The All-Gridiron Team: NBA players who would dominate on the football field

Author:
Ben Golliver
Publish date:
Jan 22, 2014

We couldn't make a fake NFL team composed of NBA players without this guy. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images Sport)

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"The Point Forward All-Stars" will have a new theme each week centered on a single shared trait that brings together the team members. This week, with the Seahawks and Broncos preparing for Super Bowl XLVIII , SI.com has a little fun and tries to project which NBA players would make the best transition from the hardwood to the gridiron.

The All-Gridiron Team

The "Which NBA players could make it in the NFL?" topic comes up from time to time, like when Heat forward LeBron James tweeted in October that he "[wants to] play in one NFL game before it's over." At the time, The Point Forward urged James to make his football dream a reality, perhaps during a possible NBA lockout in 2017, rather than pointlessly flirting with the idea like he has with the Slam Dunk Contest year after year.

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It goes without saying that James, who Charles Barkley once called "biggest, stronger, [and] faster" than Michael Jordan, has a place on any NBA-to-NFL crossover squad. But who joins him? With Super Bowl XLVIII just around the corner, The Point Forward scoured the NBA's ranks to assemble a 22-man football lineup, plus a coaching staff, special teamers and a few key reserves we just couldn't leave out.

Notes: list heights and weights are taken from Basketball-Reference.com. In some cases, the weights, in particular, are decidedly on the low end. For NFL coverage, check out SI.com's Audibles blog.

Offense

Quarterback: Michael Carter-Williams(6-foot-6, 185 pounds), Sixers

Expecting to pluck a Peyton Manning or Tom Brady type from a different sport in the middle of their career is just unrealistic. Instead, Carter-Williams will be cast as a dual-threat quarterback, with the requisite height, mobility, quickness, instincts and spatial awareness to pressure defenses with his arm and his feet. Yes, he needs to add 20 pounds (OK, 30) and his turnover rate is a bit concerning, but he's a natural play-maker and he'll be surrounded by athletes. He's option-ready (he pitched with his left hand to Thaddeus Young for a recent game-winner), he possesses the necessary assertiveness (more than 60 percent of his attempts come in the paint), and he should be able to pick up nine yards scrambling if a third-and-seven play didn't develop as expected. The Rookie of the Year candidate has unusual height for the point guard position, and that's worth bonus points here, as his offensive line averages 6-foot-10 or higher. It's better for Carter-Williams to peer over the trees than to ask Chris Paul to jump pass down after down. Think a poor man's Colin Kaepernick.

Running Back: Russell Westbrook (6-3, 187), Thunder

The Thunder point guard said in 2011 that he sees himself as a safety, but utilizing one of the NBA's most tenacious players as a running back is too tantalizing a possibility to pass up. Strong, fearless, and explosive, Westbrook isn't going to waste any time getting positive yardage, he should be able to take the pounding, and he offers home-run potential if a hole develops. The Point Forward pictures Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (6-1, 190 pounds) as Westbrook's back-up. Critics might see redundancy in their skillsets, but in actuality they should represent a "Double your pleasure, double your fun" reality for Carter-Williams, who will drop back in the pocket knowing he should always have a legit safety valve on every play. "Keeping your head down" can be a vice in the NBA, a strike that's been used against both of these players, but that's just the job description for a a running back. Think Westbrook and Bledsoe are terrors in the open court? Just imagine them running a sweep or hauling in a screen pass with blockers set up in front of them.

Hopefully both players recover from their respective knee surgeries in time for the All-Gridiron Team's debut, which is still TBD.

Wide Receiver: Paul George (6-8, 210), Pacers

Wide Receiver: Kawhi Leonard (6-7, 225), Spurs

Slot Receiver: John Wall (6-4, 195), Wizards

Wide receiver is arguably the most natural crossover position between the two sports. A good wideout is a high-flying, quick-reacting, sure-handed target, much like a good alley-oop finisher. Something tells me that George, who recently threw down a reverse 360 windmill dunk during a game, could be trusted to bring down a fade in the corner of the end zone, even if a lockdown corner was draped all over him. The technical precision of that dunk, one of many in the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest participant's arsenal, displayed his coordination, elite athleticism and his showman's spirit; George should be trusted, therefore, to tip-toe the sideline, create separation, win a jump ball, and come up with an entertaining touchdown dance. What more could you want from a No. 1 receiver?

