NBA: Greatest Active Player Born from All 50 States

Every single person in this world has roots.

NBA players are proud of where they came from, and it is interesting to hear everyone's story. The two players shown in the above picture are guys who have represented their respective states as the top dog of the NBA.

In the following 42 slides (there are nine states that do not have any active natives), I will list the best player from each of the available states. Please note that they are only based on where they were born, as this creates a level playing field for all.

Enjoy, and do not hesitate to leave me some constructive feedback!

You can follow Joseph on Twitter @JosephFafinski for the latest and greatest in the NBA and the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Alabama: Gerald Wallace

Gerald Wallace is one of the most underrated players in the league today.

Amidst a plethora of decent players, Wallace emerges due to his true grit on both sides of the hardwood in addition to his solid résumé. He has an All-Star appearance, and at 29 you've got to figure he's entering his prime as a member of the loaded Trail Blazers. It's interesting, too, to note that he is the best player in the history of a franchise, the Charlotte Bobcats.

However, if this were judging active careers, then Ben Wallace would be first. Charles Barkley is the all-timer, though.

Honorable Mention: DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, Ben Wallace, Theo Ratliff

All-Time: Charles Barkley

Alaska: Mario Chalmers

"Super" Mario Chalmers has the distinction of being the only player in NBA history to hail from the northernmost state in all of America.

Hailing from Anchorage, the 6'2" Chalmers was the Alaska State Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons. He also led Bartlett to two state championship titles.

In unfortunate news, ultra NBA bust Trajan Langdon, who actually went on to have a fine career in Europe (thanks to reader Scott Woodham for bringing that to my attention), technically wasn't born in the tundra, but he hails from the state.

Honorable Mention: None—Mario's the only one.

All-Time: Chalmers

Arizona: Jerryd Bayless

It's hard to believe that a state that ranks 16th in the country in population can only manage to put out two active players in the association, but that's just what Arizona has done.

Phoenix native Jerryd Bayless, a Toronto Raptor, is better than Mesa's Larry Owens, a Washington Wizard, so therefore, he is the best in the state.

Bayless averaged around 10 points, three rebounds and four assists per game for the Raps last season and figures to play an integral role in the system next year.

Honorable Mention: Larry Owens

All-Time: Paul Silas

Arkansas: Joe Johnson

Joe Johnson has had a career arc that mirrors that of Jennifer Lopez's.

For the first part, they were phenomenal and abundantly successful, but recently, it's been difficult to look at. At the same time, though, both are just trying to fight back to relevancy in their respective fields.

J.J. has been an elite shooting guard for a while, and even after a disappointing 2010-11 season, he can still be considered a top-25 player in this league. There really should be no doubters whatsoever.

Johnson, a Little Rock native who has been selected an All-Star five times in a row (the fifth based solely on his name), is second only in the state's history to the immortal Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen.

Honorable Mention: Derek Fisher, Sonny Weems

All-Time: Scottie Pippen

California: Russell Westbrook

Let me make something clear—as of right now, I would take Kevin Love as the player for the future, but if I have a do-or-die game tomorrow, I essentially need Paul Pierce's game to win.

Pierce is as gritty as they come. He's had the best career out of the three top candidates, but remember that this is all about right now and not overall careers, as evidenced in the Gerald Wallace over Ben Wallace selection out east in Alabama.

So where exactly does Russell Westbrook fit into the mix?

I honestly believe he's the best all-around player from California. He's quick, he's tough, he can defend and we all know he has confidence. If we didn't before, the 2011 postseason was enough proof. Westbrook was tossing up shots like a partier would toss them back on a Friday night.

It might change very soon, but for now I'd go with Westbrook over any of the other many viable options. He has really impressed me over the past two seasons, earning two All-Star bids and a second-team All-NBA nod in the process.

