WWE: Linking 30 NBA Teams to Superstars

By now, you have read Robert Atkins' Linking of 30 MLB Teams to WWE Superstars and Rachel Miller's Linking of 32 NFL Teams to WWE Superstars.

Now it is the NBA's turn and here are some of the teams that link up well with the WWE Superstars.

Here are some of the Superstars that have a lot in common with the NBA teams based off this season alone. 

Atlanta Hawks: Cody Rhodes

The Atlanta Hawks are a team on the rise, much like how Cody Rhodes is in the WWE.

After Rhodes' win over Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania XXVII in Atlanta, Rhodes as something to look forward to, just like how the Hawks' Josh Smith, Kirk Hinrich, Joe Johnson, and Al Horford have to look forward to trying to dominate a Florida-ruled Southeast Division.

Boston Celtics: Sheamus

Originally, I was gonna put John Cena with this, since he's from the Boston area but when your team's nickname is the Celtics and you have a wrestler whose nickname is The Celtic Warrior, it just has to go hand in hand.

Sheamus has been as dominant like the Celtics. And also like the Celtics, he hit a snag when he won King of The Ring and the C's lost Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder and both Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal to injuries.

Nevertheless, the Celtics rebounded thanks to guys like Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, and Paul Pierce. Expect the Celtics to dominate again in the playoffs. 

Charlotte Bobcats: Daniel Bryan

The Charlotte Bobcats and Daniel Bryan have a lot in common: Their both poised for greatness, have a great fanbase and mentored by champions (In Daniel Bryan's case, The Miz whereas the Bobcats, Michael Jordan).

The only thing slowing them both down is that not only they need a new direction but it seems like they might not reach main event level either.

If anything, Daniel Bryan still has potential, just like the Bobcats. They can be champions, but only through opportunity and happenstance.

Make no mistake, D.J. Augustin, Stephen Jackson, Boris Diaw and Eduardo Najera can turn the Bobcats around. 

Chicago Bulls: CM Punk

Being that they're both from Chicago, The Bulls and CM Punk know all about winning championships.

Leading by example for the Bulls is Derrick Rose, who rose to prominence as the Bulls' team captain.

On the other hand, CM Punk has risen to prominence several times and is leader of the New Nexus.

Along with Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng, the Bulls are just as formidable as CM Punk's offense.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Trent Barreta

Ever since LeBron James took his talents to South Beach, the Cavaliers had to look elsewhere to bring in some young talent to fill in a very large void.

Enter J.J. Hickson, Christian Eyenga, Anderson Varejao, and Baron Davis. And when it comes to young talent in WWE, look no further than Trent Barreta.

Barreta was getting a decent push by having him feud with Drew McIntyre but now it seem like a hit or miss, much like the Cavaliers.

Things can turn around or get worse from there. There's always the NBA Draft and the hopes they can get the No. 1 pick. 

Dallas Mavericks: Drew McIntyre

The Dallas Mavericks and Drew McIntyre have a lot of things in common but the one thing that stands out is: Consistency.

The Mavericks are consistently always being mentioned in the playoff picture scenario much like how the IWC mentions McIntyre sometimes in the World Title hunt.

Both seem to be the "Chosen One" for their organizations but if Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, and Shawn Marion claim to be a loaded team, then how come by playoff time, it seems to be a dogfight for survival come elimination games during the playoffs?

McIntyre can also be mentioned in this category as well but that may all change within the year.  

Denver Nuggets: Santino Marella

Everyone thought that the Denver Nuggets would falter after Carmelo Anthony left for New York but in actuality, it gave Denver a new lease on their franchise and made them into a better team, much like how Santino has become a performer to watch in the ring with his comedic antics and over the top celebrations.

Danilo Gallinari, J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin, and Nene have brought a new vigor to Denver that would have Charlie Sheen saying "Duh, Winning" like it was going out of style.

Santino is a popular guy in the WWE and while he may be a tag team fixture with Vladimir Kozlov, he's still the guy to watch. 

Detroit Pistons: Randy Orton

The Detroit Pistons are like Randy Orton: They hear voices in their head and you know what those voices are saying? They're saying new coach, new attitude, and oh yeah...NBA Draft.

Unlike the deranged voices that motivate Orton, Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton, Ben Wallace, and Tracy McGrady need some other form of motivation.

