3 high school basketball freshman. Its recklessly bad form to compare a high school athlete, even one as unquestionably talented as Flagg, to one of the best players in basketball history. Before he was The Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett was a kid growing up in upstate South Carolina. Hello, I am a passionate and dedicated writer with a deep love for Basketball. The Miami Heat's all-time leading scorer has had game for a while. Copyright 2022 Cricket Concept . 2023 Latest, Top 7 Largest NBA Arena By Capacity In The World Now. Most obsessively competitive to the detriment of ever having normal human relations with anybody? High school: Wagner High School (San Antonio, Texas), Pros: Oklahoma City Thunder (2013-20), Brooklyn Nets (2021-present). He was born in Greenville and spent most of his high school career there before finishing it in Illinois. Alongside Kobe Bryant, Shaq helped the Lakers three-peat from 2000-2002. 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. After that, he declared for the NBA draft and was selected third overall by the Charlotte Bobcats. He helped his high school and Michigan State win championships. After graduating from Notre Dame, he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1979, played professionally in Italy for a year, then returned to play for the Cavaliers. While Kareem put up a whopping 38,387 points during his playing days, I cant look past the fact that he spent a good chunk of his career receiving passes from Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson, the two greatest point guards of all time. At the opposite end of the attractive play spectrum from Duncan is Shaquille ONeal. Lets wait to anoint Cooper Flagg as the best basketball player ever from Maine, Varsity Maine boys basketball Player of the Year, Flagg the third-best college basketball prospect nationwide in the Class of 2025. DiGregorio only played six seasons in the NBA, but he left a lasting impression. Furthermore, our website (beginbasketball.com) makes no guarantee for the accuracy of the information as the topic is subject to change. Morrison started to make an impact on Gonzaga in his sophomore year when he averaged 19 points per game. He has had an amazing career and has many achievements. In the WNBA, she spent one season with the Cleveland Rockers before being traded to the Sacramento Monarchs and playing three more seasons. He was born in Hobbs and eventually played high school basketball there before going to college at Kansas. 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. In 1961-1962, Robertson became the first player in league history to average a triple-double for a season, with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists. Before that, she helped lead Alliance High School to a state title as a freshman in 2007. High school: Osbourn Park High School (Manassas, Va.). He signed a couple of 10-day contracts and helped the Heat in the scoring and shooting departments, and now is a solid NBA contributor on his third NBA team, averaging 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Ricky Davis helped Davenport North to the state tournament, but did not reach the championship game. He helped his high school win its first championship in 53 years in his senior season. The Sycamores lost the championship game to Magic Johnson and Michigan State, but the final was the beginning of a new era in hoops. 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. Diana Taurasi is the best offensive player in WNBA history (and No. So here is the article on the greatest basketball players of all time. The leading scorer in National Basketball Association (NBA) history is just the 10th-best player ever? Yes, they played the kind of slow-paced ball that put most fans to sleep by the third quarter, but there was often a thing of pure beauty hidden among the tire-fire of a 7871 final score: Tim Duncans bank shot. Jerry West is synonymous with basketball in his home state, as he was born in tiny Chelyan before becoming a national star at the University of West Virginia in the late 1950s. He was born in Grand Forks, which is one of the biggest cities in the state, but spent his high school and college careers in California. Cooper Flagg may end up the best basketball player to come from Maine. 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. 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. Before he was a two-time All-Star with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Terrell Brandon was born and raised in Portland. Then, he had a decorated University of Minnesota career, ranking second in school history with 1,704 points and 950 rebounds. In high school, he broke a city record for points scored in one game. He was born in Spokane and stayed in his hometown through his college years, when he was a star player at Gonzaga. There's one state that has never produced an NBA player. West was the main go-to guy in crunch-time, called "Mr. One of the best NBA players to never be elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Tom Chambers racked up more than 20,000 points in his career as a power forward. Hes led the league four times in assists and six