Let's for a second assume that we could start a team with the below players. A starting five like Westbrook/Ray Allen/Pierce/Love/Brook Lopez could beat any NBA team any given night. Toss in a Jason Kidd/Arron Afflalo/James Harden/Tyson Chandler/Brandon Jennings/Landry Fields/Nick Young bench, and you're virtually unstoppable. That franchise would win 75 games. While we're on an unfortunate hiatus, let's call them the Californians and have them play in, say, San Diego.

How dominant would they be?

Honorable Mention: Kevin Love, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Arron Afflalo, Brook Lopez, Jason Kidd, Brandon Jennings, James Harden, Tyson Chandler, Andre Miller, Landry Fields, Nick Young

All-Time: Bill Walton

Colorado: Chauncey Billups

Chauncey Billups is, by far, the best player to ever come out of the state that's most famous for its landscape and its outdoor (and mostly winter) activities.

In fact, the gap that separates Chauncey and the second-place man (Joe Kleine) is bigger than that of the disturbing gap that is present within the confines of Michael Strahan's chompers—and that's saying something.

Billups was born and bred in the state's largest city, and the future Hall of Famer (in my humble opinion) really makes up for what the state otherwise lacks throughout its history.

He has averaged 15 points and dished out five assists per game and made five All-Star appearances and three All-NBA teams throughout his 14-year career.

Honorable Mention: Jason Smith

All-Time: Billups

Connecticut: Ryan Gomes

Oh boy, Ryan Gomes!

That's a statement that quite possibly no one has uttered during the course of his seven-year career.

The fact is, he does everything quietly and decently at that. His work ethic, additionally, is nearly unmatched around the association, so it's hard to deny he does indeed make an impact on the basketball court.

He narrowly defeats the aging Marcus Camby for the slot.

The many children that Calvin Murphy has fathered (from many women, at that) believe their father is the all-time selection.

I can't argue with a 14-9 career either. Oh wait, that's the number of children and women Calvin has, er, reproduced and been with.

As disgusting as it is, he is only one off the famed double-double.

Honorable Mention: Marcus Camby

All-Time: Calvin Murphy

Delaware: Joey Graham

You know that when the Graham crackers are the top two players from the state of Delaware, the talent has a clear limit.

Two of the NBA's most worthless make up for a state that was first to be admitted to the country.

On a side note, Joey Graham has scored almost 2,000 points—in his six-year career.

Honorable Mention: Stephen Graham

All-Time: Joey Graham

Washington DC: Kevin Durant

Since Washington, D.C. technically isn't a state, it shouldn't be on this list.

But in reality, the guys on the list were too good to pass up.

Kevin Durant? Elgin Baylor?

Just call it the Dream Team now!

But seriously, Durant's inclusion was about as easy as second-grade spelling. He really is turning into a solid all-around player, and his improvement on the defensive end over the years should be lauded.

I believe the Durantula, no quotations needed, is already a top-100 player in NBA history. No more should he be trailing the likes of Tom Chambers or Bailey Howell.

Honorable Mention: Roger Mason Jr.

All-Time: Elgin Baylor

Florida: Amar'e Stoudemire

A few years ago, this might've been Vince Carter's (or Tracy McGrady's) spot, but now that Amar'e Stoudemire has grabbed the spot, all that (use-your-imagination expletive) is fictitious, as Fergie once said.

Amar'e is one of the best players in the league, and the Lake Wales native is more than deserving of this slot on the list.

Stoudemire, a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBAer, has the competitive nature but lacks the defensive intensity to become the league's best.

Then again, so did Vince. All-timer David Robinson, on the other hand, did not.

Honorable Mention: Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Udonis Haslem, Gilbert Arenas

All-Time: David Robinson

Georgia: Dwight Howard

After much deliberation—okay, not really at all; this one was obvious—Dwight Howard is the winner of the Georgia contest.

He dominates in the paint, he's averaged 19 and 13 throughout his already illustrious career and he's the best defender in the game today. Oh, not to mention he's also the best center since Shaq.

