Show Me the Money: NBA Richest Players of All Time ~ Emerald Quill

Oct 24, 2014

Show Me the Money: NBA Richest Players of All Time

10/24/2014 Celestine Green No comments

"Show me the Money!" Cuba Gooding, Jr. will long be remembered for that line and his academy award winning performance in the movie Jerry McGuire. Much is made of the cash made in the entertainment world and in sports. I've taken a look at Rappers, Football players, and athletes in general. Why not concentrate on the cash cows of the NBA.NBA players are well paid and receive their share of fame and glory. In addition to their healthy salaries generated in multiple year contracts, many players enjoy opportunities for lucrative endorsements that feather their nests and launch their careers as wealthy businessmen.

Forbes lists 2014's highest paid NBA players in the February 10, 2014 issue.The top ten mega stars on the list will bank $358 million this year. Kobe Bryant leads the list making $64.5 million, followed by LeBron James, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant and Dwayne Wade. But who makes the list for NBA's richest players of all time?

Michael Jordan, principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets, tops the list with an total income of $1 Billion dollars. He's the wealthiest and the most popular and is considered one of the best player ever. Chicago fans remember the championship rings, MVP awards, and thrilling performances during his career. In 1984, Jordan received $500,000 for his Nike contract. In contrast, LeBron James will receive $42 Million for Nike endorsements this year. After a decade in retirement, Jordan's annual income is $100 million dollars per year for endorsements.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr. retired from the NBA Los Angeles Lakers a little over twenty years ago after he discovered he had the HIV virus. Today, Magic is worth one-half billion dollars. He has always played the cards that were dealt him from his college days at Michigan State to his rivalry against Indiana State University's Larry Bird and the 1979 NCAA Finals. That game was the most watched basketball game ever on T.V. His multiple championships with the Lakers, numerous MVP awards and other honors attest to him being considered one of the best point guards ever to play the game. He returned to the Lakers as coach in 1993. Today he runs Magic Johnson Enterprises which is worth $700 million dollars.

Shaquille O'Neal earned $300 million dollars in his NBA career. He played on seven NBA teams and was a member of the 1996 Olympic team. He enjoyed numerous career highlights and received many awards. Before he retired, he was one of the most dominant centers of all time. He is a commentator on various sports networks, a visitor on talk shows and news programs discussing sports and earns tens of millions of dollars annually in endorsements. He has released four rap albums, the first of which went platinum. Throughout his life, Shaq pursued his education, earning a BA in 2000, MBA in 2005, and a doctorate in 2012.

Kobe Bryant comes from a basketball family. His father played for the Philadelphia 76ers. Kobe joined the Los Angeles Lakers directly out of high school and at the age of 35 is one of the wealthiest players in the game at $260 million dollars. He signed his first of many endorsement contracts in 1996 with Adidas for $48 million dollars. At age 34 and 104 days, he became the youngest player in league history to reach 30,000 points. He topped Forbes list of highest paid NBA players for 2014 at $64.5 million dollars.

LeBron James joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and is just reaching his prime at age 29. He was the youngest player to be named Rookie of the Year. He earned bronze and gold in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. He's earned 2 championship rings and multiple MVP awards and is considered among the top players in NBA history. He earns $53 million dollars in endorsements yearly.

There is clearly a divide between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and the rest of the NBA. The duo is set to earn a combined $125 million dollars this year. No other NBAer is within $20 million of their income bracket.

Hakeem "the Dream" Olajuwon ranks number 6 at $200 million. He has been retired for 12 years. Born in Nigeria, Olajuwon spent his NBA career playing for the Houston Rockets after attending the University of Houston. He took his college team to NCAA final four during March Madness for 3 years in a row in the early 1980s. At 6'9" since the age of 15, Olajuwon is considered one of the league's best centers.

Kevin Garnett was drafted directly out of high school by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He ranks number 7 on the list at $180 million dollars. Olympic Gold medals, MVP honors and a championship win marks his success in the game. In 1997 he signed a $126 million dollar contract for six years and makes $10 million annually in endorsements.

Grant Hill retired at the end of the 2013 season having accumulated $180 million during his career. He led the Duke University team to a NCAA championship and played on the 1996 Olympic team. He earns income from endorsements and other business ventures. Injuries hampered his career, but his successes were many.

Swimmer turned basketball player Tim Duncan ranks number 9 at $150 million dollars. After attending Wake Forest, Tim was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 1997. He was awarded MVP in 2001-2002 and is considered one of the best power forwards of all time.

Gary Payton closes out the list of the ten richest NBA players of all time at $130 million dollars. "The Glove" as some call him, Payton attended Oregon State University and was drafted by the Seattle Super Sonics. After two decades, Payton is the only point guard to receive the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.