The NBA is the world’s most popular basketball league. It features many of the greatest players in history and will soon have its first ever team from India. We decided to take a look at all 50 states, ranking the best player that each state has produced over time – not just for their careers but also for how much they’ve helped define what it means to be an athlete from their home state.
The “best high school basketball player from each state” is a list of the best players in the United States. New York has the most number of players with 28.
We’ve discussed the best NBA players of all time, but those guys had to come from someplace. Each athlete attended a high school or college where they started to establish their reputation. After being introduced into this realm, the gamers may have relocated about the state. That’s why, if you go deep enough into certain players’ bios, you’ll find that they’ve never played basketball in their home states.
Some states are famous for a certain sport. New York, Illinois, and California are home to some of the best basketball players in the world. Other states are on the lookout for their first All-Star or even a player to represent them. Players who were born in the state, not those who grew up there, are the ones we’re talking about. They were taken into consideration if they were born in the state.
From each state in the United States, these are the best players of all time.
Charles Barkley (Alabama)
0 championships
17.9 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game, 1.7 assists per game, 0.4 steals per game, 1.7 blocks per game
From 1986 through 1987, he was a seven-time All-Star. All-NBA Team, 6x All-Defensive Team, 2x 6th Man of the Year, Hall of Fame inductee
Barkley was named NBA MVP in 1993 and led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan was unable to complete the perfect season, which jeopardized his one chance at an NBA title. When it came to snatching offensive rebounds and returning shots, Barkley was a nightmare.
John Drew, George McGinnis, DeMarcus Cousins, and Ben Wallace received honorable mention.
Mario Chalmers, Alaska
2 championships
8.9 points per game, 2.5 rebounds per game, 3.7 assists per game, 1.5 steals per game, 0.2 blocks per game
All-Rookie Second Team honors
Chalmers was a standout at the University of Kansas before settling into a supporting role with the Miami Heat. When LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined the Heat, he was at his finest. For both championship campaigns, Chalmers was the team’s starting point guard, and he had some spectacular shots of his own. Chalmers is one of just two players from Alaska who have ever played in the NBA.
None (Honorable Mention)
Sean Elliott (Arizona)
1 championship
14.2 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, 2.6 assists per game, 0.8 steals per game, 0.4 blocks per game
2x All-Star, 32nd overall Spurs have decided to retire him.
Elliott is a native of Arizona. He was not only born in Arizona, but he also excelled at the University of Arizona. Elliott was the No. 3 overall choice in 1999 and was a member of the Spurs’ championship squad. During the 1990s, he was thought to be the ideal partner for star David Robinson. The Spurs retired his jersey at the end of his career.
Jerryd Bayless, Marvin Bagley, Jerryd Bayless, Jerryd Bayless, Jerryd Bayless, Jerryd Bayless, Jerryd Bayless,
Scottie Pippen (Arkansas)
6 championships
16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG throughout his career
7-time All-Star, 7-time All-NBA Team selection, 10-time All-Defensive Team selection, 1994-1995 Steals Champion, and Hall of Fame inductee
Pippen began playing basketball late in life, yet he is the finest among his Arkansas countrymen. The seven-time All-Star and NBA All-Rookie selection was a defensive worker who could also score in breakaway. He was the ideal partner for Michael Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles.
Joe gets an honorable mention. Fat Lever, Barry Carroll, Glen Rice, Joe Johnson, Mike Conley Jr.
Kawhi Leonard (California)
2 championships
19.2 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, 2.9 assists per game, 1.8 steals per game, and 0.6 blocks per game are his career statistics.
Two-time Finals MVP, five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA Team selection, seven-time All-Defensive Team selection, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 2014-2015 Steals Champion
The Sunshine State has a slew of contenders for this honor. From the past to the present, California has been synonymous with basketball, with 426 players representing the state in the NBA. A lot of it has to do with the fact that many of the youngsters grew up watching the Los Angeles Lakers. Because Kawhi Leonard is such a star, it’s now also the Clippers. He has received this award since he is the only honorable mention player to have led two separate teams to NBA titles, including two Finals MVPs.
