The greatest NBA player from all 50 states

In honor of LeBron James' 50th NBA season, what better time to take a look at the best player born in each of the 50 states?

What's that? The 2026-27 season is only his 24th year in the league? Well, we're still going to feature the biggest NBA standout from each and every American state, starting in Alabama and traveling all the way to Wyoming on our hardwood roadtrip. You can check back in 2052 as we approach LeBron's actual 50th year in the league if you want, too. A few of the entries will probably have changed.

In all likelihood, you'll disagree with at least a few choices whether you're perusing the states in 2026, 2052, or anytime in between. Good! Plenty about basketball can't be quantified, and each individual should prioritize different things.

I tend to favor longevity over peak performance, though the equation is never that simple when considering box-score and advanced statistics, accolades, playing style, intangibles, and every other feasible greatness barometer.

Alabama: Charles Barkley

Even with another Hall of Famer (Ben Wallace) in the mix, Charles Barkley rises head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. Born in Leeds, Alabama, the forward remained in the Yellowhammer State through high school and then enjoyed a sterling collegiate career at Auburn before becoming the fifth overall pick of the 1984 NBA Draft and uprooting to Philadelphia.

Throughout his 16-year professional career, Barkley showed ahead-of-his-time passing chops and ball-handling ability while asserting himself as one of the most dominant rebounding forces in league history. He thrived statistically (22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game), won MVP for the Phoenix Suns in 1992-93, and made 11 All-Stars squads before earning induction in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Honorable mentions: John Drew, George McGinnis, Ben Wallace

Alaska: Mario Chalmers

One of only two players in NBA history born in Alaska, Mario Chalmers was often used as a punchline for the LeBron James-era Miami Heat, who seemed to love nothing more than poking fun at him. The joke lasted so long and drew enough widespread recognition that even President Barack Obama got in on it during the Heat's 2014 trip to the White House.

But Chalmers wasn't just a punchline. The Anchorage native was a three-time Player of the Year in Alaska as a high schooler, a 5-star recruit who thrived at Kansas, and a clutch two-way competitor in the NBA who was never afraid to take shots in the biggest moments, always looked for off-ball opportunities, and never stopped pestering opposing ball-handlers.

Honorable mention: Daishen Nix

Arizona: Sean Elliott

Despite the blue-blood status of the Arizona Wildcats basketball program — and the many alumni who have gone on to succeed in the NBA — the Grand Canyon State has a checkered history of homegrown products. Twenty-two players born in Arizona have logged at least a minute of action in the Association, but 16 have combined to spend less time on the floor than Sean Elliott did by himself.

The first player to suit up after receiving a kidney transplant, Elliott showed plenty of his characteristic resiliency bouncing back from a 1999 diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. But before the tail end of his career, he'd already done enough to get his No. 32 jersey retired by the San Antonio Spurs, who saw him make two All-Star squads and submit the Memorial Day Miracle as one of the most memorable moments in franchise history.

Honorable mentions: Marvin Bagley III, Jerryd Bayless, Mattise Thybulle

Arkansas: Scottie Pippen

No disrespect meant to Archie Clark, Mike Conley, Derek Fisher, Joe Johnson, Fat Lever, Sidney Moncrief, Glen Rice, Paul Silas, or any of the other great NBA players in the surprisingly rich history of Arkansas basketball, but Scottie Pippen is the obvious choice here.

Famously offered no college scholarships after his career at Hamburg High School, Pippen defied the odds by walking on at Central Arkansas and wasted no time turning himself into a legend. His stock soared in college until he became the No. 5 overall pick of the 1987 NBA Draft, and it didn't stop rising there.

Pippen, as just about every basketball fan knows, was the dream sidekick to Michael Jordan on the dynastic Chicago Bulls, stuffing the stat sheet with his all-around game, dominating on the defensive end, and becoming one of the best, most versatile two-way stars in league history.

Honorable mentions: Mike Conley, Sidney Moncrief, Glen Rice

California: James Harden

California is the most competitive of any state due not to a dearth of options but the sheer absurdity of the talent coming out of the pipeline. Forty-seven All-Stars have been born in the Golden State, as well as some of the best non-All-Stars in league history (Andre Miller, Richard Jefferson, Tayshaun Prince, Michael Cooper, Aaron Gordon, etc.). Seventeen have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame. It's an embarrassment of riches.