The goofy-natured Howard even got away with stealing the Big Aristotle's moniker, Superman. Who else could do that around the league? Only Dwight, a guy who has become one of the league's most marketable stars.

Need I explain the inclusion more?

For now, Walt "Clyde" Frazier is the all-time guy, but a couple championships might be the only thing standing between Dwight and the spot.

Honorable Mention: Josh Smith, Al Thornton, J.J. Hickson, Derrick Favors

All-Time: Walt Frazier

Idaho: Luke Ridnour

Do kids in Coeur d'Alene play basketball?

Well, there's only one way to find out: Ask Luke Ridnour if he had any competition while growing up in the northwestern Idaho town of about 44,000 residents that's more known for its resorts over its people.

Nonetheless, Ridnour has proved himself as a valuable role player throughout his decade bopping around the association.

Honorable Mention: None—Luke's the only one.

All-Time: Ridnour

Illinois: Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade led his Miami Heat to an NBA Finals trophy in just his third season in the league. Had it not been for Wade's 2010-11 Heatles, fellow Illinois native Derrick Rose likely would have done the same.

Wade excels in nearly every facet of the game of basketball, and the Chicago native is, with no respect to D-Rose, very much a better baller than the Bull.

Flash is beloved by all in the Windy City even though he is a foe on the court, and the sure-fire Hall of Famer holds this spot until Rose does something that the 6'4" Marquette Golden Eagle hasn't done (outside MVP, of course). That's quite the task, but Rose is up for it.

Honorable Mention: Derrick Rose, Shawn Marion, Andre Iguodala, Tony Allen, Shannon Brown, Corey Maggette

All-Time: Isiah Thomas

Indiana: Zach Randolph

In a surprisingly solid pool of players, the Indiana native whose skills are best shown on the basketball court has to be Zach Randolph.

Z-Bo, who added a third-team All-NBA appearance to his résumé, has become a formidable force in the paint that almost no one wants to match up with. What he has in his post game makes up for what he lacks physically given his poor athleticism.

Of course, we all know of the all-timer; it's the Hick from French Lick himself, Larry Bird.

Honorable Mention: Eric Gordon, George Hill

All-Time: Larry Bird

Iowa: Kirk Hinrich

In the "Field of Opportunities," as the welcome sign declares on the 35W Minnesota/Iowa border, there isn't exactly a huge selection to choose from.

In fact, Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison (who were coincidentally the Co-Mr. Iowa recipients in 1999) are the only current NBA players who can proclaim themselves to be true-blooded Iowans.

Hinrich has put together a nice little career in the association, most notably when he attained a starting role in the Chicago Bulls' rotation for the greater part of five seasons.

His forte lies within his strong on-ball defense, something that has helped him maintain his standing as one of the best perimeter guys in that aspect.

Not bad for a kid from Sioux City.

Honorable Mention: Nick Collison

All-Time: Hinrich

Kansas: Maurice Evans

Well, it was a dead heat between two mediocre players in Maurice Evans and Earl Watson, but the former escaped with a hard-fought victory.

Evans struggled to find a niche with the Hawks for three seasons and soon was sent to the Wizards back in February, where he concluded the season in fine form.

Cheers to a good future in our nation's capital for Maurice!

After all, he's not necessarily in Kansas anymore.

Honorable Mention: Earl Watson

All-Time: Alvan Adams

Kentucky: Rajon Rondo

Being that Rajon Rondo's only real competition for best Kentucky native is Portland rookie Nolan Smith, it's not hard to imagine why he's the top dog in a state where Seabiscuit would've been a fine selection.

Rondo was the floor general for one championship team and played extremely well during that run. It's easy to see why many (myself not among them) think he's a top-five point guard in the league.

In unrelated news, Rondo needs a nickname. Suggestions?

Honorable Mention: Nolan Smith

All-Time: Dave Cowens

Louisiana: Danny Granger

The NBA is a surprisingly deep Louisiana-rooted league.