James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, Damian Lillard, Paul Pierce, Klay Thompson, Ray Allen, George Yardley, Gail Goodrich, Reggie Miller, Jason Kidd, Kevin Love, Bill Walton, Kevin Johnson, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook, Russell
Chauncey Billups (Colorado)
1 championship
15.2 points per game, 2.9 rebounds per game, 5.4 assists per game, 1.0 steals per game, 0.2 blocks per game
1x Finals MVP, 5x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 2x All-Defensive Team Selection, 1x Teammate of the Year, 1x Pistons No. 1 Retired
Only 19 Colorado players have ever appeared in the NBA. When it came to this player, there was no contest: Chauncey Billups was the clear winner. Billups was the floor general for a squad that was a perennial challenger in the Eastern Conference Finals, including a 2004 championship. Billups was voted Finals MVP after the Pistons beat the Lakers in 2004.
Chuck Williams was given an honorable mention.
Marcus Camby (Connecticut)
0 championships
9.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.4 BPG throughout his career
4x All-Defensive selection, Defensive Player of the Year in 2006-2007, 4x Blocks Leader
Connecticut has a lot of NBA talent, but it’s underappreciated. You’d think a smaller state would have less than 37 candidates. With that said, UCONN is a household name in college football, with renowned coaches Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma leading the team to national titles. Camby, who was one of the most explosive defensive players in the 2000s, has to be the finest player to ever reach the NBA. He was named Defensive Player of the Year four times and led the league in blocks four times.
Calvin Murphy and Michael Adams were given honorable mentions.
Walt Hazzard (Delaware)
0 championships
12.6 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game, 4.9 assists per game
1x All-Star selection
Hazard is one of ten players from Delaware to reach the NBA. Hazard’s first season was spent with the Seattle SuperSonics. He had a career-high 24.0 points per game and 6.2 assists per game. He was part of the deal that brought Seattle’s Lenny Wilkins after his lone All-Star appearance. He returned to Seattle after a short stint with the Hawks and retired following the 1973-1974 season.
Donte DiVincenzo received an honorable mention.
Kevin Durant, Kevin Durant, Kevin Durant, Kevin Durant, Kevin Durant, Kevin Durant
2 championships
27.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG throughout his career
2x Finals MVP, 2013-2014 MVP, 11x All-Star, 9x All-NBA Team Selection, 4x Scoring Champion, 2007-2008 Rookie of the Year, 11x All-Star, 9x All-NBA Team Selection, 4x Scoring Champion
Elgin Baylor, Adrian Dantley, and Dave Bing were all outstanding players, but Kevin Durant has a chance to complete his career as one of the best ten players in NBA history. If Durant can win a championship in Brooklyn, there will be talk about him finishing in the top five. Durant is now listed in the top 25 all-time scorers and is steadily climbing the rankings. LeBron James has a chance to surpass Kareem Abdul-single-season Jabbar’s scoring record. Durant might be next if that occurs.
Elgin Baylor, Adrian Dantley, and Dave Bing received honorable mention.
David Robinson (Florida)
2 championships
21.1 points per game, 10.6 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game, 1.4 steals per game, 3.0 blocks per game
1994-1995 MVP, ten-time All-Star, ten-time All-NBA Team selection, eight-time All-Defensive Team selection, 1991-1992 Defensive Player of the Year, 1993-1994 Scoring Champion, 1990-1991 Rebounding Champion, 1991-1992 Blocks Champion, 1989-1990 Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame inductee
Florida is one of 13 states that has produced at least 100 NBA players. There is a case to be made that Tracy McGrady might compete for this slot if he won one championship, but David Robinson earned an MVP, scoring title, rebounding title, and blocks title throughout his career. There’s also the fact that he had double digit All-Star appearances and was very durable for the most of his career.
Tracy McGrady, Mitch Richmond, Gilbert Arenas, Artis Gilmore, Red Robbins, and Eddie Johnson received honorable mention.
Walt Frazier (Georgia)
2 championships
18.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG throughout his career
7-time All-Star, 6-time All-NBA Team selection, 7-time All-Defensive Team selection, and Hall of Famer
You wouldn’t think Georgia would have more NBA players than Florida since they aren’t a top team in the college basketball rankings all year, but they do. Dwight Howard was a candidate for this award, but he was unable to win a championship with the Magic while he was their top player. Frazier, on the other hand, won two championships as a significant contributing element in the 1970s. Frazier could handle the ball well, but he was an even better defender.
Dwight Howard, Horace Grant, World B. Free, and Norm Nixon are among the honorable mentions.
