The NBA Finals are now underway, so it is time to take a look at some players that could be dual athletes on both the football pitch and the basketball court. Seeing how much European football means to some of these NBA players—like LeBron James’ love for Liverpool or Josh Hart’s passion for Chelsea—presents the idea of creating a line-up of all NBA players. From lengthy centers to versatile guards, there are plenty of players in the National Basketball Association that could make up a solid starting XI in football.
While their talents are in putting the ball in the basket, let’s see what it would look like if the NBA created a starting XI on a pitch. Taking into account all of the players that play in the NBA, it is a difficult decision to narrow it to just a starting XI and a bench. There are so many questions could surface when discussing this topic, such as: who should lead this team on the sideline and out of all the players in the league, what attributes would translate best onto the pitch? We’ve tried to answer these questions as best we can with this team full of NBA stars. It is worth noting that the formation chosen is the Blues’ occasional 4-2-2-2 as it seems like the most favorable shape to highlight the attributes of the American athletes.
Here is a complete starting XI, bench and coaching choice comprised completely from some of your favorite figures in the National Basketball Association:
Goalkeeper: Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)
A 6’11 forward/center with a whopping 7’4 wingspan sees the Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley named the starter between the sticks for the all-NBA starting XI. Mobley’s vertical spacing, wingspan and athleticism are all qualities that would help transform an NBA player into an elite goalkeeper. He may be just 20 years old, but Mobley has all of the attributes that could make him an ideal shot-stopper. Mobley averaged 15.0 points per game to go along with 8.3 rebounds, putting him in second in the Rookie of the Year voting behind Scottie Barnes. Who knows how well he would do with his feet, but given his build, he has the length to cover almost every inch of the goal.
He may not look like one of the most intimidating people in the squad, but his upside as he builds strength makes him the exact player in the NBA that could play arguably the most pressure-filled position on the football pitch. Mobley has been under the microscope his entire career from high school to college, but never did that once overwhelm him. His athleticism and youth give him a leg up on other players up for the position. The number of clean sheets Mobley would string together with the defense in front of him and his skills alone is frightening to ponder.
Fullbacks: Mikal Bridges (Suns) & Marcus Smart (Celtics)
What more can be said about arguably the best perimeter defenders in the entire NBA? The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and the runner-up slot in as the wingbacks in this 4-2-2-2 formation. The tandem of Mikal Bridges and Marcus Smart on the flanks is a combination of an elite defense, speed and a willingness to get involved in the forward play.
Smart plays with a chip on his shoulder and loves to exaggerate a foul, along with taking some jabs at the opposing players. Both of them love the physicality and taking on the best offensive player on the opposing team, putting them in the perfect position to stop an attack from developing on the wings through one of the most creative wingers. Neither shies away from competition, and as threats on both ends, these two players could find themselves getting on the end of crosses or even finding the back of the net on their own quite frequently.
Centerbacks: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) & LeBron James (Lakers)
Being a centerback requires some physical strength and intelligence, along with an ability to lead and communicate with the rest of the team. Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James are winners and leaders in their own right. These two know how to control games and keep their teams together—no matter the circumstances.
Offensively, there is no doubt that, with the leaping abilities of these two athletes, they will be getting on the end of plenty of corner kicks. In set piece situations, this is where Antetokounmpo and James are going to be at their most dangerous. Both have the strength to push even the biggest and best opponents out of possession and push the counterattack the other way. With the luxury of having Bridges and Smart on the wings, Antetokounmpo and James will have the job of clearing the ball away from danger. Their leadership on and off the pitch will also be huge additions to any all-NBA starting XI. There is no doubt that one of these two will be the captain of this team given what the both have done helping those around them succeed over the years.
Defensive midfielders: Jimmy Butler (Heat) & Darius Garland (Cavaliers)
Speed and versatility are the names of the game for the two players slotting into the defensive midfield roles in this line-up. Both Jimmy Butler and Darius Garland have carried the loads on their respective teams this past season. The pairing makes up the perfect duo in the middle of the park with the combination of toughness and grit. Furthermore, they both know the feeling of being doubted time and time again throughout their career, which builds character. Butler is an avid football fan who plays pick-up matches around Miami, along with being friends with Paul Pogba. He is a big fan of Neymar and the Brazilian National Team, which proves that he possesses relationships and knowledge of some of the best football the world has to provide.
