Who is the best NBA player from your state?
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Who's the best from your state?
Ever find yourself tossing and turning late at night wondering who is the best player ever born in South Dakota? Well you've come to the right place.
We've combed each state and picked the best NBA player ever born in all 50, plus Puerto Rico. Remember, we're talking about the state where the player was born, not necessarily where he grew up -- this comes into play later on -- oh, the suspense!
Some states had plenty of competition (New York, Pennsylvania, California) which led to tough decisions, while others (Alaska, New Hampshire, Maine) had no competition at all, which made things much easier.
Without further ado, let's start our tour of the United States through the lens of NBA basketball.
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Alabama
Player: Charles Barkley
Birth City: Leeds
Teams: 76ers, Suns, Rockets
Stats: 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, 1992-93 NBA MVP, 11-time All-NBA, 11-time All-Star
Why him? The Round Mound of Rebound was one of the best power forwards the NBA has seen, and has become one of the most popular TV analysts around. Not bad for a kid from Leeds.
Runners-up: Jeff Malone, Chuck Person, DeMarcus Cousins
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Alaska
Player: Mario Chalmers
Birth City: Anchorage
Teams: Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies
Stats: 9.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists
Accolades: Two-time NBA champion, 2008-09 All-Rookie Team
Why him? Chalmers didn't have much competition as Alaska's top player -- because he's the only NBA player ever to be born in Alaska. Even though he ran unopposed, Chalmers had a solid career and was the point guard on the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade Heat teams that won back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.
Runners-up: No other NBA players born in Alaska, though former Duke stars and NBA players Carlos Boozer and Trajan Landon attended high school in the 49th state.
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Arizona
Player: Sean Elliott
Birth City: Tucson
Teams: San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons
Stats: 14.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists
Accolades: NBA champion, two-time All-Star, 1989-90 All-Rookie Team
Why him? Elliott is the best NBA player to come out of Arizona, and it's not particularly close. He played 11 of his 12 seasons with the Spurs and helped lead them to the 1999 title.
Runners-up: Jerryd Bayless, Lafayette "Fat" Lever, Mark Alarie, Steve Colter
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Arkansas
Player: Scottie Pippen
Birth City: Hamburg
Teams: Bulls, Rockets, Trail Blazers
Stats: 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, six-time NBA champion, 10-time All-Defense, seven-time All-NBA, seven-time All-Star
Why him? Arguably the best No. 2 option in league history, Pippen was Robin to Michael Jordan's Batman during six title runs. An Arkansas kid through and through, Pippen was born in Hamburg and played at the University of Central Arkansas.
Runners-up: Joe Johnson, Glen Rice, Sidney Moncrief
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California
Player: Jason Kidd
Birth city: San Francisco
Teams: Mavericks, Suns, Nets, Knicks
Stats: 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists
Accolades: NBA champion, 10-time All-Star, nine-time All-Defense, six-time All-NBA, 1995 Rookie of the Year
Why him? One of the best point guards ever, Kidd finished his career second in all-time assists. After a couple of Finals appearances with the Nets, Kidd finally got his title in 2011 with the Mavericks.
Runners-up: Paul Pierce, Reggie Miller, Gary Payton
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Colorado
Player: Chauncey Billups
Birth City: Denver
Teams: Pistons, Celtics, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Clippers, Knicks
Stats: 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists
Accolades: NBA champion, 2004 Finals MVP, five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defense
Why him? Mr. Big Shot is synonymous with Colorado basketball -- he was born and raised in Denver and attended the University of Colorado. He was the engine that helped push an ensemble Pistons cast to the 2004 NBA title, and also played for some good Nuggets teams in his hometown.
Runners-up: Joe Kleine, Darrick Martin, Jason Smith
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Connecticut
Player: Calvin Murphy
Birth City: Norwalk
Team: Rockets
Stats: 17.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, 1979 All-Star, 1970-71 All-Rookie
Why him? Murphy played in Houston and is still an important part of the Rockets organization, but he was born and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut. At 5-foot-9, Murphy was a two-time All-American at Niagara before putting together a Hall of Fame career.