Cedric Ceballos (Hawaii)
0 championships
14.3 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, 1.2 assists per game, 0.7 steals per game, 0.3 blocks per game
1x All-Star selection, 1992 Slam Dunk Contest Champion
Ceballos’ participation in the Slam Dunk Contest in 1992 was one of the highlights of his career. He made a blinded dunk that energised the audience. He topped the league in field-goal percentage with the Suns in 1992-1993, when they reached the NBA Finals. After that, he joined the Lakers, where he was the team’s scoring leader in 1994 and 1996. It was the first time in 20 years that he scored 50 points. Ceballos is one of just two Hawaii natives to play in the NBA.
Red Rocha was given an honorable mention.
Luke Ridnour (Idaho)
0 championships
9.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG throughout his career
There are no awards.
Luke Ridnour has the greatest overall line among the five Idaho players that have played in the NBA. Ridnour was the starting point guard seven times in a season, starting the majority of his games. Despite the fact that he was never chosen for an All-Star Game, he had a long and successful career. His season point total was 11.5, which was a career best.
Charlie Black receives an honorable mention.
Dwyane Wade (Illinois)
3 championships
22.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.8 BPG throughout his career
Finals MVP in 2005-2006, 13-time All-Star, 8-time All-NBA Team selection, 3-time All-Defensive Team selection, 2008-2009 Scoring Champion
Is Derrick Rose the best player to have come out of Illinois if he never gets hurt? Fans of the Bulls will now be asking themselves that question. Wade edges over Isiah Thomas for greatest player since he won three titles and was named Finals MVP. Without LeBron and Bosh on the squad, Wade won a championship, proving his excellence. The Heat reached the Finals four times in a row when he was at his best.
Isiah Thomas, George Mikan, Anthony Davis, Dan Issel, Derrick Rose, Maurice Cheeks, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan Issel, Dan I
Larry Bird of the Indiana Pacers
3 championships
24.3 points per game, 10.0 rebounds per game, 6.3 assists per game, 1.7 steals per game, 0.8 blocks per game
2x Finals MVP, 3x MVP, 12x All-Star, 10x All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection, 12x All-Star, 10x All-NBA Team Selection Rookie of the Year in 1979-1980, inducted into the Hall of Fame
Bird was a real Hoosier. Born in Indiana, he attended Indiana State University and later led the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals as their coach. Granted, his entire professional career was spent with the Boston Celtics, where he won three consecutive MVP awards. He’s also the last player to achieve that milestone. Many NBA alumni consider Bird to be so amazing that he deserves to be included on their Mount Rushmore. Indiana has 158 NBA players, making it one of the most successful basketball states in the country.
Clyde Lovellette, Louie Dampier, Glenn Robinson, Shawn Kemp, Gordon Hayward, and Zach Randolph received honorable mention.
Harrison Barnes (Iowa)
1 championship
14.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG throughout his career
All-Rookie First Team honors
Barnes was named a Preseason All-American before he had ever played a single game in collegiate basketball at North Carolina. Barnes later verified this after playing a complete season. He was a starter for the 2014-2015 Golden State Warriors squad that won the NBA title when he first entered the league.
Kirk Hinrich was given an honorable mention.
Alvan Adams (Kansas)
0 championships
14.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG throughout his career
1x All-Star selection, 1976 Rookie of the Year, No. 33 Retired by the Suns
Adams was a player who was underappreciated at the time. Adams only appeared in one All-Star game, but his jersey was retired, and he will be remembered for the rest of his life. Adams is the Suns’ all-time leader in games played, minutes played, offensive rebounds, and steals. Because Adams is one of just 36 players born in Kansas to enter the league, the University of Kansas must conduct a lot of out-of-state recruiting.
Warren Jabali was given an honorable mention.
Dave Cowens (Kentucky)
2 championships
17.6 points per game, 13.6 rebounds per game, 3.8 assists per game, 1.1 steals per game, 0.9 blocks per game
1972-1973 MVP, 8x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection, Rookie of the Year 1970-1971, Hall of Fame inductee
Kentucky basketball has a long and illustrious history, particularly at the collegiate level. Louisville should be considered for an expansion club if the NBA decides to do so. Wes Unseld and Rajon Rondo are two tough players that came out of the state, but Dave Cowens was the finest to ever play. The former Celtics standout was a key player for the team, winning the regular-season MVP award and two titles.
Cliff Hagan, Wes Unseld, Arnie Risen, and Rajon Rondo received honorable mention.
