DERRICK Coleman has found a purpose since retiring from the NBA – helping the residents of Michigan.

The Detroit native enjoyed a 15-year NBA career, during which he earned over $91million and made the All-Star team in 1994.

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Derrick Coleman had a 15-year NBA careerCredit: Getty

The former NBA All-Star helped deliver water during the Flint water crisisCredit: Youtube/My Detroit Sports

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Coleman gives away turkeys during a Thanksgiving charity event in MichiganCredit: Getty
Since retiring from the NBA in 2005 – after a stint with the Detroit Pistons – Coleman has used his wealth and fame to help the local community.

During the Flint water crisis, which began in 2014, Coleman helped lead efforts to deliver clean bottled water to impoverished residents.

“It’s amazing that people always ask us, ‘Why do we do that?'” Coleman said.

“And I always tell them that when I look at the people in Flint, I see myself and that’s what it’s about.

“It’s about helping and caring for others that can’t do for themselves.”

When Coleman traveled to Flint and knocked on random doors with cases of bottled water in his arms, he was often met with a double-take.

“It’s a shock for some people to see a 6-foot-10 guy standing there,” Coleman told Syracuse.com.

“They say, ‘Hey, man, you look like Derrick Coleman.’

“I tell them, ‘Yeah, I get that a lot.’ And then they thank me, and it’s a blessing. And I move on.”

The former No. 1 NBA Draft pick in 1990 was shocked by what he saw in Flint.

“I’m seeing distress. That’s what I’m seeing. Distress,” the 53-year-old said.

“I’m seeing people who need help. I’ve seen the rust and everything that’s in their water.

“Flint is like a ghost town, and it’s sad. How can this happen here in America, here in the greatest country in the world?”

Coleman also runs the D.C. Elite Summer League at University Prep Academy to help keep teenagers off the streets.

Players are also handed free food bags with healthy items such as granola bars, fruits, water and Gatorade.

“I created the summer league…because I thought kids weren’t getting an opportunity to play the game of basketball enough,” Coleman said.

The former Syracuse University star has turned his life around after multiple arrests and filing for bankruptcy.

“This is nothing new for us,” Coleman said.

“I’ve been grassroots my whole life because it’s in my DNA.

“It’s who I am. You feel me? I was raised that way. So, it’s up to me to pass the torch.”