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West Coast’s Best: 30 Legendary California NBA Players

From the sun-soaked beaches of Southern California to the Bay Area’s urban sprawl, the Golden State has produced a staggering number of NBA legends. As a lifelong basketball fanatic, I’ve admired these iconic players who brought flash, substance, and titles to the West Coast hoops scene.

In this article, I’ll spotlight 30 of California’s most celebrated and accomplished NBA superstars. We’ll dive into the electrifying highlights, championship glory, heated rivalries, and lasting legacies that defined their illustrious careers.

Whether you followed their entire journeys or just caught the tail end, these larger-than-life figures left an indelible imprint on the game. Stick around as I tip things off and take you on a nostalgic ride through three decades of California’s biggest basketball heroes. You won’t want to miss these scintillating stories from the golden era of West Coast hoops.

1. Jason Kidd

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Before becoming the current head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, Jason Kidd had an illustrious NBA playing career. As a point guard, he was renowned for his passing and defense, being selected to 10 All-Star games, 9 All-Defensive Teams and 5 All-NBA First Teams.

He won an NBA championship with the Mavericks in 2011 and two Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2000 and 2008. Kidd’s accomplishments culminated in him being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a first-ballot selection.

He is considered one of the greatest point guards ever thanks to his selfless playmaking, defensive tenacity and leadership in winning an NBA title and Olympic golds. Kidd now hopes to bring that same championship pedigree to coaching the Mavericks.

2. Reggie Miller

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Reginald Miller, a retired American basketball player, devoted his full 18-year professional career to the Indiana Pacers. He gained recognition for his exceptional three-point shooting skills, particularly in critical situations.

Miller’s standout performances were notably against the New York – based New York Knicks, leading to his moniker, the “Knick Killer.”

In 2012, Miller achieved the esteemed recognition of being enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Additionally, in 2021, he deservedly secured a spot as a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

3. Bill Walton

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Bill Walton, a retired American professional basketball player, rose to prominence as a standout for the UCLA Bruins. He garnered three consecutive national collegiate Player of the Year awards from 1972 to 1974, a period during which the Bruins claimed NCAA titles in 1972 and 1973, accompanied by an impressive 88-game winning streak.

Transitioning to the NBA, Walton’s impact remained substantial as he guided the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA championship in 1977, having been selected as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA draft.

His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious title of NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 1977. Walton’s illustrious career was duly acknowledged with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

In 1986, he secured a second NBA title, this time with the Boston Celtics, further solidifying his status as a basketball legend.

4. Ray Allen

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Walter Ray Allen Jr., a former American professional basketball player, enjoyed a remarkable career spanning 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In 2018, he rightfully received induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional contributions as a player.

Allen is widely celebrated as one of the premier three-point shooters in the history of the sport. He held the record for the highest number of career three-pointers made from 2011 until 2021 when Stephen Curry surpassed this milestone.

His achievements are extensive, including ten NBA All-Star selections, winning an Olympic gold medal as part of the 2000 United States men’s basketball team, and maintaining the NBA record for career regular-season three-point field goals made from 2011 to 2021. Furthermore, he holds the third position in postseason three-pointers made.

5. Klay Thompson

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Klay Thompson is a professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. His career highlights include participation in five NBA All-Star games, two selections to the All-NBA Third Team, one inclusion in the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and securing four NBA championships with the Warriors.

Additionally, he earned gold medals with the American national team in the 2014 Olympics and the 2016 World Cup.

In 2014, Thompson and teammate Stephen Curry, collectively known as “the Splash Brothers,” set an NBA record by making 484 three-pointers in a season.

This accomplishment was part of their significant contribution to the Warriors, leading them to their first NBA Championship since 1975 in 2015. Thompson continued to play a pivotal role in the team’s subsequent victories in 2017 and 2018.

6. Kevin Love

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Kevin Wesley Love, an American professional basketball player currently with the Miami Heat in the NBA, boasts a remarkable career. A five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Second Team member, he clinched an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

Love contributed to the gold medal-winning United States national team in the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics. In 2011, he earned the NBA Most Improved Player Award and led the league in rebounding.

