Market Minute Overtime: John Salley, NBA Champion to Bitcoin Advocate
John Salley, a four-time NBA champion, is a man of many talents. With a career spanning basketball, acting, producing, and hosting, Salley’s relentless drive is encapsulated in his own words: “I do whatever I have to do to win.” This mindset propelled him to championship victories with three different franchises—the Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers—across three decades and two millennia. Now, as the executive producer of the documentary God Bless Bitcoin, Salley is channeling that same energy into exploring the transformative potential of cryptocurrency.
In an engaging and energetic conversation, Salley reflects on his journey from the streets of Canarsie, Brooklyn, where he honed his skills as a kid, running drills in the park from early morning until late at night. He attributes the success of his championship teams to one key ingredient: focus. That clarity of purpose has guided him not only on the court but also in his diverse ventures off it. Salley’s achievements extend far beyond the hardwood. He’s acted in films like Bad Boys, performed in Disney’s musical Sneakerella, and co-hosted the Emmy-nominated The Best Damn Sports Show Period on FOX for seven years. He’s also hosted late-night shows on BET and produced various projects, including God Bless Bitcoin.
God Bless Bitcoin is Salley’s latest passion project. It’s streaming now and dives deep into the world of cryptocurrency. Featuring in-depth conversations with luminaries such as Mark Cuban, Cathie D. Wood, Michael Saylor, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the documentary explores how Bitcoin works, why it’s growing, and its potential as an ethical choice for humanity. When asked if Bitcoin could reach a million dollars per coin, Salley quips with humor, “God willing and the creek don’t rise.” Salley has put his money where his mouth is, revealing the majority of his investments are now in Bitcoin. His belief in its potential aligns with his broader philosophy of living fully in the present. “This is the only life you have—you don’t have tomorrow,” he says, a mantra that has fueled his eclectic career.
Salley also shares personal anecdotes about basketball legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and coach Phil Jackson. He weighs in on a hypothetical 2-on-2 matchup between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James versus Jordan and Scottie Pippen, confidently asserting that Kobe and LeBron would come out on top. He explains why, while also declaring LeBron the best NBA player since Wilt Chamberlain—a bold stance from someone who’s seen the game’s greatest up close.
Salley doesn’t shy away from contemporary sports topics either. He offers his thoughts on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the rise of streaming sports, and advice for younger athletes. A vocal vegan, Salley promotes his website, shopbettalife.com, and his John Salley Podcast. His commitment to making a difference extends to his involvement with charitable organizations like Operation Smile and PETA. An early investor in Beyond Meat, Salley has long championed causes that align with his values of health, sustainability, and ethical living.
From his days dominating the NBA to his current role as a Bitcoin advocate and multifaceted entertainer, John Salley’s life is a masterclass in focus and fearlessness.
For more of his insights, check out Market Overtime on Schwab Network as he reminds us, tomorrow isn’t promised—so why not live boldly today?
Featured clips
International Plays: China's 'Cheap Valuation' & TSM A.I. Leadership
Morning Trade Live
► Play video
Charles Schwab and all third parties mentioned are separate and unaffiliated, and are not responsible for one another's policies, services or opinions.
Charles Schwab and all third parties mentioned are separate and unaffiliated, and are not responsible for one another's policies, services or opinions.
