Introduction:
Michael Olowokandi is a former professional basketball player who made a name for himself in the NBA during the late 90s and early 2000s. Known for his towering height of 7’0”, Olowokandi played for five different teams during his career and became one of the most popular players in the NBA for a brief period. Despite his popularity, however, Olowokandi’s net worth never reached the same heights as some of his more successful peers. Here are ten surprising facts about Michael Olowokandi’s net worth that you need to know.
1. Olowokandi’s Net Worth is Estimated at $20 Million:
Despite never winning a championship or making it to an all-star game, Michael Olowokandi amassed a net worth of $20 million during his career. This is mainly due to his impressive stats and popularity during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 12 points and nine rebounds per game.
2. He Was the First Overall Pick in the 1998 NBA Draft:
Olowokandi was the first overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft, which means he was selected before some of the biggest names in basketball, including Vince Carter and Dirk Nowitzki. Unfortunately, his time in the league was not as successful as those players, but he still managed to make a name for himself.
3. He Only Played for Five Teams in Ten Seasons:
Throughout his ten seasons in the NBA, Olowokandi only played for five different teams, which is relatively uncommon for a player of his caliber. These teams include the Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats, and the Seattle SuperSonics.
4. He Signed a $36 Million Contract with the Clippers:
In 2001, Olowokandi signed a six-year, $36 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, which was one of the biggest contracts in the league at the time. Despite this, he was unable to help the Clippers achieve any significant success during his time with the team.
5. He Has Appeared on Reality TV Shows:
In recent years, Olowokandi has appeared on several reality TV shows, including “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” These appearances have helped boost his net worth and made him a recognizable face to international audiences.
6. He Has Invested in Real Estate:
Away from the basketball court, Olowokandi has also invested in real estate, which has helped increase his net worth. He has bought and sold several properties, including homes in Los Angeles and London.
7. He Has Worked as a Broadcaster:
Since retiring from basketball, Olowokandi has worked as a broadcaster for several networks, including ESPN and Fox Sports. His knowledge of the game and engaging personality have made him a popular choice for sports analysis shows.
8. He Has Supported Charitable Causes:
Throughout his career, Olowokandi has supported several charitable causes, including the United Nations Development Programme and the National Kidney Foundation. He has also helped fundraise for HIV/AIDS research and worked with the Special Olympics.
Conclusion:
Michael Olowokandi might not have had the most successful career in the NBA, but he managed to amass a surprising net worth thanks to his skill on the court and a range of post-basketball activities. Today, he remains a recognizable face to sports fans around the world and continues to support a range of charitable causes.
FAQs:
1. What Was Olowokandi’s Best NBA Season?
Olowokandi’s best NBA season was 2002-2003, when he averaged 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for the Los Angeles Clippers.
2. How Did Olowokandi Get His Start in Basketball?
Olowokandi started playing basketball at the University of the Pacific, where he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the league.
3. Where Is Olowokandi From?
Olowokandi was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but grew up in London, England.
4. How Tall Is Olowokandi?
Olowokandi is 7’0” (213cm) tall.
5. What Is Olowokandi Doing Now?
Today, Olowokandi works as a broadcaster for several networks and continues to support charitable causes.