The NFL may always be the biggest sports league in America, but the NBA is what’s capturing the minds of fans around the world and making the sport bigger than before.
Paul George was asked by Jason and Travis Kelce his opinion on whether NFL players could be in the NBA and vice versa with NBA players in the NFL.
“I don’t think a football player can cross over into the NBA. Our game is completely skill. For me, an NFL guy to play in the league, they gotta be a hell of a shooter because otherwise, we won’t guard you. That athleticism, that strength, it means nothing if you can’t shoot the ball in our league. There are really good guys that have played both like Julius Peppers, and Tony Gonzalez, the tight ends have made great transitions. I am not saying guys can’t play at a high level but as far as playing in the NBA, I don’t think there’s a chance.”
PG went on to talk about current NBA players like LeBron James and Russell Westbrook‘s chances in the NFL.
“Imagine if Bron was in the NFL. Like, who the f**k is stopping Bron? Imagine Russ, he’s 6’3, 6’4, built, and fast as sh*t. Russ could play safety. I think guys in the NBA could make that transition. I think I could have played wide receiver.”
LeBron & Westbrook woulda been COLD in the NFL!!
Not sure about those football guys in the NBA though, @newheightshow 😂🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/mq8UXdsTtv
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) April 13, 2023
NBA rosters are far more selective, with main roster spots capped at 15 per team. In addition, it is a sport that doesn’t punish the body nearly enough as football. The opportunities to succeed in football are more than in basketball, which definitely also has a high skill component along with athleticism. There’s a reason people like LeBron and Allen Iverson ultimately became basketball players and not football players.
Which League Would You Rather Play In?
Even with the NFL’s popularity as a sport, the NBA is easily a better league to aspire to. It’s more selective, meaning that you really have to be good to get opportunities at the highest level. Due to there only being 30 teams with 15 main roster spots, the salary of an average NBA player is far higher than that in the NFL. The 2022 NFL season had a league-average salary of $2.7 million, while the lowest you can make in the NBA as a 5-year veteran is $2.1 million.
The NBA also has fully guaranteed contracts for its players, meaning players have financial security even if they get hurt. While that system has been abused a little in recent years, it’s better than most NFL teams only giving guaranteed contracts to top-tier stars instead of as a mandate in the league.
The quality of life and earning potential of an NBA player is higher, but it is a more competitive arena to break into.
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