The NBA’s All-Athlete Team
The best play I saw Wednesday night didn’t crack NBA.com’s Top 10 list — probably because the OKC Thunder were too busy getting flogged in Denver for anybody to remember a highlight on their end.
It happened in the first half: Russell Westbrook split a double-team on the perimeter, got to the rack 0.2 seconds later and barreled over Nene, which caused Birdman to fall down on the domino effect, then Westbrook dropped off a pass to Serge Ibaka for a dunk. There was nothing particularly special about the dish or the dunk — I was more amazed that, on one play, Westbrook had left four bodies in his wake. It was a show of his strength, speed and agility, plus his ability to stop that moving locomotive on a dime.
While the debate over the League’s best point guard is populated with the usual suspects, the more interesting question is who is the most athletic point guard? Westbrook would be my pick, but then you’ve got to consider Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, Rodney Stuckey, Shannon Brown, Jonny Flynn, George Hill and (depending on how you define athleticism) Steve Nash and Earl Boykins should probably be up there.
Taking it beyond one position, how would you construct a team of the NBA’s best athletes? LeBron and Dwight Howard are virtual locks, but then you have unique athletes across the board at every position, from Shawn Marion to JaVale McGee to Rip Hamilton to Amar’e Stoudemire. In fact, during Denver’s loss to Phoenix the other night, one of the Suns’ announcers said Nene had “the size of a center but the quickness of a small forward.” Should he be on the list?
Going with five starters and a bench, who makes up your All-Athlete Team?
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March 4th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
The Other Aj says:
PG – D Rose or Westbrook
SG – Monta Ellis
SF – Bron
PF – Josh Smith
C – Howard
March 4th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
thunderfan says:
Westbrook all the way!! IF you look close while they are interviewing him in post-games, you can see like 8 individual muscles in his EARS!!
March 4th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Detroit Dave says:
Westbrook
Andre Iggy
Bron
JaVale McGee
Howard
March 4th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Shakers says:
Starters
PG Rose
SG Wade
SF Lebron
PF J. Smith
C Howard
Bench
PG Westbrook
SG KryptoNate
SF Iguodala
PF G. Wallace
C Amare
U J. Richardson
U David Lee
March 4th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Mavey says:
Easy peasy:
pg- Rondo
sg- Wade
sf- Lebron
pf- J Smoove
c- Dwight
Bench:
g- Rose
g- Westbrook
g/f- Iguodala
f- Gerald Wallace
f- Anthony Randolph (absolute lock)
c- Horford (look at what he does quickness, ballhandling wise)
c- Nene
Shannon Brown gets left off due to All Star dunk suckage
March 4th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Mavey says:
y’all absolutely can’t forget Anthony Randolph!
March 4th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
The Other Aj says:
Oh man forgot about Iggy…yeah He’d be my 6th man
March 4th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
The Other Aj says:
Iggy or Gerald Wallace…
March 4th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
isotope says:
Josh Smith. If we’re talking about just athleticism, can we totally forget Josh Smith. And what about Shannon Brown?
March 4th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
YO MOMMA says:
this is off the subject but on all star weekend they should have all the fastest players in the league and have them race in a 100 yd or 200 yd dash or like just race up and down the court dribbling the ball. and they should make it like a tourney setup like derrick rose vs. aaron brooks or chris paul vs. tj ford etc., i think that would be interesting to see and we could actually give someone the title of “the fastest player in the nba”
But i digress…
Anyway first team All-Athlete
PG- Derrick Rose- jumps higher than any point guard maybe ever (check that dunk on goran dragic…he almost headbutts the rim), also in my opinion the fastest player with the ball in his hands in the league
SG- D-Wade- dont believe me, ask Anderson Vareajo and Emeka Okafor (last year)
SF- LeBron James- unquestionably the greatest physical specimen in NBA history for perimeter players…maybe regardless of position for that matter. (sorry Wilt, Shaq, and Dwight)
PF- Josh Smith- the guy runs like a gazelle and jumps like an NBA mascot
C- Dwight Howard- instead of Superman, his nickname should be Optimus Prime, because dude looks like a Transformer. Highest jumping center ever
All Athlete Second Team
PG- Nate Robinson- forget the fact that he’s 5’8″ in Timberlands, he can attempt a dunk 15 times in a row and jump higher on the last try and he did on the first one. Insane
SG- Shannon Brown- despite his performance in the dunk contest, the man with the highest vertical in the NBA deserves a spot on All- Athlete squad.
SF- Shawn Marion- gets the nod for his work during his prime. Forget dinner, he owes Steve Nash a car for every All-Star appearance he’s gotten
PF- Blake Griffin- I know he hasnt played a regular season game in the NBA yet but the man was a mutant in college. And if summer league and the preseason was any indication, I have no reason to believe he wont be the same way in the L
C- Amare Stoudemire- a true power forward but has played center for a lot of his NBA career. Knee surgery aside, no big man (except for Optimus Prime…it’ll catch on) can match his speed, power and hops
Dime Mag, if u need another writer, contact ya boi lol
March 4th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
leeroy says:
Brian Scalabrine.