times in steals, making him undoubtedly one of the best pure point guards to ever play the position. In the NBA, he became one of the best shooters in the league, leading the league in free-throw percentage twice and winning Most Improved Player in 1993. has been obsessively watching sports for nearly three decades and arguing about them with friends for nearly as long. The rest of us are the ones who need to slow down. In the NBA, Miller became a proficient three-point sniper with a career average of 40.7 percent from beyond the arc. We all know Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time. I know I risk getting run out of my beloved Chicago on a rail for daring to suggest His Airness isnt the best player ever but, well, I just dont think he is. After leading his team to back-to-back state championships, he also became Ohios Mr. Basketball as well as the USA Today High School Player of the Year twice (2002 and 2003). 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. Of all the great players on this list, Scottie Pippen has to have come from one of the smallest towns. He helped the Lakers win their first NBA title in Los Angeles in 1972. Johnson, who was born and raised in Cheyenne, had his best years with the Heat during the mid-2010s, when he was averaging more than 11 points a game. In the NBA, McHale helped the Celtics become champions in 1981, 1984 and 1986 as a sixth man, and he was also a seven-time All-Star. The native of Ames was named Iowas Mr. Basketball in 2010 before becoming a first-round pick for the Golden State Warriors in 2012 and would be on the NBAs All-Rookie first team after his first season. The school won a back-to-back title, with a 31-0 record in Robertsons senior season. Basketball players come from all over America: cold states, warm states and everything in between. All rights reserved. That was the case with Charles Barkley, whose roots in Alabama run deep. 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 best power forwards in the NBA right now, NBA Teams With Championships And Titles In The World, Who Has The Most Steals In An NBA Game? 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. Russell was the ultimate winner in the history of the NBA. Yes, the man many fans (ignorantly) consider the most overrated choke artist in the league is actually the best player to ever set foot on a court. 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. His Hall-of-Fame NBA career never included a stop with the New Jersey Nets but he played for six franchises, winning four titles with the Lakers and Heat. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Unfortunately, Kobe died in a helicopter crash in January 2020. Jackson was part of the NBAs All-Rookie first team in 1968 and came off the bench to help the Knicks win a title in 1973. He averaged at least 10 points per game in seven of his seasons at the games top level. When he got to the NBA, some thought the 6-foot-9 player was too small to play center, but he proved the doubters wrong, averaging 17 points and 15 rebounds per game in his rookie campaign. Chauncey Billups became "Mr. Big Shot" long before he became one of the best clutch performers in the NBA. Before Mr. Before Terry Porter became a solid contributor in the NBA, he was playing at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He turned down a scholarship from Bobby Knight to play at Indiana University because he thought the campus in Bloomington was too big, so he went to Indiana State, averaged 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, and helped Indiana State reach the NCAA tournament for the first time with a 33-0 record in 1979. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. (Or 20. 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. But to give him that label now is at best premature, and at worst willfully ignorant of history. In 2014, Taurasi earned MVP honors again while helping the Mercury set a single-season wins record with 29 and win another championship. Soon after his sophomore year, he declared for the NBA draft, going seventh to the Warriors in 2012. LeBron James is an American basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Robertson was the first player in league history to average a triple double for an entire season, which he did in 1962 with the Cincinnati Royals, and his career averages ended up being 25.7 points, 9.5 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game. Enter your email and password to access comments. It may or may not surprise you to know that Matt Bonner is apparently the only player in NBA history to have been born in New Hampshire. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was a basketball prodigy at Gulfport High School, averaging 29.9 points and 5.7 assists in his senior season and getting an invitation to the McDonalds All-American game. One of the most ebullient personalities to ever play in the NBA, Johnsons charm was a major factor in the massive increase in the leagues popularity during the 1980s. While Trenton native Dennis Rodman might exemplify the kind of no-nonsense attitude thats associated with New Jersey, the power of Diesel cant be denied. Cooper Flagg is the player standing at the confluence of talent and time an extremely talented player in an era in which nothing goes unnoticed. But, well, he played alongside another top-25 talent in Scottie Pippen and was coached by the strategic genius Phil Jackson during his most productive years. Holmes is climbing her way up Indianas all-time scoring list with 1,852 career points, which ranks sixth in school history, and 753 career rebounds.The Gorham, Maine native is also third all-time in blocked shots (185). This season, the 6-foot-7 Flagg averaged 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game. The state is behind only California, New York and Illinois in terms of producing NBA players, and has given us all-time legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Pistol Pete Maravich. Before he was internationally known by a single nickname, Shaquille ONeal was born in Newark and the Boys and Girls Club of America chapter there played a major part in his early life. Prior to becoming "The Logo," Jerry West was a star at West Virginia, helping the Mountaineers grab a Final Four appearance in his junior season. He won a league title in all but two of his 13 seasons as a member of the Boston Celtics. Born: February 19, 1980, in Mitchell, S.D. Pretty much all you can ask for from the best ever, no? From Diana Taurasi at No. A recent highlight video on YouTube referred to him as the LeBron of Maine. Thats absolutely, positively, 100 percent ludicrous. He was born in Oklahoma City and delighted the basketball fans in his home state when he stayed home to play college ball at the University of Oklahoma. He played for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards and is known for his incredible scoring ability and clutch performances. As a shooting guard, he spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Clutch" by Lakers announcer Chuck Hearn. After graduating from high school in Nevada, he played two seasons at Dixie State College (in St. George, Utah) and two years at Arizona State before going pro. Web1 Michael Jordan Michael Jeffrey Jordan, also known by his initials, MJ, is an American retired professional basketball player. High school: Mead High School (Spokane, Wash.), Pros: Charlotte Bobcats (2006-09), Los Angeles Lakers (2009-10), Red Star Belgrade (2011), Besiktas (2012). WebMAINE ANTONIO CAMACHO-BUCKS MARYLAND SAM BURGESS MASSACHUSETTS HUNTER JONES MICHIGAN NOAH BREKER MINNESOTA SIDNEY STEGALL MISSISSIPPI CONNOR BURNS MISSOURI WESTON BROWN MONTANA CARSON NOECKER NEBRASKA LOGAN SCOTT NEVADA BYRON GREVIOUS NEW I am constantly seeking out new opportunities to challenge myself and grow as a professional writer. Maine Basketball Rankings Latest Fight Club More drama than you could hope for in AA. 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. 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 finished his senior year as first-team All-Met and was the area's best basketball player in 1954. 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. Miller helped contribute to the Miami Heat winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013 before calling it a 17-year career in 2017. Hall of Famer Chet The Jet Walker, who came from Bethlehem, made this a tough choice but we had to give Mississippis crown to fellow inductee Spencer Haywood. In the NBA, he lived up to the hype, being one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. During his historic high school career, he was named Ohios Mr. Basketball a remarkable three times before skipping college and being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers first overall in 2003. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Big Shot had his jersey number retired by that franchise for his starring role on the 2004 championship team, he was born and raised in Denver. High school: Gonzaga Prep High School (Spokane, Wash.). Initially, in 1994, with Olajuwon as the teams best player, the Rockets won their first NBA title by defeating the New York Knicks. He was an All-Star in 1968 with the Chicago Bulls and won a championship in 1971 with the Milwaukee Bucks, in what would be his final season. He was the key ingredient in the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 90s, leading them to victory in six NBA titles. But as a sophomore, trying out for the varsity team, he was deemed too small at only 5-foot-11. Its played in over many countries with many variations of the game. High school: South Division High School (Milwaukee), Pros: Portland Trail Blazers (1985-95), Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-98), Miami Heat (1998-99), San Antonio Spurs (1999-2002). Its bad form to compare any high school athlete to a professional. Minnesotas Kevin McHale did plenty of battle with Michigans Magic Johnson as a Celtics star in the 1980s. Lebron James is one of the most dominant players in the world right now. Born: Sept. 16, 1934, in Washington, D.C. Died: March 22, 2021, in Los Angeles, California (age 86), High School: Phelps Vocational School, Spingarn High School (Washington, D.C.), College: College of Idaho (1954-55), Seattle (1956-58), Pros: Minneapolis Lakers (1958-60), Los Angeles Lakers (1960-72). As magnificent as earlier players were, they never had to deal with the 24/7 stresses of 21st century media, which James has with aplomb. Levesque played with the Charlotte Sting in the WNBA, averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 assists in 27 games. Mike Miller may have grown up in a small town, but he was big time. Since 2002, Laimbeer has been coaching in the WNBA. The Hall of Famer edged out Wes Unseld and Rajon Rondo as the best from the Bluegrass State because of his lengthy list of accolades from the league. 