Sports Illustrated released its yearly Fortunate 50, which ranks the highest-paid athletes in sports. These rankings are based on salary, endorsements and other similar factors. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson come in at Nos. 1 and 2, while the championship-less and ring-less LeBron James closes out the top three.
The only player from a Colorado team to appear on the list is the Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin at No. 40. He made just under $17 million over 2010-11 and completed a six-year, $90 million contract. His $250,000 in endorsements holds him back from ranking higher. He hits free agency this summer (or later, depending on a resolution to the league's labor issues) and the Nuggets may look to spend their money elsewhere, especially if the next Collective Bargaining Agreement slashes player salaries.
Though now with the New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony checks in at No. 21 with over $23 million in earnings. His teammate Amare Stoudemire finds himself at No. 16 with over $24 millions. Will all the money the Knicks have invested in these two give them a championship? The might want to ask the LeBron and the Miami Heat about that?