Best NBA Players From Florida: Stars Who Made Their Mark on the League
Florida has produced a remarkable array of NBA talent, with players hailing from the Sunshine State making significant impacts on the professional basketball stage. From dominant big men to dynamic guards, these players have not only represented Florida well but have also etched their names into NBA history through their achievements and contributions to the game.
This list highlights the 10 best NBA players from Florida, celebrating their accomplishments, skills, and the legacies they have built on and off the court.
10. David Robinson (1989-2003)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7’1″, 235 lbs
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David Robinson, famously known as “The Admiral,” was born in Key West, Florida, before moving away early in his life. Despite the relocation, his connection to Florida remains significant. Robinson is celebrated as one of the most dominant centers in NBA history.
Over his remarkable career with the San Antonio Spurs, he earned two NBA Championships, was a 10-time NBA All-Star, and won the NBA MVP award in 1995.
Known for his extraordinary athleticism, defensive mastery, and leadership, Robinson averaged 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game throughout his career. His impact on the game was immortalized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
9. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway (1993-2008)
Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 195 lbs
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, a Memphis native, made a lasting impact in Florida through his stellar NBA career with the Orlando Magic. Joining the Magic during the early stages of the franchise’s development as a young expansion team, Penny quickly became the centerpiece of the organization alongside Shaquille O’Neal.
His rare blend of size, skill, and court vision made him one of the most dynamic and versatile guards of his era. A four-time NBA All-Star, Hardaway was crucial in leading the Magic to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1995.
Known for his smooth ball handling, scoring ability, and elite playmaking, Penny averaged 15.2 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game over his career. Despite injuries that curtailed his peak years, his influence on the game and the generations of tall point guards that followed is undeniable.
8. Otis Thorpe (1984-2001)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height/Weight: 6’10”, 248 lbs
High School: Lake Worth Community High School (Lake Worth, FL)
Otis Thorpe, born in Boynton Beach, Florida, was known for his strength, durability, and consistency on the court. A reliable power forward, Thorpe played for several teams throughout his 17-year NBA career, but he is best remembered for his time with the Houston Rockets.
Thorpe was a key contributor to the Rockets’ 1994 NBA Championship team, providing tough interior defense and rebounding.
He was an NBA All-Star in 1992 and finished his career with averages of 14.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Thorpe’s work ethic and steady production made him a respected player throughout the league.
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7. Eddie Jones (1994-2008)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 200 lbs
High School: Ely High School (Pompano Beach, FL)
Eddie Jones, born in Pompano Beach, Florida, was a versatile and tenacious defender who also excelled as a scorer. Known for his three-point shooting and defensive prowess, Jones was a three-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-Defensive Team selection.
Throughout his 14-year NBA career, Jones played for several teams, but his time with the Miami Heat stood out. With the Heat, Jones was a key contributor, leading the team in scoring and playing a vital role on both ends of the floor.
He averaged 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game over his career. Jones’s ability to impact the game as a scorer and defender made him a valuable asset, especially during his tenure in Miami.
6. Vernon Maxwell (1988-2001)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 180 lbs
High School: Buchholz High School (Gainesville, FL)
Vernon Maxwell, born in Gainesville, Florida, was known for his fiery competitiveness, clutch shooting, and defensive intensity. Maxwell played a crucial role in the Houston Rockets’ back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995, providing perimeter scoring and tenacious defense.
Over his 13-year NBA career, Maxwell earned a reputation as one of the league’s most fearless competitors. He averaged 12.8 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Maxwell’s fearless approach to the game and his knack for making big shots in critical moments made him a fan favorite and a key contributor to the Rockets’ success.
5. Mitch Richmond (1988-2002)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 215 lbs
High School: Boyd Anderson High School (Lauderdale Lakes, FL)
Mitch Richmond, born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was one of the most prolific scorers of the 1990s. Known for his strength, shooting ability, and consistency, Richmond made an immediate impact in the NBA, winning Rookie of the Year in 1989.
He was a six-time NBA All-Star and earned All-NBA honors five times during his career. Richmond was a key member of the Sacramento Kings during his prime, where he was their go-to scorer. He finished his career with averages of 21.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
Richmond’s crowning achievement came when he won an NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002. In 2014, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history.
4. Amar’e Stoudemire (2002-2016)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height/Weight: 6’10”, 245 lbs
High School: Cypress Creek High School (Orlando, FL)
Amar’e Stoudemire, hailing from Orlando, Florida, was one of the most dominant and explosive big men of his generation. Stoudemire burst onto the NBA scene as the Rookie of the Year in 2003 and quickly established himself as an elite player.
Known for his incredible athleticism, powerful dunks, and scoring ability, Amar’e was a six-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection. His best years came with the Phoenix Suns, where he formed a formidable pick-and-roll duo with Steve Nash.
Stoudemire averaged 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game over his career, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the best power forwards of his era.
3. Tracy McGrady (1997-2013)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 210 lbs
High School: Mount Zion Christian Academy (Durham, NC) [Originally from Auburndale, FL]
Tracy McGrady, born in Auburndale, Florida, was one of the most electrifying and versatile players in NBA history. Known for his smooth scoring ability, McGrady was a seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA scoring champion.
T-Mac’s combination of size, athleticism, and skill made him a nightmare matchup for defenders. He is best remembered for his time with the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, where he dazzled fans with his scoring prowess and memorable performances, including his famous 13 points in 33 seconds comeback.
McGrady finished his career with averages of 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. In 2017, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the game’s greats.
2. Vince Carter (1998-2020)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 220 lbs
High School: Mainland High School (Daytona Beach, FL)
Vince Carter, affectionately known as “Vinsanity,” is one of the most iconic players to come out of Florida. Born in Daytona Beach, Carter captivated the basketball world with his incredible athleticism, high-flying dunks, and clutch performances.
An eight-time NBA All-Star, Carter enjoyed a remarkable 22-year NBA career, during which he became known as one of the greatest dunkers of all time. Beyond his dunking prowess, Carter was also a versatile scorer and a respected leader.
He played for several teams, including the Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, and Orlando Magic, and finished his career with averages of 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Carter’s longevity, impact on the game, and influence on future generations of players make him the best NBA player from Florida.
1. Udonis Haslem (2003-2023)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 235 lbs
High School: Miami Senior High School (Miami, FL)
Udonis Haslem is the epitome of Florida basketball, having spent nearly his entire career within the state. Born and raised in Miami, Haslem led Miami Senior High School to two state championships, solidifying his status as a local legend early on.
He went on to play college basketball at the University of Florida, where he helped lead the Gators to the NCAA Final Four in 2000, becoming a key player in the program’s rise to national prominence.
Undrafted in 2002, Haslem began his professional career overseas before joining the Miami Heat in 2003. Despite being an undrafted player and never making an All-Star team, Haslem became a cornerstone of the Heat franchise, known for his toughness, rebounding, and leadership.
He played a pivotal role in helping the Heat win three NBA Championships (2006, 2012, 2013). Haslem’s loyalty and dedication to the Heat are unmatched, as he holds the record for the most seasons played with a single franchise, tied with Dirk Nowitzki. Outside of one season overseas, Haslem has spent his entire basketball career in the state of Florida, making him one of the most beloved figures in Florida sports history.
