Fansided

Picking the best NBA player from each state

By Brad Rowland

Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the American Flag being displayed prior to the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the American Flag being displayed prior to the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 18, 2016; Spokane, WA, USA; NBA all star John Stockton looks during the game between the Pacific Tigers and the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Spokane, WA, USA; NBA all star John Stockton looks during the game between the Pacific Tigers and the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington – John Stockton

Just think about it this way: John Stockton is the leading all-time scorer of any player born in Washington.

As a reminder to younger readers, Stockton was not exactly known for his bucket-getting ability, but the former Gonzaga star and 19-year NBA veteran was effective enough for a long-time to earn that place on the scoring list. Stockton is best known (and rightfully so) as arguably the game’s best passer, and he still holds the NBA’s all-time assist record with 15,806 throughout the course of his career.

Beyond that single measure, Stockton led the league in total assists in nine consecutive seasons, while also finishing as the NBA’s all-time leader in steals. Yes, you read that right. Some of that, of course, comes from playing nearly 20 years, but Stockton also ranks second in assists per game and ninth in steals per game, lending credence to his per-minute and per-game wonder.

Karl Malone gets most of the accolades for that famous one-two punch in Utah, but Stockton is an all-time great by any measure. With apologies to Jason Terry, Jamal Crawford, James Edwards, and others, this is a no-brainer.

Next: West Virginia

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