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
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