5. Raef LaFrentz – FC – Portland Trail Blazers: $12,722,500
Hasn’t played a single game this season, only 39 last season, and only 27 the year before that. Even his career year in the ’00-’01 season where he averaged 14.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 3.0 BPG didn’t warrant a contract of that amount.
4. Jermaine O’Neal – C – Miami Heat: $21,352,500
Over the past five years the injury plagued O’Neal has only played in an average of 55 games per season (that’s including this year as I added in the five games the Heat have left). He hasn’t been anything like the O’Neal of the past for some time now. He’s averaging just 13.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 2.0 BPG this season, nearly identical to the numbers he posted last year with the Pacers.
3. Ben Wallace – FC – Cleveland Cavaliers: $14,500,000
Wallace could make this list for the sole reason of somehow being the Cavs’ highest paid player (LeBron James should feel appalled), however, his horrid play will do. That’s an awful lot of money to pay someone who only averages 3.0 PPG for your team, half of his career average of 6.3, and grabs 6.6 RPG. I know defense wins championships and that’s what Big Ben is paid for, but his defense has been non-existent as well. 1.4 BPG is pitiful. Basically, Wallace made $193,333 for each of the 75 blocks he recorded this season. Oh, and him shooting 43% from the free throw line isn’t exactly helpful either. Addition by subtraction Cleveland, come on.
2. Steve Francis – PG – Memphis Grizzlies: $19,814,480
Ah, to be Steve Francis. Now that would the definition of living the dream. “The Franchise” has spent the majority of his time on the inactive list and got paid to do so. Whoever said you can’t get paid to do nothing hasn’t met Mr. Francis. He hasn’t played in a single game this season, only played in a measly 10 last season, and 44 the season before that.
1. Stephon Marbury – PG – Boston Celtics: $19,862,275
No, Boston doesn’t pay that amount, they aren’t that stupid…the Knicks are. Boston only pays Marbury $1,262,275 while New York pays the rest. The sick part about all of this is that he forfeited $2 million in a buyout from New York and is still making that obscene amount. He, like Francis, also lives the dream. The two have been in practically the same position in recent years, except Marbury at least plays a reserve role for the Celtics now (17 MPG, 3.2 PPG, and 2.9 APG).
Except for maybe LaFrentz, it’s no shocker that these overpaid guys have also been some of the most overrated players for years (although Rondo will soon be giving them a run for their money in terms of being recognized as overrated).
Wow, I knew Ben Wallace got that huge contract a couple years ago, but its gross to think that he makes more than King James.
Big Ben is my favorite player and I’m saying he shouldn’t be paid that much. He is not like he used to be but still playable so take a pay cut big guy. And Raef LaFrentz? Did I spell that right? Why is his paycheck even hitting the million?
Marbury is a joke. I hope Rivers sits him the entire playoffs. The Celtics dont even need him.
NOTHING BETTER THEN MAKING HALF A $ MILLION PER GAME!!!!!
Larry Hughes must be on this list.
I am a big Pistons fan living in Chicago and when Ben left (he was still a DPOY candidate) I told everyone out here that he was WAY overpaid, looks like I was right…for once
Why would Francis be ranked below Marbury if he hasn’t played at all and isn’t as big a detriment to his team as Wallace? Francis and LaFrentz should be #1 and #2….
Rondo overrated? Seriously? Do you watch the Celtics?
No doubt Hughes crossed my mind. He was actually getting a lot of playing time and playing very well though (see Feb. 7 – Mar. 18). Francis and Marbury are practically the same, I gave the edge to Marbury because of all the hype/drama that surrounds him. At least Francis is an afterthought. And Rondo is in no way overrated.
How is Tracy McGrady not number 2 on this list? He played in 35 games this year and it cost $21 million.
Rando is far from overrated my friend
Rondo is a baller, he’s a great compliment to the veterans in Boston. Where will Marbury end up next year? He’s probably invisioning another big contract.