You can make a compelling case for the triple-double stylings of Jason Kidd or Russell Westbrook, the two-way prowess of Kawhi Leonard (when he's available to play), the sharpshooting excellence of Ray Allen or Reggie Miller, or the fierce competitiveness of Paul Pierce or Gary Payton. But we're going with James Harden, owner of the Association's most legendary follicular forest and a ridiculous amount of offensive ability.

Harden has received plenty of criticism throughout his career for his exaggeration of contact, his postseason shortcomings, and the way his step-back three-pointers have altered the sport's aesthetics. He's also racked up some of the greatest offensive numbers the sport has witnessed, averaging an uber-efficient 24.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists as he enters his age-37 season while somehow still in his extended prime.

Honorable mentions: Jason Kidd, Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook

Colorado: Chauncey Billups

The lone Hall of Famer from Colorado, Chauncey Billups is also responsible for five of the six All-Star selections from players eligible in this section. Jalen Williams claimed the other for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but, especially given his recent injury issues, it's hard to fathom him ever challenging Mr. Big Shot himself for the Mile High Throne.

Billups was a smooth operator at point guard during his peak years with the Detroit Pistons, thriving as a dual-threat point guard who could beat defenders to his spots or set up his teammates with aplomb. Throw in some tough-nosed defense, remarkable basketball I.Q., and a genuine love of high-stakes moments, and you'll have a guard who was never a true superstar but was certainly good enough to be the best player on the title-winning 2003-04 Detroit Pistons squad.

Honorable mentions: Jason Smith, Jalen Williams, Derrick White

Connecticut: Marcus Camby

Marcus Camby doesn't have the highlights, statistics, or accolades to go down as an all-time great, but we owe it to future generations of basketball fans to remember just how good he was, particularly on the defensive end.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Camby played with relentless intensity, had lateral quickness belied by his 6'11" frame, showcased so much anticipation and length as a shot-blocker, and generally defended the rim as well as anyone. He could never stay perfectly healthy and struggled to make a big offensive impact, but he didn't need those traits to become the 2006-07 Defensive Player of the Year and one of the best stoppers of his generation.

Honorable mentions: Michael Adams, Rick Mahorn, Calvin Murphy

Delaware: Walt Hazzard

Donte DiVincenzo has made a legitimate run at this spot thanks to his role-playing steadiness, but Walt Hazzard has Delaware's lone All-Star appearance and career averages of 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists.

A flashy ball-handler who was never afraid to try "fancy" moves — see: behind-the-back dribbling and no-look passes — that are now commonplace in the NBA, Hazzard played with perpetual motion and hustle throughout the 1960s and '70s. The Wilmington native just didn't do enough to slam the door closed on any future contenders from the First State.

Honorable mentions: Donte DiVincenzo, Joey Graham, Bones Hyland

Florida: David Robinson

David Robinson, due to his military upbringing, isn't exactly known for his Florida roots. He attended high school in Virginia before committing to Navy and then spending his entire professional career in San Antonio. But he was technically born in Key West, which is all he needs to take home this prestigious honor. And trust us. It is prestigious.

Fifteen players born in Florida have combined for 65 All-Star appearances. Vince Carter, Artis Gilmore, Tracy McGrady, and Mitch Richmond have all joined Robinson in the Hall of Fame. But only Robinson, who emerged as one of the most complete centers the '90s had to offer, has a legitimate case to be called one of the 20 best players in the illustrious history of the sport.

Honorable mentions: Vince Carter, Artis Gilmore, Tracy McGrady

Georgia: Walt Frazier

Clyde Frazier's excellence in the commentary booth and eye-catching fashion choices have ensured that younger generations of hoops aficionados are still familiar with him as an individual, and the appeal would carry over into viewing sessions of his old basketball clips.

Frazier played with the same level of flair while leading New York's title-winning iterations in the '70s. He was an elite perimeter defender, a clutch performer, and a deadly offensive player who never seemed to operate at anything other than the tempo of his choosing.

Dwight Howard deserves a strong honorable mention here as one of the most underrated players in NBA history. (Seriously, it's a crime that he was left off the 75th Anniversary Team.) But even the double-double defending machine himself can't hold a candle to the level Frazier reached at his peak.

Honorable mentions: Dale Ellis, Horace Grant, Dwight Howard

Hawai'i: Cedric Ceballos

Hawai'i only offers two possibilities, and neither of them is an objectively incorrect choice.

In one corner, we've got Cedric Ceballos, who could jump out of the gym and became a vital, efficient scoring piece for some remarkably competitive Phoenix Suns squads in the 1990s. In the other sits Red Rocha, a 6'9" center who began his professional career in the BAA before making two All-Star squads in the '50s and averaging 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds for the title-winning 1954-55 Syracuse Nationals.

