Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is well-known but commonly misunderstood. People often think of it as a childhood disorder, but its symptoms are lifelong. Many adults live with ADHD, and some don’t even get diagnosed until adulthood.
Many NBA superstars live with ADHD, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kevin Garnett, and Mitch McGary. Some have become ADHD advocates, and others claim that the condition gives them extra energy on the court.
Research suggests that ADHD may appear more often in professional athletes than in the general population. Excess energy may be advantageous in sports, but many athletes still struggle with other symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about the NBA players who worked through their ADHD and became stars.
1. Michael Jordan
Perhaps the most recognizable name in basketball history is also one of the most prominent public figures with ADHD. Jordan undoubtedly faced many challenges due to his condition. However, many sports enthusiasts attribute his massive success to his atypical thinking.
People with ADHD frequently hyperfocus on their interests. Therefore, “attention deficit” might be a misnomer in some cases. Jordan was undoubtedly hyper-fixated on his athletic performance and image throughout his NBA career.
ADHD also makes people crave novelty. This symptom may be part of why Jordan always sought and continues to seek new challenges.
Jordan famously said, “My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.”
2. Magic Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is another household name in basketball. Johnson achieved success while coping with multiple disabilities. Growing up, Johnson struggled in school due to ADHD and dyslexia. Unfortunately, he later contracted HIV and retired from the court.
Other students bullied Johnson during childhood because of his limited academic ability. The stigma he faced over his low reading ability prepared him to fight against the HIV stigma later in life.
Today, he’s still alive and as healthy as he can be with HIV. He’s still a prominent NBA ambassador and AIDS activist.
People with disabilities can thrive in any field they want. Johnson said, “You’re the only one who can make a difference. Whatever your dream is, go for it.”
3. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett discusses his struggles with ADHD and dyslexia in his book KG from A-Z. Garnett intentionally formatted his book to be accessible to others like him.
He wrote each chapter in short form, similar to a series of encyclopedic entries. The narrative is non-linear and jumps between various moments in his life. Some readers find this jarring, while others commend it for pulling neurotypical readers into a neurodivergent experience.
Doctors diagnosed Garnett with ADHD in adulthood. Yet, he always knew that he was different. He describes, “Growing up, I didn’t necessarily know what was going on. I didn’t know why things appeared the way they were and why I was processing the way I was.”
After diagnosis, he understood that his brain is just wired differently.
His book shows that people with learning differences aren’t less intelligent. Different brain wiring means that neurodivergent people process and understand things differently. They can accomplish many of the same goals and milestones but must take a different path to do so.
4. Mitch McGary
Mitch McGary always had a natural talent for basketball. Standing at 6’10, teenage McGary was well-liked, well-known, and incredible on the court. However, his basketball career nearly came to an early end.
Academic accommodations and ADHD acceptance may have saved McGary’s basketball career. Without them, McGary found it impossible to balance his athletics with his expected GPA. Many teachers and coaches questioned his work ethic until he received the right tools to thrive.
His diagnosis helped him understand his behavior. After that, he was more equipped to check himself and adjust accordingly. People around him could see significant, rapid positive changes in him once he accepted and learned to live with his disability.
His transformation demonstrates the importance of neurodiversity acceptance. Labeling himself as an “idiot” left him trapped and nearly destroyed his career. Finding out he has a learning disability and needed to adjust put him on the fast track to a successful NBA draft.