10 NBA Players We'd Like to See Become Rap Stars

There have been numerous NBA players over the years who have attempted to break into the rap scene, yet thus far, all efforts have yielded minimal results.

Athletes such as Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant have proven to be music enthusiasts and aspirants, but they would not necessarily make the most entertaining musicians.

Players that would make the most amusing rappers are the ones that you would least expect to embrace such an occupation. For whatever reason, imagining certain players with a mic, an audience and a plethora of lyrics to bust out is cause for a chuckle, or 50.

At the end of the day, with all the other dime-a-dozen acts out there, it's the comical ones we would appreciate most.

Tony Parker

Tony Parker actually released a French rap album back in 2007, but he never became a star.

At the risk of belittling Parker's work, hearing him rap in French is appealing to the ears because it provokes fits of laughter.

Parker doesn't fit the music-mogul mold, but that's why it would be great to see him become a famous artist—everyone loves an underdog story.

It's mind-blowing to know that a quiet, mild-mannered athlete got his feet wet in a business that is built on visible swagger.

Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki was clearly born to ball, but if his goofy, seven-foot stature ever went on stage to drop perpetual rhymes, it would be an event worth seeing.

As skilled as Nowitzki is on the hardwood, his overall demeanor is dopey.

Although he can be loud, it's hard to imagine that heavy accent maintaining any kind of rhythm or flow.

Also, an entire album done in German would certainly pique curiosity.

Without even hearing a sample, I'd pay to see Nowitzki transition from leaving it all on the court to leaving it all on the stage, even if only for one day. 

John Wall

John Wall is super quick on the basketball court, and I'd like to think he would be the same way with a microphone.

Spinning an absurd number of words per minute seems like it would be a talent he could master.

And the energy he would generate onstage running back and forth would be cause enough to purchase a ticket to one of his shows.

If not for any other reason, though, seeing Wall emerge as a big-time rapper would be great so that he may experience success in one of his current endeavors, since being a member of the Wizards isn't exactly paying huge dividends at this point.

Timofey Mozgov

Timofey Mozgov is big, Russian and clumsy, ensuring he would be an absolute riot with a mic in his hands.

Mozgov doesn't talk much, but when he does, he stumbles and mumbles in an almost Mike Tyson-like manner, and he has a level of shyness about him not found in your typical, run-of-the-mill musician.

In reality, all 7'1" of Mozgov would be a terrible rapper, yet that's why it would be great to see him take over the scene. His act would be an untalented one worth seeing.

Chris Andersen

In the NBA, tattoos are a staple of the business, and the same can be said of the rap scene.

If that's the case, then Chris "Birdman" Andersen has enough art to satisfy the requirements for both occupations, and then some.

Andersen has already shown he can turn a visual form of self-expression into overkill, so just imagine what he could do with a verbal one.

Better yet, imagine what he would say—or rather, sing—to a crowd full of people who are actually interested in listening to him.

Now that's a scary yet highly entertaining thought. 

Metta World Peace

Why would Metta World Peace make a great rap star?

Because his stage name could be Ron Artest. 

Because his flamboyant personality would be a lock to hype up the crowd.

Because his first headlining tour could be called "Malice in My Palace."

Because he has a tendency to boast an obnoxious haircut.

Because it would be awesome to see what he would sing without a filter.

And because, let's face it, his basketball career isn't exactly fulfilling at this point. 

Andrew Bogut

Andrew Bogut would not only make a terrific rap star because it would be hilarious to see a monstrosity like himself tearing it up on stage, but because he is from Australia.

I feel safe in saying that many would welcome the opportunity to listen to a rap song filled with incessant "crikeys" instead of expletives.

While Bogut recuperates and rehabilitates his ankle, he should take on rapping at local hip-hop dives as a hobby and a way to kill time.

And who knows? It could set himself up for a life of fame after basketball. 

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin appears to be anything but awkward on the basketball court, but the same cannot be said for off of it.

Griffin holds an awkward presence in his latest Kia Optima commercials, and it would be great to see him bring this air of clumsiness to the microphone.

Would he bust out some imaginary air dunks on stage to make himself feel more at home?

Would he stare blankly at the crowd in between sets wondering how to keep them entertained without a basketball in his hands?

Who knows? But the opportunity to find out would be more than welcomed. 

DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins' act is volatile both on and off the court, so just imagine how it would be on stage in front of screaming fans with a microphone is his hands.

If you look closely enough and try hard enough, Cousins bears a slight resemblance to 50 Cent.

Perhaps that's how he could start a career, singing the famous rapper's jams while slowly segueing into his own music.

Cousin's actions make great headlines for tabloids but bad publicity for basketball. As a big-time rapper, dominating the gossip columns would be one of his primary jobs.

And it's one he would be damn good at.

Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin has emerged as an unlikely savant in an array of circles, so why not the rap scene next?

Lin's surplus of humility and devotion to religion is sure to make for many No. 1 hits.

He could rap about his sudden claim to fame, his time at Harvard and what it was like to drop 38 on Kobe Bryant.

The point guard could write a book about his life over the past two weeks, but the world would much rather hear him relay his story through the power of rap.

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