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Opposite George is Leonard, whose low-key personality makes him seem an ideal fit as a No. 2 receiver. No complaining about touches, no envy at who gets the headlines, and no drama or baggage. Just gigantic hands, underrated athletic tools, a commitment to work and a high-level IQ. Leonard's understanding of match-ups and tendencies in the NBA should work well in a position that would often require him operating in one-one situations.

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Wall pencils in as the slot receiver: he is perhaps the NBA's best point guard in transition and he has all the makings of a "Yards After Catch" demon. Give the 2010 No. 1 pick a seam in a zone coverage and he's taking it to the house, thanks to his top-end burst and a full array of sharp jukes that he can unleash at full speed. It's hard to imagine anyone tracking him down from behind once he beats the safeties.

Tight End: LeBron James (6-8, 240), Heat

Those who cling to the notion that James isn't cut out for the NFL are delusional. His once-in-a-generation size/strength/athleticism would absolutely translate, and the only question is his ideal position. Tight end, wide receiver, defensive end and quarterback have all been raised as possibilities, but he fits best as a tight end with the All-Gridiron Team. James has always been defined by his versatility for his size on the basketball court, and utilizing him as a tight end should carry some of that over to the football field. Keeping him in the middle of the field requires constant defensive attention and match-up issues, and it ensures that he's involved in a high percentage of the plays. More of a receiving tight end than a blocking tight end, James is a gigantic target for Carter-Williams, and he's blessed with everything you need from a pass-catcher. And if a clumsy linebacker dares hit him before the ball arrives? There's no one better at selling the 15-yard penalty.

Left Tackle: Dwight Howard (6-11, 240), Rockets

Left Guard: Nikola Pekovic (6-11, 243), Timberwolves

Center: Andrew Bogut (7-0, 245), Warriors

Right Guard: Jared Sullinger (6-9, 280), Celtics

Right Tackle: Andre Drummond (6-10, 270), Pistons

Body type-wise, the offensive line might be the most difficult roster area to fill, as NBA players are loathe to cop to the 300-pound weight threshold. The concept here was pretty simple: go for nasty and brutish in the middle while aiming for peak bulk/quickness at the tackle positions.

Howard has developed an obnoxious, whiny off-court personality, but he remains among the NBA's leaders in blocks and rebounds and he's still a premier athlete at his position, even after back surgery. One major benefit of the basketball-to-football swap is that Howard won't be able to complain about his touches and shots, as he's not legally allowed to receive the ball as an offensive lineman. There's definitely a concern that he might hijack a huddle by offering to "trade places" with Carter-Williams, but hopefully peer pressure kicks in and he comes to terms with his integral role as a blind side protector. In any case, it's never a bad idea to put a player whose physique earned the nickname "Superman" at the most important line position.

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The Pekovic/Bogut/Sullinger trio isn't too difficult to unpack. Pekovic is one of the strongest and most imposing players in the NBA, he bears a giant tattoo of a knight standing on a bed of human skulls on his left arm, and the Timberwolves have pitched him as one-half of the "Bruise Brothers" (along with Kevin Love). Sounds perfectly suited to this thankless task. Bogut is a rim-protecting antagonizer or an antagonizing rim-protector, whichever you prefer, and he seems more than happy to coordinate the safety of Carter-Williams while also being ready to get into some shenanigans at the bottom of a dogpile at a moment's notice. Sullinger, the NBA's current leader in flagrant fouls, brings a wide frame and a penchant for hard contact.

Drummond, the NBA's most promising up-and-coming low-post talent, completes the group. Blessed with good agility for a player with his height/weight combination, he's a mountain of a man who isn't going to be beaten off the edge too easily. Running Westbrook behind the Sullinger/Drummond combination, with James chipping in, makes sense in short-yardage situations.

