By Sam Odeyemi
The University of Iowa has lots of Illinois natives in it’s ranks, so we thought you might enjoy this one.
10. Shannon Brown, hometown: Maywood
Brown doesn’t boast the higher numbers, but he is an integral part of the Lakers franchise that has won the last two NBA Championships and is looking to three peat. While Brown has continued to improve his game in his 3rd year with the Lakers, he has always been a high flier. Carrer Average: 6.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1 apg
9. Terry Cummings, hometown: Chicago
Two Time NBA All star, Cummings played for seven NBA Teams. Cummings was the 1983 rookie of the year and overcame a serious knee injury to play 18 years in the NBA. Career Average: 16.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.9 apg
8.Shawn Marion, hometown: Waukegan
Nicknamed the Matrix for his freakish athleticism Marion is one of the most versatile players in the NBA. He can guard four different positions. Marion and Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire formed one of the best trios for the Phoenix Suns. He is also a 4 time NBA All star.
Career Average 16.9ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.9apg
7. Antoine Walker, hometown: Chicago
Three time NBA All Star the 6’9 combo forward teamed up with Paul Pierce and they made the Boston Celtics one of the best teams in Eastern conference. Walker won a championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.
Career Average 17.5ppg, 7.7rpg, 3.5apg
6. Jack Sikma, hometown: Kankakee
Seven time NBA All Star, Sikma won the 1979 NBA Championship with the Seattle Supersonics. Sikma was a very talented center with a variety of different post moves. Sikma also averaged double figure points and rebounds for most of his career.
Career averages 15.6ppg, 9.8rpg, and 3.2apg
5. Tim Hardaway , hometown: Chicago
Five time NBA all star, Hardaway in his prime was one of the best point guards in the NBA. He teamed up with Alonzo Mourning to make a dangerous duo for the Miami Heat. Hardaway is best known for his patent crossover called the “Killer Crossover”.
Career Averages 17.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 8.2apg
4. Michael Finley, hometown: Melrose Park
Finley was one of the ironman of the NBA playing over 15 years. He was one of the best three-point shooters in the league and his clutch shooting helped him win a ring with the San Antonio spurs in 2007. Finley is also a two time all star
Career Averages 15.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.9apg
3. Isiah Thomas, hometown: Chicago
The former point guard of the Detroit pistons, Thomas won two championships with the pistons during their “bad boy” era. He was the floor general for a very physical Detroit team and he is probably remembered for the physical playoff series with the rival Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. Thomas is a 12 time all star and the 1990 NBA Finals MVP.
Career Averages 19.2ppg, 9.3apg, 3.6rpg
2. Dwayne Wade, hometown: Chicago
One of the top five players in the NBA, D-wade won the 2006 NBA championship with the Miami Heat. Wade is the second best closer to Kobe Bryant and he can take over a game offensively in a switch. Wade is a seven time all star and the 2006 NBA finals MVP.
Career Averages 25.4ppg, 6.4apg, 5.1rpg
1. Derrick Rose, hometown: Chicago
The best player on the Chicago Bulls since Michael Jordan. Rose is having a MVP season with averages of 24.9ppg, 8.2apg, and 4.4rpg. Rose is 22 years old and has improved his game each of his first three years in the NBA; he has yet to scratch the ceiling of his true potential. Rose is also a two time NBA All star and 2008 rookie of the year.
Career Averages 20.4ppg, 6.7apg, 4.0rpg
What do you think? Who’s the best from Illinois? Who got left off the list? Who should go? Leave us a comment and get in on the conversation.
Its extremely difficult to put Derrick Rose ahead of Dwayne Wade. Rose is having an incredible season and he is making a stand for the potential MVP, but right now its extremely difficult to put him ahead of Dwayne Wade. Wade has become an elite player with 7 MVP’s and he will continue to dominate even though he is now on the stacked heat and can’t show his ability as often. he is a much better rebounded than Rose and he is a better scored, Derrick Rose needs to grow up a lot to actually become the best player from Illinois over D-Wade but right now the award has gotta go to D-Wade
You also forgot to mention Dan Issel who ranks 8th all-time on the ABA/NBA scoring list. He should be near the top of this list
Thanks for the comment Tyler. I think Rose makes his teammates better, for me that’s the difference.
Stay tuned next week’s top ten, you’re gonna love what I have in store!
KR