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 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) dunks the ball as Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24), forward Maurice Harkless (4), guard C.J. McCollum (3) and guard Damian Lillard (9) defend during game two of the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Staples center. The Clippers defeated the Trail Blazers 102-81 to take a 2-0 lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) dunks the ball as Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24), forward Maurice Harkless (4), guard C.J. McCollum (3) and guard Damian Lillard (9) defend during game two of the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Staples center. The Clippers defeated the Trail Blazers 102-81 to take a 2-0 lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma – Blake Griffin

If Blake Griffin’s career ended today, he wouldn’t be the choice on this list. Which is what happens when a player has enjoyed only six seasons of (pretty astounding) NBA success. Still,  given the rest of what Oklahoma-born players have to offer, Griffin sits at the top for me.

That is not to say the Sooner State is barren of NBA talent, because that simply isn’t the case. Mark Price (who is criminally underrated historically), Wayman Tisdale, Ron Boone, Antoine Carr, and John Starks all were born inside Oklahoma’s borders, with several other quality role players on the ledger. Still, none of the aforementioned players (with the exception of Price) reached legitimate “star” levels, and Griffin’s ceiling is much higher than that of Price.

At this moment, Griffin’s career averages are terribly impressive. The former Oklahoma Sooners star has put up 21.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game in his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, and when he is healthy, Griffin is one of the 15 best players in the NBA.

A lot could happen to derail this projection and, frankly, make me look a little bit silly in choosing Blake Griffin. I’m betting the other way, though, as it seems likely Griffin ascends to the top of some all-time Oklahoma rankings.

Next: Oregon

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