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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Mar 4, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers (6) dribbles around Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Utah 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers (6) dribbles around Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Utah 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Alaska – Mario Chalmers

Most people would assume Carlos Boozer (or even Trajan Langdon) would be the choice here but, contrary to popular belief, neither was born in Alaska. Congratulations, Mario Chalmers. You win by default!

The now 30-year-old guard has endured his share of ridicule over the years, but Chalmers was a serviceable starting point guard in the NBA, and that has to matter. Of course, his claim to fame is winning two NBA titles as a member of the Miami Heat alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, and that can never be taken away — even if Chalmers was often seen being screamed at by his bigger, decidedly better teammates.

Over 580 NBA games, Chalmers holds career averages of 9.0 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, with a 35.8 percent clip from three-point range. For a bit of intangible good measure, Chalmers was a ball-hawking defensive guard with quality athleticism and length in his prime. It remains to be seen if Chalmers can battle through injuries to become a rotation player again, but he certainly holds the title as the best NBA player ever born in the state of Alaska.

Next: Arizona

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