The state of Michigan has produced some exceptionally talented NBA players over the years. From Magic Johnson to Chris Webber, Michigan natives have made a significant impact at the professional level.
#5 – Glen Rice
Glen Rice was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. After a standout college career with the Michigan Wolverines, Rice was selected 4th overall in the 1989 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat.
Rice became one of the best three-point shooters in the league during his prime. He led the NBA in three-pointers made in the 1996-97 season with 167. Rice was also selected to three All-Star teams.
In 2000, Rice won an NBA championship as a key member of the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. For his career, Rice averaged 18.3 points per game and made over 1,500 three-pointers.
Key Career Achievements:
- 3x NBA All-Star (1996-1998)
- NBA Champion (2000)
- All-Rookie First Team (1990)
- Led NBA in 3 PM (1997)
#4 – George Gervin
Known by the nickname “The Iceman” for his incredibly smooth offensive game, George Gervin is an NBA legend. Although born in Detroit, he was raised in Michigan.
Gervin spent the majority of his illustrious career with the San Antonio Spurs, leading the league in scoring for four seasons. He averaged over 25 points per game for six straight years.
In 1996, Gervin was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame that same year.
Key Career Achievements:
- 9x NBA All-Star
- 4x NBA scoring champion
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1980)
- 26,595 career points
#3 – Magic Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. The Lansing, Michigan native played his college ball at Michigan State before embarking on a legendary NBA career.
Johnson won 5 championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s while revolutionizing the point guard position. At 6’9″ (2.05m), Johnson excelled at running the fast break and finding open teammates.
He was named NBA Finals MVP three times and league MVP three times. Magic retired with career averages of 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game.
Key Career Achievements:
- 5x NBA Champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987-1988)
- 3x NBA MVP (1987, 1989-1990)
- 3x NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1987)
- 12x All-Star (1980-1992)
#2 – Chris Webber
Chris Webber was born in Detroit and had a standout high school career before attending the University of Michigan. As a member of Michigan’s legendary “Fab Five” recruiting class, Webber led the Wolverines to two NCAA title games.
Webber was selected 1st overall by the Orlando Magic in the 1993 NBA Draft before being immediately traded to Golden State. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1994.
After stints with Washington and Sacramento, Webber established himself as one of the NBA’s most versatile and talented power forwards. He was a 5x All-Star and All-NBA First Team selection in 2001.
Key Career Achievements:
- 1994 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 5x NBA All-Star
- All-NBA First Team (2001)
- NBA rebounding leader (1999)
#1 – Isiah Thomas
Leading our list as the best NBA player from Michigan is Isiah Thomas. The Chicago native moved to Detroit at a young age and became a high school legend.
Thomas attended Indiana University before entering the 1981 NBA Draft. He was selected 2nd overall by the Detroit Pistons, where he played his entire 13-year career.
As leader of the “Bad Boy” Pistons, Thomas won back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. He was also named NBA Finals MVP in 1990 after averaging 27.6 points per game in the series.
Key Career Achievements:
- 2x NBA Champion (1989-1990)
- 1990 NBA Finals MVP
- 12x All-Star (1982-1993)
- All-Rookie First Team (1982)
Honorable Mentions
Here are some other great NBA players from Michigan that didn’t quite crack the top 5:
- Jalen Rose – 13-year career, All-Rookie Second Team, Most Improved Player
- Terry Mills – Solid role player, two-time NBA Champion
- Steve Smith – Journeyman scorer, one-time All-Star
Sources:
bleacherreport.com/articles/1434548-michigan-basketball-ranking-the-wolverines-all-time-best-nba-players
en.as.com/ncaa/who-are-the-most-famous-nba-players-from-michigan-university-n-2/
www.dunkest.com/en/nba/news/153719/best-nba-players-that-came-from-michigan