Bill Russell, Louisiana
1 championship1
15.1 points per game, 22.5 rebounds per game, 4.3 assists per game
5x MVP, 12x All-Star, 11x All-NBA Team Selection, 1968 All-Defensive Team Selection, 5x All-NBA Team Selection 4x Rebounding Champion, inducted into the Rebounding Hall of Fame
Consider yourself Karl Malone. Michael Jordan stops you both times, thus you can’t win a championship. Because of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, you aren’t the all-time top scorer. Then you can’t claim to be Louisiana’s finest player since 11-time champion Bill Russell was born there as well. The Mailman has been dealt a difficult hand.
Karl Malone, Bob Pettit, Elvin Hayes, Clyde Drexler, Willis Reed, Robert Parish, and Joe Dumars received honorable mention.
Duncan Robinson (Maine)
0 championships
12.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG throughout his career
1x All-NBA G-League Third Team selection
Maine has only had two players make it to the NBA. Duncan Robinson is a feel-good narrative as a result of it. Robinson established his shooting rhythm in the NBA after going undrafted following a stellar collegiate career at Michigan. Robinson’s five-year, $90 million agreement with the Heat was the highest contract ever signed by an undrafted player in NBA history.
None (Honorable Mention)
Sam Cassell, Maryland
3 championships
15.7 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, 6.0 assists per game, 1.1 steals per game, 0.2 blocks per game
1 All-Star selection, 1x All-NBA selection
Many feel the Timberwolves would have beaten the Lakers in the Conference Finals if Sam Cassell had been completely healthy during the 2004 playoffs. Instead, the squad was unable to capitalize on Kevin Garnett’s MVP season. Cassell was well-liked not just for his ability, but also for his contributions to three championship teams.
Marvin Webster and Steve Francis received honorable mentions.
Bill Laimbeer (Massachusetts)
2 championships
12.9 points per game, 9.7 rebounds per game, 2.0 assists per game, 0.7 steals per game, 0.9 blocks per game
4x All-Star, 1986 Rebounding Leader, and Pistons No. 40 Retired
Have you ever wondered whether Massachusetts attempted to disassociate itself from Bill Laimbeer’s activities in the 1980s? Laimbeer was one of the most despised people in the planet. He adopted the “Bad Boys” mindset, which helped the squad win back-to-back titles. Laimbeer was a physically powerful bully who didn’t mind doing the dirty labor back then.
Nerlens Noel, Honorable Mention
Magic Johnson, Michigan
5 championships
19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG throughout his career
3x Finals MVP, 3x MVP, 12x All-Star, 10x All-NBA Team Selection, 4x Assist Champion, 2x Steals Champion, and Hall of Fame inductee
For the Spurs, George Gervin was a great player, but Magic Johnson was much better. Johnson may have won six or seven titles overall if retirement hadn’t come knocking at the age of 31. Johnson was named MVP of the regular season and the Finals three times. He is widely regarded as the best point guard of all time.
George Gervin, Chris Webber, Rudy Tomjanovich, Dave DeBusschere, Mel Daniels, Draymond Green, and Devin Booker received honorable mention.
Kevin McHale, Minnesota
3 championships
17.9 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game, 1.7 assists per game, 0.4 steals per game, 1.7 blocks per game
7x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team, 6x All-Defensive Team, 2x 6th Man of the Year, Hall of Fame inductee
Out of the 65 total players, Minnesota has produced a small number of All-Stars. McHale was a seven-time All-Star who helped the Boston Celtics win a championship by coming off the bench. He was also a capable defender who could take care of the boards when necessary.
Mark Olberding was given an honorable mention.
Spencer Haywood (Mississippi)
1 championship
19.2 points per game, 9.3 rebounds per game, 1.8 assists per game, 0.5 steals per game, 0.8 blocks per game
1x ABA MVP, 4x NBA All-Star, 1x ABA All-Star, 1970 All-Star Game MVP, 4x All-NBA Selection, 1x All-ABA Selection, 1970 Rookie of the Year, 1970 ABA Scoring Champion, 1970 ABA Rebounding Champion, 1970 Rookie of the Year, 1970 Rookie of the Year, 1970 Rookie of the Year, 1970 Rookie of the Year, 1970 Rookie of the Year, 1970 Rookie of the Year, 1970 Rookie of the Year The Seattle SuperSonics retired him, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
To achieve the 100th player in the NBA, Mississippi just needs seven more players born in the state. From scorers like Monta Ellis to role players like Mo Williams and Al Jefferson, the state has seen it everything. Spencer Haywood, a Hall of Famer who was a powerhouse in the ABA before moving to the NBA, was the finest. He would have won many more NBA honors if he had spent longer time in the league.
