With the All-Star NBA games coming to a close this Sunday, this edition of Transferable Talent takes a look at a few All-Stars that possibly missed their calling in another sport.
First up is Lebron James. James is the only NBA player to play all five positions on the court. He is an extremely versatile player that can help wherever he is needed on the court. In 2020, he let the media know he is simply a “ball player.”
Another extremely versatile position in another sport is a tight end in football. During football games tight ends play more than one role. Sometimes they run routes, catch passes and score touchdowns. Other plays, they block to help the running back or quarterback execute plays.
As far as physique goes, James is nearly a perfect match being 6’9” and 254 pounds; compared to the average tight end that is 6’4” 250 pounds.
Not to mention, tight end is not completely unfamiliar territory for James. At his high school alma mater, St Vincent-St.Mary, James played tight end for two seasons before committing to basketball.
During his short football career, he averaged 20 yards per reception and 23 total touchdowns. His impressive skills earned him number one prospect in football and basketball.
It is very likely that James missed his calling, but there is no doubt that he is more than content with his NBA career.
Next is Kyrie Irving. Irving is equally known for his ball handling skills and dance moves, making him the newest asset to the LSU Tiger Girls dance team.
Irving starred as Uncle Drew, a historic street ball player that gives it one more go with his old team, in the 2018 hit movie Uncle Drew. In the movie, he goes to the bar with his buddies and finds himself in a dance battle with some of the younger people at the bar. This scene would be the perfect audition reel.
The movie is not the only place where Irving has been seen dancing. Just like the Tiger Girls, he occasionally will dance on the court as well. This groovy hooper even refers to ball handling like dancing.
Dribbling a basketball requires rhythm, and other components that would translate well into his dance career. Now, 6’2” and 194 pounds is not the typical build for a dancer, but with a lot of stretching, the tiger girls would not mind the extra muscle.
Irving could potentially be the next dual threat, posing competition to opponents on the court and on the sidelines.
Last is Victor Wembanyama. Wemby is a devastating 7’2” and 235 pound “Alien” hosting his own block party at every game.
He averages 3.9 blocks per game, and he has already accumulated 176 blocks this season. These stats would make this French All-Star the perfect soccer goalie. His impressive rim protection would easily translate into blocking the soccer ball.
The height and weight of goalies vary, but the taller the better, as long as they can maneuver their bodies quickly. Luckily for Wemby, this is not an issue. Wemby’s eight foot wingspan is the height of a soccer goal.
Like James, the French big man has dabbled in soccer during his youth. He mostly played goalie, but he is also excellent at dribbling the soccer ball.
The French would love to have Wemby on the pitch and bring home another World Cup, but the reality of that happening is slim.