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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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Photo by Dan Goshtigian/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Photo by Dan Goshtigian/The Boston Globe via Getty Images /

Best NBA player born in Pennsylvania: Wilt Chamberlain

The state of Pennsylvania boasts the second-highest number (208) of players born there. The most notable was born in Philadelphia, PA on Aug. 21, 1936: Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain dominated the game much like Abdul-Jabbar, but it came with a lot more scoring production.

He led the league in scoring seven times during his 14-year career in the league and with three different teams across the NBA, he made his presence felt. During the 1961-62 season, he averaged a league-best 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds per game with the San Francisco Warriors. He set the league record of 100 points in a single game against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. His 4,029 points in a single season is a record that has yet to be touched. Michael Jordan came close in 1986-87 with 3,041.

Chamberlain won the first NBA title of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1966-67 season, the same year he was awarded one of four regular-season MVP awards. He won the second title of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1971-72 season. He took home Finals MVP honors after putting up 19.4 points and 23.2 rebounds per contest in the series against the Knicks.

He’s the only player to average 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in a season, something he achieved seven times during his career. He also owns the most 50-point games (118) in league history. As one of the most dominant centers in the NBA, it’s hard to discuss greatness without mentioning Chamberlain’s name.