Monta Ellis, Mo Williams, and Al Jefferson received honorable mention.
Bradley Beal (Missouri)
0 championships
22.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG throughout his career
3x All-Star selection, 1x All-NBA selection
Last year, Beal came close to winning his first scoring crown. Since John Wall’s injury a few years ago, Beal has developed as a legitimate number one option for the Wizards. In terms of offensive, he would be a wonderful complement to Klay Thompson if he joined a contender, but he has opted to remain in Washington to assist in the leadership of a contender. You can’t say you blame him for his tenacity.
Ed McCauley, Jo Jo White, and Jayson Tatum received honorable mention.
Phil Jackson’s Montana
2 championships
17.6 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, 1.1 assists per game, 0.3 steals per game, 0.2 blocks per game
All-Rookie First Team honors
We could speak about Phil Jackson the coach all day if we wanted to. Phil Jackson, out of all the players that have come from Montanna, is still the finest to have ever done it. He was a key member of the Knicks’ championship teams in 1970 and 1973. Despite the fact that his state never produced All-Star stats, he was part of a winning squad. Jackson is one of 11 Montanna players to make it to the NBA.
Mike Lewis receives an honorable mention.
Bob Boozer of Nebraska
1 championship
Career stats: 14.8 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game, and 1.4 assists per game
1x All-Star selection
A player from Nebraska hasn’t put up significant numbers in the NBA in a long time, with the exception of Fred Hoiberg. When Boozer first entered the league, he was a member of the Cincinnati Royals with Oscar Robertson. He was considered as a high-energy player, but when Jerry Lucas came, he was driven out. In his lone All-Star season, he averaged 21.5 points and 9.8 rebounds for the Bulls after being selected in the expansion draft.
Fred Hoiberg received an honorable mention.
Ricky Davis, Ricky Davis, Ricky Davis, Ricky Davis, Ricky Davis
0 championships
13.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG throughout his career
There are no awards.
Davis played with the Hornets for two seasons. He became a crowd favorite for to his poster dunks and great intensity. He was also invited to the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest as a result of this, however he lost against Vince Carter. Later, he was dealt to the Heat and Cavaliers. When he won a six-year deal in Cleveland, it was a watershed moment for him. You’d think that in a place like Las Vegas, there would be more players breaking into the professionals.
Greg Anthony receives an honorable mention.
Matt Bonner of New Hampshire
2 championships
5.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG throughout his career
There are no awards.
Only one player from New Hampshire has ever made it to the NBA. Matt Bonner, a fan favorite among Spurs fans. Bonner had a lengthy NBA career despite never being a dazzling player. In San Antonio, he served as a reserve for the championship teams in 2007 and 2014.
None (Honorable Mention)
Shaquille O’Neal of the New Jersey Nets
4 championships
23.7 points per game, 10.9 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game, 0.6 steals per game, 2.3 blocks per game
3x Finals MVP, 1999-2000 MVP, 15x All-Star, 14x All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection, 15x All-Star, 14x All-NBA Team Selection 2x scoring champion, Rookie of the Year in 1992-1993, and Hall of Famer
Rick Barry and Dennis Rodman are two of New Jersey’s best players. Shaq, who some consider to be the finest center of all time, is the best Hall of Famer of them all. His physical size enabled him to bully his way to everything he desired. The three-time Finals MVP and four-time winner brought honor to his home state.
Rick Barry, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Rodman, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mike Bibby received honorable mention.
Bill Bridges, New Mexico
1 championship
11.9 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.1 SPG, 0.0 BPG throughout his career
3x All-Star selection, 2x All-Defensive Team selection
Bridges was a member of the Warriors for 13 seasons and won one title with them. He was known for being a great rebounder who averaged a double-double on a regular basis. Outside of Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Willis Reed, he is the only player to have more than 35 rebounds in a playoff game. He once set an NBA record by leading the league in fouls with 366 in a season. Bridges is one of just seven players from New Mexico to make it to the professionals.
Andre Roberson received an honorable mention.
Michael Jordan is a basketball player who plays for the New York Knicks.
