All 11 Montana-Born NBA Players
The NBA season started on October 23rd with a doubleheader of action. From now until next summer, a majority of the nights will have at least one NBA game on. Basketball fans rejoice.
Basketball in Montana is primarily focused on college - the Griz and Cats and all the NAIA schools - but there was a presence back in the day of Montanas in the NBA or ABA. In fact, 11 Montana-born athletes played in the NBA/ABA dating back to 1950. The last Montanan in the NBA was back in 2010.
Here are all 11 Montana-born NBA players.
Ray Kuka (1947-1949)
Born in Havre, Kuka attended Notre Dame University and played for 1 NBA
Jack Cotton (1949-1950)
Born in Miles City, Cotton attended Wyoming University and played for one NBA team: Denver Nuggets.
Ed Kalafat (1954-1957)
Born in Anaconda, Kalafat attended the University of Minnesota and played for one NBA team: Minneapolis Lakers.
Mike Lewis (1968-1974)
Born in Missoula, Lewis attended Duke University and played for four ABA teams: Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Pipers, Carolina Cougars and Pittsburgh Condors.
Jim Creighton (1976)
Born in Billings, Creighton attended the University of Colorado and played for one NBA team: Atlanta Hawks
Phil Jackson (1968-1980)
Born in Deer Lodge, Jackson attended the University of North Dakota and played for two teams: New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets.
Brad Holland (1979-1982)
Born in Billings, Holland attended UCLA and played for three NBA teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Bullets and Milwaukee Bucks.
Larry Krystkowiak (1986-1997)
Born in Missoula, Krystkowiak attended the University of Montana and played for six NBA teams: San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Keith Tower (1994-1997)
Born in Libby, Tower attended Notre Dame University and played for three NBA teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks.
Adam Morrison (2007-2010)
Born in Glendive, Morrison attended Gonzaga University and played for two NBA teams: Charlotte Bobcats and Los Angeles Lakers.
Coby Karl (2008-2010)
Born in Great Falls, Karl attended Boise State University and played for 3 NBA teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Every Montana Grizzly To Wear Legacy #37 Jersey
Gallery Credit: Ace Sauerwein