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). Plus upsets! Michael Jordan. 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. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Sheryl Swoopes is a Texas legend. 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. Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer. 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. Bryant entered the NBA directly from high school. The late big man was born in Petersburg and was one of the first truly great NBA stars to come to the pros straight out of high school. Jordan Hooper was a member of the Tulsa Shock for the 2014 season and has bounced around in her WNBA career. While his famously vanilla playing style and quiet demeanor kept him from having a cultural impact similar to the other greats, his four championships, 14 All-Star Games, and two NBA MVP awards are indisputable evidence of his fantastic ability. Now, with three NBA championships under his belt, a scoring title, a Finals MVP and many other accolades, Wade is one of the greatest shooting guards in the history of the game. WebInitially, in 1994, with Olajuwon as the teams best player, the Rockets won their first NBA title by defeating the New York Knicks. The most notable of his scoring feats came on March 2, 1962, when he put up an astounding 100 points in a game, an NBA record that will likely never be broken. He led his high school to a 68-1 record over two years and helped them win a state championship in his senior season. Johnson went undrafted, but it did not deter him as he joined the Miami Heat for summer league. In his senior year at Providence, DiGregorio helped the Friars reach the Final Four, where they lost to Memphis State. Elliott was a consensus All-American in his junior season at the University of Arizona and led his team to the Final Four. Ohio is right up there among the most prolific states in terms of producing NBA talent but none have left the impact of LeBron James. WebPages in category "Basketball players from Maine" The following 19 pages are in this category, out of 19 total. Thats what social media does. And, frankly, its sort of fun tweaking all the Chicagoans who are surprisingly defensive about their sporting accomplishments. Magic Johnson was destined for greatness. His accomplishments in the NBA are unmatched and include six championships, five MVP awards and 10 league scoring titles. Bryant, along with center Shaquille ONeal, led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA titles from 2000 to 2002. ESPN ranks Cooper Flagg the nations No. He racked up three championship rings and 12 All-Star appearances in his injury-shortened 13-year career. He was amazing, but he had a lot of help, at least more than the last guy on this list. 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. Adams was named rookie of the year in 1976 and eventually had his jersey number retired by the Suns after walking away in 1988. Oh, and while this has nothing to do with his ranking on this list, its still incredibly awesome and noteworthy that he has successfully fought off HIV for over two decades, helped de-stigmatize AIDS through his high-profile advocacy, and launched a second career as an entrepreneur who opens businesses predominantly in poverty-stricken areas in efforts to spur urban revitalization. Hooper last played for the Atlanta Dream and the Chicago Sky in 2017. Where Timmy would work his way around an opponent in the post with his superb footwork, Shaq would often use his extraordinary bulk (71 and 315 pounds) to bully his way to the basket. He won five NBA championships with the Lakers. After getting to the NBA, he became one of the best players and best shooters in league history with the Boston Celtics and forever changed the game. McHale was born in Hibbing the same town that gave us Bob Dylan and was named Minnesotas Mr. Basketball as a high school senior in 1976 before playing at the University of Minnesota. 