6 championships
30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG throughout his career
6x Finals MVP, 5x MVP, 14x All-Star, 11x All-NBA Team Selection, 9x All-Defensive Team Selection, 6x Finals MVP, 5x MVP, 14x All-Star, 11x All-NBA Team Selection Defensive Player of the Year, 1987-1988 10x scoring champion, 3x steals champion, Rookie of the Year in 1984-1985, Hall of Fame inductee
This would be very difficult to choose if Michael Jordan hadn’t been born in New York. This state is littered with Hall of Famers. New York has the most players born in the state that make it to the NBA. Jordan takes first place out of a total of 418 participants. The best player to ever play the game has a perfect 6-0 Finals record and six Finals MVPs, but consider the rest of the talent in the state.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, Carmelo Anthony, Bernard King, Billy Cunningham, Charlie Scott, Bob Lanier, Tiny Archibald, Connie Hawkins, Dolph Schayes, Bob Cousy, Chris Mullin, Roger Brown, Richie Guerin, Lenny Wilkins, Larry Brown, Andre Drummond, Stephon Marbury, Joakim Noah, Rod Strickland, Kemba Walker, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Mullin
James Worthy of North Carolina
3 championships
17.6 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, 3.0 assists per game, 1.1 steals per game, 0.7 blocks per game
Finals MVP 1987-1988, 7x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame inductee
Dean Smith and Roy Williams led North Carolina’s collegiate program to national prominence. Perhaps it aided parents in relocating to the state since 145 athletes were born in the state and went on to play professionally. Worthy, often known as “Big Game James,” was born in the state and attended North Carolina before being taken with the first overall choice. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest Lakers of all time.
David Thompson, Bob McAdoo, Lou Hudson, Walt Bellamy, Chris Paul, John Wall, and Bobby Jones received honorable mention.
Doug McDermott, North Dakota
0 championships
9.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG throughout his career
There are no awards.
Doug McDermott was born in North Dakota but moved away after a few years. He played high school basketball in Iowa before going on to play for his father at Creighton University. Only six North Dakota natives have made it to the pros, but McDermott was a standout in college. This includes being selected National College Player of the Year in 2014 and three times as a First-Team All-American.
Tyler Johnson was given an honorable mention.
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers
4 championships
27.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG throughout his career
4x Finals MVP, 4x MVP, 17x All-Star, 17x All-NBA Team Selection, 6x All-Defensive Team Selection, 17x All-Star, 17x All-NBA Team Selection Scorer of the Year in 2007-2008, Assist Champion in 2019-2020, and Rookie of the Year in 2003-2004
This year, Steph Curry is going to give LeBron a run for his money. If the Warriors keep winning at this pace, Curry will equal LeBron James for the most championships with four. How can you compete with LeBron James? He has been named to the NBA All-Star and All-NBA teams 17 times and has won championships with three different clubs. He might be the all-time top scorer in a few years.
Steph Curry, John Havlicek, Neil Johnston, Jerry Lucas, Gus Johnson, Nate Thurmond, Michael Redd, and Charles Oakley received honorable mention.
Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
0 championships
20.3 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG throughout his career
Six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and 2011 Slam Dunk Contest Champion
Griffin was born in Oklahoma and went to the University of Oklahoma for his education. After that, the Clippers selected him as the first overall selection. Griffin was a key part of the team’s turnaround, being named to the All-NBA Team five times. When Chris Paul arrived to town, his slam dunks were a must-see attraction in “Lob City.”
Mark Price and Ron Boone received honorable mentions.
Domantas Sabonis (Oregon)
Championships:
14.1 points per game, 9.0 rebounds per game, 3.4 assists per game, 0.7 steals per game, 0.4 blocks per game
2x All-Star selection
Damon Stoudemire once had a 20.2 point per game average but was never selected for an All-Star Game. Sabonis, although being a younger player, is the best Oregon native in the league. Sabonis is a two-time All-Star who has previously earned a spot on the All-Star team. Now, come the trade deadline, he’ll be a hot commodity.
Damon Stoudemire, Terrell Brandon, and A.C. Green received honorable mention.
Kobe Bryant (Pennsylvania)
5 championships
25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG throughout his career
2x Finals MVP, 2007-2008 MVP, 18x All-Star, 15x NBA Team Selection, 12x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2x Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame inductee
You have every right to ask why Wilt Chamberlain isn’t the recipient of this distinction. Chamberlain is one of the best players of all time, but Bryant is in the top five. It’s incredible to win five titles, with a 5-2 record in the Finals. Bryant has every right to be called Pennsylvania’s king.