Love, son of former NBA player Stan Love, excelled at UCLA, guiding the Bruins to a Final Four in the 2008 NCAA Tournament. After successful stints with the Timberwolves and Cavaliers, Love joined the Miami Heat in 2023, reaching his fifth NBA Finals in just his fifth playoff run.

7. Russell Westbrook

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Russell Westbrook III, the American professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA, began his NBA journey in 2008, gaining prominence as a point guard with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With a college basketball stint at UCLA earning him third-team all-conference honors, Westbrook was drafted fourth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008. Over 11 seasons with the Thunder, he reached the NBA Finals in 2012. Westbrook, a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, moved through various teams, notably the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers, before joining the Utah Jazz briefly in 2023.

Acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2022–2023 season, Westbrook, a nine-time NBA All-Star and the 2016–17 NBA Most Valuable Player, stands out as one of the league’s exceptional players with multiple accolades, including being a four-time triple-double season average achiever and the all-time leader in career triple-doubles.

His versatile skills, resilience, and competitive spirit have solidified his status as a basketball icon. Westbrook has also represented the United States national team, securing gold medals in the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Olympics.

8. Paul George

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Paul Anthony George, known as “PG-13,” is an American professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. With eight NBA All-Star appearances, six selections to the All-NBA Team, and four nods to the NBA All-Defensive Team, George has made a significant mark in his career.

He played high school basketball at Knight High School and two college seasons for the Fresno State Bulldogs before being chosen by the Indiana Pacers as the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. George, honored as the NBA Most Improved Player in 2013, faced a setback with a broken leg in 2014 but rebounded to secure an All-Star spot and an Olympic gold medal in 2016.

After a stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he joined the Clippers in 2019. Notably, he and Gordon Hayward are the only two players from the 2010 NBA Draft still on a team’s roster in the league.

9. Kawhi Leonard

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Kawhi Anthony Leonard, an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA, holds a notable career with two NBA championships, five All-Star appearances, and five All-NBA Team selections, including three First Team nods.

Known as the “Claw” or “Klaw” for his exceptional ball-hawking skills and large hands, Leonard is widely regarded as one of the greatest two-way players in NBA history. He boasts seven All-Defensive Team selections and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2015 and 2016.

In 2021, Leonard earned a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. His journey includes successful stints with the San Antonio Spurs, where he secured an NBA championship in 2014, and the Toronto Raptors, leading them to their first NBA title in 2019 and winning his second Finals MVP award.

After joining the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent in 2019, Leonard continues to be a dominant force in the league.

10. Gary Payton

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Gary Payton, a retired American point guard, is esteemed as one of the finest in his position. Renowned for his remarkable 13-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics, he established team records in assists and steals.

Payton further contributed to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Boston Celtics, and the Miami Heat, achieving an NBA title with the Heat in 2006.

Recognized for his defensive prowess, he was honored as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1996 and earned a remarkable nine selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Payton’s legacy extends beyond his teams, solidifying his status as one of the greatest point guards in basketball history.

11. James Harden

James Harden in 2023 photo by FanDuel –

James Harden, a highly skilled left-handed shooting guard, currently contributes his talents to the LA Clippers, establishing himself as one of the NBA’s premier scorers and shooting guards.

Originally the #3 overall pick by the Thunder in 2009, Harden’s prowess became evident quickly. In 2012, he earned Sixth Man of the Year honors with the Thunder, aiding them in reaching the Finals.

Now with the Clippers, Harden’s exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities continue to be valuable. Although transitioning into a more distributing role in the 2023-2024 season, averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds, and over 6 assists per game, Harden, with his veteran presence and formidable skill set, is poised to play a crucial role in the Clippers’ pursuit of a championship.

12. Damian Lillard

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Damian Lamonte Ollie “Dame” Lillard Sr. is an American professional basketball player currently with the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. A standout for the Weber State Wildcats in college, he earned third-team All-American honors in 2012.

Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, Lillard quickly made an impact, unanimously winning the NBA Rookie of the Year.

