He would win two more titles in 2009 and 2010. He was a big part of the Bulls winning six championships in eight years, the NBA Finals MVP on all six occasions with two three-peats. He played well in his rookie season, but a torn ACL in his sophomore season derailed any hopes of him becoming the player he once was. But before they were pros, basketball greats had to put in work to perfect their craft. Point guard Luke Ridnour is the only Idahoan to last more than five years in the NBA, according to Basketball Reference. He graduated to Auburn, where he holds the school record for field goal percentage (62.6 percent), and went on to become one of the best rebounders in NBA history. In the NBA, Porter went 24th overall to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1985 draft and helped the team make it to the NBA Finals twice during his tenure. Lionel Hollins is a basketball lifer. Its time for BritannicaOK, one editor at Britannicato jump into the perpetually unresolved greatest ever in [insert sport here] fray. Also, his career totals were inflated by the fact that he played roughly 10,000 years in the NBA. In 2007, he was traded to the Boston Celtics, and that next year, Garnett was an integral piece to Bostons championship run in 2008. WebThe 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, also referred to as NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, were chosen in 1996 to honor the 50th anniversary of the founding of the In addition to his unprecedented prowess at putting up points, Chamberlain was also the only person to grab more rebounds per game than Bill Russell (22.9), all while averaging more minutes played per game than any player in league history (45.8). At UMass, Camby won the Naismith College Player of the Year award and the John R. Wooden award in the 1995-96 season. The Coeur dAlene native had a standout college career at Oregon before being drafted in the first round by the SuperSonics in 2003. After coming from tiny Summerfield, Malone played college ball at Louisiana Tech before spending all but one season of his career with the Utah Jazz and finishing second in career points and minutes played in NBA history. According to Basketball Reference, only nine players in the league have ever come from that state. A forward, Turner played 10 years in the I am constantly seeking out new opportunities to challenge myself and grow as a professional writer. Before Tyler Johnson developed his all-around game at Fresno State, averaging 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals. Abdul-Jabbar played for UCLA from 1965 to 1969. After college, he was drafted fifth overall in the NBA draft by the New York Knicks and led the franchise to its only two championships in 1970 and 1973. Plus upsets! Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Marcus Camby was more than an elite shot blocker and defensive force at Hartford Public High School. He finished his 21-year NBA career in 2015 as a 15-time All-Star. Pros: Pallacanestro Messina (2003-04), Toronto Raptors (2004-06), San Antonio Spurs (2006-16). Use the form below to reset your password. Along the way of his 15-year career, Cassell played on eight different teams and was a solid contributor, averaging over 17 points with four different clubs (Nets, Bucks, Timberwolves and Clippers) and finishing his career with 15.7 points per game, 6.0 assists and 3.2 rebounds. Bryant averaged 30.8 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 4 steals and 3.8 blocks, while leading Lower Merion to a 31-3 record. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. But do you know how he got to be so great? He never won a ring, but he was inducted into in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and remains one of the most popular players in NBA history. While John Stocktons NBA career is forever linked to Utah, he learned his trade in his native Washington. #39 Paul Arizin (1951-1962) Amazon The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. But ONeal wasnt just pure physicalityhe was surprisingly graceful for such a massive man and he had a deft touch with his close-range jump shots. Soon after, Wade led Marquette in scoring on multiple occasions and helped them reach the Final Four in his junior season. Born: Feb. 13, 1981, in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, High school: Blaine High School (Blaine, Wash.), Pros: Seattle SuperSonics (2003-08), Milwaukee Bucks (2008-10, 2013-14), Minnesota Timberwolves (2010-13), Charlotte Bobcats (2014), Orlando Magic (2014-15). While this list honors NBA greats from every state, Rhode Islands best player was more known for his brilliant-but-brief career in the ABA. Danny Ainge starred at North Eugene High School in football, basketball and baseball. Before she became one of the best players in WNBA