Wilt Chamberlain, Pete Maravich, Paul Arizin, Jack Twyman, Maurice Stokes, Guy Rodgers, Kyle Lowry, Wilt Chamberlain, Wilt Chamberlain, Wilt Chamberlain, Wilt Chamberlain, Wilt Chamberlain, Wilt Chamberlain, Wilt Chamberlain, Wilt Chamberlain, Wilt
Marvin Barnes (Rhode Island)
0 championships
9.2 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 1.5 assists per game, 0.8 steals per game, 1.0 block per game
2 ABA All-Star selections, 1 ABA All-Star selection, 1975 ABA Rookie of the Year
Barnes was drafted second overall by the 76ers and the ABA’s Spirits of St. Louis. Before entering the NBA in 1976, he chose to play in the ABA. Barnes tied for the most two-point field goals in a game in the ABA with 27. The ABA 2000 dedicated one of its divisions after him in 2005. Barnes was a strong contender among the 11 candidates.
Ernie DiGregorio received an honorable mention.
Kevin Garnett, South Carolina
1 championship
17.8 points per game, 10.0 rebounds per game, 3.7 assists per game, 1.3 steals per game, 1.4 blocks per game
2003-2004 MVP, 15-time All-Star, 9-time All-NBA Team selection, 12-time All-Defensive Team selection, 2007-2008 Defensive Player of the Year, 4-time Rebounding Champion, Hall of Fame inductee
The number of players born in South Carolina is approaching 50. Garnett was an obvious pick among the 46 players. Garnett revitalized the Timberwolves. Since he departed, they haven’t been competitive in the least. The club has yet to qualify for the NBA Finals. In 2004, when Garnett won the league MVP, the squad came close to achieving their goal. You might also argue that he should have been the Finals MVP in 2008, when the Celtics won their first title.
Alex English, Khris Middleton, Jermaine O’Neal, and Larry Nance received honorable mention.
Mike Miller of South Dakota
2 championships
10.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG throughout his career
2006 Award of Merit Rookie of the Year in 2001, sixth man of the year
Miller was the only rookie to play in all 82 games as a rookie. He averaged 11.9 points per game and made over 40% of his three-point attempts. Then, in 2007, he won Sixth Man of the Year after shooting over 40% from three-point range and averaging 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds. With 45 points in a game, Miller holds the Grizzlies’ record for most points in a game. He’s also the only player in NBA history to hit at least seven three-point field goals in three consecutive games.
Jon Sundvold received an honorable mention.
Oscar Robertson (Tennessee)
1 championship
25.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 9.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG throughout his career
MVP, 12x All-Star, 11x All-NBA Team Selection, 6x Assist Champion, 1960-1961 Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame inductee
In order for Tennessee to reach the 100-player milestone, four more players born in the state must make the NBA. Oscar Robertson is difficult to beat out of the 96 players that have ever made the team. He was a walking triple-double machine, averaging a triple-double throughout the course of the season. We have never seen a player play like Russell Westbrook.
Bailey Howell, Penny Hardaway, and Lou Williams received honorable mention.
Chris Bosh (Texas)
2 championships
19.2 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, 2.0 assists per game, 0.8 steals per game, 1.0 block per game
11-time All-Star selection, 2006-2007 All-NBA Team selection
Before joining the Heat, Bosh had already established himself as a Hall of Famer. He was instrumental in the Raptors’ resurgence. He retired as the all-time leading scorer, a record that has since been surpassed. When he was on the court alongside LeBron and Wade, he helped the club win two championships and make four Finals trips. As he progressed from the person to the third-best offensive option, Bosh made sacrifices for the greater welfare of the team. As a side note, Texas boasts 199 NBA players that were born in the state. Which of the state’s players will bring the total up to 200?
LaMarcus Aldridge, Bill Sharman, Jimmy Butler, Grant Hill, Zelmo Beaty, Trae Young, and Mookie Blaylock received honorable mention.
Tom Chambers, Utah
0 championships
18.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG throughout his career
4x All-Star selection, 1987 All-Star Game MVP, and 2x All-NBA selection
The San Diego Chargers selected Chambers eighth overall. In his third season, he formed a fearsome combo alongside Jack Sikma and Gus Williams for the SuperSonics. When Charles Barkley joined the Suns, he accepted a sixth-man position, and the club reached the NBA Finals. His career point total was 27.2.
Byron Scott and John Collins were given honorable mentions.
None in Vermont.