Runners-up: Mike Gminski, Michael Adams, Marcus Camby
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Delaware
Player: Walt Hazzard
Birth City: Wilmington
Teams: Lakers, SuperSonics, Hawks, Braves, Warriors
Stats: 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists
Accolades: 1968 All-Star
Why him? Hazzard is the only player from Delaware with more than a six-year NBA career, so he's the obvious choice. Never a superstar, Hazzard was solid and made an All-Star team in his 10-year career, changing his name to Mahdi Abdul-Rahman toward the end of his playing days.
Runners-up: Joey Graham, A.J. English, Terence Stansbury
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District of Columbia
Player: Elgin Baylor
Birth City: Washington, D.C.
Team: Lakers
Stats: 27.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, 11-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, 1959 Rookie of the Year
Why him? Baylor is one of the most prolific scorers in league history, putting together 14 incredible seasons for the Lakers. One day Kevin Durant could pass him up, but for now the title of D.C.'s finest belongs to Baylor.
Runners-up: Adrian Dantley, Kevin Durant, Dave Bing
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Florida
Player: David Robinson
Birth City: Key West
Team: Spurs
Stats: 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, 1995 NBA MVP, 1992 Defensive Player of the Year, 10-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defense, 1990 Rookie of the Year
Why him? Robinson may have received more competition from Artis Gilmore, but a chunk of Gilmore's best years were spent in the ABA, and this an NBA list. Even though he didn't go to high school in Florida, Robinson was born there, and stands tall as the Sunshine State's best.
Runners-up: Vince Carter, Mitch Richmond, Tracy McGrady
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Georgia
Player: Walt Frazier
Birth City: Atlanta
Teams: Knicks, Cavaliers
Stats: 18.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, two-time NBA champion, seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-Defense, six-time All-NBA
Why him? Knicks fans remember "Clyde" leading the franchise's two title teams in 1970 and 1973. Known for flair on and off the court, Frazier is the only NBA Hall of Famer born in Georgia ... at least until Dwight Howard is potentially inducted.
Runners-up: Dwight Howard, World B. (aka Lloyd) Free, Norm Nixon
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Hawaii
Player: Cedric Ceballos
Birth City: Maui
Teams: Suns, Lakers, Mavericks, Pistons, Heat
Stats: 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Accolades: 1995 NBA All-Star, 1992 Slam Dunk Contest champion
Why him? Well, it was C.C. or Red Rocha -- they're the only two NBA players born in Hawaii. Ceballos had a solid career, but probably is best known for winning the 1992 Slam Dunk contest with a blindfolded two-hander.
Runner-up: Rocha
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Idaho
Player: Luke Ridnour
Birth City: Coeur d'Alene
Teams: SuperSonics, Bucks, Timberwolves, Bobcats, Magic
Stats: 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists
Accolades: Played for a lot of teams?
Why him? Ridnour had a solid career, but let's be honest -- there's no competition in Idaho.
Runner-up: Charlie Black, Steve Hayes, Dale Wilkinson
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Illinois
Player: Dwyane Wade
Birth City: Chicago
Teams: Heat, Bulls
Stats: 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists
Accolades: Three-time NBA champion, 2006 Finals MVP, 12-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defense
Why him? Tight between Wade and Isiah Thomas, but Wade trumps Thomas in titles (three to two) and All-NBA selections (eight to five). A future Hall of Famer, Wade is the face of the Heat franchise and the best to ever come out of Illinois.
Runners-up: Isiah Thomas, George Mikan, Dan Issel
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Indiana
Player: Larry Bird
Birth City: West Baden Springs
Team: Celtics
Stats: 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists
Accolades: Three-time NBA champion, three-time NBA MVP, two-time Finals MVP, 12-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defense, 1980 Rookie of the Year
Why him? Was there any doubt? The Hick from French Lick isn't just the undisputed king of Indiana basketball -- he is Indiana basketball.
