Fielding an AFL side of NBA stars

We put together an AFL team of NBA stars!

Instead of just picking the best 22 NBA superstars, we've chosen the players that best fit the role.

For example - Sacramento Kings young gun D'Aaron Fox, also known as 'Swiper' because of his high steals rate, is our 'Interceptor' in defence. Much like 2016 Norm Smith Medalist Jason Johannisen on the footy field.

Another example is four-time MVP Lebron James, who will line up on across half-back as 'The 'Playmaker' — similar to how retired Hawks and Lions champion Luke Hodge played.

We have also included the intangible cogs to any footy team in LA Clippers big man Montrezl Harrel 'The Cult Hero' and Denver Nuggets stud Nikola Jokic 'The Larrikin'.

Defenders

P.J Tucker 'The Statesman'

The veteran Houston Rocket is one of the toughest and most intense players in the NBA. Tucker is a perfect choice when the coach needs someone to lock down an opposition forward and is a player you can always rely on to play a role.

 Rudy Gobert 'The General'

The Frenchman is a dual Defensive Player of the Year and anytime the ball goes near his area it is almost guaranteed to come back the other way. He is a player who can also wrestle with any big-bodied key forward.

 Jimmy Butler 'The Hard Nut' 

Butler is one of the most maligned players in the NBA due to his provocative nature and competitiveness. This is perfect for the back pocket dweller role. The man who has come from humble beginnings is almost impossible to score against and also shows strong leadership qualities. Also very comfortable with the ball and can snag a goal or two if you don't man him.

 

Half backs

Lebron James 'The Playmaker'

Arguably the best basketballer of all time will line up across half back. His ability to dominate games across his storied career clearly can translate to a footy field.

His sheer size, athleticism amd versatility makes him perfect to place across half back, likely as a loose man, generating offence and using his incredible endurance to roam around the contest wherever the ball may go.

The unique role will see him play predominantly around the contest, however he will start at the center bounce off half-back. Would thrive in the new 6-6-6 rules.

Kawhi Leonard 'The Glove'

After leading Toronto to an NBA Championship last year, Kawhi Leonard has cemented himself as one of the best players in the world.

He is nicknamed 'The Glove' in our side partly because of his abnormally large hands, much like his normal nickname 'The Claw'. But also due to his uncanny ability to lock down his opponent on the court. He has also a big frame making him perfectly suited to the centre half back role.

D'Aaron Fox 'The Interceptor' 

The Kings guard is one of the best young players in the NBA. His ability to steal the ball is arguably his best trait, also boasting elite pace which translates perfectly to a zippy half-back. As a footballer, he would rebound swiftly out of defence and through the middle of the ground to set up his teammates. Also capable of hitting the scoreboard.

Centre

Kevin Durant 'The Go-to Man'

One of the best to ever grace a basketball court will be 'The Go-to Man' of our side. As he lurks on the wing the mids will look to get the ball in his hands at all times, as his length, speed and power could win games of football. Capable of getting hot in a hurry and consistently puts it through the big sticks.

James Harden 'The Accumulator'

The MVP of the 2017-18 season always has the ball in his hand by design. Houston want him to have the ball as he creates plays and scores plenty. His combination of speed and size makes him the perfect type to win the ball on the oval field and rack up massive numbers.

Harden would be the type to win 35 plus disposals disposals every week, although sometimes spraying it all over the park. Not likely to run both ways.

Paul George 'The Two-Way Runner'

Recognised for his elite defending combines with his scoring capabilities makes George the perfect fit for the wing. George playing on the defensive wing means he can work in tandem with the defence to drop back and give plenty of chop-outs, whereas Durant would play more as the more attacking winger.

 

Half forwards

Klay Thompson 'The Dead Eye' 

A key member of the dominant Golden State Warriors dynasty, Klay Thompson's scoring and defending has been elite. He may not have the bombastic outbursts like teammate, Draymond Green, but he shares the same unwavering swagger that has helped make the Warriors the best team over the last five seasons.

His teammates would always be looking for him outside the arc where he does his best work, capable of getting hot and launching long-bomb goals. Renowned for his dead eye set shooting.

