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NBA History: Best NBA player born in each state

By Jerran Anderson

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 01: Former Milwaukee Bucks player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is honored at halftime during a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 1, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 01: Former Milwaukee Bucks player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is honored at halftime during a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 1, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
1974- Closeup of Dave Cowens of the Boston Celtics in uniform, smiling, /

Best NBA player born in Kentucky: Dave Cowens

The state of Kentucky has produced a good number of Hall of Famers. Cliff Hagan, Wes Unseld and Frank Ramsey are a few, but the biggest name to come from the state is big man Dave Cowens.

A Florida State University product, Cowens was selected fourth overall in the 1970 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, after putting up 19.0 points and 17.2 rebounds per game.

He won the 1970-71 Rookie of the Year award, averaging 17.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per contest. Cowens was a member of two championship teams with the Celtics in 1974 and 1975 alongside Jo Jo White and John Havlicek.

He earned the MVP award in 1972-73, averaging 20.5 points, 16.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game as Boston posted a 68-14 record in the regular season.

Along with his MVP award, he was also named to three All-NBA and three All-Defensive teams, showing off his ability to dominate on both ends. He also made eight All-Star appearances through his 10-year career with Boston.

In 1980, he retired from the league but returned after a two-year absence to play his final season in 1982-83 with the Milwaukee Bucks. His impact wasn’t felt as much but he still managed to put up 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.

Cowens finished his career ranked third in franchise history in rebounds (10,170), ninth in points (13,192) and 10th in assists (2,828). On Feb. 8, 1981, his No. 18 jersey was retired by the Celtics and in 1991, he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.