history, she helped the Texas Tech Lady Raiders to an NCAA womens Then, Robertson starred at Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to two NCAA Final Four appearances and a 79-9 record when he was there. The Point God was born in Winston-Salem and would be named the states Mr. Basketball before staying in his hometown to become a college hoops star at Wake Forest. The Mailman may not have won a ring but he ranks right near the top of many of the NBAs all-time records. Chauncey Billups became "Mr. Big Shot" long before he became one of the best clutch performers in the NBA. Bridges was a three-time All-Star with that team and a two-time member of the All-Defensive squad who averaged a double double of 11.9 points and rebounds per game for his career. During the 196162 season, The Big O averaged a triple-double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. Then she announced she would play basketball for the Blue Hens in 2009, leading the nation in scoring in her junior season in 2012. Of all the great ones to come from the Golden State including current icons like James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook its tough to top Gary Paytons legacy. High school: Mead High School (Spokane, Wash.), Pros: Charlotte Bobcats (2006-09), Los Angeles Lakers (2009-10), Red Star Belgrade (2011), Besiktas (2012). In Robinsons final two years at Navy, he earned the Naismith and Wooden awards, as well as becoming an All-American. Indeedy. As a Laker, he was a 10-time All-NBA First Team and 11-time All-Star selection. 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. Even though he is in his 18th NBA season, the 36-year-old is playing at an MVP level and has said he wants to keep playing until his son, who is in the 10th grade now, is in the league. Kobe Bean Bryant is an American former basketball player. Nokomis freshman Cooper Flagg takes a jump shot against Falmouth during the Class A state final on March 5 in Portland. After that, he declared for the NBA draft and was selected third overall by the Charlotte Bobcats. High school: North Eugene High School (Eugene, Ore.), Pros: Boston Celtics (1981-89), Sacramento Kings (1989-90), Portland Trail Blazers (1990-92), Phoenix Suns (1992-95). Listed at 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m), Olajuwon is also considered one of the greatest centers ever to play the game. Matt Bonner helped Concord High School to three state championships. Hes bigger than a good portion of the players in the NFL and yet he still moves as gracefully as the most nimble guards in basketball. Adam Augustyn is Managing Editor, Reference Content at Encyclopdia Britannica. She then transferred to the University of Delaware, where she played volleyball as a walk-on in 2008. Shaquille ONeal is the definition of dominance. The Celtics had played for 10 seasons before Russell joined the team, never once reaching a championship series in that time. On the womens side, Shaftsbury native Nicole Levesque is the only Vermonter to have ever played in the WNBA. When people knocked him for not winning championships early in his career, they overlooked that he almost single-handedly took an overmatched Cleveland Cavaliers squad to the 2007 NBA finals at just 22 years old. His accomplishments in the NBA are unmatched and include six championships, five MVP awards and 10 league scoring titles. Our pick for the best baller from Massachusetts never spent any time playing with the Celtics, instead making his name with the Pistons. WebInitially, in 1994, with Olajuwon as the teams best player, the Rockets won their first NBA title by defeating the New York Knicks. In the NBA, Jordan had some rough years, overcoming injuries and first-round playoff exits, and playing the Detroit "Bad Boy" Pistons in the late 1980s and 1990. High school: Conard (West Hartford, Conn.), Hartford Public, Pros: Toronto Raptors (1996-98), New York Knicks (1998-2002, 2012-13), Denver Nuggets (2002-08), Los Angeles Clippers (2008-10), Portland Trail Blazers (2010-12), Houston Rockets (2012). Finally, after graduating from high school early, he got selected by his hometown Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft. 