Net Worth Ranker
What Is Josh Smith’s Net Worth?
Josh Smith, a retired American professional basketball player, has accumulated a net worth of $50 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his 13-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he played for teams such as the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Orleans Pelicans.
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Joshua Smith was born on December 5, 1985, in College Park, Georgia, as one of five children to Pete and Paulette Smith. His journey toward becoming a highly touted basketball prospect began at John McEachern High School. Before his senior season, he showcased his talents alongside future NBA players Randolph Morris and Dwight Howard on the Atlanta Celtics AAU team. For his senior year, Smith transferred to Oak Hill Academy, where he teamed up with Rajon Rondo. During that year, Oak Hill achieved a perfect 38-0 record, with Josh averaging 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists, six blocks, and three steals per game. Smith’s exceptional performance earned him recognition as a McDonald’s All-American and First-Team Parade All-American in 2004. Initially, Smith committed to play for Indiana University but ultimately decided to forgo college and enter the NBA Draft directly.
NBA Career: From Hawks to Pelicans
In the 2004 NBA Draft, Josh Smith was selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the 17th overall pick in the first round. During the 2005 NBA All-Star Weekend, in his rookie year, he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In December 2004, Smith made history as the youngest player in NBA history to record 10 blocked shots in a single game. Furthermore, in March 2007, he became the youngest player to surpass the 500 career block benchmark.
In 2010, Smith’s defensive prowess was recognized when he was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. The six-foot-nine, 225-pound power forward/small forward played with the Hawks until 2013. He then signed with the Detroit Pistons. After just one season with the Pistons, he moved to the Houston Rockets and later the Los Angeles Clippers. He then returned to Houston for a second stint. In 2016, Smith signed a three-month deal with the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Basketball Association, reportedly worth more than $1.5 million. His last NBA appearance was in November 2017 with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Nicknamed J-Smoove, Smith participated in 52 postseason games, all with Atlanta between 2008 and 2013. The Hawks’ best performance came in 2011 when they played in 12 playoff games. Throughout his NBA career, Josh Smith averaged 14.5 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, and 1.9 blocks per game, contributing significantly to each team he played for.
Contracts and Career Earnings: The Financial Foundation of Josh Smith’s Net Worth
Josh Smith’s NBA career was marked by significant contracts that contributed substantially to his $50 million net worth. In 2008, the Atlanta Hawks demonstrated their commitment to Smith by matching the Memphis Grizzlies’ offer sheet. This secured him a five-year deal worth $58 million, ensuring his continued presence with the team. The contract included an average annual salary of $11.6 million. This considerable sum provided a solid financial base for Smith during his prime years with the Hawks.
In 2013, Smith signed a four-year, $54 million contract with the Detroit Pistons. While his time with the Pistons was shorter than expected, this contract further solidified his financial standing. The deal guaranteed him an average annual salary of $13.5 million. However, the Pistons waived Smith during the 2014-2015 season, using the stretch provision to pay out the remaining portion of his contract over a longer period. Despite the early termination, Smith still received the guaranteed money, adding to his career earnings.
His three-month stint with the Sichuan Blue Whales in 2016 was also financially rewarding, with a contract valued at more than $1.5 million. This brief period in the Chinese Basketball Association supplemented his NBA earnings and demonstrated his marketability even outside the NBA.
Throughout his NBA career, Josh Smith earned nearly $116.3 million in salary alone. This figure does not include potential earnings from endorsements, sponsorships, or other business ventures. The combination of these lucrative contracts and prudent financial management has allowed Smith to accumulate a substantial net worth, securing his financial future post-retirement.
A detailed breakdown of his earnings by year, based on publicly available contract information, showcases the consistency and magnitude of his income during his prime years:
- 2004-2005: $2,045,760
- 2005-2006: $2,210,880
- 2006-2007: $2,376,000
- 2007-2008: $2,541,120
- 2008-2009: $10,000,000
- 2009-2010: $11,000,000
- 2010-2011: $12,000,000
- 2011-2012: $12,000,000
- 2012-2013: $13,000,000
- 2013-2014: $13,500,000
- 2014-2015: $5,405,000 (Pistons & Rockets)
- 2015-2016: $1,479,240 (Clippers & Rockets)
- 2016-2017: $980,431 (Pelicans)
This detailed breakdown illustrates the substantial income that Josh Smith accumulated throughout his career, which played a pivotal role in establishing his current net worth of $50 million.
Personal Life and Family Background
Josh Smith married Alexandria Lopez in July 2010, and together they have three children: two sons and a daughter. Smith’s father, Pete, was a professional basketball player in the American Basketball Association (ABA) during the 1970s. Smith’s family background and upbringing have played a significant role in shaping his life and career.
