Javaris Crittenton was once seen as a rising star in the basketball world. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft, he entered the league with high expectations. However, legal troubles and off-court decisions derailed his promising career. Today, in 2025, **Javaris Crittenton’s net worth is estimated at just $10,000, a far cry from what many expected when his professional journey began.
Early Life and Basketball Stardom
Born on December 31, 1987, in Atlanta, Georgia, Javaris Cortez Crittenton grew up in a city known for producing top athletic talent. He attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, where he played alongside NBA superstar Dwight Howard. The two led their team to a state championship in 2004. Crittenton continued to shine throughout high school, earning McDonald’s All-American honors as a senior in 2006.
Following high school, Crittenton committed to Georgia Tech University, where he played one season (2006–2007). He was recognized as a team leader and standout performer, even dropping a career-high 29 points in a game against Florida State.
NBA Career: A Short-Lived Run
After an impressive freshman season at Georgia Tech, Crittenton declared for the NBA draft. He was selected 19th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007. During his rookie season, he played 22 games with the Lakers, averaging 3.3 points per game before being included in a blockbuster trade that sent Pau Gasol to the Lakers and Crittenton to the Memphis Grizzlies.
In Memphis, Crittenton found more playing time, appearing in 28 games and posting 7.4 points per game. Despite solid contributions, he was once again traded—this time to the Washington Wizards in a multi-team deal in December 2008.
His stint with the Wizards proved to be the most infamous chapter of his NBA career. He played 56 games and averaged 5.3 points per game, but his name made headlines for all the wrong reasons in December 2009. A locker room dispute with teammate Gilbert Arenas escalated into a confrontation involving firearms. Both players brought guns into the team facility. Crittenton pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge and was suspended for the rest of the 2009–2010 season. He never returned to the NBA.
Overseas and D-League Attempts
After the NBA door closed, Crittenton briefly revived his basketball hopes overseas. In late 2010, he signed with the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in China. Though he played only five games, he made an impact, averaging 25.8 points per game.
In early 2011, he returned to the U.S. to join the Dakota Wizards of the NBA Development League. He played 21 games, starting in five, but never regained his former form or received another NBA opportunity.
Legal Troubles and Prison Sentence
Crittenton’s life spiraled further out of control after leaving professional basketball. In August 2011, he was charged with the murder of 22-year-old Julian Jones, a mother of four. Investigators said Jones was not the intended target; instead, Crittenton had allegedly been seeking revenge on someone who had previously robbed him.
Crittenton was arrested by the FBI while preparing to board a flight in California. Though he initially denied involvement and was released on $230,000 bond, the situation worsened. In 2013, Crittenton and his cousin, Douglas Gamble, were indicted on 12 criminal counts, including murder, assault, and providing false statements.
While out on bond in 2014, Crittenton was arrested again—this time for drug trafficking. Authorities charged him with conspiring to sell multiple kilos of cocaine and large quantities of marijuana. As legal pressure mounted, Crittenton pleaded guilty in 2015 to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault with a firearm. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison.
Early Release and Current Life
Despite his original sentence, Javaris Crittenton was released in early 2023 after serving just over eight years behind bars. The reduced sentence was the result of legal negotiations and good behavior while incarcerated. Now 37 years old, Crittenton is trying to rebuild his life post-prison, though details about his current activities remain limited.
His early release marked a significant moment in a life defined by dramatic highs and crushing lows. While there is no confirmation of employment or public ventures, sources close to him suggest he is focusing on family and personal rehabilitation.
Net Worth Breakdown
Crittenton’s current net worth in 2025 is $10,000. That figure is especially stark when contrasted with the $4 million in career NBA earnings he accumulated between 2007 and 2009. Financial setbacks, legal fees, and time in prison have left him with little remaining wealth.
Family Life and Personal Background
Javaris Crittenton has kept most of his family details private since his legal troubles began. However, it is known that he has children and has expressed a desire to repair family relationships after his release. His story serves as a cautionary tale about lost potential and the long-term cost of poor decisions.
Final Thoughts
Javaris Crittenton’s life is a stark reminder of how quickly fortune can change. Once a promising athlete destined for NBA greatness, he is now remembered for a tragic downfall. From state championships to prison time, his story spans both achievement and regret.
As of now, his $10K net worth reflects a journey marked by talent, trouble, and missed chances. Whether redemption lies ahead remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Crittenton’s tale is among the most sobering in professional sports history.
