NBA players are the greatest athletes in the world, at least according to former 11-year league veteran Austin Rivers.
The former guard stirred up the pot with his comments on "The Pat McAfee Show," positing that it was much easier to make it as a professional athlete in the NFL than the NBA.
"I can take 30 players right now from the NBA and throw them in the NFL," Rivers said. "You cannot take 30 NFL players and put them in the NBA."
Rivers' comment was met by derision from most of the NFL community, but his stance is not a particularly novel one. The debate has been made many times before, and the Kelce brothers have taken the same stand.
Could any NFL players play in the NBA? 🤔 @JasonKelce @tkelce @buckets
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The two sports require many different skill sets, so it's a bit silly to argue. What's not up for debate is that it is much more difficult to make an NBA roster, for a number of reasons. First, there are way less jobs available given that there are fewer NBA teams and far less roster spots. Second, NBA players are paid better, pushing two-sport athletes into basketball if they can make it there. And third, NBA careers are generally longer, leading to more overall career earnings.
"I don't think any [NFL players] are good enough to play in the NBA, otherwise they'd be playing in the NBA," Jason Kelce noted on his podcast.
There are for sure nowhere near 30 NFL athletes who could play in the NBA, and there might not be 30 NBA athletes who could make a similar transition. But here's 30 NBA guys who we'd like to see try.
MORE: 30 NFL players we'd like to see in the NBA
NBA players who could play in the NBA
LeBron James, Lakers
LeBron has to be the first guy on this list. At 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, he would be a killer tight end. He played football for two years in high school and received recruiting interest, but basketball was always the goal.
MORE: LeBron James' high school football career: The stats, the highlights and the NFL offers years later
Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
Edwards has called football his first love, once telling ESPN that he would have gone into the NFL if he'd have been drafted. He's one of the most athletic players in the league at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds with a 41.5 inch vertical.
Jalen Suggs, Magic
Suggs was a star quarterback in high school and is distantly connected to NFL star Terrell Suggs. He was the No. 15 dual-threat quarterback and the No. 2 player in the state of Minnesota per 247Sports' Composite rankings. He became the first athlete in Minnesota high school history to be named Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball in the same season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
The Greek Freak's leaping ability and speed would make him a great receiving threat.
Zion Williamson, Pelicans
He'd make a tremendous defensive tackle at 284 pounds and nimble feet.
Joel Embiid, Sixers
HIs massive frame and athleticism would make him a killer lineman.
Ja Morant, Grizzlies
Nobody could outleap Morant to catch a pass. His blazing speed would make him a great receiver or running back.
Draymond Green, Warriors
Green would have the mindset for the NFL, and his shooting wouldn't be such a roadblock. He would be a great linebacker.
Matisse Thybulle, Blazers
His seven foot wingspan and great shadowing technique would make him a natural cornerback.
Jusuf Nurkic, Suns
At seven feet tall and 290 pounds, Nurkic is one of the biggest bodies in the NBA. He'd be a great lineman.
Boban Marjanovic, Rockets
Boban's 7-foot-4 height and 290 pounds has given him a side gig as an action star in John Wick movies. He's one of the largest human beings on the planet and would be a handful to try and move. Also, you want to try and kick a field goal over this guy?
Marcus Smart, Grizzlies
Smart is as tough as they come. He's a great athlete who won the Defensive Player of the Year award due to his gritty play. He'd be a great safety.
Russell Westbrook, Clippers
Westbrook is one of the best athletes that the league has ever seen. With his shiftiness and speed, he could be a dual-threat running back.
Aaron Gordon, Nuggets
The 6-foot-8, 235 pound forward was robbed of two Dunk Contest wins. He can jump with anyone on the planet. He'd be a fearsome tight end.
Paolo Banchero, Magic
Banchero was a star quarterback as a freshman, leading O'Dea High School to a state championship. His high school coach, who has coached numerous future NFL players, believes Banchero would have been "a shoo-in for the NFL."
MORE: Banchero was on track for potential NFL career
Bam Adebayo, Heat
He might be the most agile person alive at his 6-foot-9, 255 pound size. His excellent footwork and hands would make him a good lineman or tight end.
Jimmy Butler, Heat
Butler is tough as nails, and he has the strength to back down defenders. He could play multiple skill positions and would be a great receiver.
Dennis Smith Jr., Nets
Smith Jr. was out of the league and contemplating a tryout with the NFL before getting another shot and thriving as a defensive specialist. His athleticism got him drafted with the ninth pick in the 2017 draft.
David Roddy, Suns
Big Body Roddy, who had D1 offers to play QB while in high school in Minneapolis, has the broad shoulders that would do well in the NFL. At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, he'd be a good lineman.
Domantas Sabonis, Kings
Sabonis has the size and strength that would translate to the NFL. He also has great hand-eye coordination and played all 82 games this season despite playing a bruising style.
Donovan Mitchell, Cavs
Mitchell can jump out of the gym, and he's as speedy as they come. Despite only standing at 6-foot-3, he has a 6-foot-10 wingspan that would make him an elite receiver.
Brook Lopez and Robin Lopez, Bucks
The Lopez twins are massive seven-footers with great coordination and good hands. They would be good linemen.
Andre Drummond, Bulls
Drummond is one of the best rebounders in league history. He is shockingly agile at 6-foot-11 and 279 pounds, with a great nose for the ball. He'd be impossible to throw a pass over.
Kenneth Lofton Jr., Jazz
DJ Burns was getting interest in the NFL draft after a standout NCAA tournament run with NC State. Lofton is the jumbo-sized version at 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds. His quick feet and size would make him a killer defensive lineman.
Jayson Tatum, Celtics
At 6-foot-8 and 210 pounds, Tatum has the speed, strength, and leaping ability to catch the ball.
Jaylen Brown, Celtics
Brown is a great athlete who made the final round of the 2024 Slam Dunk contest. He would be a great receiver or outside linebacker.
James Harden, Clippers
Harden's court vision would make him a good quarterback, and his flopping would draw the most roughing the passer penalties in league history.
Obi Toppin, Pacers
The 6-foot-9, 220 pound Toppin won the Slam Dunk contest in 2022. He has soft hands and could high point the ball better than anyone.
Zach LaVine, Bulls
LaVine won back-to-back dunk titles in 2015 and 2016. He's got blazing speed and gifted leaping ability. Baseball is his favorite second sport, but he could also compete on the gridiron.
