Former NBA Star Cliff Robinson Built an Impressive Net Worth Before His Early Death
For nearly two decades, Cliff Robinson earned a living as an NBA player. Along the way, the New York native starred for several franchises, most notably the Portland Trail Blazers. Robinson’s dynamic scoring ability helped him amass an impressive net worth before he passed away Friday night at the age of 53.
Cliff Robinson enjoyed a successful 18-year NBA career
A few inches shy of 7-feet, and with a lean, muscular build, Cliff Robinson boasted the ideal frame for an old-school big man. The former University of Connecticut star got drafted 36th overall in the 1989 NBA draft by the Trail Blazers. Though it took him a few years to find his footing, Robinson eventually became one of the most popular and productive players in franchise history.
Robinson averaged better than 20 points for three straight seasons beginning in 1993-94. In fact, he earned his only NBA All-Star berth that year. Though Robinson never averaged 20 points again after the 1995-96 season, he still carved out a long career as a valuable role player.
He spent four years with the Phoenix Suns, where he averaged a rock-solid 16.4 points per game. He then took his talents to Detroit, where he started 149 games for the Pistons. After a 124-game stop with the Golden State Warriors, Robinson finished his career with the New Jersey Nets. Even at an advanced age, he still contributed as a role player off the bench for the perennial playoff contender.
By the time Cliff Robinson retired, the versatile big man suited up in 1,380 regular-season games and another 141 postseason contests.
Robinson amassed an impressive net worth
Despite earning only one All-Star selection, Cliff Robinson still amassed an impressive net worth before his death. Of course, the fact he played nearly two decades certainly did not hurt his bank account. Robinson earned about $60 million across 18 NBA seasons.
In his rookie season, he made just $250,000—a laughable amount compared to today’s NBA players. However, he scored a major raise when he signed a five-year, $12.7 million contract extension with the Trail Blazers.
His biggest paydays came much later in his career. He made about $13 million combined in his final two years with the Suns. Robinson’s highest-single season salary checked in at just north of $8.4 million during the 2002-03 season. He averaged 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in what ended up being his final year in Detroit.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Cliff Robinson amassed an impressive net worth of $20 million thanks to a lengthy NBA career that included two NBA All-Defensive Second Team selections.
The former Trail Blazers star died on Friday, August 28
The basketball world already said goodbye to David Stern and Kobe Bryant this year. However, the NBA community suffered another blow on Saturday with the UConn Huskies confirming Cliff Robinson’s death via Twitter.
The 1993 Sixth Man of the Year died Friday night at the age of 53. No cause of death has been revealed yet.
Robinson did suffer from health problems in recent years. In 2017, a stroke temporarily left the left side of his body paralyzed, though he did recover. In March 2018, he had a tumor removed from his jaw.
Cliff Robinson is survived by his wife, Heather Lufkins, and his son, Isaiah.
All statistics courtesy of Basketball Reference. All salary information courtesy of Spotrac.
