What is Dan Issel’s net worth? Is the former NBA superstar in debt now?

What is Dan Issel’s net worth? Is the former NBA superstar in debt now?

Steve Njuguna
December 14, 2023 at 12:47 PM

Daniel Paul Issel is a former professional basketball player and coach. During his playing career, he was a prolific scorer at both collegiate and pro levels. This article delves into his current doings, net worth, earnings, and how he achieved his riches and success.

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Dan Issel posing for a photo in 1978. Photo by NBA Photos
Source: Getty Images

Paul played in the mid-20th century and was a key star of the now-defunct American Basketball Association League (ABA). He later joined the National Basketball Association and remains one of the Denver Nuggets' best-ever players. Daniel's name often makes news headlines and in this article, discover how the success of this NBA All-Star translates to his net worth.

Dan Issel's profile summary

Name

Daniel Paul Issel

Date of birth

October 25, 1948

Place of birth

Batavia, Illinois

Height in feet

6 ft 9 in

Height in centimetres

286 centimetres

High school

Batavia

College

University of Kentucky

Playing position

Center, Power Forward

Year of draft

1970

Draft team

Kentucky Colonels (ABA), Detroit Pistons (NBA)

Playing career

1970-1985

Coaching career

1992-2001

Teams coached

Denver Nuggets

Preferred numbers

44, 25

Marital Status

Married

Spouse

Cheri Issel

Children

Two

Place of residence

Louisville, Kentucky

Nationality

American

Net worth

Between $1 million and $5 million

How old is Dan Issel now?

Dan Issel (aged 75 as of November 2023) was born on 25 October 1948 in Batavia, Illinois. He started his youth career in 1967 playing for the University of Kentucky, where he holds the record of being the all-time leading scorer.

What is Dan Issel's net worth in 2023?

Despite his past bankruptcy, Issel is said to be worth between $1 million and $5 million, as per records. This amount comes from his NBA pension and also his current business practices. The figure would have been higher, but he underwent some financial troubles in 2009 during the global economic recession.

Is Dan Issel bankrupt?

According to sources, Issel was earning approximately $2.5 million in his final years (from 1970–1985) as president and head coach of the Denver Nuggets (resigned in 2001). By 2009, the Hall of Famer filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Dan Issel's playing career

After his college career at Kentucky, Dan Issel was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the eighth round of the 1970 NBA Draft, but he decided to join the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA instead. Issel played for the Kentucky Colonels from 1970 to 1975 and then moved with the franchise when it joined the NBA in the ABA-NBA merger in 1976.

Over the course of his ABA career, Issel was a six-time ABA All-Star and averaged over 25 points per game. In the NBA, he played for the Denver Nuggets from 1976 to 1985 and was a two-time NBA All-Star. Dan Issel was known for his scoring ability and versatility on the court.

Dan Issel latest news
Dan Issel circa 1978 (L) when he played for the Denvers. To the right, Dan was photographed in 2005. Photos: Focus on Sport and RJ Sangosti (Modified by editor)
Source: Getty Images

Dan Issel's coaching career

After retiring as a player, Issel went on to have a successful coaching career. He served as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets from 1992 to 1995 and again during the 1999-2000 season. Issel also had executive roles with the Denver Nuggets, contributing to the team's front office.

Frequently asked questions

Dan Issel is a legend in the NBA so naturally, fans would want to know more about him. Here are some frequently asked questions.

Did Dan Issel say a racial slur?

While working for the Nuggets in 2001, Dan resigned from his position after being involved in a verbal altercation with a fan that included the use of a racial slur. The incident occurred during a game between the Denver Nuggets and the Charlotte Hornets. Issel was captured on video making an inappropriate remark to a fan, and the incident received significant public attention.

Issel later issued an apology for his actions, expressing regret for the use of offensive language and acknowledging that it was not acceptable behaviour.

Is Dan Issel broke?

In 2009, Dan Issel filed for bankruptcy after going $4.5 million in debt. To get back to stability, Dan had to auction medals and trophies from his career. Dan Issel also lost his house in Denver at the same time due to the 2009 economic crisis. He also lost several cars and his horse racing business.

What is Dan Issel doing now?

Issel is currently residing in Louisville, Kentucky, where he is part of a consortium that seeks to bring an NBA franchise to the area.

Greg Issel Aba
Issel during the 50th ABA anniversary in 2018. Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE
Source: Getty Images

Final Words

Dan Issel's net worth took a hit in 2009 after he filed for bankruptcy and reportedly owed many people money. Nonetheless, he has left an enduring legacy as a highly skilled and accomplished player. His contributions to the sport, particularly during his time with the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA and the Denver Nuggets in the NBA, have solidified his place in basketball history. His storied career achievements and net worth are unique milestones.

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Authors
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Steve Njuguna
Steve Njuguna is a media professional with close to a decade of experience in the sports media industry. He has previously worked as a sports journalist with Bamba Sports TV, Vybez Radio and The Nairobian newspaper.