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
34 of 51
Next
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) shoots a three point basket against Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) shoots a three point basket against Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina – Chris Paul

Basketball is life for many people in North Carolina, and it shows with just how many NBA players the state has produced. To wit, 110 current and former players in the league were born within the borders of the Tar Heel State, and All-Star level players like Walt Bellamy, Walter Davis, Bob McAdoo, Lou Hudson, James Worthy, David Thompson, Buck Williams, Brad Daugherty, and John Wall (among others) having run its courts.

With that said, there is a player who is already on track to reach the Hall of Fame and, potentially, retire as the second-best point guard of all-time: Chris Paul.

Magic Johnson is firmly entrenched as the best player at the position, and names like John Stockton, Isiah Thomas, Jason Kidd, and Gary Payton should garner inclusion in the discussion. However, Paul has been at or near that level on a per-minute basis throughout his career.

For reference, the former Wake Forest standout holds a 25.7 career PER that ranks sixth all-time (regardless of position) and number two on the active list in trailing only LeBron James. In addition, Paul ranks second all-time in assist percentage (trailing Stockton), third in assists per game (9.9) and fifth in steals per game (2.3). For good measure, Chris Paul is the all-time (!) leader in offensive rating (according to Basketball-Reference) and he individually transforms every NBA offense that he captains.

This pick will undoubtedly cause some feedback given the level of players that were in contention, but despite not having an NBA Championship ring, Chris Paul is already an all-time great.

Next: North Dakota

Home/NBA