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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Oct 9, 2014; Lithonia, GA, USA; The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2014; Lithonia, GA, USA; The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Delaware – Walt Hazzard

While there are technically more players from Delaware than several states in the country, this is one of the uglier lists of NBA players. Brothers Joey and Stephen Graham are prominently featured and, outside of that, names like A.J. English and slam dunk specialist Terence Stansbury come to the forefront.

Still, there is a clear choice here, even if modern NBA fans likely aren’t familiar with his work.

Walt Hazzard played in the NBA for 10 seasons from 1964 through 1974, suiting up for five different teams. Over that decade-long stay, the onetime UCLA standout averaged 12.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game while being on the court for more than 26 minutes per contest and. Compared to the rest of his Blue Hen brethren, these numbers look utterly fantastic.

Easily the best season of Hazzard’s career took place in 1967-1968 as a member of the Seattle SuperSonics. The then 25-year-old averaged 24.0 points, 6.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game while making the All-Star team, and Hazzard’s candidacy is firmly cemented by that performance.

Again, most NBA folks of this era have no reference point for Walt Hazzard, but he is clearly the best player to be born within Delaware’s borders.

Next: Florida

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