New York is home to some of the greatest basketball players to ever play in the NBA. Michael Jordan is arguably the best player to ever play in the NBA and he originated from New York. The NBA’s all time leading scorer also originate from New York do you know who it is? Here is a list of the top 10 NBA players that were previously born in New York. The top 10 was decided by stats and career longevity.
1. Michael Jordan- Jordan was the greatest player of all time in the NBA. This point may be argue but Jordan hit the most game winning shots and averaged the most points per game with the exception of Wilt Chamberlain. Jordan was consistent and his work ethic was unmatched. Now for the things you didn’t know. Jordan was born in Brooklyn New York and played in the NBA on and off from 1985-2003. Jordan finished his legendary career with averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar- Kareem played in the NBA from 1970-1989 and is the NBA’s all time leading scorer. Kareem finished his career with averages of 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Kareem was born in New York New York.
3. Julius Erving- Dr. J was a spectacular talent in the NBA. Erving played 16 seasons in the NBA from 1972-1987 and was born in Roosevelt. Erving finished his career with averages of 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
4. Carmelo Anthony- Anthony first began his NBA career in 2004. Anthony won a national championship in college at Syracuse and could end up in the NBA Hall of Fame. Anthony has career averages of 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
5. Bernard King- King was from Brooklyn and played 16 seasons in the NBA from 1978-1993. King averaged 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
6. Billy Cunningham- Billy played 11 NBA seasons from 1966-1976 and originated from Brooklyn also. Billy is in the NBA Hall of Fame and has career averages of 21.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
7. Charlie Scott- Scott played professionally for 10 seasons from 1971-1980. Scott is from New York and has career averages of 20.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.
8. Bob Lanier- Lanier is another NBA Hall of Fame player that dominated and is from Buffalo New York. Lanier finished his 14 seasons in the NBA with career averages of 20.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Lanier played in the NBA from 1971-1984.
9. Elton Brand- Brand has played in the NBA since 2000 and is from Cortland New York. Brand has averaged a double-double and could end up in the Hall of Fame if he can win a championship. Brand has career averages of 20.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
10. Stephon Marbury- Marbury is also from Brooklyn and has been impressive in the NBA but has not ever been able to win make basketball games. Many people believe that Marbury is a virus on a team and until he proves he can win that won’t change. Marbury has impressive career numbers of 19.7 points, 3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. Marbury began his NBA career in 1997.
