Florida is often thought of as a destination for vacations but also has a strong history of breeding athletes. Florida is home to some of the greatest players in NBA history. Here is a list of the top 10 players that have played in the NBA that were born in Florida.
1. Vince Carter- When Carter first began his career in 1999 many believed that he would be the successor to Michael Jordan. That has not been the case but Carter has remained solid and could be on his way to the Hall of Fame is he finds a way to win a championship. Carter was born in Daytona Beach and has career averages of 23.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
2. David Robinson- Robinson was in the military before beginning his NBA career and played with the same discipline in the NBA. Robinson was born in Key West and played 14 seasons in the NBA from 1990-2003. Robinson has career averages of 21.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Robinson averaged double figures and led the Spurs before the Tim Duncan era.
3. Artis Gilmore- When you throw in a Hall of Fame player like Gilmore you start to realize the extreme talent that came from Florida. Gilmore played 17 seasons in the NBA from 1972-1988. Gilmore has career averages of 18.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
4. Tracy Mcgrady- Mcgrady is the second leading scorer on the top 10 list behind his cousin Vince Carter and has had a dominating career in the NBA despite injuries. Mcgrady has not been able to win any championships but has career averages of 22.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Mcgrady is a native of Bartow.
5. Amare Stoudemire- Stoudemire began his NBA career in 2003 and continues to dominate in the paint for the Phoenix Suns. Stoudemire was born in Lake Wells and has nearly averaged a double-double for his career with averages of 21.1 points and 9 rebounds per game.
6. Mitch Richmond- Mitch was an outstanding shooter in the NBA and was born in Fort Lauderdale. Mitch played 14 seasons in the NBA and finished with career averages of 21 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
7. Otis Birdsong- Otis played professionally for 12 seasons in the NBA from 1978-1989 and had career averages that almost matched identically to Hall of Fame player Reggie Miller. With career averages of 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. That give you an idea of just how good the number seven spot is on the list. Otis was a native of Winter Haven.
8. Truck Robinson- Robinson played 11 seasons in the NFL and is from Jacksonville Florida. Robinson has nearly averaged a double-double of 15.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Robinson played in the NBA from 1975-1985.
9. Eddie Johnson- Johnson played 12 NBA seasons before hanging up his sneakers in 1987. Johnson is from Ocala Florida and has career averages of 15.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
10. Vin Baker- Baker was an all star out of Lake Wales Florida before ending his career in 2006 after 13 NBA seasons. Baker saw his numbers in the NBA drop after he struggled with alcohol abuse. Baker finished his career with solid averages of 15 points and 7.4 rebounds per game despite his off the court problems.
