Yep i said this in a thread the other day

This is why Shaq also hates guys like Gobert, he sees a defensive guy averaging 12 points already pass him in career earnings and consistently mentions that

NBA has a great players association and it’s the best sport to be a role player in, players now make insane money and role players now make what stars back then didn’t even dream of making

in 20 years the past stars will not even be top 20 in earnings and role players have already passed many superstars

Guys like Harrison Barnes, DeAndre Ayton, Myles Turner, Aaron Gordon already passed T-Mac in earnings for example and passed superstars of the past that’s why a lot of old NBA players are salty

Jordan made 3 to 4 mil a year in the 90s (almost 7 to 9 mil in today’s money) which isn’t bad but his last 2 years with the bulls he made 30 mil and 31 mil which is about 60 mil today

I hope there aren’t any mean comments directed at his honesty. Hopefully the younger players are appreciative of the fact that these older gen guys worked so damned hard for them to be able to earn this much money.

For all the shit slinging some old heads send their way, there’s others that negotiated the current salary structure to get these kids paid. It’s how u build intergenerational wealth. Good on the players for understanding that.

In 20-30 years some 12th guy in the bench is going to be making 20 million a year while super stars will be making 150-200 million a season . The salaries are just getting crazy. I can see why some older guys would be jealous .

It’s true for basically any other sport as well and they’re not dicks about it?

This is real life, too. I recall in 2012 being a few years out of college and making \(17/hr doing tech support. Those who were there 5+ years were heated as they had to grind for that. Not me. As I have aged I’ve made more and made more and the now 50+ crowd have had plateau wages. I’m sure there is a 23 year old though right now stepping into a six figure job without ever knowing the feeling of a \)30k salary like me.

How shit goes. We almost all have jealousy regarding money and experience

Dont count money that aint yours boys, its gonna make you bitter.

Man, wait until Adrian Dantley hears about what Tracy made. The point of the players union is to make things better for future generations.

I like them less too because of how much they get paid. The players today definitely seem more entitled than in the 90s. The all-star game is the most glaring example (they are simply too cool to play hard for one fucking game), but they also play less in the regular season, whine more to the refs, etc. They are a lot less likeable overall.

Oh no I feel so bad for millionaires

Russ and Wilt made 100k…..and these guys are pissed?

I don’t think this is some secret, many older players have openly said this and even those that don’t openly say it, you can hear the envy in their voice.

The older I get, the crazier professional athlete salaries become. And not in a “Wow! That’s a lot of money!” kind of way. But as in, it’s really not good for society that a person who can hit a ball really far makes insanely more than regular people that contribute hard work every day and make the world go round. And not even in a teachers or doctors standpoint either. Just regular people doing their jobs. Getting stuff done. Coming in when they don’t feel well. Driving a forklift safely but with skill. Flipping burgers and having pride in making sure their tasty. The world is messed up right now. Don’t even get me started about legalized sports gambling… OK, my rant is done.

McGrady is really saying the profession of being an NBA player 30 years ago is very different than being an NBA player today.

Salaries were not as high (even accounting for inflation).

The game itself (rulings, fouls, play style, physicality, 3 point shot, ‘resting’, etc.) was different.

Injuries, recovery, and surgery and how much players protected themselves is lot more cautious today than it was back then.

The celebrity and media attention was not the same. These players today have a lot of avenues to profit that players back then did not have. Instagram, podcasts, becoming media after the playing career, etc did not really exist then.

Players have so much more power now. Back then, coaches and organizations dictated a lot. You didn’t have players demanding trades to specific places like today. Barkley had no idea he was going to Phoenix. He just wanted out. It was where ever the front office decided.

And players seem practically babied now by organizations versus then. You’re a project? Well we’ll get you a shooting coach and it’s ok if you shoot 40% your rookie year. We got the G league and you’ll improve. 30 years ago you had to be ready out of the gate and if you weren’t good you’d have to figure it out on your own how to get better.

The only exception to all of the above is really MJ. And for the old heads, MJ is the GOAT so he earned a lot of that right. The fact that rookies and nobodies today get what only the GOAT got back then probably rubs a lot of them the wrong way.

