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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Feb 8, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Mike Miller (3) dribbles the ball in front of Brooklyn Nets forward Chris McCullough (1) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Mike Miller (3) dribbles the ball in front of Brooklyn Nets forward Chris McCullough (1) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

South Dakota – Mike Miller

When it comes to NBA players born in South Dakota, there’s Mike Miller, and then there’s everyone else.

Miller holds every statistical record imaginable for the state’s NBA talent, and while he never emerged as the star-level player that some expected after a Rookie of the Year campaign in 2000-2001, Miller is still active and impactful as a role player. In addition to winning the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award in 2005-2006, Miller was also a key cog on the 2012 and 2013 Miami Heat championship teams, and his career-long numbers are impressive.

Over 1,012 games in a still-active career, Miller has amassed 10,945 points, 4,338 rebounds, 2,644 assists, and 1,582 three-point field goals. For reference, that three-point total ranks 20th in NBA history, as Miller twice finished within the top 10 of the NBA in converted threes during the course of a season.

As a 40.7 percent career shooter from beyond the arc (21st all-time), Miller earned his reputation as a three-point sniper, but he could also defend, create his own shot, and create for others when called upon. The other contenders (if you want to call them that) shouldn’t be shunned for falling short, but Mike Miller is the one and only answer for the glory of “best player born in South Dakota”.

Next: Tennessee

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