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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 51
Next
Nov 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Broadcaster and hall of fame player Calvin Murphy before a game between the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Broadcaster and hall of fame player Calvin Murphy before a game between the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Connecticut – Calvin Murphy

Though his post-playing career has included more than a little controversy, Calvin Murphy was a heck of a player.

Over 13 NBA seasons, the 5-foot-9 Murphy amassed north of 17,000 points in more than 30,000 minutes, averaging more than 17 points per game during his career. At his peak, Murphy was a scoring machine, tallying 25.6 points per contest during the 1977-1978 season, when his craft, athleticism, and near-unparalleled quickness were on full display.

Connecticut is not exactly a blazing state when it comes to NBA talent but, to be fair, there was some competition for Murphy on this list. Indeed, Marcus Camby (a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year), Mike Gminski, Michael Adams, and Rick Mahorn just some of the notable names born in the Nutmeg State. In the end, though, Murphy’s career stands out clearly above the rest.

He is currently doing analyst work for the Houston Rockets (fittingly),  Murphy’s career is also well remembered because of his 89.2 percent career free-throw shooting. You don’t see many 5-foot-9 players as legitimately great NBA players, but Murphy more than fit that bill.

Next: Delaware

Home/NBA