Top Basketball States In The US

Some of the best athletes come out of the United States and one of the biggest sports in the United States is Basketball. Legends Like Michael Jordan, Lebron James.

Hakeem Olijuan and Larry Bird are just some of the superb people that have played the sport. Here is a list of the states that have some of the best teams in the league.

1. New York

The New York Knicks have seen such players as Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley take the stage and show people what the game of basketball is all about.

The reputation of the team began in the late 60s though, with Willis Reed heading the team and winning multiple MVP awards. The team was founded in 1946 known as the New York Knickerbockers and have won two championships, both in the 1970s.

2. Michigan

Founded in 1937, the Detroit Pistons became part of the NBA in 1949 and have won 3 championships so far, with the latest being in 2004.

Point guard Isiah Thomas became a household name in the 80s with his brash skills and is always on the list of the best players of all time.

It also cannot be understated how much of an effect that players in the 60s such as Dave Bing and Dave DeBusschere had on the game and how they helped to shape the team.

3. Illinois

In the 90s, even if you made NBA betting in Australia, you would be hard-pressed not to bet on the Chicago Bulls. They were a powerhouse during this time winning 6 championships starting in 1991.

Michael Jordan became a household name during this era and is still considered one of the best basketball players of all time. The lineup of the team during their peak was second to none.

Players like Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, B.J. Armstrong, Dennis Rodman, and John Paxson helped the Bulls become the legendary team they are known as today.

4. California

California has a whole lot of elite-class basketball teams including the Golden State Warriors, the Sacramento Kings, and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have been the most successful during their tenure.

They were founded in 1947 and have 17 championships under their belt. Some of the greatest players to play the sport have played with the LA Lakers which includes Kobe Bryant, often considered to be one of the best players of all time.

Shaquille O’Neal was also a major player for a time. It is also important to note that the Golden State Warriors won the inaugural BAA championship in 1947 and have had 5 more championships since then, with the latest being 2018.

5. Wisconsin

Two-time champions Milwaukee Bucks are the most recent premier team in the NBA, securing a win against the formidable Phoenix Suns in 2021. The late 60s and early 70s saw the emergence of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who would become known as one of the greats of the game.

Ray Allen, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo are also notable players, with Antetokounmpo, along with Abdul-Jabbar earning the MVP while playing for the Bucks. The Bucks are looking to forward their success so the future is bright for this team.

Basketball is more than just a craze in the US, it is part of the culture. If you really want to experience the sporting nature of the American people, then a basketball game or two during the NBA season is an absolute must during your travels.