The NBA's 2012-13 season has begun and only 16 products from the Chicago area are listed on the rosters of the 30 teams, the lowest number in recent memory. And only about six of them are starters.
The list was reduced on Oct. 27 when the Orlando Magic waived 6-foot-6 guard Quentin Richardson. The star of Whitney Young's 1998 state championship team, he had an outstanding career at DePaul before being picked as the No. 18 selection overall in the NBA's 2000 draft. He played with five teams in 12 years.
Local starters are Dwyane Wade (Heat) of Richards, Kevin Garnett (Celtics) of Farragut, Derrick Rose (Bulls) of Simeon, Evan Turner (76ers) of St. Joseph, Anthony Davis (Hornets) of Perspectives and JaVale McGee (Nuggets) of Hales Franciscan.
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There are six other former Public League players who currently are on NBA rosters--Nazr Mohammed (Bulls) of Kenwood, Will Bynum (Pistons) of Crane, Tony Allen (Grizzlies) of Crane, DeAndre Liggins (Thunder) of Washington, Jeremy Pargo (Cavaliers) of Robeson and Jannero Pargo (Wizards) of Robeson.
Suburban products are Corey Maggette (Pistons) of Fenwick, Shannon Brown (Suns) of Proviso East, Eddy Curry (Mavericks) of Thornwood and Iman Shumpert (Knicks) of Oak Park.
Two Downstate Illinois products who will see plenty of playing time this season are Andre Iguodala (Nuggets) of Springfield Lanphier and Meyers Leondard (Trail Blazers) of Robinson.