Runners-up: George McGinnis, Zach Randolph, Shawn Kemp
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Iowa
Player: Kirk Hinrich
Birth City: Sioux City
Teams: Bulls, Wizards, Hawks
Stats: 10.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists
Accolades: 2006-07 All-Defense, 2003-04 All-Rookie
Why him? Harrison Barnes looks poised to eventually snag this title, but he's only five years into his career. Hinrich was a solid point guard during a 13-year career, and edged college teammate Nick Collison.
Runners-up: Harrison Barnes, Nick Collison, Raef LaFrentz
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Kansas
Player: Alvan Adams
Birth City: Lawrence
Team: Suns
Stats: 14.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists
Accolades: 1976 All-Star, 1976 Rookie of the Year
Why him? Adams may not be a household name, but he has his number retired in Phoenix and put together a solid 13-year career. Plus there wasn't much competition from others born in Kansas.
Runners-up: Scott Wedman, Lucius Allen, Larry Drew
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Kentucky
Player: Dave Cowens
Birth City: Newport
Teams: Celtics, Bucks
Stats: 17.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, two-time champion, 1973 NBA MVP, eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defense, 1971 Rookie of the Year
Why him? Cowens' biggest competition comes from Wes Unseld, another Hall of Famer who was also an MVP, but Cowens has the edge in titles and All-NBA selections.
Runners-up: Wes Unseld, Cliff Hagan, Allan Houston
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Louisiana
Player: Bill Russell
Birth City: Monroe
Team: Celtics
Stats: 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, 11-time NBA champion, five-time NBA MVP, 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 1969 All-Defense
Why him? All he did was win. Karl Malone was in the running, but with zero titles to Russell's 11, he faced an insurmountable battle. Russell went to high school at famed McClymonds High in Oakland, California, but was born in Louisiana.
Runners-up: Karl Malone, Elvin Hayes, Clyde Drexler
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Maine
Player: Jeff Turner
Birth City: Bangor
Teams: Magic, Nets
Stats: 6.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists
Accolades: 1984 Olympic basketball gold medalist
Why him? Hey, well at least now you know that Jeff Turner is the only NBA player ever to be born in Maine. Next state!
Runners-up: No other NBA players born in Maine
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Maryland
Player: Sam Cassell
Birth City: Baltimore
Teams: Rockets, Suns, Mavericks, Nets, Bucks, Timberwolves, Clippers, Celtics
Stats: 15.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists
Accolades: Three-time NBA champion, 2004 NBA All-Star, 2004 All-NBA
Why him? Cassell was thrust into the spotlight as a rookie, winning back-to-back titles with the Rockets in his first two seasons. Cassell likely would have given way to Reggie Lewis for Maryland's honor were it not for Lewis' death at 27 because of a heart condition.
Runners-up: Steve Francis, Reggie Lewis, Muggsy Bogues
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Massachusetts
Player: Bill Laimbeer
Birth City: Boston
Teams: Pistons, Cavs
Stats: 12.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Accolades: Two-time NBA champion, four-time All-Star
Why him? Laimbeer was the enforcer on the "Bad Boys" Pistons of the late 1980s and early 90s. Though he spent the better part of his career battling the Celtics in the playoffs, Laimbeer actually was born in Boston.
Runners-up: Dana Barros, Vinny Del Negro, Michael Carter-Williams
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Michigan
Player: Magic Johnson
Birth City: Lansing
Team: Lakers
Stats: 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, five-time NBA champion, three-time NBA MVP, three-time Finals MVP, 12-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA
Why him? Magic is among the greatest players of all time, so there was a better-than-average chance he was going be the best NBA player born in his home state. If his career weren't cut short because he contracted the HIV virus, his accomplishments would be even more impressive.
