James won two titles in Miami, and then in 2014, he left Miami to come back to Cleveland to fulfill a promise of winning a championship, which he did in 2016 by leading a comeback down 3-1 against the 73-win Warriors. A Celtics icon in the 1970s, the Newport native helped that franchise win two championships as one of the best defenders of his era. West averaged 32 points per game during the tournament and led his team in scoring and rebounding each game. Unfortunately, Kobe died in a helicopter crash in January 2020. Keeping in mind the abilities, weaknesses, and achievements of all the basketball players, here we have shortened a list of players who are regarded as the greatest of all time. That was the case with Charles Barkley, whose roots in Alabama run deep. 23 jersey is now honored by the program. 2023 Latest, Top 7 Largest NBA Arena By Capacity In The World Now. Pros: San Antonio Spurs (1989-93, 1994-2001), Detroit Pistons (1993-94). Speaking of guards who are still in the league as of this writing, Tyler Johnson represents his home state of North Dakota, which hasnt exactly cranked out the ballers so far. Most famous player ever? At 34 years and 104 days of age, Kobe became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points. In his junior year, he led the nation in scoring at 28.1 points per game and helped Gonzaga get a berth in the NCAA tournament, making it to the Sweet 16 before succumbing to UCLA. He walked on to Central Arkansas as a 6-foot-1 guard, then sprouted to 6-foot-8 and became a lethal weapon. Born: August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pa. Died: Jan. 26, 2020, in Calabasas, California (age 41), High school: Lower Merion High School (Ardmore, Pa.). If you liked our article please leave your comments in the comment section below. The Best No. Its the only state in the union that has never produced a player in the league, despite having several who have been drafted but never ended up playing. Elliott was a consensus All-American in his junior season at the University of Arizona and led his team to the Final Four. Discussions between basketball fans have been raging over who are the greatest basketball players of all time to take part in the history of this great game. He was named to the All-Mountain West Conference second team in his senior year in 2014. I am a lover of adventure and exploration, and I strive to bring that same sense of wonder and excitement to my writing. After a standout career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he led the Tar Heels to a National Championship in 1982, Jordan joined the NBAs Chicago Bulls in 1984. Who else could represent Indiana but The Hick from French Lick? Larry Bird was born in West Baden Springs (population: 475), in Indianas French Lick Township and would make his home state proud by taking Indiana State to the NCAA championship game in 1979. Messalonskees Nick Mayo, a self-admitted basketball late bloomer, set scoring records at Eastern Kentucky and is now enjoying success as a pro player in Japan. Thats why its a good thing for us that Michael Jordan was born there because it takes all the work out of sorting through those hundreds of options to find the best one. Since the 2016-17 season, hes averaged 11 points per game, typically coming off the bench. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Pippen played college ball at Central Arkansas before an NBA career that would span 17 seasons and include six championships with the Chicago Bulls. Know Double Dribble Rules. Its played in over many countries with many variations of the game. He averaged a double double for his career, with 20.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game over 13 seasons. His story still unfolding. Please wait for the page to reload. Robinson had a Hall-of-Fame career with the San Antonio Spurs that lasted 14 seasons and included two championships. On Tuesday, he highlighted Jazz guard Talen Horton-Tucker as one of his top NBA DFS picks on DraftKings and FanDuel. High school: Ursuline Academy (Wilmington, Del. Required fields are marked *. At Wake Forest, she was a two-time All-ACC Second-Team selection, the school leader in minutes, free throws made and free-throw percentage, while being second all-time in assists. The 30 Best NBA Players of All Time, Ranked By Adam Caparell, Zion Olojede, Angel Diaz, Zach Frydenlund Jun 17, 2022 Image via Complex Original The High school: Gonzaga Prep High School (Spokane, Wash.). The result: Horton-Tucker had 16 Prior to that, Robertson starred at Crispus Attucks High School, leading his school to a 31-1 record and winning the 1955 state championship. He made 62 percent of his shot. Allen Iverson is one of the greatest pound-for-pound players in NBA history. In the NBA, Miller became a proficient three-point sniper with a career average of 40.7 percent from beyond the arc. The former league MVPs list of on-court accomplishments is exhausting to behold, including 10 All-Star Games, 10 first-team All-NBA selections and eight first-team All-Defensive selections. Anthony Davis is making a legitimate push to steal this title away but fellow Chicago native Dwyane Wade holds it for now. He moved on to Kansas and was a major contributor to a national championship in 2008. The Atlanta native was a seven-time All-Star in 13 NBA seasons, as well as a seven-time member of the first-team All-Defensive squad. He was born in Las Vegas but played high school and college hoops in Iowa before being drafted by the Hornets in the first round in 1998. Oscar Robertson was one of the best players during his era in the 1960s and early 1970s. He finished his senior year as first-team All-Met and was the area's best basketball player in 1954. He was born in Hobbs and eventually played high school basketball there before going to college at Kansas. High school: Morningside High School (Inglewood, Calif.), Pros: Los Angeles Lakers (1983-93, 1996-97), Indiana Pacers (1993-95), Vancouver Grizzlies (1995-96), Panathinaikos (1997-98). Ricky Davis helped Davenport North to the state tournament, but did not reach the championship game. Lebron James is one of the most dominant players in the world right now. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. The 15-year old Flagg is charging ahead into an undoubtedly bright basketball future. Moreover, his rivalry with Magic Johnsonwho, spoiler alert, youll see a bit later in this listduring the 1980s launched basketball into an unprecedented level of national popularity that the sport has never fallen from. High school: Emsley A. Laney High School (Wilmington, N.C.), Pros: Chicago Bulls (1984-93, 1995-98), Washington Wizards (2001-03). Born: June 11, 1989, in Jefferson City, Mo. Ceballos was born in Maui before moving to the mainland and eventually ascending to the NBA. Billups was an All-State first-team pick four times in high school and was the Colorado Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior. High school: Robert G. Cole High School (San Antonio, Texas), Pros: Orlando Magic (1992-96), Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004), Miami Heat (2004-08), Phoenix Suns (2008-09), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-10), Boston Celtics (2010-11). Silver Spring native Victor Oladipo might have something to say about this in a few years but, for now, the title of Marylands best goes to Steve Francis. He helped his high school and Michigan State win championships. In college at Georgetown, he led the Hoyas to the Sweet 16 in his freshman year, and in his sophomore and final season, he led the team to a Big East Championship and an Elite Eight appearance. After leading Nokomis to the first boys basketball title in school history, Cooper and Ace will continue their basketball careers at Floridas Montverde Academy, a school that regularly produces college and NBA players. She was the No. For his career, Spree averaged 18.3 points per game, which is easily the best mark for any player born in Wisconsin. Bullet Bob Boozer came from Omaha and remained a major part of that community until his death in 2012. LeBron James is an American basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Floridas Montverde Academy, a school that regularly produces college and NBA players. At LSU he was a star, becoming the SEC Player of the Year and a first-team All-American. But before they were pros, basketball greats had to put in work to perfect their craft. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website. Sheryl Swoopes is a Texas legend. The game is played across America, but these are the best of the best. High school: Bartlett High School (Anchorage), Pros: Miami Heat (2008-15), Memphis Grizzlies (2015-16). Have a nice time ahead, Thank you! -> Developed & Maintained By WD Bangalore.in, Furthermore, in 2011 he won his first championship with. He was first-team All-Pac-12 and the conference Defensive Player of the Year during his junior season. 1 Overall NBA Draft Picks of All Time 2 Chris Webber Power forward and Center from Detroit, Michigan 391 votes Teams: Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons #30 of 142 The Best Philadelphia 76ers of All Time #2 of 49 The Greatest Michigan Basketball As a senior, Carroll set the state record for points per game with 39.4. After bouncing around the NBA, his basketball career took him overseas to Israel and the Philippines. Sam Cassell wasn't the biggest player in basketball history, but he had big game. Pretty much all you can ask for from the best ever, no? He was born in Abilene but spent his formative years in California and became an NBA icon with the Boston Celtics. In 10 seasons with that franchise, Sharman proved to be a deadly shooting guard and helped lead them to four championships from 1957-1961. High school: Mauldin High School (Mauldin, S.C.)/Farragut Academy (Chicago, Ill.), Pros: Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-07, 2015-16), Boston Celtics (2007-13), Brooklyn Nets (2013-15). He was an eight-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA pick who averaged 18.8 points per game over the last nine years of his career. And, of course, hes since won two titles (and counting?) But he didnt earn his place on this list though some sort of vague, ethereal winningness. Russell was one of the fiercest defenders of all time and he redefined the value of blocking shots, in addition to averaging an incredible 22.5 rebounds per game over his career. Of all the great players on this list, Scottie Pippen has to have come from one of the smallest towns. The NBA had three very good players from Kansas all playing at the same time starting in the mid-1970s. Haywood was born in Silver City (population: 288) before eventually becoming an NBA champion with the Lakers in 1980. The 6-foot-7 shooting guard/small forward honed his skills at the University of Colorado, finishing third in rebounding in the 2011-2012 season and second in 2012-2013. The Greatest UConn Basketball Players of All Time #20 of 76 Every Athlete Signed To Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports, Ranked 6 Markelle Fultz Point guard from Upper Marlboro, Maryland 155 votes Teams: Orlando Magic #48 of 58 The Best No. Born: May 6, 1985, in Winston-Salem, N.C. High school: West Forsyth High School (Clemmons, N.C.), Pros: New Orleans Hornets (2005-11), Los Angeles Clippers (2011-17), Houston Rockets (2017-present). Mims scored 80 percent of his teams points and nearly outscored Bangor himself, and he didnt score a point in the first quarter. Speaking of Michigan basketball icons, it doesnt get any more legendary than Magic Johnson. Johnsons otherworldly passing set the stage for the Showtime L.A. Lakers teams that captured five championships during his 13 years with the franchise. Before he was The Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett was a kid growing up in upstate South Carolina. Paul then helped Wake Forest get into the NCAA tournament a couple of times, eventually falling to West Virginia in his sophomore season. 20 and to Val Whiting at No. He was traded to the Pistons, where he teamed up with Isiah Thomas, Dennis Rodman and Joe Dumars to win back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990 while becoming one of the most unpopular players in NBA history as the enforcer leader of the "Bad Boys.". Nokomis to the first boys basketball title in school history. The Cavs took him in the first round later that year and he had six good seasons with the franchise before playing for the Bucks and Timberwolves. Once there, he would finish with an emphatic dunk, a foolproof strategy that helped ONeal lead the NBA in field-goal percentage 10 times in his career. Danny Ainge starred at North Eugene High School in football, basketball and baseball. Amazing how quickly people forget how good he was. A few dozen NBA players have come from Connecticut but theres only been one Hall of Famer so far. Baylor continued his success at Seattle, leading his team to the 1958 NCAA tournament title game, eventually falling to the Kentucky Wildcats. Every decision he and his twin brother, Ace, have made when it comes to their burgeoning basketball careers has been made by the Flagg family with much thought. During the 196162 season, The Big O averaged a triple-double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. After playing college ball at Florida, Miller was a first-round pick by the Orlando Magic in 2000 and would spend time with seven different franchises during his 17-season career. His shooting proficiency made him one of the more dangerous shooters in the league, leading the league in three-point percentage (45.7) in 2010-2011. Garnett made the leap from high school to the pros, and became a star with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The rest of us are the ones who need to slow down. Position: Small forward, power forward, point guard, shooting guard, High school: St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (Akron, Ohio), Pros: Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-10, 2014-18), Miami Heat (2010-14), Los Angeles Lakers (2018-present). Already registered? He was drafted by the Timberwolves straight out of high school in 1995 and spent more than 13 seasons of his 21-year NBA tenure there. SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players Lillard becoming one of best scorers ever. The NBAs most valuable player for the 1993 season and 11-time All-Star was born in Leeds and stayed in Alabama to play college basketball at Auburn, where he was named SEC player of the year in 1984. The gold standard for Maine high school hoops is still Cindy Blodgett, who did things at Lawrence that no girls or boys basketball player in Maine had done before or since. High school: McClymonds High School (Oakland, Calif.). Please subscribe or login first for digital access. He would win two more titles in 2009 and 2010. Then, he went onto the NBA, where he played on five different teams and averaged double digits in scoring six times. In the NBA, Iverson became known for his quickness and tough drives to the basket, where he would take a lot of contact. The Miami Heat's all-time leading scorer has had game for a while. In the WNBA, she helped the Lynx win a WNBA championship in her rookie campaign in 2011 and added three more titles after that in 2013, 2015 and 2017. Before retiring in 2015, he spent 12 seasons in the league, splitting his time with five different franchises but in Seattle for the majority of them. High school: Dominguez High School (Compton, Calif.), College: Ventura (1986-88), Cal State Fullerton (1988-90), Pros: Phoenix Suns (1990-94, 1997-98), Los Angeles Lakers (1994-97), Dallas Mavericks (1998-2000), Detroit Pistons (2000), Miami Heat (2000-01), Las Vegas Slam (2002), Harlem Globetrotters (2002), Hapoel Tel Aviv (2002), Lokomotiv Mineralnye Vody (2002-03), Sioux Falls Skyforce (2003), San Miguel Beermen (2003-04), Los Angeles Stars (2004-05), Orange County/Maywood Buzz (2005-07, 2008-11), Phoenix Flame (2007). He starred at Evanston High School in Wyoming, averaging 27.4 points, 3.3 steals and 2.8 assists per game as a junior. From 2000-2010, he averaged 13.7 points per game, which was the best stretch of his time in the league, and was named sixth man of the year while playing with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2006. But basketball was his true love, and he became a household name by hitting a game-winning buzzer-beater against Notre Dame in the 1981 NCAA tournment. 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