Ceballos has the inferior on-paper resume, but we're still giving him the nod for his cultural impact, his pair of 20-point scoring averages, and his contributions in a much more competitive era of the Association.

Honorable mention: Red Rocha

Idaho: Luke Ridnour

A Coeur d'Alene native, even if he grew up in the border town of Blaine, Washington, Luke Ridnour shot his way to becoming a no-brainer choice for Idaho. He was never a star during his lengthy career as an efficient offensive role player, but he consistently improved the depth of his squads and maximized his impact despite his more limited job descriptions.

Of course, he's also a mind-numbingly easy choice because he played 21,623 minutes in the NBA. The other six players born in Idaho combined for 2,862 (plus whatever Charlie Black and Deb Smith logged in their brief careers before the NBA started tracking minutes).

Honorable mentions: Charlie Black, Steve Hayes, Gary Freeman

Illinois: Dwyane Wade

Anthony Davis will go down as one of the most devastatingly effective two-way bigs in NBA history, even if he never quite provided the proper encore for his bubble heroics. George Mikan was the league's first dominant force, regardless of whether he was playing on one or two legs. Shawn Marion was so much more than a key glue guy on the run-and-gun Phoenix Suns and deserves recognition as an all-timer for his sheer versatility.

None of them are Dwyane Wade, the best shot-blocking guard of all time who made a living attacking the hoop and thriving on both ends of the floor. Whether he was single-handedly propelling the Miami Heat or fitting in alongside LeBron James and Chris Bosh, he became synonymous with the organization and spent nearly his entire career as one of the game's true elites at the 2.

Honorable mentions: Anthony Davis, Shawn Marion, George Mikan

Indiana: Larry Bird

Duh?

Larry Bird folklore ensures that his Indiana connections will never be forgotten, ranging from his French Lick upbringing to his collegiate showcases at Indiana State. Even if he spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Boston Celtics, he's an Indiana product through and through — a status aided by him winning Coach of the Year with the Pacers shortly after his retirement as a player.

Maybe you have Bird as a top-10 player in the sport's annals. Maybe he's "only" in your top 20. He's still well clear of every other candidate produced by the basketball-loving Hoosier State.

Honorable mentions: Shawn Kemp, Clyde Lovellette, Zach Randolph

Iowa: Harrison Barnes

Before attending North Carolina, Harrison Barnes was a legendary prep basketball player in Iowa. He thrived on the AAU circuit, won consecutive 4A state championships, and established himself as one of the consensus players at the top of his recruiting class.

Barnes hasn't exactly functioned as a star in the NBA. Compared to the dizzying level of hype he received before stepping foot on a professional court, he's actually been rather disappointing despite contributing valuable minutes to the championship-winning 2014-15 Golden State Warriors and making deep runs with plenty of other squads.

But don't let unmet expectations overshadow the fact that he's averaged 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on efficient shooting (46.0/38.5/81.1) over a 14-year career filled with productivity and professionalism.

Honorable mentions: Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich, Raef LaFrentz

Kansas: Alvan Adams

Were it not for an early retirement, Alvan Adams would likely be more of a household name for the current generation of basketball fans. He came into the NBA on a mission, winning Rookie of the Year and making the All-Star squad during his first go-round with the Phoenix Suns. Then he just kept thriving, showing off all sorts of toughness and skill that often manifested as passing excellence not typically seen from a true big man in the late-'70s and '80s.

But Adams' career lasted just 13 seasons before the mental toll of playing on losing Suns outfits became too much and he lost the passion for the game that fueled his initial surge to prominence. That prevented the Lawrence, Kansas, native from earning enough recognition for his excellent career, but he still did more than enough to outshine the state's other leading exports.

Honorable mentions: Lucius Allen, Larry Drew, Scott Wedman

Kentucky: Dave Cowens

Kentucky has produced a wealth of basketball talent — and we're not just talking about the historic excellence of the Wildcats program. But as great as Cliff Hagan, Wes Unseld, Rajon Rondo, Arnie Risen, Frank Ramsey, Allan Houston, and the rest of the 106 representatives may be, Dave Cowens ekes ahead.

Cowens exemplified hustle during his peak years with the Boston Celtics, winning MVP in 1972-73 and serving as the true galvanizing force the fandom needed after the end of the legendary Bill Russell and John Havlicek era. The Newport-born center would dive for every lose ball, play with unrelenting passion, and do whatever it took to ensure victory for his team (especially on the glass and as an unselfish distributor).