Danny Granger, Glen Davis, Antawn Jamison and Thaddeus Young all call the Southern state their birthplace.

Granger is the best overall of the bunch, and perhaps the best leader, additionally. He has put up 18.2 points per game and drained better than 84 percent of his foul shots with the Pacers during his six-year stint in the association thus far.

But it's hard to top all-timer Bill Russell, who is so legendary that even Barney Stinson would be shocked.

Honorable Mention: Glen Davis, Antawn Jamison, Thaddeus Young

All-Time: Bill Russell

Maryland: Rudy Gay

Rudy Gay emerges victorious out of a pool of young budding stars, eking out the spot over fellow 20-somethings Michael Beasley and Jeff Green.

Gay, although injured during Memphis' magical run this past postseason, will continue to be the franchise player everyone pegs him to be in western Tennessee.

He was, after all, averaging nearly 20 points, six boards and three assists per game prior to being injured.

Pothead Beasley and genius Green round out the top three.

Honorable Mention: Michael Beasley, Jeff Green

All-Time: Sam Cassell

Massachusetts: Jeff Adrien

It's hard to choose a guy who has scored just 57 points throughout his NBA career, but that's exactly what I must do in selecting Jeff Adrien.

Adrien, a Brookline native, narrowly beats out Patrick Ewing's son for the spot.

Honorable Mention: Patrick Ewing Jr.

All-Time: Bill Laimbeer

Michigan: Jason Richardson

Boy, was this a difficult decision. I plan on hearing reasons why all four of the listed players deserve the spot on this list.

What I think separates Richardson from the pack is his thriving need to win games. Neither Wilson Chandler nor Shane Battier possesses the quality quite like the Saginaw native does, and I think that's what makes him such a special player.

Wow, I actually used back-to-back q-words in that last sentence. Are pigs flying yet?

Chris Kaman is also deserving of a mention. It would also be more criminal than Casey Anthony not being convicted of murder for me not to mention all-timer "Magic" Johnson, who perhaps holds the most symbolic first name in NBA history.

Honorable Mention: Chris Kaman, Wilson Chandler, Shane Battier

All-Time: Magic Johnson

Minnesota: Kris Humphries

As a native of Chaska, Minnesota myself, I can tell you that local golden boy Kris Humphries has always been known around the area for his success at the collegiate level as a Minnesota Golden Gopher.

But over the past year, something has changed. In the last 12 months alone, he's cured the woes in both his love life and his basketball game. Life is good for the 26-year-old, who is about to marry perhaps one of America's biggest celebrity divas.

I just went a whole four sentences talking about Kris Humphries without mentioning Kim Kardashian. That is, without a doubt, the greatest feat anyone has accomplished throughout the duration of this slideshow.

Honorable Mention: Joel Przybilla, Cole Aldrich, Jon Leuer

All-Time: Kevin McHale

Mississippi: Monta Ellis

I was legitimately surprised when researching the best players in Mississippi, as it had a solid assortment to choose from.

Like a kid in a candy store, I picked the sweetest in Monta Ellis.

Ever since becoming Parade's National Player of the Year in 2005, the kid from Jackson has put together a solid career, even winning the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2007.

Until recently, Mississippi hasn't really been a mecca of sorts, so Ellis also snags the all-time spot on the list.

Honorable Mention: Al Jefferson, Mo Williams

All-Time: Ellis

Missouri: David Lee

Though he doesn't play a lick of defense, it isn't safe to say David Lee is a poor basketball player.

He's been an All-Star and a viable offensive option in the post during his six-year career.

Although he currently holds the spot, there's no telling what Tyler Hansbrough can do over the next few years, and there's a possibility he could overtake the St. Louis native if he performs exceptionally.

Honorable Mention: Tyler Hansbrough, Anthony Tolliver, Brandon Rush

All-Time: Jo Jo White

Nevada: C.J. Watson

Did you know that every NBA player who has ever come out of Nevada was born in Las Vegas?

