We all know that rappers think they can hoop and hoopers think they can rap. Several NBA players have actually gone as far as to release albums (much to my dismay) and we’re seeing a resurgence of ball players getting into the rap game. Iman Shumpert, Dame Lillard and Stephen Jackson have music floating out there (everyone is trash except Dame). So with these two arenas often crossing paths let’s have some fun with it. Let’s compare some popular NBA players to their rapper counterparts.
Kobe Bryant – Jay Z
The elder statesman of his craft and arguably still the most skilled. He became the torch bearer when the greatest left the game. Newly retired but still extremely influential in his area of expertise. You can’t deny the impact they had on the game. Also accused of stealing material from their predecessor. Carbon copy or not, still one of the greatest to ever do it.
LeBron James – Drake
Some say he is the best. He has built his brand to unspeakable heights. Kinda at the forefront of the game right now. If you say anything bad about him, hoards of people (mostly men) will come to his defense. To speak against him is considered hating. But honestly at the end of the day, he’s still pretty damn good at what he does.
Stephen Curry – Lil Wayne
We saw he had some skills early on but never thought he would get to the level he’s currently at (Davidson = Tha Block is Hot). Got into the league and had a few injury plagued seasons but had flashes of brilliance (’09-’11 seasons = Lights Out, 500 Degrees). Then all of a sudden……………he came out of nowhere killing the game. Everything he puts his hands on he murders. He’s at the top of his game and it seems like he’s not slowing down anytime soon. (Disclaimer: I am obviously talking about Lil Wayne before he inexplicably became terrible at rapping.)
Tim Duncan – Scarface
He doesn’t bring too much attention to himself. He’s been around forever. When you look at his body of work, you realize that he has been one of the most consistent to ever do it.
Russell Westbrook – Kanye West
He doesn’t do things the traditional way. If you ask him, he’s the best dude doing it right now. Definitely eccentric, clothes and all (lmaooooooo). People say he’s wild and out of control but there’s a method to his madness. You kinda wanna say he’s really not as good as people say he is but his production speaks for itself.
Carmelo Anthony – Nas
Every now and then, you forget how good he is. You rarely hear him mentioned as one of the best but when you sit down and really think about it, you realize he’s just as skilled (or possibly more) as your favorites. When he’s doing his thing, you see that he’s just as good as he was the first time you saw him. His overall career hasn’t lived up to his skill level but he’s gone toe to toe with some of the best in the game and held his own.
As you can see, there are a lot of parallels between the two professions. Do you agree with these comparisons? Comment with your rapper-hooper combos.