It’s an age-old question in sports. Who would do better playing the other’s sport between NFL and NBA players?
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George let his opinions be known on the subject, and his answer probably won’t surprise you.
Prompted in a podcast-to-podcast question by NFL players Jason and Travis Kelce on the subject, George explained on his own show that he thinks NBA players have a higher likelihood of success in playing professional football than if the situation were reversed.
Whether you agree with George on his points or not, he does make a pretty convincing case here as to why NBA players may have a clear advantage here.
Some NSFW language to follow.
"I don't think an [NFL] player could cross over to the NBA… That athleticism, that strength—that means nothing if you can't shoot the ball in our league… I think we have a better chance."
—Paul George
Thoughts? 🤔
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— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 13, 2023
George points out former NFL players like Julius Peppers and Tony Gonzalez, who played two sports in college before their Hall of Fame careers. Those guys are the exceptions to the rule.
Just speaking in practical terms, George is absolutely right that the game of basketball just requires more of a particular skill set in creating offense. As he alludes, even if the most talented NFL player takes the hardwood, he may not even get guarded by the opponent if he can’t shoot well.
It’s a bit easier in the NFL to get open in coverage and be disruptive on defense than it is in the NBA to create offense, so we’ll give George the advantage in this eternal debate.