Butler and Garland are like the second hand on a clock, they just keep ticking. Neither knows how to stop or not give 110% in everything that they do each day. The two players in the deep role of the midfield have to be able to push up and support in the offense, along with getting back on the defensive end. The fitness and ability to try to take on more than they think they can handle and succeed makes them the perfect duo in front of the back four.
Attacking midfielders: Donovan Mitchell (Jazz) & Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
Two of the most dominant shot-makers in the entire NBA lead the charge in midfield. Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum have improved each season in the NBA, and their eyes for the basket gives them the nod as the two attack specialists in the middle of the park. Mitchell will certainly play higher up on the pitch while Tatum could find himself either on the wing or in the role of the No. 8 on the pitch. Tatum and Mitchell are good friends off the basketball court, which could be a good recipe for a successful midfield duo. Tatum’s length and relentlessness in his ability to get to the cup bodes well for his versatility as an attacking midfielder on the football pitch.
Their games on the basketball court simply translate to the exact goal of what a player on a football pitch is trying to do: put points on the board. You would be hard-pressed to try to find two three-level scorers that have proven themselves in the NBA already and have plenty of room to continue to grow. Both are creative in their own ways trying to get to the bucket and could be used as the two beside the middle man in a 3-4-3 formation, if things change. In a 4-2-2-2 shape, these two would be best in the middle, above Butler and Garland, trying to wreak havoc in the box or find the forwards with a through ball. They would do well to set the pairing in front of them up with the passing abilities that Mitchell and Tatum have demonstrated through their progression.
Forwards: Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) & De’Aaron Fox (Kings)
The fastest player in the NBA (according to NBA2K and plenty of players that have had to play him in the past) is De’Aaron Fox. He has all of the moves in his toolbox and is not afraid to take them out whenever necessary. Fox—along with Anthony Edwards—brings speed and athleticism to the pitch. They would combine to make an elite forward duo. The former No. 1 pick back in 2020 is arguably the most athletic player, and only has potential to get even better as he matures through the years. Trying to beat the opposition with all speed up top would work, but picking a guy like Edwards with his upside at only 20 years old for the forward spot is the perfect fit. Edwards has the talent to hold up play if necessary, and he also possesses the talent to beat any opponent one-on-one. There are going to be a lot of through balls that Fox and Edwards are going to find.
Edwards’ confidence is through the roof. Back in 2020, he demonstrated that by giving fans one of the most memorable quotes of his young career to date when he stated:
"“Whatever. On the rink. Whatever you need me to do. It doesn’t matter. Trashcan ball. Whatever you need me to do. Cook food, cook food. That’s something to do. I bet I’ll be A1 from day one.”"
If he thinks he is good at any sport, there is no way he could not be an elite forward on a football pitch. Confidence, athleticism and creativeness would make for a duo that can score goals in a plethora of ways. Creating something out of nothing is something that both Edwards and Fox have the talent to accomplish more often than not. When presented with the opportunity to smash the ball into the back of the net, there is little doubt that Edwards and Fox will be able to do it given all the ways the both of them know how to score the basketball.
Goalkeeper: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)
The leader in the NBA in blocks during the 2021/22 season, and the heart and soul of one of the toughest teams in the entire league, Jaren Jackson Jr. makes for a perfect goalkeeper. Jackson Jr. has the same wingspan and is the same exact height as Mobley, but the upside of Mobley and his potential to grow into more of a force gives him an edge in the race for starting goalkeeper. Both have been criticized for their lack of physicality heading into the pro game, but as a goalkeeper, strength is not the most essential trait. Jackson Jr. knows how to prevent the opposition from its ultimate goal, and as the player between the sticks, he possesses an important tool to succeed.
Fullback: Jaden McDaniels (Timberwolves)
Jaden McDaniels is arguably the most underrated players in the entire league after his breakout rookie season and a sophomore year to follow it up. Looking down the list of players on this roster, a lot of them jump out as superstars or players that a normal fan may know off the top of their head—McDaniels is not one of those individuals. He is not the most well known, but his ceiling is higher than many people think.
