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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Jan 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; A general view of the scoreboard at Verizon Center, as the Washington Wizards changed their name to the Baltimore Bullets for one game as part of throwback night against the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets won 117-113. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; A general view of the scoreboard at Verizon Center, as the Washington Wizards changed their name to the Baltimore Bullets for one game as part of throwback night against the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets won 117-113. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Kentucky – Wes Unseld

This won’t be a popular pick.

When discussing the state of Kentucky, there are basically two names that emerge from the crowd: Wes Unseld, and former Boston Celtics great Dave Cowens.

Cowens has the scoring edge (nearly 3,000 more career points and a significant advantage in scoring average), as well as the claim of having played for a fantastic, championship-winning organization in Boston. The big man was the league MVP in 1972-1973 and a two-time champion, leaving you to wonder why Cowens wouldn’t end up in the top spot.

I am partial to Unseld, though, for a number of reasons. First, he has a solid edge in many of the “advanced” metrics that weren’t around all those decades ago. In addition, Unseld was himself part of a title team, and even has a NBA MVP on his profile. For me, Unseld was the more impactful defensive player as well, and with that being an area for which I am a “sucker” (as well as rebounding), I’m giving the former Bullets great the nod.

There were other strong entrants for this honor, including Allan Houston, Cliff Hagan and Darrell Griffith, but this was a two-horse race, and I’m taking Unseld by a nose.

Next: Louisiana

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