There I was, being the iPad kid I am, scrolling through YouTube while eating my lunch looking for the right killer 2010’s NBA highlight reel to enjoy, when I stumbled across the highlights of the classic video of LeBron James vs Kevin Durant in Flag Football during the NBA lockout which quickly became me watching the entire game. As Kevin Durant pulled in what seemed like his 18th catch for 400 yards, I began to think of what current NBA players would possibly be a better wide reciever than the Slim Reaper, then thinking of which would be the best quarterback, the best line backer, and so on until eventually I just had to sit down and make an entire starting lineup. So here it is.
If there was a TACKLE football roster (not flag because it’s my imagination and I can do whatever I want) consisting of all current-day NBA players, THIS would be the starting lineup.
OFFENSE
QB: Nikola Jokic – While I think the quarterback starting position is extremely close between Nikola and LeBron, I’m going to give the nod to Jokic. While LeBron would have been a bit more mobile, and probably better leadership, I think he can excel at just about any position on the field (similar to exactly how he is in the NBA). From the Joker, I’m getting a Siberian Ben Roethlisberger type vibe in terms of style of play. The Quesarito, while not mobile, can for sure sit in the pocket (with elite blocking) and simply throw bombs to his recievers. Jokic towers over defenders and possesses elite vision. He can fit the ball anywhere he wants, most the time he dosen’t even have to look. I think this is a sure-fire pick at Quarter Back and I’m confident he can lead the team to domination.
RB: Ja Morant – Again, I went back and forth for a long time here deciding between Ja and my all-time favorite player Russell Westbrook. While Russ would have been a better option in his prime, with angry runs and peak athleticism, I’m going to give the job to Ja in current day. Similar to Russ, Ja is as athletic as they come. While he is a bit skinny for my liking, the 99 rated speed should help. I see him being able to take the hand-off but also having the ability to leak-out and be a pass-catching back, I see him being like Jahmyr Gibbs but with a tiny gun addiction.
WR1: Giannis Antetetekonomumokoumpo – This was the first guy I thought of while watching the LeBron vs KD video and the only guy I can see beating Kevin out as what would be the best wide reciever on the team. Equal in height but add being the most athletic player in the assiciation to the resume. Faster, stronger, and plays angry. 50/50 balls turn into 99/1 balls. This team will win games by Nikola simply saying, “F— it, Giannis is down there somewhere.” Current day comparison – A.J. Brown.
WR2: Kevin Durant – Watch the highlights. He is nuts. Similar to Giannis, but what he lacks in athleticism he makes up for in skill. Insane wingspan and another guy who will get every contested ball for his reach alone. Giving the current day comparison to Tee Higgins.
WR3: De’Aaron Fox – For the perfect pairing to fit in with the 2 deep threat wide recievers, I’m going to put Swipa in at the slot. Quick cutting and the fastest guy in the league. Although a slot guy he for sure has the ability to make a quick cut and break off for yards in bunches. Comparison – Jaylen Waddle
TE: LeBron James – Although he would have been great at Quarterback, LeBron is going to pull a Tebow and come back to this newly assembled team as a tight end. LeBron will serve this team as a swiss army knife. Go ahead and let him take a few QB snaps to pull in a defense and gain some scrambling upside, hand the ball off as a RB and let him use his strength and athleticism to run the ball down their throats, let him get creative and use his high IQ to pick apart a defender in running a few routes. LeBron will play a similar style to Taysom Hill just x10000000.
OL: Julius Randle, Steven Adams, Kenneth Lofton Jr, Jusuf Nurkic, Andre Drummond – Don’t need the player-by-player run down here but all mainly possess the same traits. Some big body boys. Nothing specific in terms of style of play that made me think these guys would best suit the offensive line other than I just imagine they would be good. I would trust Steven Adams with my life to protect me from rushing defenders. Also Ken Lofton is just a humungous human and close to the ground so good luck defending the Philly Special tush push when LeBron James is running into his giant back to gain a yard or 2 every single time.
DEFENSE
DL: Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid, Jaren Jackson Jr, Zion Williamson – Moving onto the defensive side of the ball, we’ll start with this elite defensive line. Good luck to any opposing QB’s that don’t get the ball out of the pocket within 0.5 seconds becuse these giants will wreck havvock in an instant. Zion and Bam rushing off the edge are the perfect combination, Zion will bull rush any offensive lineman with his 800 pound self and Bam will use his combined strength with fantastic skill and footwork to get around anyone. I see Embiid serving this line as an Aaron Donald-type guy for the squad as he is stronger than everyone else and will use every bit of it to his advantage. Jaren Jackson Jr also a servicable defender as well with a large frame.
LB: Scottie Barnes, Lu Dort, Kawhi Leonard – These linebackers are shutting everything down. Elite defending in the NBA, and elite defending here. All 3 have the strength of great vision on defense, and a feel for where the ball is going as well as prestegious techniques in being able to get steals/blocks, or in this case, interceptions and tackles. Not a worry in the world for this team when it comes to the linebacker room.
DB: Jimmy Butler, SGA, Patrick Beverly, Jrue Holiday – To round out this defense, the defensive backs will SWARM whoever they are playing. All very fast and very long (besides P-Bev but he is built different.) Whatever routes are not suffocated by Jimmy or Shai, our 2 safeties are 2 of the best perimiter defenders in the league, which obviously translates to elite football safety play.
In conclusion, I think this team can hang with the best of them. Pretty sure this squad could win the XFL championship and probably beat the Carolina Panthers at least when it comes to NFL play.