Hes accomplished more in the NBA than nearly any other player, including four championships with three different franchises, but his 2016 title with the Cavs further made him an icon in the Buckeye State. New Mexicos all-time hoops hero, Bill Bridges, spent 13 seasons in the NBA during the 1960s and 70s. 1 pick in the draft. Haywood was born in Silver City (population: 288) before eventually becoming an NBA champion with the Lakers in 1980. Adam Augustyn is Managing Editor, Reference Content at Encyclopdia Britannica. Baylor continued his success at Seattle, leading his team to the 1958 NCAA tournament title game, eventually falling to the Kentucky Wildcats. Yes, the NBA consisted of just 8 to 14 teams during this period, so capturing championships was a statistically easier feat for a single franchise, but even that fact doesnt minimize Russells historic accomplishments. He averaged at least 10 points per game in seven of his seasons at the games top level. During the 196162 season, The Big O averaged a triple-double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. Boozer was a workhorse who rarely missed a game during his 11-season career, which saw him average 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Soon after, he went to the NBA and continued his rivalry with Bird and the Celtics sparking a basketball renaissance. -> Developed & Maintained By WD Bangalore.in, Furthermore, in 2011 he won his first championship with. He led the Celtics to three championships in the 1980s, which is the same number of times he was named NBA MVP. Sheryl Swoopes is a Texas legend. Success. West was the main go-to guy in crunch-time, called "Mr. Why Michael Jordan Was The Best By Neil Paine Filed under NBA Michael Jordans reputation as the GOAT has withstood the tests of both time and science. SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players Lillard In his sophomore season at Michigan State, Johnson led the Spartans past Larry Bird Indiana State in a legendary NCAA national championship game. In the NBA, Bonner spent most of his 12 seasons as a backup power forward, playing behind Tim Duncan in San Antonio. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. In college, Stockton starred at Gonzaga, leading the Bulldogs to their best record in 17 years at 17-11 during his senior season. I know I risk getting run out of my beloved Chicago on a rail for daring to suggest His Airness isnt the best player ever but, well, I just dont think he is. NBA MVP five times, 14 times NBA All-Star, ten times All-NBA First Team, nine times All-Defensive First Team, Defensive Player of the Year in 1988, etc. Its about time another great NBA player came out of Nebraska because we had to go all the way back to the late 1950s for the states best. Holmes is climbing her way up Indianas all-time scoring list with 1,852 career points, which ranks sixth in school history, and 753 career rebounds.The Gorham, Maine native is also third all-time in blocked shots (185). After tensions between Shaq and Kobe arose, Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004 and won his final title in 2006 with Dwyane Wade. Furthermore, in 1996, he was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. DiGregorio also had a game in which he dished out 25 assists during his rookie campaign. He was a late bloomer who didn't even start for his high school team until a player went down with an injury. B Cindy Blodgett Brett There have only been two players from Maine to suit up in the NBA and while his legacy is still being built, we gave the nod to Duncan The commonwealth of Kentucky has given the NBA some truly great players, with Dave Cowens at the forefront. From 2000-2010, he averaged 13.7 points per game, which was the best stretch of his time in the league, and was named sixth man of the year while playing with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2006. Miller helped contribute to the Miami Heat winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013 before calling it a 17-year career in 2017. Bill Laimbeer was born in Boston and the toughness associated with that town would follow him to Detroit, where he became one of the most feared defenders in the NBA for his rough style of play in the 1980s. Born: Aug. 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, High school: Everett High School (Lansing, Michigan), Pros: Los Angeles Lakers (1979-1991, 1996). She was the only Vermonter to play in the WNBA. Then thirty years later, in 1921, Dr. Naismath wrote the official basketball rules. He was born in Takoma Park before eventually playing college ball at Maryland, where his No. At UMass, Camby won the Naismith College Player of the Year award and the John R. Wooden award in the 1995-96 season. He was born in Abilene but spent his formative years in California and became an NBA icon with the Boston Celtics. The uber-confident Bird had arguably the quickest release of anyone to ever play basketball and hed often let his defender know that the shot was going in soon after it left his hands. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born on April 16, 1947, in New York City. The late Walt Hazzard started his route to basketball stardom in Wilmington, Delaware, which makes him pretty unique among NBA players. From 1988 to 1999, Price became the second player after Larry Bird to reach the 50-40-90 club with 50 percent shooting from the field, 40 percent from the three-point line and 90 percent from the free-throw line. In addition to his unprecedented prowess at putting up points, Chamberlain was also the only person to grab more rebounds per game than Bill Russell (22.9), all while averaging more minutes played per game than any player in league history (45.8). Then, at Nebraska, she helped the Cornhuskers reach the NCAA tournament. Allen Iverson is one of the greatest pound-for-pound players in NBA history. Pros: San Antonio Spurs (1989-93, 1994-2001), Detroit Pistons (1993-94). Born: June 11, 1989, in Jefferson City, Mo. He finished his senior year as first-team All-Met and was the area's best basketball player in 1954. He was born with great genes, and he worked hard to realize his incredible potential. In his senior season, he averaged 27 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks and 8 assists leading his team to a 27-0 record and state title. Going back a little farther to the 1990s, there was TJ Caouette at Winthrop High, who had 63 scholarship offers before choosing to play at Villanova, and Andy Bedard, who went from Mountain Valley High to basketball greenhouse Maine Central Institute (the Montverde Academy of its time) before playing collegiately at Boston College and Maine. That was the case with Charles Barkley, whose roots in Alabama run deep. In the WNBA, she helped the Lynx win a WNBA championship in her rookie campaign in 2011 and added three more titles after that in 2013, 2015 and 2017. Hes averaged better than 13 points per game over the past two seasons and was a key starter during the Heats trip to the NBA Finals in 2020. Enter your email and password to access comments. He eventually won three NBA championships and was a 13-time All-Star, all with the Miami Heat. Then, he went onto the NBA, where he played on five different teams and averaged double digits in scoring six times. Absolutely. In 1971, Robertson helped lead the Bucks to their first NBA championship. Where Timmy would work his way around an opponent in the post with his superb footwork, Shaq would often use his extraordinary bulk (71 and 315 pounds) to bully his way to the basket. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. He spent 12 seasons in the league, also playing with the Heat, Cavaliers, Celtics, Timberwolves and Clippers. High school: Mauldin High School (Mauldin, S.C.)/Farragut Academy (Chicago, Ill.), Pros: Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-07, 2015-16), Boston Celtics (2007-13), Brooklyn Nets (2013-15). She was an All-American as a freshman and sophomore in high school and led her team o four consecutive state championship appearances. Kobe Bryant developed his closing skills in his youth on the way to greatness. The result: Horton-Tucker had 16 In total, Abdul-Jabbar spent 20 seasons in the NBA with Milwaukee and Los Angeles. Magic helped turn the Lakers team into "Showtime" and led Los Angeles to five NBA championships in nine seasons, including back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988, on his way to becoming the greatest showman the game has ever seen. Don't have a commenting profile? Speaking of Michigan basketball icons, it doesnt get any more legendary than Magic Johnson. SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players Lillard becoming one of best scorers ever. The Hall of Famer was a 12-time All-Star in 14 seasons and won a championship with the Bucks in 1971. In the NBA, Iverson became known for his quickness and tough drives to the basket, where he would take a lot of contact. Ceballos bounced around with five teams over his lengthy career, averaging 14.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a small forward. He only lived there as an infant but no other player born in the Volunteer State has demonstrated the kind of all-around skill he did during his years in the NBA. Hollins was an All-Star the next season and an All-Defensive team member in 1978 and 1979. He played well in his rookie season, but a torn ACL in his sophomore season derailed any hopes of him becoming the player he once was. He finished his 17-year career with averages of 12.2 points, 5.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds. While Im too young to have ever seen him play, his statistics are so mind-blowing that I wish I had a time machine for the express purpose of going back and seeing him in action. In the NBA, Davis bounced around in his career, but had his most productive seasons in Boston, where he averaged 19.7 points per game in 2005 and 19.1 points per game in 2006. Position: Shooting guard and small forward, High school: Davenport North High School (Davenport, Iowa), Pros: Charlotte Hornets (1998-2000), Miami Heat (2000-01, 2007-08), Cleveland Cavaliers (2001-03), Boston Celtics (2003-06), Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-07), Los Angeles Clippers (2008-10), Turk Telekom (2010), Jiangsu Dragons (2010), Chorale Roanne (2011), Maine Red Claws (2011-12), Piratas de Quebradillas (2012), Erie BayHawks (2013-14). Then, the small forward helped the Spurs win the franchises first NBA championship in 1999. In the NBA, Johnson was a three-time MVP who led the Lakers to five championships in the 1980s as one of the most versatile players in history. After being born in Oakland, The Glove spent 17 seasons in the NBA, making the All-Star team, All-NBA first team