By George Orfanakis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA is without a doubt by far the top championship in the world since it brings together the cream of the crop of world basketball. Kids from every corner of the world want to compete in the “magical world,” where the successful players, and not only them, enjoy particularly hefty salaries. The first years of adjustment might be difficult and… badly paid but from the moment of distinction onwards, the contracts start to soar.
Using the data of Hoopshype.com, Eurohoops found the 10 most highly paid international players that have ever played in the NBA and the truth is that the figures… are dizzying! The list includes some of the most important names ever to play on the other side of the Atlantic, while at the same time it is certain that we’re dealing with figures they could never obtain in Europe.
10. Andrei Kirilenko – $107,009,659
The Russian forward left Europe and Russia for the Utah Jazz in the summer of 2001. He played for “the Mormons” for 10 years in total, while he has also played in the colors of the Timberwolves and the Nets. The truth is that the amount of 107 million dollars is not representative of his presence all these years, however there have been seasons when his participation in various statistical categories was impressive. It’s telling that in the 111-98 win of the Jazz over the Raptors during the 2006-06 season, Kirilenko was the first player who managed to get a triple-double after Karl Malone (1999) with 18 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists.
09. Hakeem Olajuwon – $107,011,426
The truth is that for everything he achieved mostly with the colors of the Rockets, Hakeem Olajuwon hasn’t gotten a lot of money. He completed his career with two championship rings (1994, 1995) and he managed to become MVP of the finals in equal amount of times. He was chosen for the All Star Game 12 times in total and he’s without a doubt one of the most important centers that have ever stepped on the courts of the NBA. As you’ll see below in this article, he’s positioned lower than players of considerably lower value and this mostly has to do with the era in which he played.
08. Manu Ginobili – $111,039,615
The best Argentinian basketball player that has ever played in the NBA and one of the most talented international players has managed to obtain a rather big sum. His total of 4 championship rings and the unforgettable moments he has given the basketball public fully justify his earnings. His decision to leave Virtus Bologna for the Spurs in the summer of 2002 proved absolutely correct since he climbed to the top of the world and took care of his… great grandchildren!
07. Nene Hilario – $122,748,529
How the Brazilian center managed to be above names like Ginobili and Olajuwon is a wonder, however Nene is for yet another season one of the most highly paid players of the Wizards. He doesn’t have any special distinctions under his belt since he was never able to lead a successful effort in Denver or in Washington. His height, combined with his strength and his talent, secure a spot for him on the rosters of NBA teams every year and as a result of this his bank account is always full.
06. Zydrunas Ilgauskas – $125,732,809
One of the most unique figures, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, managed to play in the NBA for a total of 18 years, having some impressive seasons along the way. He completed his career with an average of 13 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while, still to this day, he’s one of the most loved players in the world of the Cavaliers. Cleveland’s team has even withdrawn his number 11 jersey, honoring the player in the best possible way for his great contribution. Ilgauskas might not have been very convincing in his appearance, however his skills helped him become an All Star (2003, 2005) and sign some really good contracts.
05. Tony Parker – $133,384,021
Another player of the formidable team that Gregg Popovich built in San Antonio and this is anything but accidental. After only two seasons in Europe, in 2001 Tony Parker decided to make the big leap in his career and was totally vindicated for his choice. He developed into one of the best guards in the entire NBA and he managed to celebrate his first title fairly quickly in 2003. Since then, his story is well known since he counts a total of 4 titles as an integral member of the amazing team the Spurs have had for a decade. He’s well worth the money he receives, while the amount is expected to increase significantly in the remaining years of his career.