Runners-up: George Gervin, Chris Webber, Dave DeBusschere
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Minnesota
Player: Kevin McHale
Birth City: Hibbing
Team: Celtics
Stats: 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, three-time NBA champion, seven-time All-Star, six-time All-Defense, 1987 All-NBA, two-time Sixth Man of the Year
Why him? There's really no competition when it comes to Minnesota-born players. McHale was an essential part of the Celtics dynasty of the 1980s.
Runners-up: Mark Olberding, Kris Humphries, Brad Lohaus
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Mississippi
Player: Spencer Haywood
Birth City: Silver City
Teams: SuperSonics, Knicks, Jazz, Lakers, Bullets
Stats: 20.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Accolades: NBA champion, four-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA
Why him? Haywood was a big-time scorer as a power forward most of his career. Chet Walker also was in the running, but Haywood's edge in All-NBA selections (four to none) pushes him over the top.
Runners-up: Chet Walker, Danny Manning, Antonio McDyess
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Missouri
Player: Jo Jo White
Birth City: St. Louis
Teams: Celtics, Warriors, Kings
Stats: 17.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, two-time NBA champion, 1976 Finals MVP, seven-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA
Why him? White helped lead the Celtics to two championships in the 1970s, and was named the 1976 Finals MVP. White's career resume is the best of any player born in Missouri.
Runners-up: Bill Bradley, Ed Macauley, Larry Hughes
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Montana
Player: Phil Jackson
Birth City: Deer Lodge
Team: Knicks
Stats: 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds
Accolades (as player): Two-time NBA champion, 1968 All-Rookie
Why him? Known for his coaching accomplishments, Jackson was no slouch as a player as a member of the Knicks' two title teams. He didn't have much competition coming from Montana, so the Zen Master gets the nod.
Runners-up: Larry Krystowiak, Adam Morrison, Keith Tower
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Nebraska
Player: Bob Boozer
Birth City: Omaha
Teams: Royals, Knicks, Lakers, Bulls, SuperSonics, Bucks
Stats: 14.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Accolades: 1971 NBA champion, 1968 All-Star
Why him? Boozer had a solid 11-year career and easily gets the nod. In case you're wondering, he's not related to Carlos Boozer, who played in the NBA decades after Bob and had very similar career numbers (16.2 points, 9.5 rebounds).
Runners-up: Fred Hoiberg, Kenny Sailors, Rex Walters
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Nevada
Player: Ricky Davis
Birth City: Las Vegas
Teams: Hornets, Heat, Cavs, Celtics, Timberwolves, Clippers
Stats: 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists
Accolades: One of the best put-back dunks in NBA history
Why him? Davis was a flamboyant scorer-for-hire during his 12-year career. His best year came with the Cavs in 2002-03, when he averaged 20.6 points. Interesting tidbit: Every NBA player born in Nevada was born in Las Vegas.
Runners-up: Greg Anthony, C.J. Watson, Pat Garrity
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New Hampshire
Player: Matt Bonner
Birth City: Concord
Teams: Spurs, Raptors
Stats: 5.8 points, 3.0 rebounds
Accolades: Two-time NBA champion
Why him? The Red Rocket was a 3-point specialist who had a significant bench role with the Spurs for his final 10 seasons. Bonner is the only NBA player ever born in New Hampshire.
Runners-up: No other NBA players born in New Hampshire
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New Jersey
Player: Shaquille O'Neal
Birth City: Newark
Teams: Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavs, Celtics
Stats: 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, Four-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP, 2000 NBA MVP, 15-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defense, 1993 Rookie of the Year
Why him? Call him Superman. Call him Diesel. Call him The Big Aristotle. No matter what you call him, you're Shaqtin' A Fool if you think anyone else is the best NBA player to come out of The Garden State.