Nate Robinson, who played DB at Washington, also plays DB on The All-Gridiron Team. (Otto Gruele Jr. Getty Images)

Defense

Defensive End: Blake Griffin (6-10, 251), Clippers

Defensive Tackle: DeMarcus Cousins (6-11, 270) Kings

Defensive Tackle: Kendrick Perkins (6-10, 280), Thunder

Defensive End: Glen Davis (6-9, 289), Magic

The philosophy in constructing the defensive line was similar to the offensive line: sandwich a nasty interior with size/strength/speed on the outside. Perkins, who was the starting center on the NBA's All-Atrocious Team, might want to seriously consider a cross-sports move. While filling up space, glaring, hacking and shoving don't make for the ideal NBA big man, you can't ask for much more from a nose tackle. Perkins is the designated run-stuffer, a lineman with a uniquely ability to draw the attention of two blockers. He should be good for a few unnecessary and painful pile dives on opposing running backs that have already been tackled.

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Next to Perkins inside is Cousins, whose persecution complex should serve him well in this role. If we can simply channel all that negative energy usually directed towards referees and media members onto the opposing quarterback, we're talking about all-pro potential. With the height and length to be alter passes plus the strength and quickness to win one-on-one match-ups, Cousins will ensure that the defensive ends are in a position to make plays.

Griffin, hopefully, will be The Freak, Part Deux. He could conceivably: hurdle an offensive lineman who stays in his stance too long, beat his man around the corner with his explosive first step, bull rush through blocking backs, leap high to obscure a quarterback's passing windows, and give chase to mobile quarterbacks who get to dancing around outside the pocket. He might struggle defending the run, as he certainly prefers to initiate contact rather than receive it, but the Cousins/Perkins duo and the linebackers behind him combine to provide plenty of protection. Griffin has also shown two other key abilities: he is a magnet for illegal contact and he sells calls better than almost any professional athlete, regardless of sport. Don't even think about chop-blocking him, or holding him, or punching his helmet when no one is looking. Those yellow hankies will be flying.

Completing the defensive line is Davis, who played defensive end while attending high school in football-mad Louisiana. "Big Baby" has a rare combination of tenacity (he smashed a hotel computer keyboard in the middle of the night) and twinkle-toes (watch him boogey with Tas Melas of The Basketball Jones), meaning he should be able to bully his way through blockers and run hard upfield to keep a quarterback contained. Davis got the nod over other candidates, including Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried, because he has unlimited potential when it comes to sack dance celebrations.

Outside Linebacker: Reggie Evans (6-8, 245), Nets

Middle Linebacker: Metta World Peace (6-6, 244), Knicks

Outside Linebacker: Tyler Hansbrough (6-9, 250), Raptors

The linebacker corps needed both maximum pain tolerance and maximum motor. It's a bit cliche to cast World Peace in a Ray Lewis role, but the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year seems to possess the technique, instincts and versatility to handle the leading role, even if he's a half-decade past his prime at 34. The middle linebacker must strike fear in the heart of opponents, and World Peace can still do that. Just ask Hansbrough, who hilariously thought twice about an altercation back in October.

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Hansbrough is tireless, strong, fairly stout and he's almost always bleeding, so there was no way he could be left off this list. The Point Forward envisions him pursuing running backs wide, hauling in the occasional interception by dropping into pass coverage, and approaching the line with total abandon whenever it's his turn to blitz. Evans occupies the other outside linebacker slot, with much the same job description. The Nets forward was considered for spots on both lines, but ultimately he joined a rugged linebacker group to push its intimidation factor over the top.

Cornerback: Nate Robinson (5-9, 180), Nuggets

Cornerback: Avery Bradley (6-2, 180), Celtics

Free Safety: Tony Allen (6-4, 213), Grizzlies

Strong Safety: Lance Stephenson (6-5, 210), Pacers

The cornerbacks are the two biggest no-brain inclusions on the entire roster. Robinson was a football standout in high school and college at the University of Washington; the explosive leaping ability that made him a three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion comes in handy against taller receivers, and he's got foot speed to spare. Robinson flirted with the idea of playing football during the 2011 NBA lockout, and the Seahawks even offered him a training camp invite. Publicity stunt or not, his gridiron credentials are unquestioned. Bradley, a dogged on-ball defender with quality footwork and bounce, is perfectly suited as a cover corner. Leave him on an island against the opposing team's top receiver and you'll never hear from them all game.