Known as Dame Time for his clutch performances, he boasts seven NBA All-Star and seven All-NBA Team selections, a unique achievement in Trail Blazers history. Honored on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in October 2021, Lillard also secured a gold medal with the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo.

13. Paul Pierce

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Paul Anthony Pierce, a retired American professional basketball player, enjoyed an illustrious 19-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), primarily with the Boston Celtics.

His significant contributions led to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. As the Celtics’ captain, Pierce stood out with 10 All-Star selections and four appearances on the All-NBA team. Joining forces with

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in 2007, they formed the formidable “Big Three,” securing two NBA Finals appearances and a championship victory in 2008. Pierce rightfully earned the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 2008.

His legacy was further acknowledged in October 2021 with his inclusion in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Alongside Larry Bird and John Havlicek, Pierce is one of just three players to surpass 20,000 career points with the Celtics.

14. DeMar DeRozan

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DeMar Darnell DeRozan, the American professional basketball player, currently contributes his skills to the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. Having played college basketball for the USC Trojans, DeRozan was selected as the ninth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 NBA draft.

His impressive career includes six NBA All-Star appearances and three selections to the All-NBA Team. Spending nine seasons with the Raptors, which included five playoff runs, DeRozan was later traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 and the Chicago Bulls in 2021.

Notably, he also represented the United States national team in the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

15. Gail Goodrich

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Gail Goodrich played a crucial part in UCLA’s victory over Michigan in the 1965 NCAA championship, contributing with a record-breaking 42-point performance.

Selected as a territorial pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1965, Goodrich became a key player during the 1971-72 season, pivotal in achieving the NBA historical record of 33 consecutive wins.

His leadership guided the Lakers to their first championship since moving to Los Angeles. In recognition of his outstanding career, Goodrich was rightfully inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.

16. LaMelo Ball

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LaMelo Ball, the American professional basketball player with the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA, was chosen as the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Hornets. His remarkable ascent includes winning the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2021 and earning an NBA All-Star nod in 2022.

Starting high school at Chino Hills in California, Ball experienced national success, winning a state championship with his older brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo. Despite a coaching dispute prompting him to leave Chino Hills, Ball’s journey involved playing in Lithuania, the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), SPIRE Academy, and the Illawarra Hawks in Australia.

Initially doubted by scouts, his impressive rise culminated in being selected third overall by the Hornets. Ball and his brothers, notably Lonzo, have been in the national spotlight, with their father, LaVar, gaining media attention.

Ball also has a signature shoe from his father’s company, Big Baller Brand, and a role in the family’s reality show, “Ball in the Family.”

17. Jrue Holiday

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Jrue Randall Holiday, the American professional basketball player, currently contributes to the Boston Celtics in the NBA.

After a season with the UCLA Bruins, he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 17th overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft, playing four seasons with them before a trade to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013. In 2020, he joined the Milwaukee Bucks, securing his first NBA championship in 2021.

Holiday boasts two NBA All-Star appearances and five selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team. Additionally, he clinched a gold medal with the 2020 U.S. Olympic team.

18. Jamaal Wilkes

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Jamaal Abdul-Lateef, known professionally as Jamaal Wilkes, is a retired American basketball player renowned for his role as a small forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

A three-time NBA All-Star, Wilkes achieved success by winning four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers. Given the nickname “Silk,” he earned induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Wilkes, a standout for the UCLA Bruins in college, secured two NCAA championships under coach John Wooden, receiving two-time consensus first-team All-American honors. Selected in the first round of the 1974 NBA draft by Golden State, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in his debut season, contributing to the team’s league title.

Wilkes continued his success, adding three more NBA championships with the Lakers, and both the Bruins and the Lakers retired his jersey No. 52 in recognition of his outstanding contributions.

19. Baron Davis

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Baron Walter Louis Davis, an American former professional basketball player, currently serves as a studio analyst for the NBA on TNT. With a notable career, he achieved two NBA All-Star selections, secured a spot on the All-NBA Third Team in 2004, and twice led the NBA in steals.

Davis was the third overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets and played for several teams in the league, including the New Orleans Hornets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks.