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Sheryl Swoopes is a Texas legend. WebFeaturing Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this list of basketball players who were born in Maine includes Duncan Robinson, Jeff Turner, and Skip Chappelle. In my free time, you can find me lost in a good book, traveling to new and exciting places, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. In the NBA, West helped the Lakers improve their win total by 11 and the Lakers made the playoffs in his rookie campaign. Michael also earned the nicknames Air Jordan and His Airness. He repeated that feat against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. Although Jordan abruptly retired from basketball in the 199394 NBA season and started a new career in Minor League Baseball, he rejoined the Bulls in 1995 and led them to three additional championships (19961998). Fantasy Basketball. Born: Oct. 19, 1953, in Arkansas City, Kan. High school: Rancho High School (North Las Vegas, Nev.), College: Dixie State (1971-73), Arizona State (1973-75), Pros: Portland Trail Blazers (1975-80), Philadelphia 76ers (1980-82), San Diego Clippers (1982-83), Detroit Pistons (1983-84), Houston Rockets (1984-85). He was a 9-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. Byron Scott helped the Lakers win three championships as a player. In the NBA, Robinson made his mark immediately, helping the team turn around a dismal record of 21-61 to 56-26. Learn more. Stockton was a 10-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection and is possibly the best pure point guard in history. Furthermore, in 1996, he was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. 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. Oh my, yes. He led the NBA in scoring for two seasons. Heres why. Born: Feb. 15, 1964, in Bartlesville, Okla. High school: Enid High School (Enid, Okla.), Pros: Cleveland Cavaliers (1986-95), Washington Bullets (1995-96), Golden State Warriors (1996-97), Orlando Magic (1997-98). Named Henrietta at birth, she was always called Thomie, a name that sprang from her position as the family tomboy. He's now known as "Larry Legend. We are here to give the best tips on it. Garnett made the leap from high school to the pros, and became a star with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was a player to watch in middle school and became a prodigy at St. Vincent-St. Marys High School in Akron, Ohio. He was named to the All-Mountain West Conference second team in his senior year in 2014. High school: Osbourn Park High School (Manassas, Va.). In his senior year at Providence, DiGregorio helped the Friars reach the Final Four, where they lost to Memphis State. Pros: San Antonio Spurs (1989-93, 1994-2001), Detroit Pistons (1993-94). He was born in Tucson and eventually played college hoops at the University of Arizona, where he was twice named the Pac-10s player of the year and was named the best player in the nation in 1989. The result: Horton-Tucker had 16 Jordan won six NBA championships and was the NBA Finals MVP in each of those years. WebList of all the NBA and ABA Players Born in Maine | Basketball-Reference.com Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. He was born in Spokane and stayed in his hometown through his college years, when he was a star player at Gonzaga. Starting alongside Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and A.C. Green. In the NBA, Stockton averaged a double-double of 13.1 points and 10.5 assists. The best of the best graduate to the NBA and WNBA. High school: Mount Anthony High School (Bennington, Vt.). We gave the nod to White because of his multiple rings and his starring role on some stacked Celtics teams in the 1970s. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna also passed away in the crash. He had four All-Star seasons with the SuperSonics and Suns and averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 rebounds a night in his first 11 seasons in the NBA. After high school, he did not attend an elite basketball program, but instead became one of the premier college basketball players in Division II for Southern Illinois University. Long before Larry Bird became an NBA Hall of Famer, he was "The Hick From French Lick" a basketball prodigy from Indiana who set the all-time scoring record at Springs Valley High School, averaging 31 points, 21 rebounds and four assists his senior year. Log in to join the discussion. #7 Mike Bordick WINTERPORT Played in two College World From 1988 to 1999, Price became the second player after Larry Bird to reach the 50-40-90 club with 50 percent shooting from the field, 40 percent from the three-point line and 90 percent from the free-throw line. Then, the small forward helped the Spurs win the franchises first NBA championship in 1999. Basketball players come from all over America: cold states, warm states and everything in between. She was the only Vermonter to play in the WNBA. He led the Celtics to three championships in the 1980s, which is the same number of times he was named NBA MVP. He was born in Takoma Park before eventually playing college ball at Maryland, where his No. In his senior season, he averaged 27 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks and 8 assists leading his team to a 27-0 record and state title. Were pros, and became a star with the Celtics had played for 10 seasons before joined. 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