NBA Lockout: 8 NBA All Stars Who Could Make It in MMA Today

Just a month ago one of the best NBA seasons of all time ended.

Sure maybe it wasn’t the best based on quality of games, but the amount of drama and public interest surrounding this season made this a year to remember.

And in a few months, it looks like we’ll be without basketball.

Cue the violin.

Without basketball, where should these high caliber athletes turn to?

Why not MMA?

The fastest growing sport in the world could use some star power, and as evidenced by Jon Jones, a super athlete with dedication can quickly move up the ladder in MMA. 

Kobe Bryant

MMA Equivalent: Anderson Silva

The most competitive player since Jordan has the right drive and determination to pick up any sport quickly.

Add his soccer background, and Kobe even has some kicking ability in his arsenal, making him a formidable opponent.

LeBron James

MMA Equivalent: Georges St Pierre

The best all around player in the NBA, Lebron has more physical tools than anyone in NBA history.

Given some time to train, Lebron could become well rounded in every area and he might even gain all the tools to become a champion, as long as he doesn’t choke in the 5^th round, (Zing!)

Ron Artest

MMA Equivalent: Chris Leben

Ron Artest is out of his mind, which is a good thing in MMA.

Artest might be most famous for going into the stand and beating on some fans, (showing some impressive ground and pound in the process.)

This former NBA champion could be a force if he was given the proper training. 

Rajon Rondo

MMA Equivalent: Forrest Griffin

A player who does all the little things right, yet lacks the scoring prowess to be seen as elite, Rondo would have a lot going for him if he moved to MMA.

With freakishly long arms and lightning quick hands, Rondo could stay on the outside and pick apart his opponents, while making it tough to close the distance and take him down.

Dwight Howard

MMA Equivalent: Phil Davis

Dwight Howard makes this list for one reason. The dude is a physical specimen.

Howard has some freakish strength, and I have little doubt that he can throw a hell of a punch.

Howard could make some noise as a heavyweight based on his natural ability alone.

Blake Griffin

MMA Equivalent: Urijah Faber

The most explosive player in the NBA at the moment, Griffin has some serious ability on the hardwood and I think it can transfer into MMA quite well.

Griffin could throw some serious power into his strikes and his explosiveness would aid him in getting fights to the mat.

Derrick Rose

MMA Equivalent: Frankie Edgar

The MVP is in the building!

Rose is one of the gutsiest players in the league, throwing his body in harms way every time he throws himself into the lane.

Rose has the skill to go with his heart, and would be a tough out if he decided to try his hand at MMA.

Kevin Garnett

MMA Equivalent: Wanderlei Silva

The most intense player in the game, Kevin Garnett would be the kind of fighter that can strike fear into the heart of his opponent.

He’s big, he’s strong, and he has a passion for the game that is impossible to match, making him an ideal fighter to cross over into MMA.