Honorable mentions: Cliff Hagan, Rajon Rondo, Wes Unseld

Louisiana: Bill Russell

Lifelong Louisiana residents know. The Pelican State isn't widely regarded as a cradle of basketball excellence, but it punches well above its weight class when talking about all-time greats. Clyde Drexler, Karl Malone, and Bob Pettit were all no-doubt Hall of Famers, and they ensure that Robert Parish, Elvin Hayes, Joe Dumars, and Willis Reed can't even work their way into the honorable mentions. And that's saying nothing of a next tier that's filled with notable players like Antawn Jamison, Rashard Lewis, Paul Millsap, Thaddeus Young, and plenty more.

But even with 125 possible players from Louisiana, Bill Russell is the obvious choice. The greatest winner in the sport's history and a generational defensive force, he led the biggest dynasty the NBA has ever seen and is an unquestioned member of sports royalty. Even though Russell last played in 1969, you don't know basketball if you aren't familiar with his game.

Maine: Duncan Robinson

Enjoy it while you've got it, Duncan Robinson.

The sharp-shooting forward has spent enough time demanding off-ball attention that he can serve as Maine's representative for the time being, but Cooper Flagg is coming for his spot. The No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft used his rookie year with the Dallas Mavericks to produce a season far better than anything Robinson has submitted, but volume still carries the day when we're comparing a solid eight-year career to a single campaign.

Honorable mentions: Cooper Flagg, Jeff Turner

Maryland: Sam Cassell

This is a family-friendly website. We're not going to talk about any notable celebrations here. But we can discuss how many times Sam Cassell came through in a big moment and got to celebrate in whatever way he chose.

Cassell was one of the captains of the good-not-great classification of NBA players throughout his 15-year career. But whether he was putting up points for the Milwaukee Bucks, making his lone All-Star appearance for the Minnesota Timberwolves, or excelling as a reliable role player in a number of other locations, he was an intelligent guard with a nose for the big moments.

Steve Francis has a legitimate argument for this spot thanks to his scorching peak with the Houston Rockets, but we're going with the total value provided over the too-brief excellence in this particular battle of Maryland products.

Honorable mentions: Steve Francis, Jeff Green, Josh Hart

Massachusetts: Bill Laimbeer

Ask 10 basketball fans about Bill Laimbeer, and nine of them will probably lead with anecdotes about his dirty play for the "Bad Boy" Detroit Pistons. Four will likely cite a specific clothesline. And they're all correct.

But Laimbeer was more than just an enforcer who sometimes — read: often — crossed the line. He was also ahead of the curve as a floor-spacing big, could find cutters out of the post, and played rock-solid defense that showcased more than his tone-setting physicality. You don't make four All-Star appearances without some skill to back them up.

Honorable mentions: Dana Barros, Travis Best, Vinny Del Negro

Michigan: Magic Johnson

Duh?

Magic Johnson is to Michigan what Larry Bird is to Indiana, and we're pretty sure that's the first time in the history of the world anyone has had the temerity to link together those two particular players. It would be almost disrespectful to compare Johnson to any of the other players born in the Great Lakes State even though George Gervin, Chris Webber, and Draymond Green, among others, deserve plenty of plaudits.

They just...aren't Magic. We're letting the tautology do all the talking in this section.

Honorable mentions: George Gervin, Draymond Green, Chris Webber

Minnesota: Kevin McHale

Allow us to regale you with the ultimate Minnesota sports trivia question. Which number is greater: the number of lakes in Minnesota or the number of post moves in Kevin McHale's inexhaustible arsenal?

It's a trick question. They both feel infinite, which, coincidentally, is about the size of the gap between the Boston Celtics legend and the rest of his competition from the state. Maybe Chet Holmgren bounces back from a woeful postseason and closes the chasm, but he'd still have a long, long way to go.

Honorable mentions: Chet Holmgren, Kris Humphries, Arnie Johnson

Mississippi: Chet Walker

Chet Walker jetted his way from a tough childhood in Bethlehem, Mississippi, as the youngest of 10 children to an NBA career that featured a 1967 title, seven All-Star appearances, and a Hall of Fame bust. Walker's speed helped him thrive in transition and beat defenders to the spot of his choosing, and he never hesitated to draw contact once he got there.

His journey from free-throw mediocrity to reliability at the stripe also exemplified the work ethic that endeared him to so many teammates over the years. Mississippi has a number of notable players in its history, but Walker — just as he did with so many adversaries — left the rest in the dust.

Honorable mentions: Al Jefferson, Antonio McDyess, Spencer Haywood

Missouri: Jayson Tatum

Lifting the 2023-24 Boston Celtics to a title helped Jayson Tatum avoid the vultures who were constantly worried about what he wasn't rather than celebrating what he's become. And while he's not the superduperstar he once appeared to be capable of becoming, he's now coming off a five-year stretch in which he averaged 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 45.8 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from downtown, and 83.9 percent from the free-throw line.

Plus, Tatum gets some extra credit for how much he's willingly represented Missouri. He grew up frequenting Heman Park, looked up to Bradley Beal, and has maintained a close and public relationship with another St. Louis product in Nelly. He may have gone to Duke and plies his trade in Boston, but no one will ever take the Missouri out of him.

Honorable mentions: Bradley Beal, David Lee, Ed Macauley

Montana: Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson still owns a retreat in Montana that he once used to host the star players he coached during offseason meetings. He's known for traveling the open road, fly-fishing throughout the state, and generally taking advantage of all the open-sky opportunities Montana has to offer.

While Jackson is far more widely known for his coaching prowess, he was also quite the player in his younger years. A long wingspan allowed him to wreak havoc in the defensive passing lanes, and he still managed to chip in the occasional offensive contributions for the New York Knicks.

Honorable mentions: Ed Kalafat, Larry Krystkowiak, Ray Kuka

Nebraska: Fred Hoiberg

Many outlets might list Bob Boozer as the Nebraska representative, but the forward was actually born in Alabama before moving to Omaha at a young age. Therefore, he's not eligible for this section, which doesn't leave us with too many appealing options.

Baylor Scheierman could take the crown down the road, but it still belongs to Fred Hoiberg for the work he did as a player before his brief tenure coaching the Chicago Bulls. A 6'4" shooting guard, Hoiberg never averaged more than 9.1 points for a full season but consistently served as a reliable three-point sniper off the bench.

He even led the NBA in three-point percentage (48.3 percent) during the 2004-05 campaign, though he only took 145 treys over the course of 76 appearances for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Honorable mentions: Kenny Sailors, Baylor Scheierman, Rex Walters

Nevada: Greg Anthony

Yes, Greg Anthony was more than a commentator. Born in Las Vegas, he went to high school in the city before a brief dalliance with Portland and a return to UNLV preceded him joining the New York Knicks as the No. 12 overall pick of the 1991 NBA draft. Once in the league, he served as a defense-first point guard who only once averaged double-digit points during an 11-year career of reliable contributions in a wide variety of roles.

Ricky Davis had the viral moment but can't give this honor to himself. C.J. Watson didn't make the defensive impact necessary to supplant Anthony, though he's not far off. So until a new candidate comes around, Anthony gets to hold down the fort.

Honorable mentions: Zach Collins, Ricky Davis, C.J. Watson

New Hampshire: Matt Bonner

Matt Bonner remains the only NBA player born in New Hampshire.

The Red Rocket was never more than a role player, though he did earn back-of-the-ballot votes for Sixth Man of the Year after connecting on 45.7 percent of his three-pointers for the San Antonio Spurs in 2010-11. Still, he consistently earned time on the floor thanks to his sharp-shooting habits. He retired in 2016 with 797 triples to his name and a lifetime three-point clip of 41.4 percent.

New Jersey: Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal may not be traditionally associated with New Jersey because of his nomadic childhood, his collegiate ties to LSU, and an NBA career that featured so many prominent stops outside the Garden State, but he was born in Newark and spent many of his formative years there. That's bad news for the rest of the star-studded state class because few players in NBA history would be capable of displacing the Diesel from the top of nearly any set of rankings.

It's unlikely you'd be this deep in an NBA article and unfamiliar with O'Neal, so let's instead use the space to highlight the overall dominance of the New Jersey-born contingency. O'Neal is joined by Al Attles, Rick Barry, Tom Heinsohn, and Dennis Rodman in the Hall of Fame.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson have a chance to grow that number, and we still haven't touched on Bam Adebayo, David West, Jaren Jackson Jr., Andrew Bynum, Mike Bibby, JR Smith, and plenty more notable names from a group of 159 players.

Honorable mentions: Rick Barry, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Rodman

New Mexico: Bill Bridges

Born in Hobbs, New Mexico, Bill Bridges thrived as one of the early-era stars for the Hawks franchise, making the jump from St. Louis to Atlanta during the heart of his prime. From 1966-67 through 1969-70, he made three All-Star teams, earned a few back-of-the-ballot MVP votes, graced two All-Defensive squads, and averaged 14.9 points and 14.3 rebounds.

Was he a glamorous player? Not really. Was he an effective one? Absolutely. Did he do enough to become the easy choice for the Land of Enchantment? You know it.

Honorable mentions: Damion James, Andre Roberson, Rudy White

New York: Michael Jordan

This feels like cheating because Michael Jordan was five years old when he and his family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he remained through the end of his stellar collegiate career. But he was technically born at Cumberland Hospital in Brooklyn, and that makes him a mortal lock for this spot as either the best or second-best player in the history of the sport. And since LeBron James isn't associated with New York in any way, we don't even have to entertain that debate here.

New York, unsurprisingly, has a remarkable history of homegrown talent, ranging from Dolph Schayes and Bob Cousy to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving to Carmelo Anthony and Donovan Mitchell. Every era contributed to the remarkable 44 All-Stars and 25 Hall of Famers with the Big Apple on their birth certificate.

Jordan still reigns supreme.

Honorable mentions: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, Dolph Schayes

North Carolina: Chris Paul

Without Michael Jordan in the picture, North Carolina becomes quite the battleground. Seven Hall of Famers were born in the Tarheel State, and our choice hasn't yet joined them, though he will as soon as he's met the five-year requirement for eligibility.

Chris Paul is known as the Point God for a reason. Though his hyper-competitiveness sometimes rubbed fans the wrong way, he embodied what it meant to play the 1. If his teams needed him to score, he could, particularly when he brushed past a screen and pulled up for one of his patented elbow jumpers. If he needed to distribute the ball, he could also do that without any concern of the turnovers piling up.

If you want to advocate for Sam Jones' bank-shots for the Boston Celtics, James Worthy's triple-double heroics for the Los Angeles Lakers, or Bob McAdoo's massive statistics in an earlier era, be our guest. We won't argue with you. Paul's offensive efficiency and archetypal play at the point just push him ahead in our book.

Honorable mentions: Sam Jones, Bob McAdoo, James Worthy

North Dakota: Doug McDermott

Doug McDermott knows how to get buckets. It's been true during a 12-year NBA career that has seen him average 15.8 points per 36 minutes on 46.8/41.0/80.6 shooting. It was true during his exemplary collegiate career at Creighton. And it was true during his prep days at Ames High School in Iowa, where he was a first-team All-State player.

But before McDermott began to establish himself in the national consciousness, he grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, because his father helped coach the University of North Dakota's men's basketball team. That's bad news for Tyler Johnson, Dalton Knecht, and the rest of the eight-man class from North Dakota because they all have some catching up to do.

Honorable mentions: Tyler Johnson, Dalton Knecht, Mark Landsberger

Ohio: LeBron James

Who did you think it was going to be?

Ohio has been a hotbed for elite basketball talent, producing Stephen Curry (notably born at the same hospital as LeBron James in Akron), John Havlicek, Jerry Lucas, Nate Thurmond, Neil Johnston, Bobby Jones, Alvin Robertson, and so many more notable names from the NBA archives. But there's only one LeBron.

We'd list out all of LeBron's accolades here, but I think the Internet has character restrictions that would need to be shattered to finish the job.

Honorable mentions: Stephen Curry, John Havlicek, Jerry Lucas

Oklahoma: Blake Griffin

Let's turn to the tape for this two-man race:

Despite the nostalgia factor as we think back on Mark Price's peak years with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the desire not to apply too much recency bias, Blake Griffin has to be the choice here. Not only was he a statistically excellent forward, but the posters produced by this Sooner left an unforgettable trail of terror in his wake.

Honorable mentions: Mark Price, John Starks, Wayman Tisdale

Oregon: Domantas Sabonis

Has Domantas Sabonis shifted into underrated territory?

Sure, he's struggled with injuries in recent seasons and hasn't yet suited up for a team that has escaped the first round of the playoffs, but he's also functioned as a veritable force on the offensive end who churns out double-doubles in his sleep.

We're only a few years removed from him leading the league in rebounds for three consecutive seasons and earning a pair of All-NBA Third Team honors. Plus, he's coming off a seven-year stretch in which he's averaged 19.1 points while shooting 57.4 percent from the field.

Terrell Brandon, a two-time All-Star who emerged as a backcourt force for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the mid-'90s, is a worthy challenger, but this is Sabonis' spot to lose.

Honorable mentions: Danny Ainge, Terrell Brandon, A.C. Green

Pennsylvania: Wilt Chamberlain

Look, we understand if you're mad this isn't Kobe Bryant. But Wilt Chamberlain is the only player in NBA history with statistics so otherworldly that we constantly have to wave our hands and pretend they don't exist to highlight the exploits of others. He may have played in a vastly different league than today's Association, but the man once averaged 50.4 points for an entire season and then led basketball in total assists a few years later.

Back in 2015, I ranked the top 100 players in NBA history for Bleacher Report. I had Chamberlain at No. 4 and Bryant at No. 11. Though the last 11 years have certainly shifted the order for plenty of other players, I stand by the overall sentiment.

Honorable mentions: Paul Arizin, Kobe Bryant, Earl Monroe

Rhode Island: Ernie DiGregorio

Rhode Island hasn't exactly enjoyed much success at the NBA level with 13 representatives combining to produce just 37.1 win shares. For perspective, Yao Ming sits at No. 250 on the NBA's all-time Win Shares leaderboard with 65.9 all to himself.

Ernie DiGregorio, who grew up in North Providence and stayed local for his college career with the Friars, is one of the least impressive featured players throughout this article. But he did enjoy a stellar first season with the Buffalo Braves that saw him lead the league in assists en route to a Rookie of the Year crown. Though a knee injury led to a premature exit from the NBA ranks, that one year provided all the heavy lifting necessary.

Honorable mentions: Marvin Barnes, Tom Garrick, Joe Hassett

South Carolina: Kevin Garnett

Long before he punched his (big) ticket to the Hall of Fame, Kevin Garnett was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and attended high school in Mauldin before moving to Chicago. In between, he used his trademark intensity, defensive excellence, offensive versatility, and relentless intensity (yes, it deserves two mentions) to establish himself as a Minnesota Timberwolves legend, win a title with the Boston Celtics, and go down as one of the great two-way forces the sport has seen.

South Carolina also lays claim to the leading scorer of the 1980s in Alex English, as well as quite a few other great players, but none of them can match the lengthy resume put together by Garnett.

Honorable mentions: Alex English, Khris Middleton, Larry Nance

South Dakota: Mike Miller

Just imagine how effective Mike Miller would've been had he been born in Mitchell, South Dakota, about 20 years later.

The sharpshooter was ahead of his time as a three-point specialist, not that it ever held him back much. He won two titles, earned Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2005-06, and retired in 2017 with a 40.7 percent clip from beyond the rainbow on 3.8 attempts per game. Even if he was never a true star, he tormented opponents off the ball by constantly running off screens and relocating before putting his quick shooting stroke on display.

Miller never took more than 7.1 three-point attempts per game over the course of a full season because the NBA hadn't yet evolved into the triple-happy league it is today. In 2025-26, 16 qualified players exceeded that attempt rate.

Honorable mentions: Med Park, Jared Reiner, Jon Sundvold

Tennessee: Oscar Robertson

The first man in NBA history to average a triple-double for a full season, Oscar Robertson was simultaneously hitting double figures in three categories before it was cool. He was bigger and stronger than the guards against whom he competed, but he didn't rely solely on physical dominance to excel. He also played an impressively patient brand of basketball, backing down defenders to get to his spots and using a high-release jumper that proved virtually unblockable.

Robertson was born in Charlotte, Tennessee, in November 1938, but he only lived there for about 18 months before his family moved to Indianapolis. That's still enough to meet the necessary criteria for this exercise, much to the chagrin of born-and-raised Tennessean Penny Hardaway, who'd otherwise earn the featured spot.

Honorable mentions: Penny Hardaway, Bailey Howell, JJ Redick

Texas: Chris Bosh

This should come as no surprise given that Texas is another of those states with near-countless NBA representatives (215 players, 19 All-Stars, and six Hall of Famers), but Chris Bosh is by no means the only valid choice. He's the highest in my historical rankings given his two-way ability, floor-stretching habits, underrated defensive prowess, and willingness to sacrifice his individual stats for the betterment of the team, but he's also in the same overall tier as some of the other primary candidates.

LaMarcus Aldridge was one of the most reliable scoring bigs of his generation. Jimmy Butler peaked higher than Bosh before injuries took hold. Grant Hill had the loftiest prime of the bunch, as well as the most significant injury-related decline.