He transitioned to the NBA after earning All-American honors during his college basketball tenure with the UCLA Bruins. Davis recognized as a star high school player at Crossroads School, holds the NBA’s career playoff record for steals per game with an average of 2.28 over 50 games.

20. Dennis Johnson

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Dennis Wayne Johnson, nicknamed “DJ,” was a skilled American professional basketball player in the NBA, contributing to the Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics.

Despite early struggles, Johnson, a late bloomer, embarked on a successful NBA career after being drafted 29th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1976. Initially a shooting guard, he guided the Sonics to their sole NBA championship in 1979, earning the Finals MVP Award.

Transitioning to the Boston Celtics, Johnson secured two more championships and gained recognition with five All-Star Team selections and multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team nods. Revered for his defensive prowess and clutch performances in NBA playoffs history, Johnson’s No. 3 jersey is retired by the Celtics, adorning the rafters of the TD Garden.

Posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010, Johnson is regarded by sports journalists as one of the most underrated players in history.

21. Evan Mobley

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Evan Mobley is an American professional basketball player currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. Mobley showcased his skills in college basketball with the USC Trojans before being chosen as the third overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2021 NBA draft.

22. Kevin Johnson

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Kevin Maurice Johnson, an American former professional basketball player, transitioned to Democratic Party politics, serving as the 55th mayor of Sacramento, California, from 2008 to 2016.

In a historic achievement, Johnson, elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012, became the first African American to hold the mayoral position in Sacramento. Before entering politics, he had a notable career as a point guard in the NBA, primarily with the Phoenix Suns.

Johnson, a three-time NBA All-Star and four-time second-team All-NBA selection, set several records for the Suns during his 12-year playing career. Holding a B.A. in political science from U.C. Berkeley,

Johnson engaged in education reform, establishing initiatives like Stand UP and Sacramento READS! during his tenure as mayor. Additionally, he played a crucial role in preventing the relocation of the Sacramento Kings to Anaheim and later to Seattle, Washington.

23. Michael Cooper

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Michael Jerome Cooper, currently serving as the boys varsity coach at Culver City High School, is an American basketball coach and former player renowned for his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.

A key figure during the Lakers’ Showtime era, Cooper secured five NBA championships with the team. His on-court prowess earned him eight selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team, including five on the first team, and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year title in 1987.

Beyond his playing career, Cooper has excelled in coaching, leading the Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA championships and the Albuquerque Thunderbirds to an NBA G League title. His coaching expertise extends across the NBA, WNBA, and the NBA Development League.

24. Brook Lopez

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Brook Robert Lopez, the American professional basketball player, contributes to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Known as “Splash Mountain,” Lopez achieved NBA All-Star status with the Brooklyn Nets and secured two selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team while with the Bucks.

His noteworthy accomplishments include winning an NBA championship with Milwaukee in 2021. Prior to his professional career, Lopez played two years of college basketball for the Stanford Cardinal and was chosen as the 10th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft by the then-New Jersey Nets.

Spending nine seasons with the Nets, he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer before a one-season stint with the Los Angeles Lakers and eventual move to Milwaukee. Notably, his twin brother, Robin Lopez, is also currently on the Bucks roster.

25. Spencer Dinwiddie

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Spencer Gray Dinwiddie, the American professional basketball player, currently contributes to the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA.

Having played college basketball for the Colorado Buffaloes, Dinwiddie earned first-team all-conference honors in the Pac-12 during his sophomore year in 2013. Despite an ACL injury that limited his junior year, he rebounded and was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft.

After two seasons with the Pistons, Dinwiddie joined the Brooklyn Nets in December 2016, later traded to the Washington Wizards in 2021, and then back to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023.

26. Kyle Korver

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After a standout college career, NBA’s sharpshooter Kyle Korver embarked on a journey across multiple teams, leaving his mark as one of the best 3-point shooters ever.

Drafted in 2003, his career highlight came in 2010 when he shattered the NBA record for 3-point accuracy. Though traded throughout his career, Korver thrived with the Hawks and Cavs, even reaching the Finals twice.

