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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
24 of 51
Next
Nov 11, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale shouts at an official after a play during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Toyota Center. The Nets defeated the Rockets 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale shouts at an official after a play during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Toyota Center. The Nets defeated the Rockets 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota – Kevin McHale

Fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves probably aren’t terribly thrilled with Kevin McHale at this point. The former general manager (and head coach) of the Wolves was not roundly praised for efforts in either leadership role, and McHale’s short-lived tenure as the head coach of the Houston Rockets was volatile at best.

Still, there is no question that Kevin McHale is one of the best players in NBA history and a fantastic choice to represent the state on this collection.

McHale finished his 13-year NBA career with strong numbers, averaging 17.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in 971 contests. At his peak, McHale was a legitimate superstar, notching 21.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game from 1993 through 1991. However, he is perhaps best remembered as one of the craftiest and most effective post players in league history, with a repertoire that would make Baryishnikov blush.

Larry Bird garners the headlines, but McHale was an integral part of three NBA championship teams in Boston, not to mention a no-doubt Hall of Fame inclusion. With respect to the other competitors (of which there was actually few), picking Kevin McHale as the face of Minnesota basketball in NBA circles wasn’t a difficult choice.

Next: Mississippi

Home/NBA