Arizona is a basketball talent hotbed that has spawned numerous NBA legends throughout history. Here are some of the greatest Arizona-born NBA legends, a testament to their legacy and how they ascended from local heroes to global icons who made their mark on the league.
We’ll glimpse their signature numbers, their moments of highlight, and those intangibles that made them so unique, reflecting Arizona’s storied basketball tradition built upon hustle, heart, and a will to win.
Lauri Markkanen
Born on May 2nd, 1997, Lauri Markkanen is one of the notable players currently in the NBA. Prior to his draft for the Utah Jazz, he played for Arizona. The Finnish professional plays the position of small forward or power forward and this season has an overall rating of 84.
What makes Markkanen a threat and a great addition to a fantasy roster is his outside scoring ability. The man currently boasts a 97 close-shot rating, one not easy to come by. If you’re a Jazz fan, you probably have him already, but if you’re considering adding him, just do it. Speaking of fantasy sports and games of luck, the famous sportsbook operator BetMGM is currently offering great bonuses with the first deposit and a great selection of games you can click here to check.
If you thought he would stop there, think again. Markkanen is a serious threat when shooting from behind the arc. He has an 80 three-point shot rating to back him up. With a whopping 15 badges to his name, Markkanen is sure on his way to the top.
T J McConnell
Mr jersey number #9, is in the house. McConnell is a power guard playing on the same team as Mathurin, the Indiana Pacers. With 10 years in the NBA, he is quite the seasoned veteran.
He ranks at 79 overall, with a three-pointer score coming to 75. Yes, he is quite accurate with those kinds of shots, making him a long-range threat. However, his height scores down his dunking score, that comes in at 25.
He is 6’1, and while that is tall, in the court, he’s considered tiny. Despite his ankle sprain that left him out in their game against the Nuggets, he’s still quite the threat.
Bennedict Mathurin
The young, promising NBA player has been making waves in the NBA. Born on 16th February 2002, the young prodigy hailing from Arizona plays as a small forward for the Indiana Pacers.
While he has a decent rating, his career has been riddled with injuries. This season, he missed out on the Pacers yesterday against the Hornets due to a calf injury. Last season, he suffered a shoulder tear that sent him to surgery.
Even with a low three-point average at 34.6%, Mathurin is still quite the player. Even while he has struggled with injuries, he still has an overall rank of 80.
Aaron Gordon
The 29-year-old American is also another talent in the NBA. Born on 26th September 1995, he currently plays for the Denver Nuggets as a power guard.
He is quite the three-point threat, given his 83 score average. If you’d think that’s it, think again. His overall score at the Nuggets is 88. This season, he has made 46 appearances, averaging 14.3 points and 3.1 assists per game.
He recently missed out on their Wednesday game with San Antonio due to a calf injury and illness. Talk about double trouble. However, he is expected to be back in form quite soon.
Deandre Ayton
Deandre Ayton is another court beast hailing from Arizona. Rated 83 in the last season, he has continuously proven why the Portland Trail Blazers need him. Born on 23rd July 1998, the 7 ft tall baller is quite the player for his team.
He plays at the center and this season he has averaged 14.4 points per game. He is also no stranger to injuries. Ever since February 12th, however, he has been benched due to a left calf strain. He is still out but we expect to see him bounce back in action in a few weeks.
And there you have it, folks. Here are the top players from Arizona. Most of them, like Mathurin and Markkanen, are still making waves in their respective teams, and their rating back them up.