For how long will T-Mac go without having a ring much, less being in the All-Star game? I think the Pistons need a kick start or a punt in the head to get them back into gear again. 

Golden State Warriors: Dolph Ziggler

The Golden State Warriors are a sleeper team: They have some exceptional talent but it seems like they are lacking and no one seems to care at least. Much can be said for Dolph Ziggler. Both Golden State and Ziggler are striving for perfection but one thing that's holding them back is inconsistency.

Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, David Lee, and Jeremy Lin have a lot of work ahead of them, and only time well tell if the Warriors will be back in the playoffs.

Same can be said if Ziggler will be the "Golden Boy" again if he wins a World Title. 

Houston Rockets: The Undertaker

The Houston Rockets are one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. The Undertaker is one of the greatest wrestlers in the history of the WWE.

Both Undertaker and the Rockets have a lot in common: They've won championships, they have an undefeated streak (in 1994, The Rockets were 15-0) and they also have been riddled by injuries.

With Yao Ming once again down by injuries, Kevin Martin, Luis Scola, Kyle Lowry, and Chase Budinger are still weapons that the Rockets rely on time and again.

And while The Undertaker is getting up their in age, the Rockets are the exact opposite. Although they're young, they're also getting to that point where they should be in their prime. 

Indiana Pacers: Evan Bourne

The Indiana Pacers are a team that came straight out of nowhere not only in a Central Division now ruled by the Chicago Bulls but also clawing their way into the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Evan Bourne is just the same: He comes straight out of nowhere when he hits you with his aerial assault but still manages to find himself in some title contention (even though he should be the reason WWE bring back the Cruiserweight championship).

The Pacers have shocked many much like Evan Bourne has whenever he puts on a match. Danny Granger, Mike Dunleavy Jr., T.J. Ford, and Tyler Hansbrough can learn a thing or two from Evan Bourne, and that being resilient, crafty, and being the David to the Bulls' Goliath in the playoffs by pulling out a Reggie Miller-like miracle.  

Los Angeles Clippers: John Morrison

The Los Angeles Clippers are starting to become a team to be respected and exciting to watch thanks to one guy: Blake Griffin. John Morrison is as exciting and well-liked amongst the IWC just as he is psychedelic and groovy.

Blake Griffin has given the Clippers a new identity, but he's not the only one contributing to this newfound swag that the Clips have.

Chris Kaman, Eric Bledsoe, and Ryan Gomes should also be able to electrify the L.A. crowd the same way Morrison electrifies an arena.

Only time well tell if the Clippers will take the next step of being a respectable team and be in the playoffs for more than one appearance and if Morrison will become WWE or World Champion. 

Los Angeles Lakers: Triple H

The Lakers and Triple H: love them or hate them, it's all up to you. Triple H, much like the Lakers bring up star power wherever they go.

You can't take your eyes off them even though you want to but both are a franchise storied and awe-spiring.

Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Derek Fisher are still the four men to beat whereas Triple H has beaten everyone their is from legends to newcomers and everyone in-between.

And for those of you who thought Trips would get a Hollywood ending of his own by beating The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVII, he'll get a much bigger send-off when the Hall of Fame calls his name. 

Memphis Grizzlies: Kofi Kingston

The Grizzlies have boomed their way into the playoffs. Surprisingly, this team, shocked Houston for the eighth spot in the West. Kofi Kingston has shocked wowed fans in the WWE.

Much can be said about this pairing: They're explosive, they have controlled frenzy, and are fan favorites.

Though the Grizzlies have an uphill battle against San Antonio in the playoffs, at least Memphis can rebound.

Rudy Gay, Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, and Zach Randolph can provide some extra boom for their team. 

Miami Heat: John Cena

You knew you saw this one coming. Both Cena and the Miami Heat not only have star power but are pretty much hated (and liked) amongst both WWE and NBA fans alike.

What'd you expect from a guy who calls himself "The Champ" even though right now, he doesn't have a championship title.

Same thing can be said for the Heat. How could LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Mario Chalmers (Miami has the big 3 but I wanted to add a fourth wheel in there) claim to be champions when the season hadn't started yet, let alone the playoffs.

Both Cena and the Heat are definitely full of confidence and at times, themselves. Expect Cena to win a championship within the year and the Heat to do the same. 