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Tony Allen joins the secondary because he is a defensive craftsman; while bringing a physical presence, Allen's intelligence ultimately lands him this spot. It's easy to imagine Allen, with his studious attention to detail, getting inside the quarterback's head and stepping in to intercept passes by beating receivers to the spot. He should be able to offer assistance on run defense while covering up any team mistakes in passing situations. That leaves Stephenson, the defense's answer to Westbrook in terms of tenacity and ferocity, as the heavy hitter. Few NBA players have the speed, strength and abandon to star in a few "You got jacked up!" highlights like the Pacers guard, who has the right amount of stubbornness and self-confidence to bring the pain.

Steve Nash might be the NBA's best kicker -- and yes, that's Marcin Gortat in goal. (Bennett Raglin/Getty Images)

Special Teams and More

Kick Returner: Victor Oladipo (6-5, 214), Magic

The 2013 No. 2 pick boasts speed, acceleration and shiftiness, and he's never been afraid to sacrifice his body.

Punt Returner: Isaiah Thomas (5-9, 185), Kings

The prototypical jitterbug returner, you have to catch the 5-foot-9 Thomas before you can tackle him.

Kicker: Steve Nash (6-3, 195), Lakers

This future Hall of Famer "tried out" for Inter Milan and executed a perfect header during a Dunk Contest. What more do you want?

Punter: Steve Blake (6-3, 172), Lakers

This isn't a particularly easy position to fill, but Blake possesses a mixed martial arts background, so we can count on him for some leg-whip velocity.

Holder: Chris Paul (6-0, 175), Clippers

CP3's low turnover rate and general reliability are helpful, plus he could swap the State Farm ads for a "You're in good hands" campaign with Allstate.

Long Snapper: Anthony Davis (6-10, 220), Pelicans

Davis can just about reach backwards between his legs and hand the ball to the holder or punter.

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Gregg Popovich, Spurs

Chop off the sleeves of a Spurs sweatshirt and he's good to go.

Offensive Coordinator: Mike D'Antoni, Lakers

"Let me get this straight: We're not required to huddle? This changes everything."

Defensive Coordinator: Tom Thibodeau, Bulls

Hoarse voice, tireless work ethic, total focus on shutting down the opposition, and one (or two, or five) notch too high on the intensity scale for everyone's liking.

Extra Points: Miscellaneous

Water Boy: Jason Kidd, Nets

In charge of all liquid deliveries, including Gatorade baths. (Especially Gatorade baths.)

Blocking Fullback: Draymond Green, Warriors

The Point Forward's offense was heavy on skill players, but Green is an ideal option for leading Westbrook through goal line defenses and in short-yardage situations.

Backup Quarterback: Mario Chalmers, Heat

He is well-prepared for any abuse that is sure to come his way. He was recently the butt of a joke from President Barack Obama, and he took the heat while smiling.

Wildcat Quarterback: Rajon Rondo, Celtics

Rondo's comfort tossing behind-the-back, no-look passes will take the Wildcat to its wildest levels yet.

Possession Receiver: Kemba Walker, Bobcats

Playing the Wes Welker role will be Walker, whose big-game pedigree at UConn and quick, agile frame will make him a go-to target on third-and-five.

Headcase Receiver: J.R. Smith, Knicks

The designated distraction, whose tweets and tantrums outshine his on-field play. Note: It's way easier to hide Chris Smith on a 53-man football roster than a 15-man hoops roster, plus the "practice squad" has a better ring to it than D-League.

Field Goal Blocker: DeAndre Jordan, Clippers

Whether going horizontal from the edge or vertical from the middle, Jordan could be an impact special teams player with his volleyball talent.

Tony Romo: Carmelo Anthony, Knicks