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Best NBA careers in Iowa basketball history

Iowa has had a total of 36 players in the NBA, here is who had the best careers in the pros.

By Ericka Brockish

Nov 16, 1971; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; Phoenix Suns center Connie Hawkins (42) in action.
Nov 16, 1971; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; Phoenix Suns center Connie Hawkins (42) in action. / Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
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Chicago Zephyrs, LA Lakers, Boston Celtics. Don Nelson. player. 483. . 2. 1962-1976. . Don Nelson. Iowa NBA

Don Nelson is the first of the two NBA Hall of Famers on this list but Nelson was inducted as a coach. Nelson is also a 5-time NBA Champion with all those championships coming with the Boston Celtics.

Nelson was drafted by the Chicago Zephyrs in the first round of the 1962 NBA Draft but only played one season with the team that drafted him. The LA Lakers claimed Nelson off waivers after his first year, but Nelson never made a huge impact on either team.

It wasn't until Nelson made it to the Boston Celtics in his third season that his stats began to improve. Nelson averaged a little over 20 minutes on the court with the Celtics and began averaging double digits in points and over five rebounds a game.

Nelson finished his NBA career with five rings, averaging 10.3 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Nelson then decided to get into coaching and was even more successful, earning his way into the NBA Hall of Fame.

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