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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May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird speak to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird speak to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana – Larry Bird

It is possible that no single state is more closely associated with specific NBA player than Indiana is to Larry Bird. The “Hick from French Lick” famously starred at Indiana State in leading his college team to the NCAA Championship Game and, in his post playing career, Bird has served as both the head coach and personnel head for the Indiana Pacers.

On the floor, Bird’s credentials are without blemish. He is a three-time NBA MVP who made 12 appearances in the All-Star Game, all while leading the Boston Celtics to three titles during his legendary reign. While Bird’s athleticism was never top-notch, the sharp-shooting forward managed to average 24.3 points, 10.0 (!!) rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game for his career, all while knocking down 38 percent of his three pointers —a mark that was absolutely elite, given the decidedly three-averse era in which he played.

George McGinnis, Shawn Kemp, Glenn Robinson, Gordon Hayward, and Zach Randolph have all enjoyed fantastic NBA success in different ways, but with all due respect to that collection of talent, Larry Bird is the best player in Indiana history. To be perfectly frank, it isn’t particularly close.

Next: Iowa

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