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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April, 1, 2016; Pearland, TX, U.S.A; TBS broadcaster Shaquille O’Neal waits to judge the dunk contest during the American Family High School Slam and 3-point championship at Dawson High School. Mandatory credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
April, 1, 2016; Pearland, TX, U.S.A; TBS broadcaster Shaquille O’Neal waits to judge the dunk contest during the American Family High School Slam and 3-point championship at Dawson High School. Mandatory credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

New Jersey – Shaquille O’Neal

New Jersey certainly is not the state most closely associated with Shaquille O’Neal, but the big man was born in Newark, and the Garden State will certainly claim him as its own all-time great center. Shaq is always included in any “most dominant player in NBA history” list, based on his size and uncanny ability to take over games against varying levels of competition, as well as from a longevity standpoint, O’Neal was able to play at an obscenely high level for long enough to warrant immediate inclusion.

Shaq is, of course, a four-time NBA champion, leading the Lakers to three titles and playing second-fiddle to Dwyane Wade for a championship squad in Miami. He was also an NBA MVP and three-time Finals MVP who was named to 15 All-Star teams. O’Neal ranks ninth on the all-time scoring list with more than 28,500 points, and landed within the top 15 all-time in both rebounds and blocked shots.

Simply put, there is no argument against O’Neal as one of the best players of all-time. For this honor, though, there is real competition in the form of Rick Barry. Truthfully, it would not be offensive to go in that direction. Barry isn’t nearly as famous as Shaq in an all-inclusive sense, but the Hall of Fame forward was wildly efficient over a 14-year career and is likely underrated historically given the way that his personality detracts from his perception in the minds of some.

For me, O’Neal is a definitive choice, but New Jersey is blessed with two legitimate top-tier options — something  not every state can say that.

Next: New Mexico

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