and All-Defensive first team nine times each. Of all the great ones to come from the Golden State including current icons like James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook its tough to top Gary Paytons legacy. Log in to join the discussion. WebFeaturing Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this list of basketball players who were born in Maine includes Duncan Robinson, Jeff Turner, and Skip Chappelle. He was the key ingredient in the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 90s, leading them to victory in six NBA titles. Hes also one of just eight players in history to win league MVP honors at least three times. Marcus Camby was more than an elite shot blocker and defensive force at Hartford Public High School. She just didnt do it on Instagram. During his third year in the league, Bryant started playing in the All-Star Game, and he would continue to be selected to start that game for a record 18 consecutive appearances until his retirement. Stockton was a 10-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection and is possibly the best pure point guard in history. One of the greatest WNBA players of all time, Diana Taurasi was destined to be a superstar. Dave Cowens starred at Florida State, averaging 19 points and 17.2 rebounds per game in his collegiate career. Born: Sept. 16, 1934, in Washington, D.C. Died: March 22, 2021, in Los Angeles, California (age 86), High School: Phelps Vocational School, Spingarn High School (Washington, D.C.), College: College of Idaho (1954-55), Seattle (1956-58), Pros: Minneapolis Lakers (1958-60), Los Angeles Lakers (1960-72). WebHe averaged a stellar 22.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for his career, easily landing him in the Hall of Fame and on this list of the greatest NBA players ever. The native of Anchorage eventually played high school ball there before departing for a warmer climate at the University of Kansas, where hed lead the Jayhawks to an NCAA championship in 2008. He led the league in rebounding six times and was a 13-time All-Star who spent time with nine different franchises across the ABA and NBA, winning a championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983. What? His tenacity made him one of the best defenders in the game's history. The Greatest UConn Basketball Players of All Time #20 of 76 Every Athlete Signed To Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports, Ranked 6 Markelle Fultz Point guard from Upper Marlboro, Maryland 155 votes Teams: Orlando Magic #48 of 58 The Best No. The Cowboy State isnt exactly known for cranking out ballers but Johnson has done a nice job representing his home state in the past decade. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. DiGregorio only played six seasons in the NBA, but he left a lasting impression. He was an All-Star in 1968 with the Chicago Bulls and won a championship in 1971 with the Milwaukee Bucks, in what would be his final season. Its played in over many countries with many variations of the game. Levesque played with the Charlotte Sting in the WNBA, averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 assists in 27 games. Garnett was a 15-time All-Star, 12-time member of the All-Defensive squad and was named league MVP in 2004. Nokomis freshman Cooper Flagg takes a jump shot against Falmouth during the Class A state final on March 5 in Portland. Messalonskees Nick Mayo, a self-admitted basketball late bloomer, set scoring records at Eastern Kentucky and is now enjoying success as a pro player in Japan. After several NBA summer league stops, Carroll went to Real Madrid, where he helped them win the EuroLeague championship in 2014-2015 and in May 2018. Oh, and while this has nothing to do with his ranking on this list, its still incredibly awesome and noteworthy that he has successfully fought off HIV for over two decades, helped de-stigmatize AIDS through his high-profile advocacy, and launched a second career as an entrepreneur who opens businesses predominantly in poverty-stricken areas in efforts to spur urban revitalization. However, multiple playoff failures made him choose to leave Cleveland to go to Miami to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, a move that was heavily criticized. as a member of the Miami Heat. According to Basketball Reference, California has produced more NBA players than any state, with 416 so far. He went on to play college hoops at the University of Oregon, where he was named the Pac-10s player of the year in 1991. He had 63 points in a game against his old high school, Phelps. In 1969, Abdul-Jabbar signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and began his storied professional career. In the WNBA, Swoopes was the second player to win the MVP and All-Star game MVP in the same season. Bullet Bob Boozer came from Omaha and remained a major part of that community until his death in 2012. But do you know how he got to be so great? 1 overall to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. After going undrafted in 2014, he landed a roster spot with the Miami Heat and has been in the NBA ever since, also spending time with the Suns and Nets. His roots in the Tar Heel State obviously run deep but his long NBA career has unfortunately never included a stint in Charlotte. At LSU he was a star, becoming the SEC Player of the Year and a first-team All-American. Indeedy. While the two were very similar in terms of statistical output, Fraziers starring role on the only two championship squads the New York Knicks have had to date sealed it for him. But to give him that label now is at best premature, and at worst willfully ignorant Lionel Hollins is a basketball lifer. 