Runners-up: Rick Barry, Tom Heinsohn, Dennis Rodman
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New Mexico
Player: Bill Bridges
Birth City: Hobbs
Teams: Hawks, 76ers, Lakers, Warriors
Stats: 11.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists
Accolades: 1975 NBA champion, three-time All-Star, two-time All-Defense
Why him? Bridges had a strong 13-year career, and doesn't have much competition coming from the land of Walter White. Only four players born in New Mexico have played more than one season in the NBA.
Runners-up: Andre Roberson, Rudy White, Damion James
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New York
Player: Michael Jordan
Birth City: Brooklyn
Teams: Bulls, Wizards
Stats: 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, six-time NBA champion, six-time Finals MVP, five-time NBA MVP, 1988 Defensive Player of the Year, 14-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defense, 1985 Rookie of the Year
Why him? New York is by far the most difficult state in this entire exercise, but when you're the GOAT, you're the GOAT. Even though he grew up in North Carolina, Jordan was born in Brooklyn so he's a New Yorker on this list. Too bad for the other serious heavy hitters from The Empire State.
Runners-up: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, Bernard King
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North Carolina
Player: Bob McAdoo
Birth City: Greensboro
Teams: Braves, Knicks, Celtics, Pistons, Nets, Lakers, 76ers
Stats: 22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, two-time NBA champion, 1975 NBA MVP, five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA
Why him? McAdoo gets the edge over Walt Bellamy. If Chris Paul can keep up his production and add a title or two to his resume, he could one day be the guy. But for now it's McAdoo, an undersized center who was a scoring machine.
Runners-up: James Worthy, Walt Bellamy, David Thompson
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North Dakota
Player: Tyler Johnson
Birth City: Grand Forks
Team: Heat
Stats: 10.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Accolades: Best smile in the NBA
Why him? OK, so he's only played three years, but Johnson -- with apologies to the Landsberger family -- is already better than any of his North Dakota brethren.
Runners-up: Mark Landsberger, Doug McDermott, Duane Klueh
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Ohio
Player: LeBron James
Birth City: Akron
Teams: Cavs, Heat
Stats: 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists
Accolades: Three-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP, four-time NBA MVP, 13-time All-Star, 13-time All-NBA, six-time All-Defense, 2004 Rookie of the Year
Why him? Right now, he looks like second-best NBA player of all time, let alone Ohio -- a state where the competition is stiff. But Hondo, Steph and Lucas don't compare to the King.
Runners-up: John Havlicek, Stephen Curry, Jerry Lucas
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Oklahoma
Player: Blake Griffin
Birth City: Oklahoma City
Team: Clippers
Stats: 21.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists
Accolades: Five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, 2011 Rookie of the Year
Why him? It was close between Griffin and Mark Price, but Griffin gets the edge because of his impact. In 50 years people will remember Griffin as an agile, versatile big man who threw down some of the nastiest dunks the league has ever seen.
Runners-up: Mark Price, Wayman Tisdale, John Starks
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Oregon
Player: A.C. Green
Birth City: Portland
Teams: Lakers, Suns, Mavericks, Heat
Stats: 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Accolades: Three-time NBA champion, 1990 All-Star, 1989 All-Defense, most consecutive games played in league history
Why him? Green had some good years, but this is more of a lifetime achievement award. He played 1,192 consecutive games, an NBA record that seems unbreakable because of how much players rest these days (the longest current streak is Corey Brewer with 277). When compared to the competition from Oregon, Green's iron man streak gave him the edge.
Runners-up: Danny Ainge, Damon Stoudamire, Terrell Brandon
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Pennsylvania
Player: Wilt Chamberlain
Birth City: Philadelphia
Teams: Warriors, 76ers, Lakers
Stats: 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, two-time NBA champion, 1972 Finals MVP, four-time NBA MVP, 13-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defense, 1960 Rookie of the Year
Why him? You could have the debate about who's better, Wilt or Kobe Bryant, for days (and we did) but eventually it came down to Wilt's individual dominance compared to his contemporaries. Averaging 50 points for a season and scoring 100 in a game are records that may never be broken. Kobe's not a bad second place for Pennsylvania.
