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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CENTURY CITY, CA – MAY 31: Former professional basketball player Cedric Ceballos (C), Codee Ceballos and family friend Taylor Guy arrive on the red carpet at the 2015 Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on May 31, 2015 in Century City, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images for Sports Spectacular)
CENTURY CITY, CA – MAY 31: Former professional basketball player Cedric Ceballos (C), Codee Ceballos and family friend Taylor Guy arrive on the red carpet at the 2015 Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on May 31, 2015 in Century City, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images for Sports Spectacular) /

Hawaii – Cedric Ceballos

There are exactly two players in the history of the NBA born in the state of Hawaii. That probably isn’t hard to believe, given the general proximity and lack of basketball tradition on the islands, but nevertheless, the logistics open the door for a 50 percent shot at garnering this nod.

Red Rocha played nine seasons from the late 1940’s through the late 1950’s and he was, by all accounts, a solid player. The 6-foot-9 center averaged 10.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a role player, and while most NBA people would have no reference point, his overall career stands up quite nicely.

In the same breath, Cedric Ceballos is the alternative and — if we’re being honest — had a decidedly lengthier, more productive career. In total, Ceballos logged 11 seasons and more than 14,700 minutes in the NBA, averaging 14.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest for the Suns, Lakers, Mavericks, Heat, and Pistons. The talented forward peaked with a two-year stretch in Los Angeles from 1994 to 1996, when he averaged 21.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and was a legitimate, star-level player.

Thinking of Cedric Ceballos as the best player from a particular state probably isn’t a natural feeling, but it is unquestionably accurate. Take it all in, folks.

Next: Idaho

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