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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Dec 21, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Magic defeated the Knicks 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Magic defeated the Knicks 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Montana – Phil Jackson

Yes, that Phil Jackson.

Obviously, Jackson is (much) better known for his exploits as arguably the greatest NBA head coach of all-time, and we have to mention that first. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007 as a coach, and that came in the midst of a run in which Jackson won 11 NBA Championships on the bench with the Bulls (six) and Lakers (five). Since then, Jackson has transitioned into a front-office role with the New York Knicks, but prior to all of that, he was a very solid NBA player over a 12-year career.

Jackson’s career numbers are nothing to write home about, but against the field in Montana, they look pretty solid. He’s the career leader in the state in scoring (5,428 points), is second in rebounding and assists, and played more than double the amount of games (807) of any other player from the Big Sky State. He averaged only 6.7 points and 4.3 rebounds as a pure role player, but the longevity makes this an easy call.

Honestly, it would be fair to argue that Jackson’s peak wasn’t the highest of any Montana-born NBA player, but that won’t change the answer here.

Next: Nebraska

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