Milwaukee Bucks: R-Truth

You also knew this was coming also. If you remember back when Monday Night Raw was in Milwaukee and R-Truth mistakenly called the city Green Bay, in response to the Packers winning the Super Bowl, then you understand.

But all jokes aside, the Bucks have young talent like Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, Luc Mbah a Moute, and Michael Redd needs to rev up the Bucks once again and get them to the point where they can challenge the Bulls for a shot at being at the top of the Central Division.

Until then, it's the NBA Draft...and that's what's up. 

Minnesota Timberwolves: Chris Masters

The Timberwolves want to be a strong team but they don't have the muscle or masterpiece moniker that Chris Masters has.

Clearly, both these two have some potential but it will more than likely be next year.

Kevin Love, Jonny Flynn, Michael Beasley, and yes...Darko Milicic have some potential to be at the top but it won't be a fly by night thing, just ask Ricky Rubio and how reluctant he is not to go there and how he wants to be so close to Spain.

The Timberwolves would be great with someone who has strength in their corner and maybe adding Mark Henry wouldn't hurt, either. 

New Jersey Nets: Zack Ryder

It seems like all the rage must be in New Jersey. You got the Jersey Shore, Jerseylicious, and of course...The New Jersey Nets.

Zack Ryder seems to fit in with the Jersey crowd and the Nets should reflect that kind of attitude Jersey is known for. Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Anthony Morrow, and Kris Humphries can learn how to lighten up like Long Island Iced Z himself.

Despite the fact the team could be moving to Brooklyn, it should be in the Lower East Side and having JTG there wouldn't hurt, either. The Nets should be a better team come next season, and Zack Ryder will be champion also in that same time. 

New Orleans Hornets: Christian

New Orleans and Christian have a lot of things in common: They want to be champion and everyone is backing them up. The thing is, most people believe it won't happen, unless it was in a fantasy mode.

Make no mistake, Chris Paul, David West, Emeka Okafor, and Trevor Ariza can lead the Hornets to the promised land, while at the same time, the team may lose Paul in the off-season.

Christian will be a champion; the thing is, we don't know when. 

New York Knicks: The Miz

This is perhaps one of the best links between an NBA team and a WWE Superstar as you can get.

The Knicks have all the tools needed necessary to climb up in the ranks of the Eastern Conference, the thing is some people don't even think the Knicks are going to deliver on being champions, and that's where the comparison to The Miz comes in.

The Miz is already a WWE Champion and is over with the fans but some view Miz as a weak champion rather than one that should be taken seriously.

Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Chauncey Billups, and Landry Fields need to take it in consideration that they need to learn more about defense and would make them a better, stronger team.

The Miz should also do some dark, serious promos to make himself be more of a threat than the boisterous loudmouth people know him to be. 

Oklahoma City Thunder: Jack Swagger

Young, popular, and already an elite team. That's how you describe the Oklahoma City Thunder. Those same words also apply to The All-American American, Jack Swagger.

Both Swagger and the Thunder have something to prove. They want to be champions so badly but in Swagger's case he wants to be champion again and this time taken seriously.

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and Kendrick Perkins all have the necessary know-how to get to the top.

A good combination of big bodies, talent, and precise speed would put Oklahoma City in a place they've never been before (Okay, as the Sonics back in 1996) in the NBA Finals.

Guaranteed, this is another team you will see in the finals and Jack Swagger as World Champion, U.S. Champion or Intercontinental Champion. 

Orlando Magic: Big Show

The Orlando Magic seemed to have a grasp over the Southeast Division back in 2008 through 2010. The same way Big Show became known for his knockout punch around that same time.

And while The Magic have been to the NBA Finals both in 1994 and in 2009 and both times ending up without the trophy, Big Show has won numerous championships.

Dwight Howard, Gilbert Arenas, Jameer Nelson, and Hedo "Boogaloo" Turkoglu all have what it takes to make Orlando drive into the finals again.

All they need is a knockout blow to deliver; otherwise, they'll be knocked out when Dwight Howard decides to leave for another team. 

Philadelphia 76ers: Rey Mysterio

The Philadelphia 76ers were once a team in obscurity, that was until Elton Brand showed up and the team now looks to contend in the East.

Rey Mysterio, as always, is depicted as the ultimate underdog (much like the 76ers without the ultimate part).

Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, and Spencer Hawes are the guys that can turn this team around and definitely start a new era for the Sixers and get them on their way.

Mysterio, after putting over Cody Rhodes in WrestleMania XXVII, is looking to start anew and should either team up with Sin Cara or refocus on the World Title again and face Alberto Del Rio.

Phoenix Suns: Sin Cara

The Phoenix Suns are still one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA and are masters of the run and gun fast break game.

Sin Cara, formerly Mistico, is an exciting talent and master of the wrestling art known as Lucha Libre.

Guys like Steve Nash, Vince Carter, Channing Frye, and Mickael Pietrus are as exciting and a show to behold once they hit the court.

Same can be said about Sin Cara when he flips, jumps, and flies across the ring.

The Suns should already be champion and make no mistake about this, Sin Cara will one day be World Champion. We know it's going to happen, we just don't know when. 

Portland Trail Blazers: Kane

The Trail Blazers and Kane have a lot in common: They both use fire as part of their theme, they are big guys that can be brutal yet lethargic at the same time.

Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Rudy Fernandez have a lot of fire in them and going into the playoffs, they'll need some of it to get past the first round.

Kane would also have to do more than just feud with The Corre, he and Big Show would have to team up and win the Tag Team Championship and bring a revival to the Tag Team Division.

The Trail Blazers can be a team worth watching, if they can keep Greg Oden away from being injured. 

Sacramento Kings: The Corre

The Corre are a young group of guys looking to dominate the Smackdown! Brand after leaving their former group, Nexus and decimating the RAW Brand.

The Sacramento Kings are a young group of guys just looking for relevancy in the NBA.

While the Corre's Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, and Ezekiel Jackson may be holding the gold, the Kings' Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi, Samuel Dalembert, and Marcus Thornton are looking to bring some respect back for Sacramento and hopefully a turnaround season.

That's asking for much, but they should manage to least work towards an ultimatum to get back on the right track.  

San Antonio Spurs: Shawn Michaels

Who better than The Show Stopper, The Icon, Mr. WrestleMania,  The Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels to be linked up with the San Antonio Spurs? I'll wait... I thought so.

Much like Shawn Michaels, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and Richard Jefferson are getting up their in age but they still can put on more exciting matches.

Also like Shawn Michaels, Gregg Poppovich has the Hall of Fame calling his name anytime soon.

San Antonio seems to be an unstoppable force much like HBK was in the ring. The Spurs could be NBA Champions again, and we may see HBK again also.  

Toronto Raptors: Edge

Edge and Toronto have a lot in common: Both are championship hungry, determined, and overall opportunistic. The Raptors need something that will get them to the point they need to compete with the East.

Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, DeMar DeRozan, and Leandro Barbosa are a true international team. They also need to learn something from Edge rather than just counting their losses.

They need to be fired up, ready to strike when the opportunity presents itself, and also take no holds barred approach to the game. How do you think Edge became World Champion so many times?

Utah Jazz: Alberto Del Rio

Utah and Alberto Del Rio may not have much in common except destiny. Alberto Del Rio's destiny was to win the World Championship, Utah's destiny was the same but it eventually cost them Deron Williams to head to New Jersey and coach Jerry Sloan to retire.

Utah can learn from Del Rio: They can learn how to control their own destiny without screwing it up, learn how to bounce back, and make a bold run up the ranks in the West.

Devin Harris, Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirilenko, and Al Jefferson don't have to have an announcer like Ricardo Rodriguez to announce them every time they score or have a bodyguard like Brodus Clay. They just need destiny and faith on their side. 

Washington Wizards: Ted DiBiase

Ted DiBiase comes from money and the Wizards come from well...Washington. While those two things do have something in common, much could be also said about both DiBiase and the Wizards.

After the split from Legacy, DiBiase got himself a girl on his arm in Maryse and that's only been hell for him. Not only that, he's been on a downslope.

John Wall, Nick Young, Yi Jianlian, and Andray Blatche need some momentum for the Wizards. John Wall may dougie all he like but the Wizards are lacking and they need to get it together by next season.

A new direction perhaps can give both DiBiase and the Wizards a new outlook. Have DiBiase go to Smackdown! and start fresh and have the Wizards buckle down and be healthy, and everyone wins.