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
36 of 51
Next
Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James celebrates during the NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James celebrates during the NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Ohio – LeBron James

LeBron James didn’t need to win a championship in Cleveland to cement his selection here, but it certainly didn’t hurt.

“King James” was already a two-time NBA champion and a top-10 player ever before dragging the Cavaliers to a title victory, but after that win, he jumps firmly into the top-5 discussion and strongly ahead of his competition here. That isn’t to downgrade the other players from Ohio, as the list includes John Havlicek, Nate Thurmond, Jerry Lucas, Stephen Curry, and Alvin Robertson, but James is the far and away choice.

For reference, the now 31-year-old forward has already tallied some incredible career numbers across 13 NBA seasons. James has surpassed 38,000 minutes, 26,800 points, 7,000 rebounds and 6,800 assists in his career, and has four NBA MVP awards to his credit. In addition, James is already into the top-20 of all time in both assists and points, and his career averages (27.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists) are staggeringly impressive.

Much like the other all-time greats on this list, we could go on for 1,000 additional words on LeBron James, but he has already achieved legend status. And with a lot more tread still remaining on the tires.

Next: Oklahoma

Home/NBA