8 NBA Stars Every Fan Would Love to Hang out with

There are a number of websites and services these days that allow fans to hang out with their favorite athletes. It isn't often that the common man (or woman) gets to interact with a professional athlete for an extended period of time, and there's clearly a market for those who would love nothing more than to spend a few minutes with their favorite NBA star.

Compelling athletes fall into one of two categories: those who have great stories to tell about their careers, and there are those who would simply be a blast to hang out with. For example, a day with Kobe Bryant may be an enlightening experience, but a night out at the club with James Harden could very well be life-changing. And while fans don't typically agree on most things, there are a few standout players in the Association who are just a bit cooler than the rest.

8) Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

On the surface, there's nothing about Rajon Rondo that screams "fun." But during those rare moments where he lets the media get close to him, it's clear that the Boston Celtics point guard is one of the most interesting players in the league.

The normally stoic Rondo showed a different side of his personality during a stint interning for GQ last summer. And when he's not making photocopies (or dishing out 10 assists per game), he likes to have a good time just like anyone else. Who knew that Rondo loves to roller skate?

7) Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Jrue Holiday is one of the more entertaining players in the NBA. Unfortunately, few people know it since his team rarely gets much national attention (and when it does, it's because of Andrew Bynum's ever-changing hairstyle).

Holiday is just establishing himself as a star in this league, and that's a big reason why he was able to go the self-deprecation route by posing as an employee in a sporting goods store last year.

He may have gone unrecognized back then, but after singing a little Rihanna at this year's All-Star Game, Holiday has finally emerged as one of the league's most engaging personalities.

6) Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls

Joakim Noah is the perfect example of a player you can't stand if he's on another team but one that you would love if he played in your city.

Noah clearly likes to have fun both on and off the court. He's a bundle of kinetic energy in between the white lines, so it's hard for anyone to imagine that he would be anything different away from the arena. And if these pictures from his vacation are any indication, the University of Florida product spent a lot of time down in Gainesville learning how to have a good time on the beach.

Be careful not to text his girlfriend, however—that may not end all that well.

5) Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Hanging with Kyrie Irving for a day would probably be the most fun that anyone can have with an athlete who isn't old enough to drink yet. Of course, you may be able to sneak into a bar or two if Irving is in his "Uncle Drew" attire.

Irving is the next big thing in the NBA, yet he's still just enough below the radar that you could hang out with him without fear of a mob scene. And considering the fact that Irving was bold enough to challenge Kobe Bryant to a one-on-one battle, there probably isn't anything that the 20-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers star wouldn't be willing to do.

4) Nick Young, Philadelphia 76ers

If you want the thrill of hanging out with New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith without the threat of serious bodily harm, then Nick Young is your man.

When Young isn't eating cinnamon or busting a freestyle in Benihana's, he's probably wearing Superman pajamas on the team flight to Milwaukee. "Swaggy P" (a nickname that he created for himself; the P doesn't have any particular meaning) does what he wants, when he wants, with a flair that is uniquely his.

One thing is for certain: After spending a day with Young, you'll be exposed to dozens of fashion combinations that you never thought were possible.

3) James Harden, Houston Rockets

Last August, James Harden threw an all-white party aboard a luxury liner that will go down in the annals as one of the greatest bashes of all time (at least according to New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith).

This photo alone of a shirtless Harden surrounded by a half-dozen women is proof that his yacht party was at least a notch or two above your typical bar or bat mitzvah.

Of course, it's clear that the Houston Rockets shooting guard loves to have a good time—there's nothing about that beard of his that screams "conservative." And while he may not throw blowout yacht parties every weekend, you can be sure that a night out on the town with Harden won't be a disappointment.

2) Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

The best guys to hang out with are those who aren't afraid to make fun of themselves. And at seven feet tall, Dirk Nowitzki is confident enough in himself to bust out a few moves on the Jumbotron.

The picture of an intoxicated Nowitzki hanging with a similarly inebriated Steve Nash has been seen by nearly every basketball fan on the planet, and when sober, his comedic timing is extraordinarily spot-on.

Just be warned: He's not the best singer in the world.

1) LeBron James, Miami Heat

Truth be told, the now infamous Samsung commercial might actually be a toned-down version of LeBron James' life.

This is a man who has Warren Buffett and Jay-Z on speed dial. A man who is being paid untold millions of dollars to play a game while enjoying the pleasures of South Beach in his down time. And if you're rolling with "King James," there aren't too many places that you won't be allowed into.

What he does on the basketball court is almost secondary; a day with LeBron James would be an unforgettable experience. And not only is James pretty good at his primary profession, but he does a mean Michael Jackson at the karaoke bar as well.