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 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former NBA player and current TNT television personality Charles Barkley prior to game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former NBA player and current TNT television personality Charles Barkley prior to game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Alabama – Charles Barkley

At this point in time, there is an entire generation of NBA fans that would recognize Charles Barkley, first and foremost, as a television analyst. While Barkley is absolutely superb in his role for TNT, it has to be stated that the “6-foot-6” (note he was not that tall) power forward was a no-doubt Hall of Fame player that is easily the best NBA athlete to emerge from Alabama.

Barkley was named to 11 All-Star games and was the recipient of the 1992-1993 NBA MVP award after a transcendent season for the Phoenix Suns. The “Round Mound of Rebound” currently sits in 25th place on the all-time NBA scoring list with more than 25,000 points, having averaged 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game over a 16-year career.

At the peak of his powers, Barkley was always near the top of the list for “best player in the league”. From 1985 through 1996, the undersized forward averaged 24.2 points and 11.9 rebounds per contest. In addition, his body type and athleticism were unique and Barkley played with a tenacity and competitiveness that should be remembered fondly.

He never managed to claim an NBA title, but that was through very little fault of Barkley’s. Despite his title-less career, Sir Charles is an obvious inclusion on this prestigious list.

Next: Alaska

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