There has been only one Oak tree in the NBA. A true master in defense and skilled in rebounding, the NBA legend played for some of the most reputed teams in the league. Horace Grant once claimed that the most physical player he had ever encountered was Charles Oakley. Throughout his 19 years in the NBA, he entertained the fans while keeping his opponents in fear. How much do you think the retired NBA player earned throughout his playing days and post-playing career?

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, he went to John Hay High School, where he became well-known for his skills and basketball talent. His talent gained much recognition and appreciation when he led Virginia Union to the 1985 NCAA championship. Scoring a total of 2,379 points, he was named the Division II Player of the Year. Following this, he began his NBA career.

How much did Charles Oakley earn in his NBA career

He was drafted as the 9th pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers and was traded to the Chicago Bulls. Oakley’s first career-high in points was 35, which he scored in a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. During this time, he played alongside Michael Jordan. He returned to the Chicago Bulls for one year in 2001. As per Celebrity Net Worth, Oakley earned around $6.5 million in his last year with the Bulls and made nearly $7.19 million in total playing for the team.

Throughout his career, he averaged 9.7 points and 2.5 assists across 1,282 regular-season games. After the Chicago Bulls, Oakley was traded to the Knicks in 1988 and went on to play for 9 years. He played alongside Patrick Ewing, John Starks, and point guard Mark Jackson.

While playing for the Knicks, he earned nearly $16.4 million. During Oakley’s time with the team, it achieved great success in the regular season and made consistent playoff appearances. It was around this time that the 1994 NBA All-Star became widely known for his defense. Grant, who faced it the most, once recalled how he had to sit in the locker room and tend to his injuries and bruises often after facing Oakley on the court. 

“I think the most physical was Charles Oakley. He was a combination of the late great Anthony Mason and of Kevin Willis. When I faced those guys, from a physical standpoint, I had to go home and take an ice bath and just sit in there because I was black and blue,” Grant said. Oakley once said, “Don’t say, ‘I don’t want to do this, because, whatever.’ Don’t give up on something. You got to work hard.”

He earned nearly $21.2 million while playing for the Toronto Raptors and an additional $1 million during his run with the Washington Wizards. Following this, he went on to play for the Houston Rockets in 2004 and then retired at the end of the season. There were talks on the return of the basketball legend but he claimed that he would not return for a cheaper offer. Throughout his NBA career, he earned nearly $45.6 million. 

Charles Oakley’s post-NBA career

Following this, the basketball legend chose to coach as the next chapter of his life. He joined the team Charlotte Bobcats, now the Hornets, which was then owned by Michael Jordan. He took the position of assistant coach under then-head coach Paul Silas in 2010. However, he quickly said goodbye to his coaching job the next year due to his issues with his back. In 2023, he made a comeback in the Big Three league by rapper Ice Cube as the coach of the Killer 3’s. He also made an appearance in the celebrity dance competition showing his skills along with his dance partner Emma Slater. He didn’t win but made an impact with his performance.

Apart from sports, the former New York Knicks star is involved with several companies. One of his endeavors is Hair Solutions and Nails EtCetera which is located in his hometown Cleveland, Ohio, and is reportedly managed by his sister Carolyn.

He has been most successful with his car wash business, which is present in several cities, including his hometown. As per sources, Oakley’s car wash, Oakley’s Wash House, is available in Brighton Beach, New York, and has expanded more in the last few years. Red, The Steakhouse (Cleveland, Ohio, and South Beach, Miami, Florida), is also among his several endeavors in the business world. Through these endeavors, he has earned millions more after his retirement, and over the years, he has amassed a handsome $12 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.