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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Jul 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dwight Howard spectate the Anderson Silva (blue gloves) vs. Daniel Cormier (red gloves) UFC 200 fight at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dwight Howard spectate the Anderson Silva (blue gloves) vs. Daniel Cormier (red gloves) UFC 200 fight at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

Georgia – Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard is one of the newest members of the Atlanta Hawks and, fittingly, he gets the nod as the top NBA player born in the state of Georgia.

Howard was the number one overall selection in the 2004 NBA Draft (as a high school player from Southwest Atlanta no less), and he doubles as one of the more impactful big men in league history. At this point in his career, Howard holds career averages of 17.8 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. More impressive still, the long-time Orlando Magic star also boasts eight All-Star appearances and three (yes, three) NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.

While some may be underwhelmed by Howard as the state’s top choice, his career is largely overlooked because of his unique personality (to put it politely). Still, Howard’s defensive peak is among the best of all-time, and players like Dale Ellis, Derek Harper, Walt Frazier, and Shareef Abdur-Rahim don’t quite ascend to that level.

Dwight Howard now plays in his old backyard and this selection should please a great number of local fans from Atlanta, where he hopes to bring glory back to his home city… for the first time ever.

Next: Hawaii

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