Giannis Antetokounmpo 'The Freak Athlete' 

Lining up at centre half forward at just under 7 foot and weighing 110 kgs is the man known as 'The Greek Freak' - a defender's worst nightmare. With his big frame leaping at the ball, charging out of the forward line he would be unstoppable. The reigning MVP of the NBA has the athleticism and to cause plenty of trouble for the opposition backs.

Draymond Green 'The Glue Guy'

Green's intensity in the NBA is eye-catching. He is one of the most hated athletes in the league and that is why he would be a pivotal piece of this forward line.

He would annoy his opponent through physical and verbal torment, as well as being an outspoken leader with plenty of experience to draw from. He can also play a defensive forward role to take out the best opposition half-back as a forward tagger.

Sometimes asked to do more with the ball and sometimes without, give Green any role and he will play it.

Forwards

Stephen Curry 'The Sniper'

Considered the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry is lethal on a basketball court. The two-time MVP made a name for himself throughout Golden State's dominant era by making the impossible look easy.

With a lighter frame and blistering speed, Curry takes the small forward position. His ability to stoop down to slalom through screens on the court clearly will translate to an on-field ability to get separation off his opponent in a clustered forward-line.

We would also do the small but hard things as well — chase down tackling. Leave him by himself outside the arc and you will pay.

Blake Griffin 'The High-Flyer'

As the team's full forward, Blake Griffin would play out of the goal square to wrestle with his opponents but also lead up the ground, clunk huge marks and kick plenty of goals. His dunking ability is one of the recognizable in the NBA as that skill will easily translate to taking hangers on an AFL field.

He has the strength to compete and the ego of a typical full-forward.

Trae Young 'The New Kid on the Block'

Young has only spent a short time in the NBA but has already made an immediate impact. His elite shooting form is consistent with in-form small crumbing forward roving around the packs to create opportunities.

Much like Curry, Young would be that dangerous small forward who only needs an inch of separation from his opponent to cause havoc. Also not shy to launch from outside 50.

 

Followers

Andre Drummond 'The Immovable Object '

Drummond is a monster athlete who uses his power to beat his opponent. Weighing in at 127 kgs and standing 7 feet tall, Drummond would cause carnage around the ground. The double-double machine would fit the mould of an old school ruckman that hulks around the field and racks up 40 plus hitouts with ease.

Russel Westbrook 'The Bull'

Westbrook is our 'Bull' due to his ferocious attack on the basketball. The ultimate competitor, Westbrook also has an a great vertical leap, grabbing rebounds and dunking the ball with power, which could translate to high-leaping marks.

He is our 'see ball, get ball' player that would go in hard, crash packs and tally huge contested possesion numbers.

Patrick Beverley 'The Tagger'

The pesty Beverley is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA due to the way he pushes the limits regarding defence. He is always in the face of his opponent, stirring them up and causing turnovers.

The run-with type that has the grunt and blue-collar work ethic to compete in the midfield and take out the opposition's best on-baller. The sort of bloke you never want to play on.

 

Interchange

Nikola Jokic 'The Larrikin'

Jokic is an enigma on and off the court and is our back-up ruckman in this side. His playing ability is profound but he also seems to be quite a laid-back character with a good sense of humor — which is essential in a footy club.

'The Joker' primes as the leading candidate to run the fines sessions for the players and to organise footy trip for the off-season.

Ben Simmons 'The Swingman'

Simmons was originally trailed as a forward but could not kick straight so got moved to defence. He would provide speed and power to break the ball out of the backline and is a master of setting up teammates with his deadly accurate passing.

Like he does in the NBA, Simmons runs low to the ground which will hold him in good stead to be that 'X factor' getting the ball out of the backline.

Kyrie Irving 'The Showman' 

Irving's eloquent ball-use in basketball is likened to the some of the best midfielders in the competition and their knack to exit a contest and dispose of the ball cleanly.

His quick reaction time will enable him to read the play and break the lines, and he also has championship experience which will hold him and his team in good stead going forward.

Montrezl Harrell 'The Cult Hero'

Any good footy side has a heart and soul player, and ours is Harrell. Just like he is at the Clippers, his supporters, teammates and all lovers of the game alike are big fans. His energy as a forward will be handy coming off the bench that always makes a contest.