March 4th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Austin Burton says:
@Yo Momma — I like the “Fastest Man in the NBA” idea, but I wouldn’t have them running that many 100s in one day. Not even the world’s elite sprinters run that much in one meet. I’d have them run a 40-yard dash without the ball. Invite 8 guys, so at most you’re running three times.
March 4th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
srb says:
Don’t count out Steve Nash. He seems to be good at everything (soccer, skateboarding).
March 4th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Seven Duece says:
Westbrook, Shannon Brown, Mamba, JSmoove, LBJ, Dwight Howard, Rondo, Rose, Durant, Flash, Terrance Williams, George Hill, Nate Rob, Monta, Julian Wright, Ariza.
March 4th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Papa Smurf says:
Will Bynum’s up there
March 4th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Dr. Jumper says:
Hmmm…
PG – Jameer Nelson
SG – Tracey McGrady
SF – Grant Hill
PF – Marcus Camby
C – Greg Oden
Bench – Shaun Livingston, Gibert Arenas, Baron Davis, Eddy Curry, Yao Ming, Amare Stoudemire, and Big Z
That’s a damn solid line-up of athletic studs.
March 4th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Papa Smurf says:
The GM for Dr. Jumper’s team has the NBDL on speed dial.
March 4th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
YO MOMMA says:
Dr. Jumper’s team should be the All-Wheerchair team
March 4th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
dragonyeuw says:
Rose
Wade
Lebron
Josh Smith
D-12
March 4th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Ekstor says:
Rip Hamilton? Am I reading that right that Rip was mentioned in this article?
March 4th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Austin Burton says:
Rip is probably the best conditioned athlete in the NBA and has hardly any body fat.
March 4th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Ekstor says:
DRose and Westbrook are VERY close in their athleticism… check the rerun on the UCLA – Memphis game their final year in NCAA… they were back and forth all game long.
March 4th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Ekstor says:
I won’t argue that Rip is well-conditioned with very little in body fat… but as a pure athlete? I don’t think Kobe even makes this list but I’d put Kobe above Rip.
March 4th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Ekstor says:
Okay… here’s my 5:
Westbrook
Wade
LBJ
Griffin
D12
March 4th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Austin Burton says:
Depends on what you think defines athletic. That’s why I put Rip in that “unique” category. He’s like a distance runner kind of athlete, whereas D-Rose is like a football player kind of athlete, whereas Dwight Howard is a power lifter.
March 4th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
LakeShow84 says:
PG – Deron Williams haha, but seriously and he got fat on him
SG – Dwade too small to do what he does
SF – Who else?? LESPRINGS
PF – AMARE STOUDEMIRE IS A PF (IMO) but he can dunk on ANYONE
C – Dwight Howard dude could carry to volvos on each shoulder..
March 4th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
sh!tfaced says:
All-Athletic with low basketball IQ team
C – Stromile Swift
PF – Tyrus Thomas
SF – Jamario Moon
SG – Tony Allen
PG – (it would be humiliating for a point to have low bball IQ)
March 4th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
sh!tfaced says:
check that
C – Stromile Swift
PF – Tyrus Thomas
SF – Jamario Moon
SG – Tony Allen
PG – Jamaal Tinsley (finally remembered one)
Damon Jones (or two. lol)
Gerald Green
Tim Thomas
Vladimir Radmanovich
JR Smith
March 4th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Austin Burton says:
I think Marcus Banks gets that PG spot
March 4th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Papa Smurf says:
Marcus Banks is a good pick. Forgot about him. Still don’t know why he hasn’t caught on as an energy guy off the bench.
March 4th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Austin Burton says:
And I hate to say it, but TJ Ford.
March 4th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Chris Ballz says:
Pg- Westbrook
Sg- rose
Sf- lebron
pf- Josh smith (animal)
C- Dwight (optimus prime) or (cyborg)
y not have either Westbrook or rose at sg???
I prefer Westbrook at pg, I rekon better dime dropper.
March 4th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ Shitfaced & AB
Well i guess we going current because i would put Smush Parker there in a heartbeat..
March 4th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
LakeShow84 says:
If you cant register more than 2-3 assists a night playing alongside Bryant and Odom then i dont know what to say to that..
March 4th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Randomized says:
Why is Rondo getting mention? He is very quick, but can he even bench 180lbs? Hes not built like drose or westbrook, would get beasted by anyone in the leauge.
