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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Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Doug McDermott (3) reacts during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Doug McDermott (3) reacts during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

North Dakota – Doug McDermott

I’m in the tank for Doug McDermott. Because of that, I’m taking the liberty of doing a little bit of projecting with this pick. The former Creighton legend has only two years of NBA experience under his belt and, in a normal state, that certainly would not be enough to garner legitimate consideration for the nod. However, North Dakota is something of a wasteland when it comes to the NBA, and that places McDermott firmly in the mix.

When looking at other candidates, the best option is former NBA forward Mark Landsberger, who leads all North Dakota-born players in career points (2,468) and rebounds (2,681) by a hefty margin. Still, Landsberger was a below-average NBA player for his time when looking at advanced metrics, and McDermott’s profile (including his 41 percent clip from three-point range over two seasons) is very encouraging in terms of eventually surpassing the benchmark set by Landsberger.

Elsewhere, there have only been six (!) total players born in North Dakota, and if McDermott stalls out, Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson is the best bet to take the mantle. Johnson has even less NBA experience than McDermott (with a less inspiring pre-NBA track record), but he did collect a massive free agent contract this summer, leaving many to expect big things in the future.

Doug McDermott probably has no business on this list given what he has accomplished, but the future is fairly bright and the competition isn’t stellar.

Next: Ohio

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