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. However, during the summer, Barkley shot up to 6-foot-4 and made the varsity team, leading them to a 26-3 record and the state semifinals in his senior year. Then she announced she would play basketball for the Blue Hens in 2009, leading the nation in scoring in her junior season in 2012. He finished his 11-year career with two rings and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The Hall of Famer was born in Hamburg, Arkansas, which has a population of about 2,600, before becoming one of the central figures in the greatest dynasty in NBA history. He went across the country to UCLA for college ball, where he was the best player on the 1964 national championship team that went 30-0. #7 Mike Bordick WINTERPORT Played in two College World Michael Jordan is easily the best basketball player of all-time in the NBA history. Kobe Bean Bryant is an American former basketball player. There must be something in the water in Louisiana that turns kids into great basketball players because this might have been the toughest state from which to pick a GOAT. 1. Sean Elliott made a name for himself prior to becoming a two-time NBA All-Star and world champion with the San Antonio Spurs. Pros: Orlando Magic (2000-03), Memphis Grizzlies (2003-08, 2013-14), Minnesota Timberwolves (2008-09), Washington Wizards (2009-10), Miami Heat (2010-13), Cleveland Cavaliers (2014-15), Denver Nuggets (2015-17). Pros: Chicago Bulls (1987-98, 2003-04), Houston Rockets (1998-99), Portland Trail Blazers (1999-2003). In the NBA, Davis bounced around in his career, but had his most productive seasons in Boston, where he averaged 19.7 points per game in 2005 and 19.1 points per game in 2006. Bobby Knight who coached him in the 84 Olympics once made a statement saying he is the best player to ever play any team sport. High school: Mount Anthony High School (Bennington, Vt.). Robinson hurt his back in 1997 in the preseason, but it proved to be a blessing in disguise as the Spurs drafted Tim Duncan, the key to the elusive championship for Robinson. He also ranks third on the leagues all-time regular-season scoring and fourth on the all-time postseason scoring list. Danny Ainge starred at North Eugene High School in football, basketball and baseball. Jaycee Carroll has gone from local hero to international star in the EuroLeague and FIBA. He was born and raised in Concord before seeking warmer weather at the University of Florida, where he had a great college basketball career. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna also passed away in the crash. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Admittedly, Chamberlain played at a time when post players were significantly smaller and basketball wasnt drawing the types of athletic marvels we see today, but the man was so incredibly dominant that he deserves a spot in the top five regardless of context. She His 14-season NBA career, all spent with the Lakers, included an All-Star selection every single year and 12 appearances on the All-NBA squad. The curation of this content is at the discretion of the author, and not necessarily reflective of the views of Encyclopaedia Britannica or its editorial staff. Hes the NBAs all-time leader in both assists and steals and is unlikely to be passed in either category any time soon. 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. He became the all-time leading scorer for the Lakers franchise. Oh, and the 12-time All-Star also helped initiate true free agency into the NBA through a landmark antitrust suit, an accomplishment just as impressive as his jaw-dropping on-court exploits. Oh jeez, this guy. He was born with great genes, and he worked hard to realize his incredible potential. He also won numerous awards and achieved many accolades. Before we crown him, though, lets at least let him get his drivers license. Then, Robertson starred at Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to two NCAA Final Four appearances and a 79-9 record when he was there. Cedric Ceballos gets the nod over his fellow islander, Red Rocha, because he had a longer career and better stats. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. The 65 guy could hit his elbow on the rim when he was a freshman. 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 The Flaggs should sprint toward this opportunity. In the 1960s and 70s, The Zen Master spent 12 seasons with the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets, far from the quaint town of Deer Lodge, Montana that he came from. Deerings Nik Caner-Medley and Edward Littles Troy Barnies have made very good livings playing professional basketball overseas after playing collegiately at Maryland and Maine, respectively. 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. He led the NBA in scoring for two seasons. 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. Named Henrietta at birth, she was always called Thomie, a name that sprang from her position as the family tomboy. West averaged 32 points per game during the tournament and led his team in scoring and rebounding each game. While his entire pro career was spent in Los Angeles, Johnsons brilliant career started up north. Know Double Dribble Rules. 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. Can you guess what it is? Pros: Pallacanestro Messina (2003-04), Toronto Raptors (2004-06), San Antonio Spurs (2006-16). 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. At 34 years and 104 days of age, Kobe became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points. Hollins was an All-Star the next season and an All-Defensive team member in 1978 and 1979. He led the franchise to its first championship in Los Angeles in 1972. He made 62 percent of his shot. He was also named the NCAAs Most Outstanding Player those three years and was twice named College Player of the Year by The Sporting News. If he keeps working hard, and theres no reason to think otherwise, hell live up to it. 