March 4th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Dr. Jumper says:
I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve always thought about what would sports look like if players never got injured. Follow me for a sec. I’m talking no torn ACL’s, no planter fasciatus, no bad backs, and no torn corneas. Imagine if players like McGrady, Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway, Allan Houston, etc never had their careers marred by injury. Or even Greg Oden, Shaun Livingston, Jonathan Bender, or Darius Miles. Would any of these players have supplanted some of today’s superstars. It’s an interesting hypothetical…
March 4th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
reww says:
how can u guys not say baron davis? did NO one see his dunk on ak47 in 07 ( i believe)
pure hops and strength in a 6’2 pg body
March 4th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
QQ says:
1- Westbrook
2- Kobe (why is no one mentioning this guy? Seriously? One of the best conditioned pro, ridiculous vertical, etc.)
3- Lebron
4- Amare
5- The current REAL Superman (Shaq just fucking stop being so insecure; you aint the Man of Steel no more)
March 4th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
QQ says:
@ 36:
Fuck sports, man. What would be LIFE look like when no one gets injured? That’s fucking utopia man!!!!
March 4th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
sh!tfaced says:
@LakeShow & AB… Oh yeah… spot on. Smush, maybe TJ and especially Marcus Banks.
March 4th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
sh!tfaced says:
Would’ve have loved to see Bernard King and Bill Walton if they never got injured.
Also makes you more curious about Sam Bowie if he deserved the being picked before MJ (most likely not)
March 4th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
cesar says:
pg- westbrook
sg- wade
sf- lebron
pf- j-smoove
c- dwight
6th man- crash
March 5th, 2010 at 12:15 am
john says:
westbrook
shannon brown
lebron
jsmoove
dwight
d rose
nate rob
wade
amare
tyrus thomas
March 5th, 2010 at 5:39 am
Trey bing bay says:
No mention of Ty Lawson?? (unless i missed it) That dude seems faster than grease lightning, not sure about his hops but from A to B he seems fast!
March 5th, 2010 at 8:04 am
davester says:
PG Derrick Rose
- A scary mixture of Speed, Agility and Strength.
SG Dwyane Wade
- Fastest 2-guard. Great leaping ability that people tend to forget he’s only 6’4″.
SF LeBron James
- On a fast break dunk, always bumps his head against the rim. What more in a dunk contest?
PF Josh Smith
- Leaps from the FT line with ease. While in air, will choose between Windmill, Reverse, or even a fade-away dunk.
C Dwight Howard
- See 2007 Slam Dunk Contest that he should have won.
March 5th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Chicagorilla says:
PG~ Westbrook and Rose, same athletically
SG~ Shannon Brown or Iggy
Sf~ Lebron
PF~ Blake Griffin
C~ Dwight Howard
March 5th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
LakeShow84 says:
I change my PG vote to ROSE..
Watching him last night dude is a astronomical athlete lol
March 5th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
RC says:
Lebron James is the most atheletic creature on earth. (just check out his come from behind “total destruction” blocks)
Russell Westbrook is very atheletic and uses every ounce of it. Not like Shannon Brown who is contented to dunk on breakaways. Get some boards and block shots!
Howard is also a freak of nature in terms of strength and jumping ability.
Derrick Rose is the most explosive point guard in the NBA
I would still say CP3 is the fastest moving forward with the ball in his hands. How does the guy do 3 left and right dribble fakes, a between the legs dribble and dribble between the legs of of Jason Terry. While moving forward at full speed!
Amare is the most athletic PF out there. Drop step and dunk anytime if he wants to. All the defense can do is foul or triple team.
March 5th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
j says:
Sabonis is the Perfect Athlete so
C: Shaq
PF Illgauskus
SF: kyle Korver
SG Steve Blake
PG Steve Nash
Coached by Arvydas Sabonis, because if you combing all 5 of their games you get Sabonis, Them animals form voltron.
March 6th, 2010 at 1:27 am
evan says:
starters
PG.Rondo
SG.Kobe
SF.Lebron
PF. KG
C.Howard
March 8th, 2010 at 1:07 am
windcitywarrior says:
PG: Derrick Rose
Westbrook is the only one that’s close, but Rose is faster and more explosive.
SG: Dwyane Wade
Clear choice here
SF: LeBron
Simply the best athlete in the history of mankind
PF: Josh Smith
Amare is close, but Smoove has more hops
C: Dwight Howard
Who else could it be besides Superman?
This is the clear starting 5. Props to those who got it right.
March 8th, 2010 at 10:16 am
ER says:
Rondo
Igoudala
LeBron
Amare
Dwight
Bench:
DRose, Wade, Rudy Gay, JSmoove, Birdman, Durantula, Tayshaun Prince, Anthony Randolph
March 12th, 2010 at 9:22 am
ron ron says:
Westbrook– TNT ready to be lit
Bron- He is a hummer with wings
Rudy Gay– 6’10 SF who can run and jump
J Smoove– Effortless Athletism
Dwight Howard— probably can dunk a 14 ft goal
Rondo- a triple double waiting to happen(got like 22 rebs in a college game)