The conversation around athlete nutrition has evolved significantly, with many professional basketball players exploring and adopting vegetarian and fully vegan lifestyles. This is not just a trend but a strategic move for improved health, faster recovery, and extended careers. While the term "vegetarian" often gets used interchangeably with "plant-based" in casual discussions, most of these high-profile athletes are strictly vegan, avoiding all animal products, including dairy and eggs.
The Plant-Based Pioneers: Notable NBA Players
Several key players have become the face of this movement within the league, sharing their experiences and endorsing plant-based brands.
Chris Paul
Chris "CP3" Paul, a 12-time NBA All-Star, switched to a fully plant-based diet in the summer of 2019 at the age of 34. He initially made the change for performance purposes but quickly noticed substantial health benefits. Paul reported a significant reduction in the typical aches and pains associated with an intense NBA season.
"When I first went plant-based, it was for performance purposes but once I saw how my body changed and how I felt—it was for life," Paul told GQ.
He has since become an ambassador for plant-based brands like Beyond Meat and Eat Just, and even launched his own line of vegan snacks called "Good Eat'n".
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving, known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, adopted a strict plant-based lifestyle in 2017 after watching the documentary What the Health. He credits the diet with boosting his energy levels and improving his mood and mental sharpness during the season.
"My energy is up, my body feels amazing," Irving stated.
Like Paul, Irving is an investor in Beyond Meat and has used his platform to promote healthy eating, even donating thousands of plant-based burgers to food banks during the pandemic.
DeAndre Jordan
Former All-NBA center DeAndre Jordan went vegan in 2018, citing both health and environmental concerns as his primary motivations. He described the decision as easy once he educated himself on nutrition and where protein actually comes from.
Jordan has shared his enthusiasm by hosting his own vegan cooking show on PlayersTV called Cooking Clean, which features plant-based recipes and lifestyle discussions.
A Comparison of High-Profile Plant-Based Players
This table highlights the transition details and claimed benefits of some key players.
| Player Name | Team (Most Recent) | Diet Type | Transition Year | Primary Benefits Claimed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Paul | San Antonio Spurs | Vegan | 2019 | Reduced aches, increased energy, longevity |
| Kyrie Irving | Dallas Mavericks | Vegan | 2017 | Improved energy, mood, and recovery |
| DeAndre Jordan | Denver Nuggets | Vegan | 2018 | Health, environmental reasons, feeling better |
| JaVale McGee | Free Agent | Vegan (off/on) | 2016 | Weight loss, renewed energy |
| Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons | Vegan | High School | Experimentation, energy levels |
| John Salley | Retired | Vegan | 1991 (fully by 2005) | Longevity, health, no body odor |
The Evolution of Diet in the NBA
The move towards plant-based diets has gained traction, but not all players who try it stick with it permanently. Damian Lillard and Michael Porter Jr. are examples of athletes who experimented with the diet but eventually reintroduced some animal products into their meals, often due to challenges in maintaining weight or other personal preferences.
However, the overall impact of these high-profile success stories is undeniable. The visibility of players like Chris Paul returning to All-Star form in their late 30s has made teams and the entire league take notice, ensuring that plant-based meal options are more readily available in locker rooms and during travel.
For more information on other elite athletes who thrive on plant-based diets, check out Great Vegan Athletes.
Conclusion
The question of who is vegetarian in the NBA reveals a growing list of athletes who are using nutrition as a performance tool. While few are strictly vegetarian (consuming dairy/eggs but no meat), many have embraced a full vegan lifestyle. Pioneers like John Salley, and current stars such as Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, and DeAndre Jordan, have demonstrated that a plant-based diet can support peak physical performance and potentially extend the demanding careers of professional basketball players. The trend continues to grow as more athletes explore the benefits of a diet focused on whole, plant-derived foods.