I’m sure that’s true for some of them, but Shaq made like $300 million in his career, and he’s the biggest hater of all

3 mil in the 90’s were an obscene amount of money.

The way the game is played today makes it appear like players are given too much leeway in comparison to the past. Jacking up three’s has always been considered a lazy bad shot but now it’s the efficient Good play. Players get 10-20 games off a year instead of playing 80. Old heads see today’s basketball as lazy and cuddled and they get a bunch more money for doing it.

Shaq mad he has got to be a mascot for 500 different companies at 90 years old

So no “for those who come after”?

Reggie made \(3 mil or less for each of his first 6 seasons, then averaged \)10 mil per season for his next 7 seasons, and finished his career making \(5.5 mil per season for his last 3 seasons. Overall, he made \)104 mil in his 16 year career. In 2026 dollars, that’s about $201 mil.

MJ made \(4 mil or less for each of his first 12 seasons, then he averaged \)31.6 mil per season for his last 2 seasons with the Bulls, and finished his career making \(1 mil per season for his last 2 seasons with the Wizards. Overall, he made \)94 mil over his 15 year career. In 2026 dollars, that’s about $182 mil.

Although there is some truth to McGrady’s quote, it is fairly disingenuous to act like these dudes didn’t make a ton of money playing basketball.

The one thing no one talks about is how much money these dudes make now as broadcasters and analysts. I can’t find numbers for Reggie, but Shaq signed a contract for Inside the NBA valued at \(15 mil per year and Barkley signed 10 year, \)210 mil contract in 2022. There is so much money to be made for former players now. The players who should actually be salty are those that played in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Not guys who played in the 90s and 2000s, yet those are usually the ones that spew the most hatred.

Never count another man’s money

Y’all gotta stop labeling everything as ‘hating’… they’re rarely hating anyone (Shaq may be an exception), but they do criticize. So? Good.

Money can be a reason, and it’s a valid one. That tends to complicate and ruin most things. Annual salaries eclipsing the career earnings of prior HOFers, often before any significant on-court results… yeah, that can cause jealously - or at least increased scrutiny. Consider the above, then go into a “discussion” about a 65-game minimum to qualify for awards… yikes. Don’t even get me started on sports betting, and what that’s doing to all our leagues. The bigger issue here, I’d argue, is genuine love and respect for the game. Many players may still have that today, but many seem to not, also - clearly bag chasers. Is that the worst thing in the world? No… but gotdamn, stop whining if someone calls it out.

This isn’t the league of project kids playing a street game they grew up with, trying to make it for their families (there are still those stories, obviously) - the league is at least half-full of 2nd generation NBA players, and high schoolers with brands (already) and million-dollar deals, who are more into (or at least give the appearance of) caring about their social media presence, podcast numbers, etc. than competing night in and night out. Shit, I literally saw a billionaire hit his son with the assist on a 3 the other night. Times have definitely changed. That’s just my thought on why you see/hear a lot of the (manufactured) discourse on the usual suspect media outlets.

Now personally, MY only real issue is this modern generation’s propensity to talk shit first, AND simultaneously be the most sensitive to criticism. They will literally go in front of a worldwide audience and proclaim themselves the best generation ever - at whichever position. I’ve been watching the NBA since the early 80s - went to Bulls games so long ago, MJ was still in Carolina. We were watching cocaine-fueled intramural buckets, and only there to see the road team usually 🤣 Never have I heard so much “I would’ve done this and that to [insert name of retired great]” or “teams were trash before I came in, NOW everything is the pinnacle…” If anyone pushes back - even objectively - they pout and bitch about it on podcasts or Twitter. They don’t seem to have the same drive or dedication to their craft or the fans… yet expect and complain when they don’t receive the adoration that past greats do. 🤷🏾‍♂️

I don’t mean confidence, I’m talking disrespect. It’s always been true: if you have to disrespect others - especially those who paved the way for you - in order to prop yourself up, you’re a piece of shit. Or however the saying goes…

MJ was paid $30 million dollars in his last season with the Bulls.