Again, feel free to take your pick here. You can even go a cut deeper and advocate for Bill Sharman if you please.

Honorable mentions: LaMarcus Aldridge, Jimmy Butler, Grant Hill

Utah: Tom Chambers

Tom Chambers completed the Utah trifecta. Born in Ogden, he went on to star for the Utah Utes at the collegiate level and eventually made his way to the Utah Jazz for a two-season stint toward the tail end of his career.

Chambers' best years came for the Seattle SuperSonics and Phoenix Suns as he earned four All-Star appearances and a pair of All-NBA Second Team nods thanks to his all-around scoring acumen. Given that the rest of the 27 players from the state have combined for a grand total of zero All-Star bids, he's the easy choice.

Honorable mentions: John Collins, Fred Roberts, Byron Scott

Vermont: DNP

Vermont remains the only state without any NBA representation.

Jim McCaffrey, born in Rutland City, was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the sixth round of the 1986 NBA Draft, but he never suited up in a game. Keith Cieplicki and his Burlington birth certificate became a seventh-round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers one year earlier. Same story.

Alas, the Green Mountain State still awaits its first NBA success story.

Virginia: Moses Malone

In this particular situation, the answer is Moses Malone and The Answer is the leading runner-up.

Malone was one of the most physical players in NBA history, excelling during a time when the league operated at a slower pace and he could remain in near-perpetual contact with an overmatched opponent. He remains one of the best rebounders ever, thrived on both ends of the floor en route to three MVPs and the 1983 title, and should be remembered as one of the 25 best players the NBA has ever witnessed — a slight tier above where Iverson's per-pound excellence and offensive flair land.

Honorable mentions: Bob Dandridge, Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning

Washington: John Stockton

Even if Brandon Roy had avoided the injuries that ran rampant throughout his career, he'd have been fighting an uphill battle to supplant John Stockton as the leading Washington product. Stockton was born in Spokane and remained there through the completion of his amateur career at Gonzaga, but he was only just getting started.

Over the course of 19 memorable seasons with the Utah Jazz, Stockton established himself as one of the greatest passers the NBA has ever featured. He led the Association in assists per game for nine consecutive seasons en route to a career tally of 15,806 that's unfathomably far ahead of the rest of the field. (Oh, and he's also the leader in career steals for good measure.)

Heading into the 2026-27 campaign, only 245 players have 3,000 career assists. Stockton is more than 3,000 assists clear of the second-place Chris Paul.

Honorable mentions: Brandon Roy, Jason Terry, Isaiah Thomas

West Virginia: Jerry West

Jerry West racked up plenty of nicknames throughout his 86 years on the planet. The Logo refers to his silhouette being used on the NBA's official logo. Mr. Clutch was earned for his crunch-time reputation, highlighted by his buzzer-beating heave against the New York Knicks in the 1970 NBA Finals. He's also known as a 14-time All-Star who averaged 27.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over, well, 14 years.

But a different moniker is most relevant for our purposes: Zeke From Cabin Creek. That's a direct reference to the tributary of the Kanawha River that flows near West's hometown of Chelyan, West Virginia.

Honorable mentions: Hal Greer, Deron Williams, Jason Williams

Wisconsin: Terry Porter

Wisconsin is another sneaky state that punches above its population in the NBA-player-development category. Seventy-eight Badger State products have logged some run in the league, and 10 have made All-Star squads. One of them, Tyrese Haliburton, has a great chance to continue adding to his tally now that he enters the 2026-27 campaign ready to return from the devastating injury that forced him to miss an entire year.

But Terry Porter is still the state's north star after a strong run with the Portland Trail Blazers in the late '80s and early '90s. He was a perimeter scoring threat before such an archetype was a point guard prerequisite, and his reliable ball-handling and lateral quickness on the defensive end ensured that he always contributed positively even when the points weren't flowing.

Honorable mentions: Fred Brown, Tyrese Haliburton, Latrell Sprewell

Wyoming: James Johnson

Vern Gardner, Lawson Lovering, Moe Radovich, John Pilch, Jimmy Darden, and Floyd Volker combined for 1,980 career points. James Johnson single-handedly scored 5,830, and scoring was arguably one of the least impressive parts of his game. Much more of an enforcer than a polished offensive player, the Cheyenne native used his martial arts background and physicality to play relentless defense against a wide variety of opponents.

He's the only feasible choice for Wyoming.

Honorable mentions: Vern Gardner, Lawson Lovering, Moe Radovich

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