Runners-up: Kobe Bryant, Pete Maravich, Paul Arizin
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Rhode Island
Player: Ernie DiGregorio
Birth City: Providence
Teams: Braves, Lakers, Celtics
Stats: 9.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists
Accolades: 1974 Rookie of the Year, 1974 assists leader
Why him? Ernie D set the league on fire his rookie season, averaging 15.2 points and a league-leading 8.2 assists, but his averages dropped off considerably after that and he was out of the league after five seasons. Marvin Barnes -- DiGregorio's college teammate at Providence -- was in consideration, but the talented-but-oft-troubled power forward did the bulk of his damage in the ABA.
Runners-up: Marvin Barnes, Joe Hassett, Tom Garrick
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South Carolina
Player: Kevin Garnett
Birth City: Mauldin
Teams: Timberwolves, Celtics, Nets
Stats: 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists
Accolades: 2008 NBA champion, 2004 NBA MVP, 2008 Defensive Player of the Year, 15-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Defense
Why him? Garnett was one of the league's best players before he was traded to the Celtics in 2008, where he became something approaching legendary while helping lead Boston to a title. There are good players from South Carolina, but none compare to Garnett in terms of lasting impact.
Runners-up: Alex English, Larry Nance, Jermaine O'Neal
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South Dakota
Player: Mike Miller
Birth City: Mitchell
Teams: Magic, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Wizards, Heat, Cavs, Nuggets
Stats: 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists
Accolades: Two-time NBA champion, 2006 Sixth Man of the Year, 2001 Rookie of the Year
Why him? The ageless wonder was still kicking around the league at age 36, so his impact on his teammates is clearly positive. More of a scorer earlier in his career, he became a rotation player and 3-point specialist for the Heat's back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. He is by far the best player to come out of South Dakota.
Runners-up: Jon Sundvold, Med Park, Jared Reiner
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Tennessee
Player: Oscar Robertson
Birth City: Charlotte (there's one in Tennessee, too)
Teams: Royals, Bucks
Stats: 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, 1971 NBA champion, 1964 NBA MVP, 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 1961 Rookie of the Year
Why him? The Big O was the original Mr. Triple Double, setting the record for most triple-doubles (41) in a season and becoming the first to average a triple-double for a season in 1961-62. Of course Russell Westbrook came along last season and broke his single-season record (42), but Robertson remains an all-time great, and easily the best ever born in Tennessee.
Runners-up: Bailey Howell, Anfernee Hardaway, Campy Russell
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Texas
Player: Grant Hill
Birth City: Dallas
Teams: Pistons, Magic, Suns, Clippers
Stats: 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists
Accolades: Seven-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, 1995 Co-Rookie of the Year
Why him? Hill was one of the most promising young players in the league before injuries took their toll. He managed to play 18 NBA seasons, but his skill level took a considerable hit in later years. Chris Bosh was second on the list, but Hill's five All-NBA teams trump Bosh's one and Hill's prime years were some of the best the league has seen.
Runners-up: Chris Bosh, Bill Sharman, LaMarcus Aldridge
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Utah
Player: Tom Chambers
Birth City: Ogden
Teams: Clippers, SuperSonics, Suns, Jazz, Hornets, 76ers
Stats: 18.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists
Accolades: Four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1987 All-Star Game MVP
Why him? A prolific scorer, Chambers averaged more than 20 points five times in a 16-year career. He narrowly beat out Byron Scott, who won three titles with the Lakers but lacked Chambers' individual accomplishments.
Runners-up: Byron Scott, Fred Roberts, Scot Pollard
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Vermont
EDITOR'S NOTE: There has never been an NBA player who was born in Vermont, so we'll use local hero Taylor Coppenrath to avoid an empty slide.