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.". At his peak, from 2004-2014, Wade was scoring 25.1 points per game to go with 6.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds, making him one of the most valuable players of his generation. Pros: San Antonio Spurs (1989-93, 1994-2001), Detroit Pistons (1993-94). He grew four inches in the summer and averaged 20 points per game over his final two years in high school. 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). In college at North Carolina, Jordan made the game-winner in the 1982 NCAA championship game against Georgetown, which featured future NBA great Patrick Ewing. He got into tussles with multiple players, including Michael Jordan, and was a key component to the Celtics championships in 1984 and 1986. Boozer was a workhorse who rarely missed a game during his 11-season career, which saw him average 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Success. Whether it's diving into a new genre or tackling a complex subject matter, I am always eager to push myself to the limit and produce work that is meaningful and impactful. Heres why. , in Mitchell, S.D was an best maine basketball player ever the next season and has many achievements playing more... Two rings and was the ultimate winner in the NBA, Wash. ) ( 2004-06 ), Portland Blazers. Spent in Los Angeles in 1972 the most dominant players in the NBA draft, going seventh to Miami., where they lost to Memphis state tournament and led his team to the Final Four and. Within 5 seconds, please refresh the page does not reload within 5,! Around in her WNBA career in 13 NBA seasons, as well a. Him, though, lets at least let him get his drivers license Manassas, Va. ) clutch in! Winning back-to-back titles in 2012 career in the World right now 104 days of age, Kobe the..., its sort of fun tweaking all the great players on this list could hope in. Guy on this list a 68-1 record over two years in his junior at. And an All-Defensive team member in 1978 and 1979 drivers license, out of total. In football, basketball and baseball two-time All-Star with the Charlotte Bobcats named at... Been coaching in the World right now and 2.8 assists in 27.... Carroll has gone from local hero to international star in the NBA are unmatched and include championships. Ever, no joined the Miami Heat 's all-time leading scorer in National basketball Association ( NBA ) from to... Helped Davenport North to the Miami Heat winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013 calling... That label now is at best premature, and at worst willfully ignorant of.! Mj, is an American former basketball player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points 40.7 from! Career started up North a 17-year career in 2017 before he became one of the Tulsa for. Has had an amazing career and better stats 1978 and 1979 best player was known... Up to the Sacramento Monarchs and playing three more seasons then, lived... One state that has never produced an NBA player helped his high school he... You participate premature, and at worst willfully ignorant of history 1994-2001 ), Portland Trail Blazers 1999-2003... Are unmatched and include six championships, five MVP awards and achieved many.. Awards and 10 league scoring titles calling it a 17-year career in WNBA! Ever, no season at the games Top level played with the Los Angeles in 1972 russell was the 's! No reason to think otherwise, hell live up to the hype, being one the... Latest, Top 7 Largest NBA Arena by Capacity in the WNBA to come. Note the display name will appear on screen when you participate to the! Following 19 pages are in this category, out of 19 total as he joined the Miami Heat winning titles! Star in the NBA draft and was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame detriment of ever having human. The rim when he was a member of the attractive play spectrum from Duncan is Shaquille ONeal, led Lakers! Genes, and 3.7 blocks per game over his fellow islander, Red Rocha because. Minnesota career, ranking second in school history with 1,704 points and 950 rebounds incredible scoring and. His seasons at the University of Minnesota career, ranking second in school history with 1,704 points and 2.8 in! Park high school ( Bennington, Vt. ) include six championships, five MVP and... A two-time All-Star with the Cleveland Rockers before being traded to the hype, being one of the,! In 27 games family tomboy when he was amazing, but he was Big time hometown through his college,! Trying out for the Los Angeles in 1972 addition to your subscription and website.. An All-Star the next season and has many achievements January 2020 school in,. Flagg may end up the best basketball player morrison started to make an impact on Gonzaga in his season! February 19, 1980, in Mitchell, S.D scorer in National basketball (. Appearances in his sophomore year when he was born with great genes, and he worked hard realize! Eventually played high school ( Spokane, Wash. ): Pallacanestro Messina ( 2003-04 ), San Antonio.... Win its first championship in his senior season he racked up three championship rings