It’s a common occurrence to have a state produce a series of fantastic basketball players in a short timeframe and Michigan is no different. Currently, there are two homegrown All-Star caliber players from Michigan and plenty of other top players in the NBA.
We are not talking about Michigan universities, but NBA stars who were born and raised in the Great Lake state. Below, we dissect the state’s current NBA talent and have listed their five best players who are active in the league — enjoy!
1. Devin Booker
We are willing to bet that if Devin Booker stays healthy in the upcoming season, then he will be an All-Star and have an All-NBA selection. He has a special talent, and it was incredibly surprising that he missed out on an All-Star slot last season.
This was mainly due to injuries and lack of playing time, because his stats continue to be superb — averaging over 27 PPG for the season with excellent efficiency. So, if you want to use the best NBA betting sites and put money on him and the Suns for the 2023-24 season, we think it’s a great wager!
Booker was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has basketball running through his veins. His dad, Melvin Booker, was a great college basketball player. Every season in the NBA, he has continued to improve and remains one of the top shooting guards in the league and an elite offensive presence.
2. Draymond Green
Whether you love or hate him, Draymond Green is an NBA star, and he will most likely be a future hall of famer. The four-time NBA champion and former Defensive Player of the Year still has what it takes and has proven time and time again that he is an awesome defender, capable of guarding any position and sticking it to the big men in the league.
His tenacity, work ethic and defensive prowess have earned him eight All-NBA defensive honors and he was also the NBA steals leader in 2017. Many people do not like his on-court antics, and he has certainly made some questionable decisions, such as attempting to knockout teammate Jordan Poole, but you can’t deny his talent and accolades.
Green is possibly the most patriotic Michigan player listed as he was born in Saginaw and played college basketball for Michigan State, and it is well documented that he keeps the Michigan State WhatsApp chat alive and helps mentor youngsters.
3. Miles Bridges
We had to include Miles Bridges on this list even though he has fallen from grace due to his 30-game NBA suspension for domestic violence. We hope that he can turn his life around, make the necessary changes and get back to basketball because he was looking to be a special talent for the Charlotte Hornets alongside LaMelo Ball.
Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, this highflyer improved dramatically during the 2021-22 season, during which his averages rose to 20.2 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 3.8 APG. These were all career highs and a big step forward from the previous year.
Hopefully, this can continue, and when he returns to the court, he can help pull Charlotte out of the gutter after their disappointing 2023-23 regular season. With trade rumors about PJ Washington and LaMelo’s continued injury issues, the Hornets need Bridges more than ever.
4. Kyle Kuzma
We’re incredibly happy for Kyle Kuzma and the success he is having with Washington. He seems to have finally shaken off the demons that troubled him in LA. Indeed, 2022-23 was his best statistical year with an average of 21.2 PPG on decent efficiency.
He appears to have blossomed with Washington, and despite being given free reign, his shot selection has improved. Like Bridges, Kuzma was born in Flint, Michigan. He has an athletic upbringing as his mother was a high school shotput champion.
The 2023 free agency led to him re-signing with the Wizards for a brilliant $102m four-year deal and we hope he can continue to flourish.
5. JaVale McGee
Okay, so JaVale McGee may no longer be an elite NBA player, but this Michigan-born star has had an amazing career and is a three-time NBA champion, so we had to include him on this list! His most productive years were with Washington, but he had a resurgence in his career playing for Golden State where he won two titles, and then the LA Lakers where he won another chip.
Michigan Continues To Produce Fantastic NBA Talent
It’s clear that Michigan has a knack for rearing some excellent NBA talent. Aside from these five top players, there are other rising stars and decent role players, including Bryn Forbes, Jaden Hardy, Isaiah Jackson, Isaiah Livers and Edmond Summer. We can’t wait to see how their careers progress — particularly the rookies and sophomores.
