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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May 19, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) dribbles the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends during the second quarter in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) dribbles the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends during the second quarter in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Wyoming – James Johnson

As you may expect, the NBA history emanating from Wyoming isn’t exactly fantastic.

Only three players have participated in more than 150 games at the NBA level, and that trio includes James Johnson, Kenny Sailors and Vern Gardner. Sailors actually holds the most impressive per-game numbers, averaging 12.6 points per game from 1946 to 1951, but he played in fewer games than Johnson, which hurts in terms of overall impact. As for Gardner, averaging 8.9 points per game from 1949 to 1952 won’t get it done, either.

James Johnson isn’t the picture of a player you’d expect to be at the top of any state’s list, but he is also a highly entertaining NBA force. Johnson is a special athlete that can use his talents fully on the defensive end, and over a seven-year career, the rangy forward averages 1.9 blocks, and 1.4 steals per 36 minutes.

As a scorer, James Johnson is certainly nothing to write home about, but he actively carries the flag for Wyoming as an NBA player and that means something to someone. We round out the list with an active player and that is fun… even if it isn’t the most inspiring choice.

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