I decided to do some research on NBA salaries and I think I threw up in my mouth twice after finishing my research. These salary numbers were provided by hoopshype.com. Top 10 NBA salaries for 2006-2007 NBA season.
1.
Kevin Garnett, Minnesota -$21,000,000- He signed that huge $128,000,000 contract and is still reaping the benefits. He is consistent scoring 20 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, dishing 5 assists, and blocking 3
shots a game season after season and has done it without complaints. He is arguably the best power forward of his generation. He has hall of fame credentials, but his only long playoff run was with a healthy Sam Cassell. He still has not been able to take the Wolves back to the playoffs. Don’t tell me that he has a horrible roster. Ask Kobe Bryant about bad rosters. Unfortunately, 21 million dollars does not get what it used to, not even a playoff spot.
2.
Allan Houston, New York-$20,718,750-Wow, now this is a waste of a lot of money. A glorified jump shooter who’s one big shot was a game winning runner against the Miami Heat in the 1999 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. He retired in 2005 and is still getting paid. Smartest man alive!
3.
Michael Finley, San Antonio-$20,154,625-He is a two time NBA All Star who had his most productive years while on the Dallas Mavericks while he averaged at least 20 points, dished out 5 assists, and grabs 5 boards. He wasn’t even the best player on the Mavericks, but he made superstar money. The Mavs used the “Allan Houston rule” to cut him and not take a luxury tax hit.
4.
Shaquille O’Neal-Miami-$20,000,000- Arguably the greatest center all time. There is no need to discuss how good Shaq is. At the time he signed this contract, this was a steal because at the time, Steve Francis, Jalen Rose, Stephon Marbury, and Keith Van Horn all made more then $20 million dollars. While he was a Laker, they offered him a 3 year $90 million extension, but turned it down because he a “Big Baby.” Outside of all the criticism he brought a championship to the Heat like he promised. Dwyane may have carried the Heat, but there is no way he gets to the NBA Finals without Shaq.
5.
Chris Webber-Detroit-$18,307,008-In 2001, he signed a 7 year $127 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. He is a big man who is an excellent passer and great post player. On the Kings, he averaged at least 20 points every season, grabbed 10 boards, and dished out 5 boards. His best season with the Kings he scored 26.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 4 assists. The former #1 pick has never lived to his potential as the leader of the “Fab Five” in Michigan. He never could beat the Lakers or could get the Kings to the Finals. He’s never been a player in the clutch. For reference to that statement, see the 1993 NCAA championship and look at all his playoff performances.
6.
Allen Iverson-Denver-$18,281,250-Pound for Pound one of the best offensive players EVER! He stands at 6 feet and 160 pounds dripping wet. He drives and gets to the basket at will. Goes to the line 10 times a game and shoots over anybody he wants to. He has a career scoring average of 27.9 points a game, and has averaged over 7 assists the last 3 seasons. He does all that and can do nothing right. He is the most misunderstood athlete in the history of the NBA. Not to take anything away from him; he is a turnover machine and has always shot a low field goal percentage. The bottom line is the guy is a baller and has never been surrounded with the talent to win a title.
7. J
ason Kidd-New Jersey-$18,084,000-Taking away his marital problems and his kid who had a moustache as a toddler, Jason Kidd is “ballin”. He is arguably the best pure point guard since John Stockton. He is a great passer, defender, rebounder, and playmaker. Watching him on the fast break is like watching Leonardo da Vinci paint a masterpiece. He is third all time in triple doubles, which highlights the versatility of his game. One of the few players in NBA history who can affect a game without scoring. He’s always been a suspect shooter, but made up for it by using his size in the post against smaller point guards. He’s a winner every team he’s been, but after two trips to the NBA Finals has not been able to win a championship.
8.
Jermaine O’neal-Indiana-$18,084,000-A consistent big man who has averaged 20 points, 10 boards, and 3 blocks a game for the last six years. I admire him for waiting his turn to become a star playing behind Rasheed Wallace and Arbydas Sabonis in Portland. After his trade to the Pacers, he became a six time all star and one of the best power forwards in the league. He’s led Indiana to some successful seasons, including a 60 win season, but has not been able to lead them to the NBA finals. The Pacers have failed to put a winning team around O’neal and he has voiced his frustrations. Perhaps a change of scenery maybe needed.
9.
Kobe Bryant-Los Angeles Lakers-$17,718,750-The most gifted offensive player in the NBA who has led the NBA in scoring the last two seasons. This price is a bargain for what he does for the Lakers. He is a once in a lifetime player, and will probably go down as one of the best shooting guards of all time. It’s a shame that the Laker management has surrounded him with crap and he has not been able to lead the Laker team passed the first round of the playoffs since Shaq was traded.
10.
Tim Duncan-San Antonio-$17,429,671-The “Big Fundamental” is a winner through and through. This man made David Robinson, a perennial loser, into an NBA champion. He is the centerpiece of the best run franchise in the NBA. This contract is a bargain for the Spurs for what Duncan has done for the franchise. If he wins another championship he may dethrone Shaq as the best big man of his genereation.
Players in the 06-07 season who made too much money1. Theo Ratliff, Boston-$11,666,666
2. Adonal Foyle, Goldent State-$8,125,000
3. Eddie Jones, Memphis-$15,090,826
4. Jason Williams, Miami-$8,250,000
5. Raef Lafrentz, Portland-$10,905,000
6. Wally Szczerbiak, Boston-$11,000,000
7. PJ Brown, Chicago-$8,000,000
8. Desmond Mason, New Orleans-$8,036,667
9. Jalen Rose, Phoenix-$16,901,500
10. Grant Hill, Orlando-$16,901,500Players in the 06-07 who made too little money
1. Al Jefferson, Boston-$1,618,320
2. Josh Smith, Atlanta-$1,460,640
3. Josh Howard, Dallas-$1,577,353
4. JR Smith, Denver-$1,067,400
5. Andris Biedrins, Golden State-$1,986,960
6. Quinton Ross, LA Clippers-$771,331
7. Maurice Williams, Milwaukee-$1,920,000
8. David Lee, New York-$926,040
9. Leandrinho Barbosa, Phoenix-$1,679,733
10. Kevin Martin, Sacramento-$1,002,840
Long Term Contacts that make you scratch your head1. Wally Szczerbiak, Boston-$25 million over the next 2 seasons
2. Larry Hughes, Cleveland-$38.5 million over the next 3 seasons
3. Eric Dampier, Dallas-$41 million over the next 4 seasons
4. Cuttino Mobley, LA Clippers-$27.3 million over the next 3 seasons
5. Bobby Simmons, Milwaukee-$29.6 million over the next 3 seasons
6. Stephon Marbury, New York-$42 million over the next 2 seasons
7. Steve Francis, New York-$33.5 million over the next 2 seasons
8. Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia-$43.7 million over the next 4 seasons
9. Darius Miles, Portland-$26.25 million over the next 3 seasons
10. Brad Miller, Sacramento-$34.13 million over the next 3 seasons