Player: Taylor Coppenrath
Birth City: Barnet
Teams: University of Vermont, various overseas pro teams
Stats (college): 21.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Accolades (college): Three-time honorable mention All-American, three-time America East Player of the Year, 2001 America East Rookie of the Year
Why him? Vermont has never had an NBA player, but Coppenrath is probably the best born there. The 6-9 scoring machine led the Catamounts to an upset of No. 4-seeded Syracuse in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2005, his senior season.
Runners-up: No NBA players from Vermont
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Virginia
Player: Moses Malone
Birth City: Petersburg
Teams: Rockets, 76ers, Braves, Bullets, Hawks, Bucks, Spurs
Stats: 20.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, 1983 NBA champion, 1983 Finals MVP, three-time NBA MVP, 12-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defense
Why him? Despite spending his first two seasons in the ABA, Malone had one of the most productive careers in NBA history, ranking in the top 10 in career rebounds and points. For Virginia's honor Malone beat out Allen Iverson, a worthy adversary who never won an NBA title and fell short regarding individual accomplishments.
Runners-up: Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning, Ralph Sampson
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Washington
Player: John Stockton
Birth City: Spokane
Team: Jazz
Stats: 13.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 10.5 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, 10-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, five-time All-Defense, NBA all-time career assists leader, NBA all-time career steals leader
Why him? Stockton is considered one of the greatest point guards of all time, and has a significant lead in career assists with 15,806 (the next highest is Jason Kidd with 12,091). A Jazz legend, Stockton was born and raised in Spokane and attended Gonzaga.
Runners-up: Jason Terry, Jamal Crawford, James Edwards
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West Virginia
Player: Jerry West
Birth City: Chelyan
Team: Lakers
Stats: 27.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists
Accolades: Hall of Fame, 1972 NBA champion, 1969 Finals MVP, 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, five-time All-Defense
Why him? West was so good that they used him for the NBA logo -- enough said. Mr. Clutch was one of the best players in league history, and had little competition from his fellow West Virginians.
Runners-up: Hal Greer, Deron Williams, Jason Williams
Credit: Getty Images -
Wisconsin
Player: Latrell Sprewell
Birth City: Milwaukee
Teams: Warriors, Knicks, Timberwolves
Stats: 18.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists
Accolades: Four-time All-Star, 1994 All-NBA, 1994 All-Defense, 1993 All-Rookie
Why him? Sprewell will be remembered for an unfortunate incident where he choked his coach, but he also had a phenomenal career. Sprewell was one of the top shooting guards in the league for a large chunk of his career, and is the top player from the state of Wisconsin.
Runners-up: Terry Porter, Caron Butler, Nick Van Exel
Credit: Getty Images -
Wyoming
Player: James Johnson
Birth City: Cheyenne
Teams: Warriors, Knicks, Timberwolves
Stats: 7.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Accolades: Dunked on two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry ... hard
Why him? Johnson struggled to find a consistent role in the NBA until 2016-17 with the Heat, when he averaged career-highs in points (12.8), rebounds (4.9), assists (3.6) and minutes (27.4). Miami rewarded him with a $60 million contract, so he'll likely remain an important part of the team moving forward. He didn't have much competition from other Wyoming-born players.
Runners-up: Vern Gardner, Floyd Volker, John Pilch
Credit: USATSI -
Bonus: Puerto Rico
We figured if you made it this far you deserve a little something extra. Puerto Rico isn't a state, but it's an unincorporated territory of the U.S., so why not give P.R. some love?
Player: J.J. Barea
Birth City: Mayaguez
Teams: Mavericks, Timberwolves
Stats: 8.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists
Accolades: 2011 NBA Champion
Why him? Barea changed the course of the 2011 NBA Finals when he was inserted into the starting lineup for Game 4 against the LeBron James-led Miami Heat. Listed at 6-foot but likely much shorter, Barea has been a dynamic bench scorer for much of his NBA career.
Runners-up: Carlos Arroyo, Butch Lee, Jose Ortiz
Credit: USATSI
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