The Richest NBA Basketball Players (Part1)

A look at the 10 richest NBA players and their paths to their wealth,

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of four major associations in U.S Sports including National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball Association (MLB) and the National Hockey League (NHL). These leagues try to provide sports entertainment. In this age, people have received a greater share of opportunity for wealth, in return for their labor and betting thru online sportsbooks in the US as well.

• Ray Allen starred in a film “He Got Game” directed by Spike Lee
• Lebron’s endorsements, including Nike, McDonalds, Coca Cola and Samsung

• Magic was part of an investment group what purchased the LA Dodgers

Like most sports, professional basketball has created millionaires. Unlike many sports, basketball is unique in the fact that the playing field is small, 10 players are on the court and the players are able to seen fully by the crowd. These factors create a more personal connection between the audience and the players. As a result, the NBA is a powerful marketing tool that created additional millions to players and organizations alike.

Grant Hill begins the line up until he reaches “The Dream”

Grant Hill became well known when he helped lead the Duke University Blue Devils to back to back championships in 1991 and 1992. He was part of an incredible cast of characters which included Christian Laetner and Bobby Hurley. After Hill was drafted to the Detroit Pistons, he made USD 2,750,000 is rookie year and won a shared “rookie of the year” status with Jason Kidd. The next year Detroit signed Hill to a 5-year USD 31,200,000. With endorsements and his own shoe, Hill’s value soared.

Before he made his mark in the NBA, Ray Allen starred in a film “He Got Game” directed by Spike Lee. The film, which detailed a young man caught in the trappings of the industry, may have predicted Allen’s future success. Having won two championships with the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, Allen’s 17 years in the league has helped him create a sound financial portfolio.

Kobe Bryant has been in the league for 19 years and has accumulated a net worth of over USD 220 million. As the youngest player to score 30,000 points, Kobe has made himself a household name with the LA Lakers bringing them five championship titles. Kobe made US gambling news when he signed a seven-year contract worth USD 136 million in 2004 which was the richest deal in NBA history.

Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, one of the most beautiful centers in the League’s history, is a member of the USD 200 million club. The Nigerian led the Houston Rockets to back to back championships in 1994 and 1995. Hakeem’s the only player to win regular season MVP, Finals MVP and Player of the year in the same season. Since his 12 years of retirement, Hakeem still received millions in endorsement money annually.

Duncan and Nowitzki work for their money as LeBron applies a little Magic

Tim Duncan is led the San Antonio Spurs to four NBA Championships, amassed thee Finals MVPs and two regular season MVPs. The West Indian, who was a force at Wake Forest University, is worth USD 150 million. Duncan, who tends to shy away from endorsements, earned his money the hard way, by being selected to 14 All-NBA and All Defensive Teams.

Lebron James entered the league as the greatest player in the NBA history before he ever played one game. Before his career is over, LeBron may end up the richest as well. In 10 years, Lebron has become the “darling” of the marketing world. His endorsements, including Nike, McDonalds, Coca Cola and Samsung, helped LeBron reach a net worth of over USD 370 million.

Erving “Magic” Johnson is the embodiment of “Showtime” in Los Angeles and he brings that outside the court as well. Magic made many business ventures after his retirement. Leading the Lakers to nine finals and won five titles in the process, Magic was part-time owner of the Lakers for short time and was part of an investment group what purchased the LA Dodgers baseball franchise and the LA Sparks women’s basketball team.

Dirk Nowitzki is one badass German who has reached a fortune of over USD 170 million. Having led his Dallas Mavericks team to a NBA championship in 2011, Nowitzki is a perennial All-Star. While he felt reluctant to enter endorsement deals or gambling outside of US gambling laws, Nowitzki still made some sound business decisions. And let’s not forget his four-year USD 80 million contract.