The old guys had to build the sport to the point where as many people gave a shit about it as they do now, for that kind of money to be in the sport.

I agree with this statement.

That’s part of it; Barkley used to bring up the money all the time earlier in his broadcasting career.

But the money’s exponentially bigger in every sport. Those other oldheads aren’t hating like the NBA oldheads do

On the other hand that reduced amount of money kept them from not caring at all like most of today’s guys. They don’t mind sitting out 20-40 games a year since they’re going to collect their guaranteed $50m.

Yesterday is not today’s price

I mean…  I’m an elder millennial nerd who got pounded into the ground and called gay for liking Star Trek, as a kid -  and I completely resent new nerd/gamer culture that gets kids laid instead.

So, it makes sense.

And you expect them to take the advantage and go further -  disappointing if they don’t.

and it’s a pandora’s box that you can’t close -  cut the pay now and the talent will drop immediately.

Money does this.  Works its way in and becomes more important than the thing…

It’s a mix of making way way more money and the load management.

In normal people terms these guys worked for min wage 60 hours a week every week and modern guys make ceo money working 20 hours a week while taking multiple weeks off all the time.

Aside from Shaq who constantly hate on certain centers, which retired old player constantly hate on the players now?

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Reggie or MJ hate or criticize any current players.

I feel like this is more of a projection and ego by Tmac. He always have something negative to say or try to boast his ‘greatness’ when he hasn’t accomplish shit.

If you think I’m wrong, try watching what he says.

Jordan made a lot in his last two years with the Bulls. He made over $60,000,000 in salary from his last two years with the Bulls.

What’s your excuse then TMac

Inflation, back then 2 mill is already a lot

Michael wasn’t making 2-3 million

reason i know this is true is bc tmac was on line with me at laguardia @ 5am last week lol

I think this is an aspect of it, but I also think to reach this point you need to be extremely competitive / confident bordering on cocky , and so if you put a mic in their face they sometimes can’t help but think “I was cold back in the day, if I was younger I could compete w these guys” even though I prefer the guys who have no ego an just praise the current gen/genuinely enjoy the game

The worst thing people can do is try and think like professional athletes and expect them to think like us. Especially the winners! There’s a level of thinking that far exceeds our feeble minds to say you’re the best of the best and then go out and prove it. You don’t reach that level without hate, animosity and ego.

I’m going to start calling him “T-Math” instead of “T-Mac”.

The CBA was different and the TV money was a fraction of what it is now.

Money translates to skill/usefulness/potential in NBA terms. Even with Shaq who’s filthy rich from endorsements, he still looks at a Gobert make more than him in the NBA and feels a way. Plus Orlando and LA declined maxing him, that might eat at him too because they turned down really good versions of Shaq

Ja pew pew

Correct take. Charles has sort of hinted at this but is actually perpetuating it

Sure let’s all chime in on multi millionaires talking about multi millionaires

All retired pro athletes are watching the salaries increase way above inflation over time I don’t see the nfl or mlb dealing with this much hate from them

It’s time to learn these old heads about inflation.

I would disagree, respectively. I remember hearing about their salaries in the 90”s and thinking that’s a ton of money! Players weren’t complaining back then.

But I believe our culture has changed. Back in the 90”s it was uncommon for players, coaches, broadcasters to dis on the game. It’s like there was more respect. Nowadays, you’ll hear the commentators complain about the game their commenting on!

it would make sense for older players, but guys who made generational wealth and caused the modern salaries to happen (while also reaping the benefits in endorsements) should be nothing but proud. it’s like older generations getting mad at younger ones for having fewer struggles in ways they fought to eliminate

Here’s why I criticize/hate modern players.

It’s the same sport with very different rules. This means the skills and thrills I grew up with, are no longer valued.

The game outgrew me. I’ll still watch it, but I don’t feel as amazed or entertained.

It’s not the players fault. It’s not the games fault.

Makes a lot of sense that would be the reason. They’re pampered, taken well care of, have access to tons of resources AND get paid a ton. If anything, the players association should have an investment fund for the future older players.