Although that doesn't really surprise me, the thing that does intrigue my mind has to do with how many exactly were conceived by a hangover-like mistake. I am led to the conclusion that all-timer Ricky Davis has to be the one that fits this hypothetical situation.

Nonetheless, C.J. Watson, a 6'2" point guard, has found himself in a boring yet rewarding situation backing up Derrick Rose for the Chicago Bulls.

I believe the former Tennessee Volunteer has the skills to start somewhere, but he did a decent job last season, averaging five points and better than two assists in just 13 minutes of play per game.

Now Ricky Davis, on the other hand, would challenge Rose to a "I'll-miss-this-shot-so-I-can-snag-a-rebound-and-garner-a-triple-double" contest.

And he'd win.

Honorable Mention: Marcus Banks

All-Time: Ricky Davis

New Hampshire: Matt Bonner

The only player in New Hampshire's history, Matt "The Red Rocket" Bonner has become a decent role player in the San Antonio Spurs' system.

The three-point specialist is seven years into his unique career.

Born and raised in Concord, Bonner is a prime example of someone who hasn't forgotten his roots.

Honorable Mention: None—Matt's the only one.

All-Time: Bonner

New Jersey: Andrew Bynum

Now that the Diesel has retired, it is only fitting that Andrew Bynum, one of the few legitimate centers in the association, takes over the position. 

In six seasons, Bynum has revealed himself as a dominant force in the paint when healthy. Well, when he behaves himself, at least.

If Bynum is the Snooki of NBA players from the shore, then the all-timer, the Shaq Daddy, is undoubtedly Mike, also known as "The Situation."

The two are alike in the fact that they are the cockiest in their respective groups, and they are always the ones who flirt the most—Shaq with the media and the Situation with any girl that has a pulse.

Would you guys believe me if I told you I had only watched a single episode of the show? I don't think so either. To be frank, the reality show is like a Ke$ha music video, meaning that while it's hard to look at, you can't move your eyes away from it.

It should be duly noted that I've only watched one Ke$ha music video too. It was "Tik-Tok," I swear. Don't tell me you haven't seen it either. That video was like the holiday beat in the winter of '09.

Long and pointless rants aside, Jerry Buss' untradable son takes the Jersey cake here, edging out Mike Bibby and J.R. Smith.

Honorable Mention: Mike Bibby, J.R. Smith, Al Harrington

All-Time: Shaquille O'Neal

New York: Carmelo Anthony

Talent doesn't begin to describe the players that come out of the Empire State.

Just by using active players, we can form a legitimate NBA starting lineup with Jonny Flynn, Ron Artest, Carmelo Anthony, Lamar Odom and Joakim Noah.

'Melo wins the first prize in this state, and ever since he came out of Syracuse in 2003, he's easily been one of the league's most consistent offensive players. 

Otherwise, Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are the historical figures here.

Honorable Mention: Lamar Odom, Joakim Noah, Ron Artest

All-Time: Michael Jordan (with apologies to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)

North Carolina: Chris Paul

Chris Paul is everything you want in a point guard—a guy who can shoot, pass, steal and lead a team exceptionally in all ways.

It feels difficult to leave John Wall, who is a sort of poor man's Paul, off, but it is completely necessary in order to attain list nirvana.

A 26-year-old Lewisville native, Chris Paul has four times been an All-Star and three times been an All-Defensive selection. His 2008-09 campaign was also one of the best in recent memory.

He averaged 22.8 points, 11.2 assists (which led the association), 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 steals (also league-leading) per game. The only word to properly describe those numbers? Try "wow."

Honorable Mention: John Wall, Josh Howard

All-Time: Sam Jones (with Paul looming)

Ohio: LeBron James

Whether you want him gone or you want him for yourself, LeBron James is undoubtedly the best player from the state of Ohio.