There has never been a player from Vermont who has made it to the NBA. Some players have made international teams, but none have made the NBA. Perhaps one day we’ll be discussing that first player.
None (Honorable Mention)
Allen Iverson (Virginia)
0 championships
26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG throughout his career
MVP in 2000-2001, 11-time All-Star, 7-time All-NBA Team selection, 8-time All-Defensive Team selection 4x scoring champion, 3x steals champion, Rookie of the Year 1996-1997, Hall of Fame inductee
When it came to comparing Allen Iverson and Moses Malone, it was a coin toss. Both are Philadelphia legends who had a huge impact on the team. The choice to go with Iverson was based on the fact that he had more cards stacked against him. He was the shortest MVP in history, and he guided the 76ers to their last trip in the NBA Finals in 2001.
Moses Malone, Bob Dandridge, Alonzo Mourning, and Ralph Sampson received honorable mention.
John Stockton (Washington)
0 championships
13.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 10.5 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG throughout his career
10x All-Star, 11x All-NBA Team, 5x All-Defensive Team, 9x Assist Champion, 2x Steals Champion, Hall of Fame inductee
Who knows what Brandon Roy’s career would have been like if he had kept healthy. Stockton takes first place out of a class of 67 athletes from Washington. He holds the record for most assists in a single season. He was a part of the Jazz’s two NBA Finals appearances while playing alongside Karl Malone. Michael Jordan would have become a champion in addition to his other honors if he hadn’t been stopped twice.
Zach LaVine, Brandon Roy, and Jason Terry received honorable mention.
Jerry West, West Virginia
1 championship
27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG, 2.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG throughout his career
1968-1969 Finals MVP, 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA Team Selection, 5-time All-Defensive Team Selection, 1969-1970 Scoring Champion, 1971-1972 Assist Champion, Hall of Fame inductee
Even though Hal Greer is one of the finest scorers in 76ers history, we’d pick Jerry West in a one-on-one matchup. West’s abilities were so impressive that he was included on the NBA logo. West would have more rings on his fingers if he hadn’t had to play Bill Russell in every Finals appearance.
Hal Greer and Deron Williams received honorable mentions.
Latrell Sprewell (Wisconsin)
0 championships
18.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG throughout his career
4x All-Star, 1x First Team All-NBA, 1x All-Defensive Team
Sprewell was a part of the Warriors’ All-Star teams in 1994, 1995, and 1997. He topped the league in games played and minutes per game in 1993-1994. In 1996-1997, he was the league’s fifth-best scorer with 24.2 points. He led the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1999, the first time an eight seed had advanced that far. He set NBA history by hitting 9 of 9 three-point attempts during the 2002-2003 season, a mark that has been equaled again by Ben Gordon.
Terry Porter, Nick Van Excel, Terry Porter, Nick Van Excel, Terry Porter, Terry Porter, Terry Porter, Terry Porter, Terry Porter,
James Johnson, Wyoming
0 championships
7.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG throughout his career
There are no awards.
Only seven Wyoming natives have made it to the NBA. The greatest is former No. 16 overall pick James Johnson, who has played for the Bulls, Raptors, Kings, Hawks, Grizzlies, Heat, Timberwolves, Mavericks, Pelicans, and Nets. This season, he’s a key cog on the bench for the Nets, who are vying for the Eastern Conference’s top seed.
Vern Gardner was given an honorable mention.
Next
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LeBron James’ Season-by-Season Points Per Game: 19 Years Of Consistent Excellence
Stephen Curry’s NBA Superstar Records: Kobe Bryant and Kawhi Leonard Are His Kryptonites
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The 10 NBA Players With The Most Playoff Wins: On his way to ten NBA Finals, LeBron James has won 174 games.
The “best basketball states” is a list of the best NBA players from every state in the United States. New York has had five players make it to the top ten, with Michael Jordan being the best player ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state produces the best NBA players?
A: The state of North Carolina has produced the most NBA players.
Who is considered the best NBA player of all time?
A: That is a difficult question to answer because there are so many different factors that must be taken into account. It depends on what you mean by best, how old the player was when he started, and how well they did in their career.
Who is the best basketball player from New York?
A: That is a difficult question. The best player from New York would be Michael Jordan (a.k.a.), but he was born in North Carolina, so I dont think its the best answer for you!
Related Tags
- best basketball players in each state
- best basketball players from maine
- states with most nba players per capita
- what state has produced the most professional athletes
- nba players from north dakota
