Clyde Drexler Net Worth

What Is Clyde Drexler’s Net Worth?

Clyde Drexler, the celebrated retired American professional basketball player, boasts a net worth of $20 million. This financial standing reflects his successful 15-season career in the NBA, where he showcased his exceptional skills for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets. His earnings stem from a combination of NBA salaries, endorsements, and post-retirement ventures.

Clyde Drexler’s Career Earnings

During his NBA career, Clyde Drexler accumulated $31.1 million in salary alone. Adjusting for inflation, this sum equates to approximately $50 million in today’s money. His peak salary arrived during the 1995-1996 season with the Houston Rockets, when he earned $9.8 million. This substantial income was primarily derived from his playing contract, which also likely included performance-based bonuses and incentives.

Early Life and College Career

Born on June 22, 1962, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Clyde Drexler spent his formative years in the South Park area of Houston, Texas. His journey to basketball stardom wasn’t immediate. During high school, despite initially not making the basketball team, his senior year performance garnered attention from college recruiters. After graduating from Sterling High School in 1980, he received scholarship offers from New Mexico State University, Texas Tech University, and the University of Houston. Drexler chose to remain in his hometown and attend the University of Houston, majoring in finance. His studies were a priority, and he also worked at a bank during the summers. As a college player, he made a name for himself on the court by establishing himself as a top player. He left the University of Houston after his junior year to enter the NBA draft.

NBA Career Highlights

Clyde Drexler’s NBA journey began when the Portland Trail Blazers selected him as the 14th overall pick in the 1983 NBA draft. His rookie season was relatively quiet, but he secured more playing time in his second season. His third season marked a breakthrough, earning him his first All-Star selection. The 1989-1990 season saw the Portland Trail Blazers reach the NBA Finals, where they faced the Detroit Pistons, ultimately losing in five games. In 1992, Drexler became a member of the Gold-medal-winning US Olympics basketball team. In 1995, Drexler was traded to the Houston Rockets. During the 1995 playoffs, Drexler teamed up with Hakeem Olajuwon to lead them to the championship, with them defeating the Orlando Magic. Drexler averaged 21.5 points per game during the series. After this final appearance in the NBA finals, Drexler played for three more years, and retired in 1998. In 2004, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. In 2010, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Olympic team.

Business Ventures: Drexler’s BBQ & Grill

Beyond the basketball court, Clyde Drexler has ventured into the restaurant industry. He co-owns a chain of barbecue restaurants named Drexler’s World Famous BBQ & Grill alongside his siblings. These establishments are located throughout Houston. The restaurants contribute to his income stream, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

Real Estate Investments: Drexler Holdings LLC

Clyde Drexler’s investment portfolio extends into real estate. He began investing in properties during his rookie season in the NBA, managing his holdings through his LLC, Drexler Holdings. He has owned multiple homes in both Houston and Portland. The addresses and specific details of these properties are not publicly available, but real estate undoubtedly constitutes a significant portion of his overall net worth. The precise figures related to his real estate holdings are not publicly accessible, but this sector is undoubtedly a substantial component of his wealth accumulation strategy.

Playing Style and Accolades

Clyde Drexler earned the nickname “Clyde the Glide” because of his athletic prowess and ability to move effortlessly on the court. Initially, his shooting ability was considered a weakness but eventually improved. Drexler’s jumping ability allowed him to dunk the ball in a spectacular manner. Throughout his career, Drexler racked up an impressive number of rebounds, assists, and steals and developed a reputation as an excellent shot blocker. Clyde recorded a higher average of offensive rebounds than any other guard in the NBA in 2008.