Net Worth Ranker
What Is Cliff Robinson’s Net Worth
At the time of his death on August 29, 2020, Cliff Robinson, the American professional basketball player, diplomat, and entrepreneur, had a net worth estimated at $20 million. His financial success stemmed primarily from his 18-season NBA career, endorsements, and later, entrepreneurial ventures, including involvement in the cannabis industry.
NBA Career Earnings and Contract Details
Cliff Robinson’s NBA career spanned from 1989 to 2007. During this time, he amassed a significant fortune through his player contracts. According to HoopsHype, his total earnings from NBA salaries amounted to $59,190,625. However, other sources like Spotrac.com list his career earnings through 2024 as $60,213,771. It’s important to note that this figure doesn’t account for inflation or potential earnings from endorsements and other ventures. His rookie salary with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1989 was $250,000. Robinson’s highest single-season salary came during the 2002-2003 season with the Detroit Pistons, where he was paid $8.42 million.
Robinson played for several teams throughout his NBA career, including the Portland Trail Blazers (1989-1997), Phoenix Suns (1997-2001), Detroit Pistons (2001-2003), Golden State Warriors (2003-2005), and New Jersey Nets (2005-2007). Across his time with these teams, he earned varying salaries, reflecting his performance and market value at the time.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Clifford Ralph Robinson was born on December 16, 1966, in Buffalo, New York. He honed his basketball skills at Riverside High School in Buffalo before attending the University of Connecticut. At UConn, Robinson’s talent shone brightly, particularly during the 1988 NIT tournament, where he was named an all-tournament player. That year, UConn clinched the NIT championship, marking a significant milestone in Robinson’s early career. After graduating in 1989, Robinson entered the NBA draft and was selected as the 36th pick in the second round by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Post-NBA Ventures and “Survivor: Cagayan”
After retiring from the NBA in 2007, Robinson pursued various entrepreneurial ventures. Notably, he entered the cannabis industry, becoming an advocate for its medicinal use and operating a legal cannabis business. In February 2014, Robinson gained renewed public attention when he joined the cast of “Survivor: Cagayan,” the 28th season of the reality TV show. While the exact compensation for his appearance on “Survivor” isn’t publicly available, participating on such a show would have undoubtedly added to his income and public profile. On “Survivor,” Robinson was part of the “Brawn” tribe. He was ultimately voted out fifth, becoming one of the blindsides in the season.
Accolades and Achievements
Throughout his NBA career, Cliff Robinson achieved several notable milestones. He was named an NBA All-Star in 1994. He was a two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection. Robinson also secured the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1993, averaging 19.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and a career-best 1.99 blocks per game. Over his career, he accumulated 19,591 points, 6,306 rebounds, and 3,094 assists. Robinson played in the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992 with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Additional Information
Cliff Robinson was married to Heather Lufkins on September 21, 2003. They had two children and lived in Portland, Oregon. Robinson suffered a stroke in 2017 and had a tumor removed from his jaw in 2018. In 2007, UConn retired his jersey number 00. Robinson’s Pistil Point co-founder, Sid Gupta, said having Robinson as a brand ambassador helped reach a wider audience about what cannabis medication represents and how it is to be controlled.
