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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SAN ANTONIO – OCTOBER 30: Guard Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs shakes hands with former NBA player David Robinson after receiving his 2007 NBA Championship ring before a game with the Portland Trail Blazers on October 30, 2007 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO – OCTOBER 30: Guard Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs shakes hands with former NBA player David Robinson after receiving his 2007 NBA Championship ring before a game with the Portland Trail Blazers on October 30, 2007 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Florida – David Robinson

The Sunshine State is, predictably, loaded when it comes to big-time NBA talent, even if basketball firmly lags behind football in Florida’s consciousness. Mitch Richmond (who is now in the Basketball Hall of Fame) and Artis Gilmore were born in Florida and a pair of extremely famous and productive cousins, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, also came into the world as Florida residents. In addition, other studs like Amar’e Stoudemire, Eddie Johnson, Eddie Jones, and Darryl Dawkins hailed from Florida, but no player listed above can match the career and profile of David Robinson.

Yes, Gilmore may have finished with more career points and rebounds than Robinson, but that difference can be accounted for by the former’s three years of additional NBA work. Robinson famously didn’t enter the NBA until he was 24 years old, and “The Admiral” was immediately dominant. As a rookie (!) in 1989-90, Robinson averaged 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game. Over the first nine years of his career, the big man tallied 25.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 1.6 steals.

In short, Robinson is one of the best centers in NBA history — a two-time NBA champion,10-time All-Star, and recipient of both the NBA MVP and NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Tim Duncan has overshadowed David Robinson on the list of all-time greats to play with the San Antonio Spurs, but Robinson is definitely worthy of the “best player born in Florida” accolade.

Next: Georgia

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