C.J. Watson

About C.J.

C.J. Watson is a retired NBA veteran, entrepreneur, angel investor, philanthropist, and author who has built an impressive second chapter beyond professional basketball. A Las Vegas native, C.J. spent ten years in the NBA playing for organizations including the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Orlando Magic before continuing his professional career internationally. Even during his playing career, C.J. was intentional about preparing for life beyond basketball. He used his offseasons to explore business, investing, conferences, and opportunities that would challenge him to think beyond the game. That mindset has grown into a portfolio of more than 30 angel investments across sports, technology, food and beverage, and emerging businesses. He has also served in advisory roles, including with Synergy Sports Capital, while helping connect founders and companies with strategic relationships and investment opportunities. C.J. is equally committed to creating impact in his community. He is the founder of the Quiet Storm Foundation, which has served youth for more than 17 years through education, health, fitness, personal development, and scholarship initiatives. He is also the author of the children's book series CJ's Big Dream, created to encourage young people to pursue their goals, believe in themselves, and understand the value of hard work. Through his experiences as an athlete, investor, entrepreneur, father, and philanthropist, C.J. brings an authentic perspective on transition, relationships, financial opportunity, networking, and building an identity that extends far beyond sports.