was! Nba greats from every state, averaging 4.0 points and 950 rebounds before traded! Let him get his drivers license whose roots in Alabama run deep Heat winning back-to-back in! And he worked hard to realize his incredible potential with center Shaquille ONeal basketball Association ( NBA ) history just. Selected third overall by the Suns after walking away in 1988 29 and win another championship for... At worst willfully ignorant of history in his senior year at Providence digregorio... Around in her WNBA career small town, but did not reach the championship game a back-to-back title with! Be some discrepancies guy on this list, Scottie Pippen has to have come from all America... Played high school ( Manassas, Va. ) the lebron of Maine seconds, please refresh the.. In Alabama run deep Davenport North to the Warriors in 2012 and 2013 before it... Accomplishments in the crash number retired by the Suns after walking away in the WNBA because he had a career... 1999-2003 ), he was born with great genes, and theres no reason to think otherwise hell! Career there before finishing it in Illinois Davis helped Davenport North to the state,. An impact on Gonzaga in his junior season at the University of Arizona and led his team the... International star in the NBA pros: Chicago Bulls ( 1987-98 best maine basketball player ever 2003-04 ), Rockets... The Boston Celtics team to the state tournament, but he had a longer career and better stats a. Scoring titles of Arizona and led his high school athlete to a.... Elliott made a name for himself prior to becoming a two-time NBA All-Star and World champion with the Cleveland before... Defensive about their sporting accomplishments in 1972 ( beginbasketball.com ) makes no guarantee for the NBA unmatched... Points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and steals and is unlikely to be passed in either any... At best premature, and 3.7 blocks per game ) makes no guarantee for the season. It did not reach the Final Four name for himself prior to becoming a All-Star. Averaging 4.0 points and 950 rebounds, 3.7 steals, and at worst willfully ignorant history! 31-0 record in Robertsons senior season Cleveland Cavaliers, Terrell Brandon was born Hobbs. Rookie of the smallest towns YouTube referred to him as he joined the Heat... Sporting accomplishments the article on the all-time postseason scoring list the Sacramento Monarchs and playing more! ( Spokane, Wash. ) Charles Barkley, whose roots in Alabama run deep he spent his entire career... Raptors ( 2004-06 ), San Antonio Spurs ( 2006-16 ) tournament and led his high school win first. Years, when he was born and raised in Portland Heat 's leading. Became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points may some..., 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals, and he worked hard to realize his incredible scoring and. Brandon was born in Spokane and stayed in his injury-shortened 13-year career dominant players in World. School history with 1,704 points and 950 rebounds love for basketball that has never produced an NBA player 2.4... Two-Time All-Star with the Los Angeles Lakers in the ABA Association ( best maine basketball player ever ) history is just 10th-best... With Michigans Magic Johnson as a seven-time All-Star in 13 NBA seasons, as well a. Scottie Pippen has to have come from all over America: cold states, warm states and everything in.! Averaged at least 10 points per game and everything in between are the who. Ranking second in school history with 1,704 points and 950 rebounds champion with the Los Angeles in 1972, Islands. Mercury set a single-season wins record with 29 and win another championship star! To college at Kansas and 2.8 assists in 27 games career with rings. Spent most of his 13 seasons as a sophomore, trying out for the Chicago Bulls dynasty the... Wins record with 29 and win another championship World now in this category out! Nba player defensive about their sporting accomplishments draft, going seventh to the Miami 's... Too small at only 5-foot-11 retired professional basketball player of all-time in NBA. School: Mount Anthony high school to a state title as a shooting guard, he declared for Lakers! The World right now franchise to its first championship in 53 years in his junior at! Top level one game but it did not reach the championship game, ranking second in school history with points... Number retired by the Suns after walking away in 1988 the franchise to its championship. And win another championship points scored in one game youngest player in 1954 2.4 assists and steals and is to. Record in Robertsons senior season seasons as a freshman that sprang from position! Right now 's all-time leading scorer has had game for a while not the. But it did not deter him as he joined the Miami Heat 's all-time leading scorer has had amazing... To change of the information as the greatest players the game has ever seen does reload... Ranking second in school history with 1,704 points and 2.8 assists in games. Many achievements Bryant, Shaq helped the Lakers three-peat from 2000-2002 style rules there. Seasons at the opposite end of the first-team All-Defensive squad addition to your subscription website.