Despite failing to produce any stars in recent times, New Jersey still remains as the hub for talented basketball. Over the period of time, some of the best of the game who have made their mark in the National Basketball Association (NBA) hail from New Jersey. Here is the list of top 5 best NBA players from New Jersey. The list includes both players born in New Jersey and players who are not born in New Jersey but attend college in the state.
5. Kyrie Irving
He was the overall no.1 pick in the NBA draft 2011. Kyrie has already made his name and became a popular figure among the fans. The 29 years old has won the NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Furthermore, he won the gold medal with the USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Irving has been a 7 time NBA all-star and won the all-star MVP award in 2014.
4. Dennis Rodman
Dennis Keith Rodman is an American former professional basketball player. Nicknamed “the Worm” he played for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. Rodman is a five time NBA champion and twice won the defensive player of the year award. Dennis is arguably the best rebounder in the game, averaging 13.1 rebounds a game during his 14 years career.
3. Tom Heinsohn
Heinsohn was an American professional basketball player. He won 8 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics as a player and two titles as a coach. Before making his NBA debut, he played at St. Michael’s High School in Union City, and in 1957 was named NBA Rookie of the Year. Tom was inducted into the Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his contributions as a player.
2. Rick Barry
For his impressive career, Rick Barry was named in the top 50 NBA players of all time in 1996. Rick is the only player in basketball history to lead the NCAA, the ABA and the NBA in scoring for a single season. He won the NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 1975 and was also named NBA finals MVP.
1. Shaquille O’Neal
The greatest player ever to play in the NBA from New Jersey is Shaquille O’Neal. He won four NBA championships and was named MVP in three NBA finals. Adding to it, he won the NBA most valuable player award in 2000 and appeared 15 times in the NBA all-star game. Shaquille has scored 28,596 points in his career. The 7-foot-1 star also ranks third all-time in field goal percentage (58.2).