From killer crossovers to the Rivelino, from hoops to goals, from the hardwood to the pitch, 433futbol explores 12 NBA players who would make great footballers.
1. LeBron James
Absolute unit. That is NBA legend and minority-Liverpool owner LeBron James.
Lebron’s immense size, strength, and agility make him a standout candidate for a football career. The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player would boss the midfield as a creative orchestrator (he ranks fourth on the NBA all-time assists list) or, as a five-time All-Defensive NBA First Team member, make a commanding central defender. He’s also four inches taller than Dutch admiral Virgil van Dijk.
2. Kobe Bryant
NBA legend Kobe Bryant would’ve made a superb footballer, not just because of his next-level footwork but also because of his passion and understanding of the beautiful game. Bryant grew up in Italy, where he developed a keen understanding of the game. His agility and intensity would’ve made him a formidable attacking midfielder or forward.
“From the age from 6 to 14, I played soccer every day. It is actually my favorite sport,” said Barcelona fan Kobe. What if America’s best athletes played soccer?
3. Luka Dončić
Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter Luka Dončić once met fellow Real Madrid player Ronaldo during the Slovenian’s teenage playing days. Greatness must have passed a torch, as the ever-versatile Dončić averaged 33.9 points this season while taking the Mavericks to the playoffs.
But what position on the pitch would he play? His Magic Johnson-like vision and ball-handling skills grant him the attacking midfielder position.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
“The Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo’s incredible athleticism and versatility would make him a force on any pitch. After all, he was a soccer player growing up in Athens, Greece. His long strides and defensive capabilities would make him a dominant box-to-box midfielder or a dynamic number 9 finisher, especially on fast breaks.
5. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry would undoubtedly be one of the most dangerous wingers in football. One could imagine the four-time NBA Champion sharpshooter exploiting his quick footwork on the pitch like a Vini Junior, becoming a perpetual threat in front of goal. Unanimous Ballon d’Or winner.
6. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards’s explosive athleticism and raw talent have made him a standout in the Minnesota Timberwolves playoffs this season. Like Jordan, he can get a bucket at will.
Ant-Man’s quickness and ability to change direction make him a top candidate as a winger or forward, and he’d bring dynamic energy to the soccer field. Who needs a Ronaldo-like headed goal?
7. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid’s 7-foot physical presence and strength make him ideal for a center-forward role.
His ability to hold up play and dominate aerial duels, pivotal to the Philadelphia 76ers’ success, would make him a key target for crosses and set-pieces. “I would rather be a football player than a basketball player. That’s how much I love football,” the Cameroonian told Men in Blazers.
8. Jayson Tatum
Trying to imagine Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum as a footballer is easy. His 6’8″ frame, lean, athletic build, and pacy footwork would make him an ideal attacking midfielder or winger, where operating in tight spaces is key.
Pinpoint cross or decisive run; a high-basketball IQ Tatum would find the transition to the pitch seamless. He’s a competitor, making the Eastern Conference finals in 6 of his 7 years in the NBA.
9. Russell Westbrook
Explosive speed and relentless energy. Former 2016/17 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook is the exact type of player Pep Guardiola loves playing the inverted full-back position. He could quickly transition between defense and attack, probing the central areas for opportunities. And his intensity and love for the game, as he advises his son, is next level.
“I always tell my son when he plays soccer that the most important part of going out is having fun,” Westbrook told reporters earlier this year.
“But the joy that this game brings not just to myself but to people in the arena, the kids that came out to watch the game. The joy, the energy is so important.”
10. Chris Paul
Twelve-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul’s transition to the pitch would be seamless — his leadership and vision would lend well to the captaincy on the pitch. We believe Paul is best suited for a deep-lying playmaker in the midfield or a more central role, dictating the tempo and delivering juicy passes. Unfortunately, no matter where he goes, like Harry Kane he just can’t seem to wrap up a trophy.
11. Anthony Davis
Who needs a world-class central defender? Anthony Davis is as versatile a basketball player as they come — he can get inside and score, but above all, his defense is incredible. The NBA Champion, like Antonio Rudiger, can go seek and destroy mode instantly. Without a doubt, a paramount footballer.
12. Kevin Durant
While Kevin Durant has the tall, lean, wiry body of an Ousmane Dembele, his 6-foot-10-inch frame, cat-like reach, and reflexes would make him a perfect candidate for a goalie. He also has a knack for joining winning clubs –hello, Mbappe–snatching two titles with the Warriors.
Photo: x/USClubSoccer, sdmlinks
