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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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Magic Johnson Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images /

Best NBA player born in Michigan: Magic Johnson

The state of Michigan has produced a good number of players in the NBA. Hall of Famers like Don Nelson and George “The Iceman” Gervin hail from the state, but the best player by far is Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

Magic took the nation by storm in the college ranks with the Michigan State Spartans. Out of friendship, a rivalry was born between Johnson and Larry Bird. Magic and Bird stood the test of time as they faced off numerous times in college and in the NBA.

Johnson was the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA Draft and instantly made an impact with his flashy playmaking and scoring ability. Considered one of the best all-around players in the game, Magic earned his name for his stat-sheet stuffing ways.

He racked up 18 triple-doubles during the 1981-82 season while also leading the league in steals per game (2.7). Johnson led the league in steals the season prior in 1980-81 as well, his second season in the league.

During his career with Los Angeles, he averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals per contest through 906 appearances. He was named the league’s MVP during the 1986-87 season and in back-to-back seasons from 1988-90 and racked up 138 triple-doubles as a Laker, second-most in league history.

He won five NBA titles as a member of the Lakers, including three NBA Finals MVP awards and made 12 All-Star appearances during his 13-year career. His time with the Lakers was cut short due to an HIV diagnosis during the 1991 offseason. He did return for a final season in 1995-96 with Los Angeles before retiring officially.

Magic is another Lakers’ player who stands in legendary lore, with his own statue outside of Staples Center. His No. 32 jersey was retired by Los Angeles in 1992 and he was inducted in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. Currently, he is the President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers.