Ohio has produced several notable NBA draft picks throughout basketball history. Here are the most significant players from the Buckeye State:

LeBron James

• Born in Akron, attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School
• Selected 1st overall by Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003
• Achievements: 4x NBA MVP, 4x NBA Champion, second all-time scorer
• Led Cavaliers to their first NBA Championship in 2016

Stephen Curry

• Born in Akron (while father Dell played for Cavaliers)
• Selected 7th overall by Golden State Warriors in 2009
• NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers
• 4x NBA Champion

John Havlicek

• Born in Martins Ferry, attended Bridgeport High School
• Played college basketball at Ohio State University
• Selected 9th overall by Boston Celtics in 1962
• Won 8 NBA Championships in 16 seasons
• 13x All-Star and Basketball Hall of Famer

Nate Thurmond

• Born and raised in Akron, attended Central High School
• Played college basketball at Bowling Green
• Selected 3rd overall by San Francisco Warriors in 1963
• 7x All-Star, 5x All-Defensive Team selection
• Finished career with hometown Cavaliers

Jerry Lucas

• Born in Middletown, played for Middletown High School
• Attended Ohio State University
• Selected 6th overall by Cincinnati Royals in 1962
• 7x All-Star, Rookie of the Year
• Won NBA Championship with Knicks in 1973
• Basketball Hall of Fame inductee

Related Articles

Previous Articles