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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Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett reacts from the bench during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett reacts from the bench during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

South Carolina – Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett is, by any real measure, one of the best power forwards in the history of the NBA. That, in and of itself, should vault him to the top of South Carolina’s rankings, even in a state that is surprisingly deep with quality NBA talent.

Garnett changed the prep-to-pro game in the mid-1990’s, vaulting from high school to the NBA in 1995 to become a very immediate, very real contributor. After 21 seasons, Garnett is still a productive player in the league, and his career numbers are staggering as a result.

The 2003-2004 NBA MVP and 15-time NBA All-Star has scored more than 26,000 points and pulled down north of 14,000 rebounds, having surpassed 50,000 minutes played during the 2015-2016 campaign. In terms of per-game averages, Garnett sits at 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game, and while he continues to be underrated by some, Garnett’s defensive ability made him a transcendent contributor.

For reference on his peak, Garnett put up 22.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game (truly ludicrous numbers) over a nine-year sample from 1998 through 2007, and that speaks for itself. South Carolina, as referenced previously, does have a host of solid options, including Alex English, Larry Nance, and Jermaine O’Neal, but none are the same stratosphere as Garnett.

Next: South Dakota

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