Future Fortunates

SI Staff | Jun 3, 2008

Future Fortunates /

Future Fortunates

Chris Paul

They aren't ready to challenge Tiger Woods on the Fortunate 50 yet, but these young stars may soon cash in. Here's a rundown of who SI thinks will one day make their way to the ranks of the top 50 earners.<br><br>The 22-year-old floor general was the NBA's breakthrough star in '07-08, finishing second in the MVP voting while leading the Hornets to 56 wins and a division title. He was also one of the league's biggest bargains, making just $3.6 million under his rookie contract. Most observers expect the Hornets to secure Paul's services with a lucrative, long-term deal during the next year.

Brandon Roy

Roy followed up his Rookie of the Year campaign with an impressive sophomore season, averaging 19.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists while becoming the team's first All-Star since 2001. He'll make $3.1 million next year with a team option for '09-10 at $3.9 million, but should sign a long-term extension before his rookie contract runs out.

Joba Chamberlain

The native Nebraskan emerged as a Bronx sensation during his abbreviated 2007 campaign, surrendering just one earned run in 19 appearances. The Yankees renewed Chamberlain's contract for a league-minimum $390,000 during spring training, but the 22-year-old right-hander is lining himself up for a much more lucrative payday.

Evan Longoria

Longoria signed the longest deal in franchise history in April with a 9-year contract, inked just one week after the Rays promoted the third baseman from Triple A Durham. In helping the first-place Rays to a surprising start, the rookie was hitting .241 with seven homers and 28 RBIs through June 1.

Jay Bruce

Cincinnati's blue-chip prospect completed his incredible debut week, batting .591 with eight runs, six RBIs and two steals in six games. He also slammed his first career homer on May 31: a solo shot in the 10th inning to propel the Reds to an 8-7 win.

Kyle Busch

With 10 victories in NASCAR's top three series this year, the 23-year-old with the rebellious streak has an excellent chance of becoming the circuit's next transcendent personality -- and replacing Tony Stewart as the driver racing fans love to hate.

Novak Djokovic

After reaching the semis of last year's French Open and Wimbledon Championships and the final of the U.S. Open, the 21-year-old native of Serbia broke through for his first Grand Slam title in January at the Australian Open. He's widely considered the biggest threat to the reigning Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal axis.

Alexandre Pato

Pato, 18, has emerged as a rising star for AC Milan and the Brazilian national team. While playing for his former team -- Brazilian club Internacional -- at the 2006 Club World Cup, the striker became the youngest goal-scorer in the history of official federation competitions at 17 years and 102 days, breaking the mark set by Pelé at the 1958 World Cup by 137 days.

Tyson Gay

Gay won gold in the 100 meters, 200m and 4x100m relay at the 2007 World Championships in Japan, and looks to secure the title of "Fastest Man on Earth" at the Beijing Olympics in August. He's also demonstrated crossover appeal as a cover boy for the upcoming Beijing 2008 video game.

Danica Patrick

Fresh off her history-making victory at the Indy Japan 300, Patrick's star continues to rise. The face of the Indy Racing League -- and an SI Swimsuit Model -- has a surplus of endorsement deals with companies such as Motorola, AirTran, Honda, Peak and GoDaddy.

Darren McFadden

After selecting the Heisman Trophy runner-up with the fourth pick in the NFL draft, the Raiders are determined not to go through the same nightmarish contract standoff they endured last summer with No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell. Many observers expect McFadden to sign a lucrative deal before training camp convenes in late July.

Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley

Considered the co-favorites to be selected by the Chicago Bulls with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft on June 26, both Rose (left) and Beasley stand to make considerable amounts between their rookie contracts and endorsement deals.

Kimbo Slice

Easily the biggest draw in America's fastest-growing sport, Slice has made the unlikely transition from YouTube sensation to marketable professional athlete, headlining the card on the sport's network-television debut May 31.

Published Jun 3, 2008

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