Offensively, he is inconsistent at times, but on the defensive side of things, he brings it every single night. This makes him perfect for one of the fullback roles. As the 28th pick out of the University of Washington, not many people expected a lot out of him. There is now no doubt he has exceeded all of the expectations set for him. The beginning of the season for McDaniels was not exactly how many thought his sophomore season would go, but he rebounded and left his season-high for the last game of the Wolves’ playoff run. By far the most questionable pick on this roster, but with his upside and already solid defensive skills, McDaniels would make for a solid wide defender that nobody would see coming.
Centerback: Draymond Green (Warriors)
Draymond Green is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA today given his play style. He takes pride in his defense and possesses all of the extracurriculars—outside of what he brings between the lines—that make for an ideal footballer. There are no words to describe how Green plays, but his style and personality match former Chelsea player Antonio Rudiger. Green is a quality back-up centerback due to his inability to keep himself together at times. He provides a spark off the bench that if placed alongside Bridges and Smart in the back four. His inclusion and a prompt switch to a back five could make for an almost impenetrable defense if necessary. However, Green’s skills with the ball at his feet may not be the greatest.
Defensive midfielder: Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
The solid and sturdy presence of Barnes makes him the perfect footballer. Plenty of players on this team are some of the youngest in the NBA, and that is not by accident. Barnes was crowned the Rookie of the Year last season with his talents at both ends of the floor. He can contribute in the attack. He also has a knack for making the right decisions at the right time, which bodes well on a football pitch. Barnes could slot in as one of the two central defensive midfielders for this reason. His strength, build and youth give him an upper hand on almost any opponent.
Defensive midfielder: Reggie Jackson (Clippers)
Toughness and grit define what Reggie Jackson is all about. He led his team in scoring and assists during the Clippers injury-riddled season. Jackson was Mr. Reliable for Head Coach Tyronn Lou and his coaching staff, starting 75 out of the 82 games in the regular season. The doubt thrown upon him by others fuels Jackson forward. His ability to play hard, no matter the time on the clock, makes him a fit for one of the central defensive midfield roles. Jackson could be a future All-Star with the way he played last season. Given some of the creativity he showed to the world this past season, he could have the potential to have some of the best foot skills of anyone on the pitch.
Forward: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
The flashy guard for the rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder is the perfect player to put in at any point in the match on the wing. He is much like Vinicius Jr. at Real Madrid with his pure and obvious skillset on an individual level. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a lot to prove, similar to Callum Hudson-Odoi at Chelsea, and putting him on the bench will make him even hungrier when he gets out on the pitch. Most likely the first man off the bench. Gilgeous-Alexander can play as the forward or on the flank if necessary. In terms of football, there is not an exact position on the pitch that SGA would be assigned to, but putting him anywhere in the attack will cause the opposition to question its defense.
Utility: Miles Bridges (Hornets)
Pure athleticism. Miles Bridges knows how to make the highlight reel play. He is like the Adama Traore of this All-NBA football team; a secret weapon that when necessary, can be released to go try to either win the game or salvage a point. He is not afraid to take a risk or two on the offensive end, and when the scoreline is not as favorable, that could pay dividends. Bridges may be inconsistent at times, but over the years, he has turned himself into a weapon that can drop 20 points on any given night. He earns a place on the bench for his talent and intensity alone, despite some of the ejections. Bridges has the talent to create potentially one of the most lethal attacking threats on the football pitch there is.
Manager: Tyronn Lue (Clippers)
One of the most underrated coaches in the entire NBA is Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers. When it comes to becoming a football manager, he seems to have all the tools to succeed. This past season, Lue led a team without its two best players within one win of making NBA playoffs. He knows how to coach a team with less talent and get the best out of it. While he is given a lot of slack due to his time in Cleveland, Lue has proven a lot of people wrong this past season with the job he has done with the Clippers.
There could be a lot of other shouts for a potential manager. Given Lue’s winning background and his ability to get the best out of everyone though, he makes a good case for the manager of the all-NBA starting XI. Monty Williams and Taylor Jenkins have had some stellar seasons coaching-wise, but none of them are the technicians of the game that Lue is. He is not simply a product of James’ greatness, Lue is one of the best coaches in the league when it comes to football, there is no doubt his team will be the hardest working on the pitch that day.
Who makes your all-NBA starting XI? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!