Sports Illustrated released its fortunate 50 countdown of the top paid athletes across all major sports and Atlanta's Joe Johnson checks in at No. 43 on the list. Johnson made a little over $16.5 million last year when combining his Hawks salary with the money he gets from endorsements.
Tiger Woods came in at No. 1 totaling a whopping $62 million with Phil Mickelson close behind. LeBron James takes the No. 3 spot at $44.5 million. Other NBA players in the top 10 are Kobe Bryant No. 6 ($34.8 million), Kevin Garnett No. 7 ($32.8 million), and Dwight Howard No. 10 ($28.6 million).
While no one will consider Johnson's contract a bargain especially after signing the max extension last season, consider that these players are all still ranked ahead of Johnson in this year's list. Vince Carter No. 27 ($20.5 million), Rashard Lewis No. 29 ($20.3 million), Michael Redd No. 34 ($ 18.5 million), Gilbert Arenas No. 36 ($17.6 million), and Kenyon Martin No. 40 ($16.7 million).
No doubt Johnson will be moving up this list over the course of his brand new contract.