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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Mar 15, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Luke Ridnour (13) drives to the basket as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Luke Ridnour (13) drives to the basket as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Idaho – Luke Ridnour

We’ve reached yet another state in which the competition was not exactly stellar. Fortunately, the leading NBA athlete from Idaho holds a special place in my heart.

Before we get to that player, let’s discuss the very spotty, very sparse competition. Indeed, only four NBA players were born within the confines of Idaho, with the other three being Steve Hayes, Charlie Black, and Dale Wilkinson. None of the three players exceeded 2,500 minutes of court time in the league, and impact is very difficult to measure with that type of workload.

Now to the standard bearer for everyone’s favorite potato-producing state: Lukas Robin Ridnour.

Ridnour hasn’t enjoyed a star-level NBA career by any means, but the point guard has been in the league for 12 (!) seasons, and has been strong role player for much of it. The former Oregon Ducks guard holds career averages of 9.3 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game over 830 contests and more than 21,000 minutes, and Ridnour certainly avoids being the least inspiring name on this 50-player list.

Idaho isn’t a basketball hotbed by any means, but perhaps the younger generation will be inspired by what has been a fruitful career from its native son.

Next: Illinois

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