4. Lou Williams
Since the dictator (David Stern) put his foot down and pretty much smashed any chance NBA players have of sounding “real” in the hip-hop community, our chances of someone creating another Basketball’s Best Kept Secret are slim. Williams is one of the few still rapping. Sweet Lou can spit, even though I can’t stand this beat. Can we get him on the radio instead of some of these other duds?

3. Chris Webber
If you can hold your own on a track with Kurupt, and also produce a song that isn’t complete trash on a Nas album (even though we have to admit Nasir’s beat selection is awful) then you have some talent. C-Webb can definitely play the part, and he’s done it behind the mic and on the boards. I remember hearing stories about how C-Webb used to beg ?uestlove to listen to his tape whenever he was in Philly. Turns out, he’s actually pretty good.

2. Dana Barros
The man not only sounded like he could’ve been thrown into the D.I.T.C. crew, he actually collaborated with a few of them. If you can get on a track (“Ya Don’t Stop”) with Grand Puba (Brand Nubian is mad underrated), Sadat X and A.G. (with Diamond D producing), you can count on sounding decent. Barros showed his skills on a few songs, and had the early ’90s sound and look. He’s one of the few guys on this list who could possibly pass for a rapper rather than a basketball player (although he did miraculously make one All-Star team).

1. Shaquille O’Neal
It is at all conceivable he isn’t No. 1? He made songs with legends. He did more than just one gimmicky album. He actually sold copies, and wasn’t looked at as a novelty. ‘Nuff respect due.

Who’s the best rapper to ever play in the NBA?

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