DALLAS, TX – Pickleball continues to grow in popularity, but it’s not just a sport for the elderly or country clubs in the suburbs.

Celebrities are getting involved, too. From former comedian and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres, to NFL Hall of Hamer, Drew Brees, notable figures from a variety of professions are dinking, driving, and lobbing every chance they get. 

And a new celebrity has entered the picklesphere: Kris Humphries. 

I'll admit that I came to know Humphires from his 72-day marriage to socialite, Kim Kardashian. Remember when all the romance, drama, and subsequent fallout aired on their hit reality TV show “Keeping up with the Kardashians” a while back?

Most notably, though, Humphries is a former professional basketball player who got his start with the Utah Jazz in 2004, and also played for the Raptors, Mavericks, Nets, Celtics, Wizards, Suns and Hawks before retiring in 2019.

Now, he’s a 5.0 pickleball player.

“I love pickleball,” said the 39-year-old, while participating in the Pickleball Central Indoor USA Championships in his home state of Minnesota. “I played basketball, so I’m super competitive. This gives me something to compete in. I’m out here playing and it’s really exciting and fun. There’s a great pickleball community in Minnesota, so hopefully someone here medals and wins it all.”

With more and more former athletes diving into pickleball, it’s no surprise Humphries joined in. At 6-foot-9, and with incredible wingspan, he could probably reach a cross-court shot that would be completely out of reach for the majority of players. He’s got all the tools to succeed.  

Given his competitive drive, it’s entirely possible that we could see Humphries playing pro someday.