Now an assistant GM for the Hawks, Korver’s legacy lives on in the record books, where he ranks among the elite in both 3-pointers made and shooting percentage.

27. Aaron Gordon

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Aaron Addison Gordon, an American professional basketball player, currently plays for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Hailing from San Jose, California, Gordon achieved success at Archbishop Mitty High School, leading his team to two state championships and earning the title of California Mr. Basketball in both his junior and senior years.

Gordon then spent a college basketball season with the Arizona Wildcats, securing the Pac-12 regular season title and reaching the Elite Eight in the 2014 NCAA tournament.

Drafted fourth overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA draft, Gordon later joined the Denver Nuggets in 2021, ultimately winning his first NBA championship in 2023 after twice finishing as the runner-up in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

28. Lonzo Ball

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Lonzo Anderson Ball, an American professional basketball player, currently contributes his skills as a point guard to the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. Initially making a mark in college basketball with the UCLA Bruins, he earned consensus first-team All-American honors before the Los Angeles Lakers selected him as the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

Ball received recognition on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2018. His high school tenure at Chino Hills in 2016 saw him garner numerous national high school player of the year awards, leading his team, alongside brothers LiAngelo and LaMelo, to an undefeated 35-0 record.

As a college freshman, he led the nation in assists, breaking the UCLA record. Despite early setbacks in the NBA with the Lakers, including limited playing time due to injuries, Ball showcased his talents and later joined the New Orleans Pelicans.

After two seasons there, he became part of the Chicago Bulls through a sign-and-trade deal. However, persistent knee injuries have hindered his performance, causing him to miss the entire 2022–23 season.

29. Tyson Chandler

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Tyson Cleotis Chandler, an American former professional basketball player who has transitioned into coaching, began his NBA journey after being selected as the second overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. However, he was swiftly traded to the Chicago Bulls.

Chandler’s versatile career includes stints with the New Orleans Hornets, Charlotte Bobcats, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers. Notably, as the starting center for Dallas, he played a pivotal role in the franchise securing its first NBA championship in 2011.

Throughout his career, Chandler showcased his defensive prowess, earning three NBA All-Defensive Team selections. His time with the New York Knicks saw him named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, alongside an All-NBA Third Team nod.

Chandler also contributed to the US national team’s success, winning gold medals in the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics.

30. Mark Eaton

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Mark Edward Eaton, an American professional basketball player, dedicated his entire career (1982–1993) to the Utah Jazz in the NBA. Recognized as an NBA All-Star in 1989, he secured the NBA Defensive Player of the Year title twice (1985, 1989) and earned a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Team five times.

Standing at an impressive 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 m), Eaton became renowned as one of the most formidable defensive centers in NBA history. His dominance included leading the league in blocks on four occasions and setting records for single-season blocks (456), blocked shots per game average (5.6), and career blocked shots per game (3.5).

The Jazz honored his contributions by retiring his jersey number, No. 53. Eaton’s basketball journey began unexpectedly, as he was initially a high school basketball team reserve and worked as an auto mechanic. However, his talent was uncovered by a Cypress College assistant coach, leading him to enroll in the community college.

Later transferring to play for the UCLA Bruins, Eaton faced limited playing time. Despite being drafted in the fourth round of the 1982 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz as a long-term project, Eaton played a pivotal role in transforming the team from a bottom-dweller into a perennial playoff contender. Upon retiring in 1994, he held the second position in the NBA’s all-time career blocks, trailing only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The storied NBA journeys of these 30 legendary California ballers will live on forever in basketball lore. Their larger-than-life personas, gravity-defying highlights, bitter rivalries, and championship triumphs built an unforgettable golden era of West Coast basketball.

Though their playing days are behind them, the legacy of their greatness echoes through generational fandom. These giants of the hardwood brought prestige and titles to their California NBA franchises while inspiring young players and fans for decades.

From Southern California sunshine to Bay Area pride, the magnetism of these icons permanently transformed basketball’s footprint on the West Coast. Their enduring stories solidify California’s rightful place in the annals of NBA history