Michael Olowokandi is a British-Nigerian former professional basketball player who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in London. He was the first overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Former NBA star, Michael Olowokandi aka “The Kandi Man” has an estimated net worth of $20 million. He earned approximately $38 million during his nine-year NBA career, playing for teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Boston Celtics.
Despite being considered one of the biggest busts in NBA history, Olowokandi’s career earnings and some wise investments have allowed him to accumulate significant wealth.
How much does Michael Olowokandi make?
The Nigerian basketball player, Michael Olowokandi, has made most of his fortune playing for numerous basketball teams. He was forced to retire while he was in his career-best position.
However, here’s Michael Olowokandi’s yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily income:
- Yearly Income: $1 million
- Monthly Income: $83k
- Weekly Income: $19,230
- Daily Income: $2,739
- Per Hour Income: $114
How does Michael Olowokandi make money?
Michael Olowokandi has made his multi-million net worth through —
- Basketball Career
- Acting
Michael signed multi-million contracts with numerous clubs. Besides, he portrayed Leron in the $5 million budgeted film, Van Wilder.
Let’s have a brief discussion on Michael Olowokandi’s earning sources…
How much does Michael Olowokandi make from Basketball?
Michael Olowokandi joined the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1998. He was Los Angeles Clippers’ No. 1 overall pick.
Throughout his nine years of a basketball career, Michael Olowokandi played for —
- Kinder Bologna
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Boston Celtics
Later on, Michael was forced to retire. However, Michael Olowokandi’s contract details with these teams are mentioned below:
| Teams Name | Contract Amount |
| Kinder Bologna | $3 million for the entire season |
| Los Angeles Clippers | $8.44 million for three years |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | $16.2 million for three years |
| Boston Celtics | $1 million |
Before the 1998 NBA draft, Michael Olowokandi played a few games for the Italian club — Kinder Bologna. He would take $3 million if he played the entire season. But, Olowokandi couldn’t complete the season. Hence, he took $1 million from the club.
Later on, Michael signed a multi-million contract with Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves respectively. In 2005, he was paid his career-best salary while Michael was playing for the Timberwolves.
However, at the end of his NBA career, Michael Olowokandi received $1 million from the Boston-based basketball team — Boston Celtics.
While playing for this team, Michael received a total salary of $38 million. His career-best salary was recorded as $5.9 million that he made in 2005.
Here’s Michael Olowokandi’s salary from NBA career:
| Teams Name & Playing Season | Salary |
| Los Angeles Clippers (1998-99) | $2,700,000 |
| Los Angeles Clippers (1999-00) | $3,456,240 |
| Los Angeles Clippers (2000-01) | $3,697,440 |
| Los Angeles Clippers (2001-02) | $4,662,472 |
| Los Angeles Clippers (2002-03) | $6,061,213 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves (2003-04) | $4,917,000 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves (2004-05) | $5,408,700 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves (2005-06) | $5,900,400 |
| Boston Celtics (2006-07) | $1,103,225 |
| Total | $37,906,690 |
Hence, the data table shows that Michael Olowokandi made most of his net worth from his NBA career.
How much does Michael Olowokandi make from Acting?
In 2002, Michael Olowokandi portrayed Leron in the comedy film — Van Wilder. This film was a $5 million budgeted film. In Domestic Box Office, Van Wilder grossed $7,302,913 at the opening. Later, this film has made $38,275,483 in the worldwide box office.
Therefore, Michael Olowokandi surely took a handsome amount from his acting in Van Wilder.
Retirement from Basketball
Until 2007, Michael Olowokandi played professionally for numerous clubs. He was considered Los Angeles Clippers’ best center-positioned player.
But, he was suffering from severe knee injuries and a hernia. Thus, Michael was forced to retire from all basketball events.
Real Estate & Car Collection
Michael Olowokandi lives in a giant house in Manhattan Beach, California. According to the Los Angeles Times, Michael was reported to be making a four-bedroom house near Los Angeles International Airport.
Talking about car collection, Michael Olowokandi hasn’t revealed any car details. This issue is under review.
Michael Olowokandi: At a Glance
| Full Name | Michael Olowokandi |
| Nickname | Kandiman |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | 3 April 1975 |
| Birth Place | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Weight | 122 kg or 270 lb |
| Spouse | Suzie Ketchum |
| Children | 2 |
| Profession | Former Basketball Player |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
Career Highlights
Michael Olowokandi led his college basketball team, Pacific Tigers men’s basketball, to the 1997 NCAA Tournament. Besides, he led this team to the 1998 National Invitation Tournament. In this tournament, Michel made —
- 22 points
- 11 rebounds
- 3 blocks
Olowokandi’s fascinating collegiate basketball career aided him a lot to become the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Michael played five years for the Clippers. Throughout his five years contract with this team, Michael Olowokandi made —
- 9.9 points
- 8 rebounds
- 1.6 blocks
Later on, Olowokandi signed a three years contract with Minnesota Timberwolves. While playing for the Boston Celtics, Michael Olowokandi was forced to retire as he was extremely injured.
Michael Olowokandi passed his nine years of NBA career making —
- 4,135 points
- 3,414 rebounds
- 697 blocks
As a center basketball player, Michael Olowokandi can be compared with the Spurs star — David Robinson. Though David made 20,790 points, Michel would make more. Due to an injury issue, Michael Olowokandi had to retire.
FAQs
In NBA history, Kwame Brown is considered one of the biggest busts. Like Michael, he is also a center-positioned retired basketball player. In comparison, Michael Olowokandi is richer than Kwame Brown. Michel is $12 million richer than Brown.
Olowokandi called his retirement after a severe injury. He was diagnosed with a broken cuboid bone in his left foot. At the peak of his career, Michael Olowokandi had to retire. But, there is still hope to contribute further in basketball. He can be a sports analyst like Jalen Rose & Kenny Smith.
Michael Jordan is the wealthiest NBA player in history having a net worth of $1.65 billion. This former American basketball player is now the owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
Sources
- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1055942/ — Michael Olowokandi IMDB.
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/olowokandi-signs-with-clippers/#:~:text=1%20draft%20choice%20Michael%20Olowokandi,option%20for%20a%20fourth%20season. — Cbsnews on Michael Olowokandi’s contract with Los Angeles Clippers.
- https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0283111/ — Box Office earnings of the film — Van Wilder.
- http://a.espncdn.com/nba/columns/howard-cooper_scott/1480175.html — Michael Olowokandi injuries.
- https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-oct-07-sp-30143-story.html — Los Angeles Times report on Olowokandi’s house plan.
