Horace Grant at a Glance
- Categories: Athletes, Athletes > NBA Players
- Net Worth: $35 Million
- Birthdate: Jul 4, 1965 (59 years old)
- Birthplace: Augusta
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Basketball player
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.08 m)
Horace Grant: Net Worth, Career, Early Life, and Legacy
Horace Grant, a name synonymous with Chicago Bulls dominance and a key figure in multiple NBA championship runs, has built a substantial net worth during his career. This article delves into the life and career of Horace Grant, exploring his financial success, early life, college achievements, NBA career highlights, controversial moments, and real estate ventures. From his time as a Clemson Tiger to his championship rings with the Bulls and Lakers, we uncover the journey of this accomplished power forward.
Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Horace Junior Grant Sr. was born on July 4, 1965, in Augusta, Georgia. Growing up alongside his twin brother, Harvey Grant, he was immersed in a family with a strong athletic background. Harvey would go on to have an 11-season NBA career, playing for teams like the Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, and Philadelphia 76ers. Further showcasing the family’s basketball talent, three of Horace’s nephews also became NBA players. Horace and Harvey spent their formative years in Mitchell, Georgia, and attended high school in Sparta, Georgia.
College Career at Clemson University
After graduating high school, Grant attended Clemson University, where he quickly made his mark on the college basketball scene. He became the first player in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) history to lead the league in scoring, rebounding, and field goals. His outstanding performance culminated in leading the Clemson Tigers to the NCAA Tournament in 1987, during which he was awarded the ACC Player of the Year. He also received first-team All-ACC honors, solidifying his place as one of Clemson’s all-time greats.
NBA Career: Chicago Bulls Dominance
Horace Grant began his professional career when he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1987. Partnering with Scottie Pippen, Grant formed a formidable frontcourt, with the duo soon becoming a mainstay in the Bulls’ starting lineup. Grant’s contributions on both offense and defense were crucial to the team’s success. Alongside Michael Jordan and Pippen, Grant became an integral part of a Bulls dynasty that would dominate the NBA for several years.
Championships and All-Star Appearance
Grant played a significant role in the Chicago Bulls’ first three-peat, winning consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 1993. His defensive prowess and rebounding skills complemented the scoring abilities of Jordan and Pippen. During his career, he became known for wearing protective goggles during games due to his myopia. Although he later underwent LASIK eye surgery, Grant continued to wear the goggles as a source of inspiration for visually impaired children. In 1994, after Jordan’s first retirement, Grant earned his first and only NBA All-Star Game appearance, highlighting his individual achievements.

Getty Images
Later Career: Orlando, Seattle, and Los Angeles
In 1994, as a free agent, Grant signed with the Orlando Magic, where he joined forces with Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. He spent five seasons with the Magic before a brief stint with the Seattle SuperSonics during the 1999-2000 season. Grant then moved to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won his fourth NBA championship. His time with the Lakers was short-lived, but it added another title to his impressive resume. He later returned to the Orlando Magic, but his second stint ended acrimoniously when coach Doc Rivers criticized his impact on the team and released him in 2002. He briefly returned to the Lakers during the 2003-2004 season before retiring.
Salary and Career Earnings
Over his professional career, Horace Grant earned a substantial $68 million in salary. His highest-paid seasons were in 1996 and 1998, earning $14.8 and $14.3 million respectively, equivalent to approximately $23 million per season in today’s dollars. This financial success reflects his value as a key player and his contribution to championship-caliber teams.
The Jordan Rules Controversy
Horace Grant’s name is often linked to the controversial book “The Jordan Rules,” written by Sam Smith. The book offered an insider’s view of the Chicago Bulls during their dominant era, including unflattering portrayals of Michael Jordan and accounts of team infighting. While the book generated significant buzz, it was largely dismissed by members of the Chicago Bulls as fictionalized, but it did provide a window into the dynamics of the team. Grant is widely rumored to have provided much of the source material for the book.
Real Estate Ventures
Beyond his basketball career, Grant has also invested in real estate. In 2016, a home once owned by him in Winter Park, Florida, was listed for $11.9 million. The property included various luxurious amenities like a waterfall, a bar, and seven bedrooms. Grant originally purchased the raw land for $1.3 million in 1995 and sold the constructed home for $5 million in 2004. He also owns property in California’s Central Coast area, a five-bedroom home spanning over 4,200 square feet, located in a gated community near Pismo Beach. He originally purchased the home over a decade prior for $1.389 million, which means that he stands to make an extremely modest profit from this real estate deal. These ventures showcase his financial acumen and diversify his portfolio beyond basketball.
/**/
Legacy and Impact
Horace Grant’s career is defined by championships, defensive excellence, and his ability to contribute to winning teams. His time with the Chicago Bulls, in particular, cemented his legacy as a key component of a dynasty. His All-Star appearance and individual accolades highlight his significant impact on the game. Beyond the court, his investments and ventures demonstrate his financial success. Horace Grant’s career serves as an example of dedication, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the world of basketball.
Career Earnings
Source / Title | Amount |
---|---|
Los Angeles Lakers (2003-04) | $1.1 Million |
Orlando Magic (2002-03) | $2.7 Million |
Orlando Magic (2001-02) | $2.4 Million |
Los Angeles Lakers (2000-01) | $6.5 Million |
Seattle Sonics (1999-00) | $6 Million |
Orlando Magic (1998-99) | $7.8 Million |
Orlando Magic (1997-98) | $14.3 Million |
Orlando Magic (1996-97) | $14.9 Million |
Orlando Magic (1995-96) | $2.8 Million |
Orlando Magic (1994-95) | $2.1 Million |
Chicago Bulls (1993-94) | $2 Million |
Chicago Bulls (1992-93) | $1.9 Million |
Chicago Bulls (1991-92) | $1.8 Million |
Chicago Bulls (1990-91) | $1 Million |
Chicago Bulls (1988-89) | $380 Thousand |
Chicago Bulls (1987-88) | $500 Thousand |
Total Earnings | $68 Million |