before I ever played pickleball, I thought I’d go out there and dominate,” he admitted.
“But then I went out there and I had people beating me who were barely moving and scoring on me. I’m like, ‘Yo, this is crazy!’”
Ross found himself outplayed by older opponents who mastered the finesse and strategy of the game.
“They knew how to spin the ball or hit it to my chest… I was completely caught off guard,” he confessed.
The Challenge Fueled the Passion
Instead of getting discouraged, Ross became more invested in improving.
“The hardest part for me was learning not to hit the ball too hard,” Ross said. “I’d get too amped up and send the ball out of the park.”
But soon, things started to click — and pickleball became more than just a hobby.
“Pickleball feels like one of those games I’d played so many times in the past because it’s so similar to ping pong and tennis,” he explained.
A Familiar Skillset: Ping Pong
Ross credits ping pong for helping him transition to pickleball with ease.
“I love ping pong. I’ve been playing since I was a kid, and it’s one of my favorite games,” said Ross.
“Serving came the most naturally to me because it felt a lot like ping pong. I could add a lot of spin thanks to playing ping pong.”
Giving Back at MLP Orlando
Ross showcased his newfound pickleball talents during MLP Orlando, where he joined fellow Orlando Magic alumni to raise money for charity with the Orlando Squeeze.
It was clear he hadn’t lost his competitive edge, and fans got to see a new side of the former NBA star.
What’s Next for Ross?
Although his pickleball appearances are less frequent now, MLP Orlando reignited his love for the game.
“Pickleball’s definitely a great time, and I gotta get back out there again,” Ross concluded.
Final Thoughts
Terrence Ross’s story is a testament to how athletes can find joy and competition beyond their professional careers. From NBA hardwood to the pickleball court, he’s proof that the drive to compete never really retires — it just finds a new game.