The players paid \(50m today will look at players in the future making \)100m and complain. The cycle of capitalism will continue but at least we can get some socialist program in there to quell this in the future (I know I know don’t come at me with “this idiot solving money problems with a socialist program lol)

Not accounting for inflation though are we! To be fair also, today’s players have so much more financial education they get in how to manage money. I recall the stories of Antoine Walker and Iverson dropping $40K a night at strip clubs. These guys were paid -fairly- enough given the time, but yeah, I can still see the point. Today’s players get generational wealth with a rookie contract…some even with a NIL.

I wonder what the inflation adjusted salaries “should” be. Back then a $100k salary was mansion+luxury cars. Now that’s a college grad getting a competitive job.

He’s making a very good point.

Fuck that mentality even MORE. Any of the guys with TV contracts saying that are set for life and have completely lost touch with what matters if they are in other guys’ pockets. You’re coasting brother. People are down here fucking scrapping to eat. It costs you nothing to celebrate someone else’s success.

The first time I really remember learning how much athletes can make was when Michael Jordan signed a \(30m contract in like 95 or 96, and that he was being paid \)3m the season before. I think it’s still the highest single season contract ever, if you consider inflation.

It’s a mixture of :

• The massive pay upgrade.

• Load management and sitting out games.

• Player empowerment/movement.

• Social Media Boom.

OGs made way less while playing more and not having as much power in controlling their narrative or what team they were going to play for.

I’d love for some advanced stats guy to pull up the average salary and average games played of the era before vs now.

Whether or not if it’s justified is subjective.

If I was an OG I’d show love and move about it. But I definitely can see where they are coming from.

What’s interesting is that, relatively speaking, people like Shaq had a much greater increase over previous generations.

Shaq’s max days were in the mid-2000s, literally 20 years ago. Players nowadays make 2-2.5x what he did.

Shaq, however, was making 10x what players 20 years before him did.

Honestly I would be salty too. Even mid level players make so much now that they could retire comfortably and not need to even invest to maintain their status if they’re just a little financially literate. Back then you needed endorsement deals, a financial advisor that made rational investments and some level of frugality. Today a guy like Dbook could give away half his net worth and still be financially sound without ever winning a title.

This goes for current players too. It’s basically why Draymond punched Jordan poole. Everyone has a huge ego and salary informs a lot of that

Every sport is like that now.

We’ve all heard the (very, very) old days of a lot of sports where guys literally did it part time. They were like teachers, with a full time job part of the year, then going home to be roofers or landscapers or whatever in the offseason.

And every sport has had income grow by leaps and bounds ever since.

I absolutely get the jealousy though. The increase is absolutely wild, and just keeps on going up. The average NFL quarterback now makes more than Tom Brady ever did in his best year, and he only made that in ONE year. And he just retired a few years ago basically! Think of how the guys who retired a decade or two ago must feel.

Sports are BIG business. And in an era where they are the last reliable live television, they are more valuable than ever, because in live events, the advertising potential is just so much higher.

It’s also the shit product that is the NBA today

its the lazy style of play

I do wonder if we will get to a point where athletes make too much money, even if what is considered “too much money” is completely subjective and arbitrary. Will it get to a point where the general public is turned off by how much money they make that it causes widespread resentment?

I’m pro player and of course I’d rather have the players get paid compared to the owners, and at the end of the day it doesn’t matter to me how much they make. But I am really curious what it’ll be like when players are signing billion dollar contracts or making $100M per season.

Of course that’s the main reason. And then you add in that regular season is as close to unwatchable as it gets … and boom in comes the hate

“I paved the way for you”. Stfu, you made millions playing basketball like 15 years ago. It’s not like you fought for safety precautions and living wages in a coal mine.

Jordan was making over \(30 million in just the 96/97 season alone not even including his endorsements which made his nba salary a joke! Which is the equivalent to over \)60 million in todays money for inflation. Nobody is making $60 mill a year as a player right now. Steph Curry is the highest at 59.

People care way too much about what others make

Crab bucket.

Mike made $33 million for his last season with the Bulls.