In the heart of H-Town, where the sun shines bright and the hoops’ dreams shine brighter, a legacy of basketball excellence has emerged. Houston, Texas, has been the breeding ground for some of the most remarkable NBA talents. In a city where basketball isn’t just a game but a way of life, we present to you the top 10 NBA players ever to rise from the Houston area, filled with controversy and excitement.
- Gerald Green: The Gulf Shores Phenom
Gerald Green, the high-flying shooting guard/small forward, catapulted into the NBA straight from Gulf Shores Academy. Picked in the first round by the Boston Celtics in the 2005 NBA Draft, Green’s tenacity and style on the court made him a fan favorite. He left an indelible mark on the game, finishing his 12-year career with a scoring average of nearly 10 points per game.
- Greg “Cadillac” Anderson: The San Antonio Sweetheart
Evan E. Worthing graduate Greg “Cadillac” Anderson made NBA scouts drool with his talent as an amateur. The San Antonio Spurs couldn’t resist, selecting him as their first-round pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. “Cadillac” had a quick impact, earning NBA All-Rookie first-team honors in 1988. The 6-foot-10 powerhouse made the NBA his playground for a solid decade.
- Stephen Jackson: The Houstonian Maverick
Cap’n Jack, the 6-foot-8 maverick from Houston, honed his skills in nearby Port Arthur. Chosen as the second pick by the Phoenix Suns in the 1997 NBA Draft, Jackson’s journey was nothing short of remarkable, spanning 14 seasons. He achieved the ultimate glory by clinching an NBA title in 2003 with the San Antonio Spurs.
- Emeka Okafor: The Bellaire Sensation
The 6-foot-10 big man of H-Town, Emeka Okafor, emerged from Houston and honed his craft at UConn, where he captured an NCAA championship. His NBA journey began in 2004 when he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award as a Charlotte Bobcat. Okafor’s incredible career spanned ten years, marked by an average of 12 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game.
- De’Aaron Fox: The “Swipa” Sensation from Katy
De’Aaron Fox, a 6-foot-3 dynamo from Katy, Texas, showcased his talents at Cypress Lakes before making waves at the NBA. Joining the Sacramento Kings in 2017, he secured a spot among the league’s best, earning his first All-Star selection. Last season, he added an All-NBA honor to his impressive list of achievements.
- Rashard Lewis: The Quiet Man from Alief Elsik
Straight from Alief Elsik High School to the NBA, Rashard Lewis, the 6-foot-10 “Quiet Man,” made a name for himself. Picked in the second round by the Seattle Supersonics in the 1998 NBA Draft, he made two All-Star appearances during his 14-year career. In 2013, Lewis added an NBA championship ring as a member of the Miami Heat.
- DeAndre Jordan: DeAndre 3000 Takes Over the NBA
DeAndre Jordan, the 6-foot-11 powerhouse from H-Town, made his mark in the NBA with the L.A. Clippers in 2008. Hailing from Christian Life Academy, he collected an impressive five All-League honors. Jordan recently secured the coveted NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in June, solidifying his status as an NBA legend.
- Slater Martin: The 1950s Icon
Dugie, a product of Jefferson Davis High School, cemented his legacy in the 1950s. After four years at Texas, he joined the Minneapolis Lakers in 1949, forming a magical partnership with George Mikan that led to five NBA championships.
- Jimmy Butler: Tomball’s Marquette Marvel
Jimmy Butler, the 6-foot-7 Tomball graduate of H-Town, ascended to NBA stardom with five All-NBA awards and five all-defensive team selections. Today, he shines as the star of the Miami Heat, captivating basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
- Clyde Drexler: Clyde the Glide Soars to the Top
At the pinnacle of our list is Clyde Drexler, a 10-time All-Star with five All-NBA honors. The Sterling High School star achieved the NBA summit with his hometown Houston Rockets in 1995 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004.
In the heart of Houston, these legendary ballers have left an indelible mark on the game of basketball, embodying the city’s rich hoops heritage. These rankings are sure to spark debates and ignite the passions of basketball enthusiasts everywhere.
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