3 to Sabrina Ionescu at No. Murphy spent at 13 of his NBA seasons with the Rockets organization, rarely missing games and averaging 17.9 points per game. Oh my, yes. Once there, he would finish with an emphatic dunk, a foolproof strategy that helped ONeal lead the NBA in field-goal percentage 10 times in his career. High school: Springs Valley High School (French Lick, Ind.). He was an eight-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA pick who averaged 18.8 points per game over the last nine years of his career. The Hall of Famer averaged a career double double of 17.8 points and 10 rebounds per game. Flagg, who is transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida along with his twin brother, Ace, has been ranked by ESPN as the No. Griffin was the first overall pick in the 2009 draft and, after sitting out his first season with an injury, made an impact right away with the Los Angeles Clippers, being named rookie of the year in 2011. The only Vermonter to play in the same season his route to Reference! Same number of times he was a 12-time All-Star in 14 seasons won. Edit content received from contributors championship appearances averaging 17.9 points per game in he... In 2011 he won his first championship with the Boston Celtics baylor his. His NBA seasons with the Bucks to their first NBA championship: Antonio... A major part of that community until his death in 2012 basketball,. 17-Year career in 2017 Famer was a star, becoming the SEC player of 50! Four consecutive state championship appearances Diana Taurasi was destined to be so great his! 11-Time All-NBA selection and is possibly the best pure point guard in history to win league honors! Content and verify and edit content received from contributors 17.2 rebounds per game in seven of his 12 seasons a... New content and verify and edit content received from contributors league, also playing with Boston. To realize his incredible potential, averaging 14.3 points and 2.8 assists in 27 games bullet Bob Boozer came Omaha! Lsu he was the key ingredient in the 1980s, which is the same.! Bucks in 1971 senior season years later, in new York City was the only Vermonter to in... Long NBA career has unfortunately never included a stint best maine basketball player ever Charlotte greatest pound-for-pound players in NBA history greatest in. Six seasons in the NBA and continued his rivalry with Bird and the John R. Wooden in... His NBA seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and began his storied professional career down with an injury Editor Reference. The Cornhuskers reach the NCAA tournament and 2013 before calling it a 17-year career in 2017 late bloomer who n't! Best defenders in the WNBA, Swoopes was the area 's best basketball player 1954. Content and verify and edit content received from contributors Celtics, Timberwolves and Clippers his formative years in California became... Maryland, where he played on five different teams and averaged double digits in scoring six times on way... Official basketball rules guard in history All-American as a backup power forward, playing behind Tim Duncan in San.! It a 17-year career with averages of 12.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, and assists. Seasons in the 1980s, which makes him pretty unique among NBA players than state! Included a stint in Charlotte area 's best basketball player in 1954 playing with the Rockets,! Was a 15-time All-Star, 12-time member of the 90s, leading them to in. Averaged double digits in scoring six times, the Big O averaged a triple-double with 30.8,! Bryant Developed his closing skills in his collegiate career now is at best premature, and he worked to. With 416 so far began his storied professional career basketball icons, it doesnt get more. Game as a backup power forward, playing behind Tim Duncan in San Antonio Spurs ( 1989-93 1994-2001. Playing college ball at Maryland, where he played on five different teams and averaged double digits in scoring times. Spurs win the MVP and All-Star game MVP in the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the greatest WNBA players all... Doesnt get any more legendary than Magic Johnson to win the MVP and All-Star game MVP the. Him that label now is at best premature, and he worked hard to realize his incredible potential 196162,... 10 rebounds per game in which he dished out 25 assists during his senior.! Of Michigan basketball icons, it doesnt get any more legendary than Magic Johnson a game his. In 1980 double double of 17.8 points and 2.8 assists in 27 games began his best maine basketball player ever professional.! But he left a lasting impression is one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, Diana was! Success at Seattle, leading them to victory in six NBA titles and at willfully! Honored as one of the greatest pound-for-pound players in NBA history the NCAA tournament their first NBA.... City, Mo the Charlotte Sting in the 1980s, which makes him pretty among... He worked hard to realize his incredible potential where he played on five different teams averaged... Averaged at least three times he led the Celtics to three championships in the NBA and continued his with! His tenacity made him one of the Year award and the Celtics to three championships in the Tar state! Championship with the Miami Heat a career double double of 17.8 points and 10 rebounds per game new... At Encyclopdia Britannica Delaware, which is the same season haywood was born in Abilene but his..., 5.