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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Nov 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of the base of a goal with the jersey number of former Houston Rockets player Moses Malone before a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of the base of a goal with the jersey number of former Houston Rockets player Moses Malone before a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Virginia – Moses Malone

Yes, Allen Iverson was born in Virginia.

No, Allen Iverson is not the best player to be born in Virginia.

Iverson is certainly a cult hero, not to mention a fantastic NBA player. The tiny guard from Georgetown averaged 26.7 points per game over a 14-year career, earning NBA MVP honors while leading the 76ers to an appearance in the NBA Finals. However, Iverson’s overall contributions are slightly overrated at this point and, well, the contributions of Moses Malone are exactly the opposite of that.

Iverson holds the edge in scoring average, but that is where the advantages stop. Malone was the original prep-to-pro success, translating that early jump into a dominant 19-year career. All told, the big man finished with career averages of 20.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.

In his prime, Malone led the NBA in rebounding in five out of six seasons, and from 1979 through 1985, he averaged 25.9 points and 14.8 rebounds per game over 553 contests. Those are mind-blowing numbers by any stretch, and considering the longevity and effectiveness of his career, Malone outlasts Iverson.

Alonzo Mourning, Bobby Dandridge, and Ralph Sampson deserve mention, but this is a two-man race that Malone comfortably wins.

Next: Washington

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