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 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwayne Wade (right) and Bulls general manager Gar Forman pose for a photo after addressing the media after a press conference at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwayne Wade (right) and Bulls general manager Gar Forman pose for a photo after addressing the media after a press conference at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois – Dwyane Wade

With more than 200 current and former NBA players hailing from the state of Illinois, this wasn’t an easy decision. George Mikan, who was unquestionably the most dominant player in the early days of the NBA, was born in Joliet, while greats such as Dan Issel, Mark Aguirre, Isiah Thomas, and Terry Cummings also hail from the Land of Lincoln.

Still, Dwyane Wade is one of the best shooting guards of all-time, and the son of Chicago gets the nod after returning home to play for the Bulls.

Wade is a three-time NBA champion with more than 20,000 career points to his name, along with a trio of NBA titles. His career averages of 23.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds are undeniably fantastic, but Wade’s peak also stands alone as arguably the best by any shooting guard outside of Michael Jordan.

The comparisons between Wade and contemporary shooting guard Kobe Bryant will never cease, but for the purposes of this list, we don’t have to make that distinction. Even with a list of former All-Stars to choose from, Wade is the last one standing.

Next: Indiana

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