Steve Francis: A Closer Look At The NBA Legend

How Much Is Steve Francis Worth?

Steve Francis, a retired professional basketball player from the United States, boasts a net worth of $40 million. This impressive figure is the result of his illustrious career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he played for the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and New York Knicks. Francis was more than just a player; he was a star, and his contributions to the game earned him a place among the league's most memorable athletes.

Breaking Down Steve Francis' Career Earnings

Over the span of his NBA career, Steve Francis accumulated $103 million in salary alone. His peak earning season came in 2008-2009 when he earned a staggering $17 million while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. Francis wasn’t just about the money, though; he brought excitement and flair to every team he played for, leaving a lasting impact both on and off the court.

The Early Years: From Takoma Park to the NBA

Steven D'Shawn Francis was born on February 21, 1977, in Takoma Park, Maryland. As a child, he earned the nickname "Wink." His journey to the NBA wasn’t easy. After losing his mother to cancer in 1995, Steve took a break from basketball and leaned heavily on his grandmother, who became a crucial figure in his life. His father spent two decades in prison for bank robbery, and Steve often spoke of his grandfather, a garbage collector, as his best friend. Growing up, Steve lived in cramped conditions, sharing an apartment with 18 people and relying on food stamps to get by.

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At the tender age of 10, Steve began working for drug dealers. Despite the challenges, he managed to play basketball in just two high school games across six different schools. Eventually, he dropped out of high school but earned his GED, which opened doors for him to play college basketball. Francis attended San Jacinto College in 1996-1997 and Allegany College of Maryland in 1997-1998. His standout performance led him to become the first player to guide two unbeaten teams to the National Junior College Tournament. In one memorable game, he achieved a rare quadruple-double against Shawn Marion and Vincennes University.

Moving to Maryland: A Turning Point

In 1998, Steve Francis transferred to the University of Maryland. There, he quickly made a name for himself, earning spots on the All-ACC first team and the All-ACC Tournament team. Maryland advanced to the Sweet 16, and Steve was a finalist for both the Wooden and Naismith Player of the Year Awards. Initially, he planned to return for his senior season, but ultimately decided to enter the NBA Draft, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Steve Francis in the NBA: A Star is Born

Steve Francis was selected with the second overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies. However, he openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the team, leading to a trade to the Houston Rockets. His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the title of Co-Rookie of the Year and a second-place finish in the Slam Dunk Contest. Francis played with the Rockets until 2004 when he was traded to the Orlando Magic. In 2006, he moved to the New York Knicks. Between 2002 and 2004, he was named an All-Star three times, cementing his status as one of the league's top talents.

In 2007, Steve returned to Houston on a two-year, $6 million contract. However, his time back with the Rockets was marred by injuries and struggles on the court. He was briefly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, the team that originally drafted him, but was waived before ever playing a game for them. In 2010, Francis attempted a comeback in China with the Beijing Ducks but only played in four games before calling it quits.

Throughout his NBA career, Steve Francis scored an impressive 10,446 points (18.1 ppg), grabbed 3,215 rebounds (5.6 rpg), and dished out 3,473 assists (6.0 apg). His contributions to the game will always be remembered by fans and analysts alike.

Beyond the Court: Steve Francis' Personal Life

Off the court, Steve Francis is a man of many talents and interests. He’s ventured into entrepreneurship, launching ventures such as a construction company, boxing promotions, a clothing line called We R One, a barbershop, and a record label named Mazerati Music. However, his health hasn’t always been perfect. Francis suffers from Ménière's disease, a condition that causes vertigo, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

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Steve has always been politically engaged, particularly when it comes to supporting African-American candidates. In 2008, he was a vocal supporter of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Speaking to the press, he said, "It’s important that there’s an African-American candidate running. I never thought I’d see the day that would happen. Right now, we’re at a pivotal point. It’s a great feeling for me."

Real Estate Ventures: A Home Fit for a King

In April 2019, Steve listed his Houston mansion, where he had lived for nearly two decades, for sale at $5.6 million. Despite lowering the price multiple times, it took until June 2024 for the property to sell, fetching between $3.3 million and $3.8 million. The 11,000-square-foot estate was a testament to his success and luxury lifestyle. In January 2020, Francis purchased a new mansion in Houston for just under $5 million, continuing his legacy of luxury living.