NBA Lockout: Shaq, LeBron and 10 Players Who Could Enjoy NFL Success
There is high chance that the NBA will endure a lockout next season.
With the league boasting arguably its most athletic players to ever grace the hardwood, there are several high-flyers that could take their talents to the gridiron.
It’s been done before, and it could very well be done again. It would certainly be interesting to see how the following ten guys would fare in the NFL.
10. Allen Iverson, Running Back
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More heavily recruited out of high school than cousin ex-QB Aaron Brooks and even QB Michael Vick, Iverson’s impressive athleticism lent itself to several sports.
Enjoying many successes at the position, Iverson’s small size, quick feet, and ability to explode through any small hole would make him the perfect NFL runner.
Now that he’s on a two-year deal in Turkey, it probably won’t happen, but it’s not like he’s fulfilled the length of his last few contracts.
9. Deron Williams, Quarterback
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At 6’3”, 207 lbs, Williams possesses ideal height and size to play the position.
Equipped with incredible passing skill and an uncanny ability to read the play before it’s set to happen, Williams would serve as a dynamic playmaker for any team with a question mark at the position.
Additionally, his impressive speed and very sound footwork make him a natural fit under center.
8. Chris Paul, Safety
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While some might argue that Paul should be playing QB, his size doesn’t quite fit the bill.
The perennial steals leader in the NBA, CP3 would serve as a ball-hawking safety that would improve almost any defense.
Light on his feet and extremely agile to boot, Paul’s ability to perceive the development of a play would be critical to his ability to jump any route an opposing receiver tries to run on him.
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7. Steve Nash, Kicker
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The only white boy on the list, it’s almost comical that Nash is slated in as the kicker.
Growing up in Canada, Nash’s soccer skills have served him well throughout his NBA career. A firm believer that his roots in the sport attributed to his NBA development, Nash could probably make a career in the NFL using his prime time soccer skills.
He’s probably even better than half the kickers currently in the league.
6. Shaquille O'Neal, Center
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While Shaq is highly unlikely to pursue a stint in the NFL, he’d be the most dominating center in two professional sport leagues if he chose to do so.
An absolute beast of a man, O’Neal’s gargantuan 7’1”, 350+ pound body would be an asset to any offensive line.
Capable of taking on two or three defenders by himself, Shaq Daddy would immediately pay dividends to any team so long as he proved capable of snapping the ball to his quarterback.
5. Ron Artest, Linebacker
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Nobody should put anything past Ron Artest.
A self-proclaimed rap phenomenon and talented NBA defender, Artest has already flirted with the idea of playing in the NFL next season should basketball be forced to take a break.
At 6’7” and 250 lbs, Artest’s big body and strong lateral movement would lend itself well to the linebacker position, where he’d be able to make several physical tackles on the sidelines.
Maybe it would help him clear his head and he wouldn’t have to see Dr. Santi anymore.
4. Nate Robinson, Cornerback
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A standout corner in college, Robinson’s small stature proved to be no problem for him during his time at University of Washington.
Nater-Tot has a unique skill set that lends itself perfectly to the NFL game, and his quickness would allow him to keep up with any wide receiver.
While he definitely wouldn’t be a good choice as a cover corner against some of the taller options at the position, he could certainly enjoy more success than comparable CB Ellis Hobbs.
3. Dwight Howard, Defensive End
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Julius Peppers is not on steroids, but if he were he’d probably look a lot like Dwight Howard.
With shoulders bigger than most could even fathom, Howard could get past any double or triple team that an offensive line could throw at him.
Howard’s long arms would allow for him to be an expert with the swim-move technique, and provide quarterback pressure every time the opposition drops back to pass.
2. Glen Davis, Fullback
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One look at his high school tape and your jaw will hit the floor.
Absolutely mauling through the opposition, Davis’ aggressive, hard-nosed style of play would serve perfectly in his role as lead blocker.
Think of a bigger, badder, and better version of Lorenzo Neal, and that’s exactly what Davis would be if he decided to take on an NFL career.
1. LeBron James, Wide Receiver
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The most obvious choice by a long margin, James’ freakish athleticism lends itself to just about any sport that he chose to play.
With extraordinary height and an enormous wingspan, James could reel in almost any target that was in his general vicinity.
With the potential to be one of the most prolific wide receivers that the game has ever seen, it only makes sense that he comes in at No. 1.
Ethan is a contributing consultant to Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.
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