Forbes says Carmelo Anthony, Joe Johnson & Dirk Nowitzki are overpaid and have the formula to prove it

Forbes usually gives us lists of who the most wealthy athlete is. What team is has the most value, etc. This time they’ve put together a list that I’m sure most NBA athletes have no desire to be apart of, “The most overpaid athletes in the NBA.” According to them, scoring in the NBA is an overvalued commodity. Yes, I realize that the object of the game is to outscore your opponent but apparently rewarding players for that doesn’t add up with the new math.

Advanced metrics show that in the NBA, scoring is overvalued. Stats compiled by David Berri, economist and author of “Stumbling on Wins,” rates players’ contribution to wins not only by scoring but shooting percentage, assists, rebounds and turnovers, all measured against opportunities to accumulate those stats (a faster paced game with more shots equals more rebound opportunities, etc.).

1. Carmelo Anthony – Knicks $19.4 million

2. Ben Gordon – Bobcats $12.4 million

3. Joe Johnson – Nets $19.75 million

4. Hedo Turkoglu – Magic $11.8 million

5. Dirk Nowitzki – Mavericks $20.9 million

You can check Forbes out to see the rest of the list, meanwhile let’s dig a little bit more into this concept.

Forbes says players who were injured or declining (i.e. numbers had been on a downward turn for a few seasons) weren’t included in the list. So mathematically speaking, these numbers are factual. The basic premise, once you get beyond all the numbers, a more well rounded player should reap more financial benefit than one who can get to the hoop at will. Per the formula, Tyson Chandler is more efficient and worth more to the Knicks. Another example is Dirk Nowitzki, per the formula, Dirk’s performance is worth about $7 million less than his current salary of $20 million at a more cap friendly $13 million.

What are your thoughts on the list?