Net Worth Ranker
What is Vinnie Johnson’s Net Worth?
Vinnie Johnson, a retired professional basketball player and successful entrepreneur, has accumulated a net worth estimated at $500 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his post-NBA business endeavors, particularly the Piston Group, a leading automotive supplier.
NBA Career and Earnings
During his NBA career spanning from 1979 to 1992, Vinnie Johnson played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs. While playing for the Pistons, he earned NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. Known as “the Microwave” for his ability to quickly ignite the offense, he scored 11,825 points and had his #15 jersey retired by the Pistons. Vinnie Johnson’s total earnings during his NBA career amounted to approximately $6 million. His highest single-season salary reached $1.4 million during the 1990-1992 seasons. In today’s money, $6 million earned during the late ’80s and early ’90s equates to around $13 million.
The Piston Group: Source of Substantial Wealth
After retiring from the NBA, Vinnie Johnson founded the Piston Group in 1995. This automotive company has grown into a major supplier of automotive parts to leading international companies, including General Motors and Ford Motor Company. As Chairman and CEO, Vinnie Johnson has led the Piston Group to employ over 11,500 people across 3.5 million square feet of facilities in the United States. The Piston Group generates nearly $3 billion in annual revenue, making it one of the largest minority-owned businesses in the world. Vinnie Johnson serves as chairman of the board of directors for joint ventures like JL Automotive and PASA Modules, and he is a member of the Michigan Minority Business Development Council and the Detroit Chamber of Commerce.
Early Life and Collegiate Achievements
Born on September 1, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York City, Vinnie Johnson attended Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School. He then enrolled at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, where he excelled as a basketball player. In the 1976-77 season, he led the team to the NJCAA national tournament and was named a junior college All-American. Transferring to Baylor University, he became one of the school’s greatest scorers, averaging 24.1 points per game over two seasons. As a two-time All-American, he set a school record for points-per-game average and was named All-SWC twice. In 1979, he scored 50 points against TCU, marking the most points in a single game by any Baylor player.
NBA Career Highlights
Vinnie Johnson was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics as the number seven overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft. In 1981, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he received the nickname “the Microwave” from Boston Celtics guard Danny Ainge due to his quick scoring ability. The 1988-89 season was one of Johnson’s best with the Pistons, who dominated the Eastern Conference with 63 wins. After sweeping the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, they defeated the Chicago Bulls, advancing to the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pistons swept the Lakers, winning their first NBA championship since 1983 that wasn’t won by the Lakers or Celtics. Johnson and the Pistons continued their success in the 1989-90 season, finishing first in the Eastern Conference with a 59-23 record. They defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in five games to win their second consecutive NBA championship. Vinnie Johnson made a critical 14-foot shot with 0.7 seconds remaining, securing a 92–90 victory in Game 5.
Later Career and Business Ventures
Vinnie Johnson played his final season with the Pistons in 1990-91. The team reached the Eastern Conference Finals but were swept by the Bulls. Following this, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs and retired from the NBA in 1992. After his NBA career, Johnson started a construction business that closed after its first project. In 1995, he founded the Piston Group. As Chairman and CEO, Vinnie Johnson has expanded the company into a leading supplier of automotive parts to major international companies. His leadership continues to drive the Piston Group, which employs over 11,500 people in the United States and generates nearly $3 billion in annual revenue.