Although there are some B-list players to choose from in Kevin Martin and Stephen Curry, the choice should be obvious. I mean, the guy is the best all-around player in the game, and no one can even try to deny that.

He can shoot, pass and defend at the highest of levels. There's really no argument against him.

Ohio's least favorite player is its best, and there's nothing you can do about.

Honorable Mention: Kevin Martin, Stephen Curry

All-Time: James

Oklahoma: Blake Griffin

Here's a guy who is just primed for future success. You know he just has it in his veins.

Blake Griffin never will forget his Oklahoma roots, where he is easily the best active player to come out of the Sooner State.

Just for shiggles, I should inform you that he averaged a solid 22.5 points, 12.1 boards and 3.8 assists per game for the Clippers.

Honorable Mention: Ekpe Udoh

All Time: Mark Price

Oregon: Ronnie Brewer

It seems downright unfair (like not casting Charlie Sheen as the hilarious drunk on Two and a Half Men from the fall of 2011 on) to put a rookie as the best player from Oregon, so for now, until Kyle Singler proves he's better, we'll settle on Ronnie Brewer of the Chicago Bulls as this slide's selection.

Brewer relies on his defensive prowess to hold his game together, but he actually isn't a bad player altogether outside of that department.

The Portland native has averaged better than nine points and three rebounds while shooting 51 percent from the field and 70 percent from the charity stripe.

Those aren't especially shabby numbers.

Honorable Mention: Kyle Singler

All-Time: A.C. Green

Pennsylvania: Kobe Bryant

The day Kobe Bryant retires will be one that basketball fans aren't likely to forget.

This top-10 all-time player might not be just like Mike, but he's darn close.

And after 14 years in the league? He's still the best Pennsylvania product in the league.

Honorable Mention: Rip Hamilton, Kyle Lowry, Jameer Nelson

All-Time: Wilt Chamberlain

South Carolina: Kevin Garnett

A legend just like Kobe Bean Bryant, Kevin Garnett destroys his only competition, Raymond Felton, as the best player that calls South Carolina his birthplace.

Before KG moved out of Mauldin, a town of just over 15,000 residents, he dominated high school basketball statewide.

The Big Ticket is still, at 34 years young, one of the best defenders in the game, and his offensive game isn't exactly a liability either.

Honorable Mention: Raymond Felton

All-Time: Garnett

South Dakota: Mike Miller

Being a guy from Mitchell, South Dakota, Mike Miller's life has transpired like something straight out of the It's a Wonderful Life script.

Miller has been a decent option as a pro, besting 13 points and five rebounds per game over the course over a 733-game (and counting) career.

The 6'8" Miller also has a great shot to win some titles if he remains a member of the hated Miami Heat over the coming years.

Honorable Mention: None—Mike's the only one.

All-Time: Miller

Tennessee: Lou Williams

Lou Williams ekes out the Tennessee inclusion over Corey Brewer and J.J. Redick. His overall accolades and potential have omitted any chance the Memphis son had of missing out on this spot.

Williams, who was tabbed too small (at 6'1") to play shooting guard by many "experts," has overcome adversity to average better than 11 points per game each of the last four Sixer campaigns.

He's also one of the best sixth men and bench players around the league.

Big O easily takes home the all-timer spot as a small-town Charlotte native.

Honorable Mention: Corey Brewer, J.J. Redick

All-Time: Oscar Robertson

Texas: LaMarcus Aldridge

Just taking a look at the honorable mention section below has made this choice one of the hardest I've had to make over the course of this slideshow.

I picked LaMarcus Aldridge for several reasons, though: For one, he is the most well-rounded power forward in the league, bar none; secondly, he has the best leadership qualities out of anyone except maybe Grant Hill; and lastly, he's the best defender to be found.

It was a tough choice, but in the end, it's Aldridge who is the league's most underrated player, and a supporter like me can only take so much. He really does deserve the spot.