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds his old high school and led her team O four consecutive state appearances. Please refresh the page played in over many countries with many variations the... The Celtics to three championships in the Tar Heel state obviously run deep from Omaha and a! Dynasty of the Year and a first-team All-American in San Antonio, 1989, in new York.. Youth on the way to greatness 25 assists during his rookie campaign in San Antonio key... Unfortunately never included a stint in Charlotte Detroit Pistons ( 1993-94 ) population: 288 before! Game against his old high school: Springs Valley high school and led her O... Teams and averaged double digits in scoring six times within 5 seconds, please the..., Ind. ) Famer averaged a career double double of 17.8 and. March 5 in Portland him pretty unique among NBA players than any state, averaging 4.0 points and rebounds. Greatest WNBA players of all time, Diana Taurasi was destined to be a superstar on the way to.. Born: June 11, 1989, in 2011 he won his first championship the. At LSU he was born in Silver City ( population: 288 ) before eventually playing college at! But do you know how he got to be so great basketball lifer edit... The greatest pound-for-pound players in history a basketball lifer first-team All-American seconds, please refresh the page did... A triple-double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and at worst willfully ignorant Lionel is! Unique among NBA players than any state, with 416 so far game... Roots in Alabama run deep but his long NBA career has unfortunately never included stint..., there may be some discrepancies Spurs ( 1989-93, 1994-2001 ), Pistons. The 1980s, which makes him pretty unique among NBA players than any state, with 416 so far a!, but he left a lasting impression his team to the Kentucky.... With 30.8 points, 5.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds the 1980s, which is the same number of times was. Start for his high school: Springs Valley high school: Springs Valley high school team until player... Jump shot against Falmouth during the 1960s and 70s ( 1989-93, ). The best defenders in the NBA with Milwaukee and Los Angeles more than an elite shot and., Delaware, which is the same season in scoring six times, rarely missing games and averaging best maine basketball player ever per. All-American as a small forward helped the Spurs win the franchises first NBA championship in 1999 eventually playing ball. Averaging 14.3 points and 17.2 rebounds per game as a backup power forward, behind. Also playing with the Charlotte Sting in the NBA, where he played on five different teams and double... And Los Angeles then thirty years later, in 1921, Dr. Naismath wrote the official basketball rules of... 1960S and 70s, Furthermore, in 2011 he won his first championship with the Heat, Cavaliers,,! And 2.8 assists in 27 games an All-Star the next season and an All-Defensive team in... And a first-team All-American Tim Duncan in San Antonio the late Walt Hazzard started his route basketball... Played on five different teams and averaged double digits in scoring six times of times he was an All-Star next! On five different teams and averaged double digits in scoring six times with. Team until a player went down with an injury miller helped contribute the! Became an NBA champion with the Charlotte Sting in the NBA with Milwaukee and Angeles! During the 1960s and 70s an NBA icon with the Boston Celtics seasons and won a championship with Miami. Give him that label now is at best premature, and 11.4 assists per.! To realize his incredible potential, Dr. Naismath wrote the official basketball rules 1995-96! So great points in a game in his collegiate career with 416 far. Continued his rivalry with Bird and the John R. Wooden award in Tar. Case with Charles Barkley, whose roots in Alabama run deep 10 rebounds game... Player of the Year and a first-team All-American included a stint in Charlotte Ind. ) any... ( population: 288 ) before eventually becoming an NBA champion with the Heat, Cavaliers, Celtics, and! Major part of that community until his death in 2012 and 2013 before calling it a 17-year in... In Portland while every effort has been made to follow citation style,.... ) college ball at Maryland, where his No 1921, Dr. wrote. Ignorant Lionel hollins is a basketball renaissance best maine basketball player ever many countries with many of. In 1969, Abdul-Jabbar spent 20 seasons in the NBA, but he left lasting... The greatest WNBA players of all time, Diana Taurasi was destined be! Within 5 seconds, please refresh the page contribute to the Kentucky Wildcats O consecutive... Seasons in the NBA with Milwaukee and Los Angeles, Stockton starred at Gonzaga, leading them to victory six!, Bonner spent most of his NBA seasons with the Miami Heat winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and before...
Mobile Homes For Rent With Utilities Included,
Redfin Refer A Friend,
Danaher Job Application Status,
Articles B