Honorable Mention: Chris Bosh, Stephen Jackson, Wesley Matthews, Emeka Okafor, Grant Hill

All-Time: Bill Sharman

Virginia: Reggie Williams

Well, it was either an up-and-comer, my choice of two disappointing veterans or a rookie (not to say he's also not an up-and-comer too), so of course I picked the first option.

The drop-off that occurred between the 2009-10 and the 2010-11 seasons can be attributed to the acquisition of fellow swingman Dorell Wright last summer. Williams would undoubtedly finish with double-digit point per game numbers on at least half the squads around the league.

Allen Iverson, although not technically a member of the league, is still active I guess, but that would feel like a plain old cheap pick if I selected him. Random story while I'm at it—I went to Guatemala on a service trip in January and met a guy with the exact same name as the Answer.

He reiterated to me that, no, he was not the basketball Allen Iverson. Good, I was worried for a second, I thought. I couldn't tell behind your blond hair and your lack of any present tattoos or athletic ability whatsoever. I really hope he doesn't read this; it would make for an extremely awkward conversation the next time I see him.

Move along now.

Honorable Mention: Keith Bogans, Joe Smith

All-Time: Allen Iverson

Washington: Brandon Roy

First, I picked Jason Terry. Then I picked Jamal Crawford. Finally, I settled on Brandon Roy.

After all, how could I hide behind a guy who was, as recently as two years ago, considered a top-10 player in the league?

Roy proved he could still play during the 2011 playoff run, scoring 19 points in a memorable comeback over the future champions, and he will continue to be an integral catalyst of the Trail Blazers' future success. Yes, I predict success for them in the coming years—maybe as soon as (dare I say?) next April!

As far as his background goes, the 6'6" shooting guard never donned a uni for a team that was located outside of Washington until he moved one state to the south to play for the Blazers professionally.

Talk about a love for the Northwest.

Honorable Mention: Jason Terry, Jamal Crawford, Aaron Brooks

All-Time: John Stockton

West Virginia: Deron Williams

I'll bet half of you didn't know that Deron Williams is from the great state of West Virginia. Shouldn't a guy who has averaged 17 points and nine assists per game automatically be from California or New York?

Actually, for a state that has a shade under two million residents, it's fairly impressive that ballers like D-Will and the Logo can call themselves natives.

Williams, one of the best all-around point guards in NBA history, hails from Parkersburg, a city most known for being mentioned in Johnny Cash's hit song "I've Been Everywhere."

Honorable Mention: O.J. Mayo, Bill Walker, Jason Williams

All-Time: Jerry West

Wisconsin: Caron Butler

As much as Wisconsinites might be proud that Caron Butler is from their fatherland, I'm fairly certain he wouldn't say the same about America's 30th admitted state. He was a convicted drug dealer at 11 years old, and within four years he had been arrested at least 15 times.

At least they can revel in their (and my) Packers winning the Super Bowl this past February. A repeat is going to happen; I'll take any bets. Wait, that's illegal. Hold that thought.

Anyway, Butler has since recovered from his bad ways to become a great NBA player, and good for him for getting back on the right track.

It's amazing what the game of basketball can do for a struggling young fellow. The two-time All-Star and former Big East Player of the Year recipient—he played for UConn—sincerely deserves this spot.

The guy who made the phrases "Coach Choker" and "I-need-money-to-feed-my-family" famous is the all-timer here. I don't even need to state his name.

Honorable Mention: Devin Harris, Anthony Carter

All-Time: Latrell Sprewell

Wyoming: James Johnson

James Johnson, a Toronto Raptor and a Cheyenne native, wins this spot because, well, he's the only eligible baller for the position.

Johnson isn't just a pity pick, though, as he averaged better than nine points per game in 25 games for the Raps after being dealt from the Bulls just prior to the trade deadline.

Honorable Mention: None—James is the only one.

All-Time: Kenny Sailors

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