The basketball culture expands further than the court, the players and their appearance. Music and basketball have also had their influence on each other through the years. As I scrounged the NBA this year, studying players and their style of play, I also happened to be listening to music. It’s simple, an easy comparison.
So, without further ado, here are 10 specific songs that completely match the style of certain NBA players.
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BLAKE GRIFFIN
“Here Comes the Boom” – Nelly
I don’t think any song fits any player more perfect than “Here Comes the Boom” for Blake Griffin. It’s pretty self-explanatory. Griffin’s dunks have become the face of the Clippers, and a nightmare for many NBA players. It would be smart just to get out of Griffin’s way sometimes.
JOAKIM NOAH
“Bring the Pain” – Method Man
Chicago’s toughness starts on the shoulders of Joakim Noah, the enforcer. Players think twice about taking it to the lane because they know Noah will bring the pain. He plays hard 100 percent of the time and doesn’t let anyone walk over him.
NATE ROBINSON
“Not Afraid” – Eminem
It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, it’s about the size of the fight in the dog. Nate Robinson can care less that he stand 5-9, because he has more heart than half of the players in the NBA. In the second round of the playoffs last year, Robinson showed he was not afraid of the big bad Miami Heat and LeBron James.
KOBE BRYANT
“Champion” – Flipsyde
The best champion of our generation, the Black Mamba, is none other than Kobe Bryant. No one works harder than Bryant, who has a few years left in the tank, and maybe one more championship. Bryant is a true champion.
PAUL GEORGE
“Remember the Name” – Fort Minor
After last year’s seven-game Eastern Conference Finals showdown, Paul George gave everyone a reason to remember his name. Despite playing in the small market of Indiana, George has blown up as one of the NBA’s best young stars.
J.R. SMITH
“Stepped On My Jays” – Nelly
Personally, I believe J.R. Smith has one of the best sneaker collections in the NBA. He and Nelly also have some sick tattoos. The big beat on this track also plays well with Smith’s illusive, streetball style of play.
DWYANE WADE
“Hate me Now” – NaS
Many respect the legacy of Dwyane Wade, however, he is the type of player opposing teams and fans hate to play against. Sometimes he is outspoken and can play dirty, but he is still a champion, and your hate won’t stop him from doing what he does best.
TONY ALLEN
“Ruff Ryders Anthem” – DMX
If anyone in the NBA knows how to stop, drop and open up shop on defense, it’s Tony Allen – arguably the best perimeter defender in the league. He can give his matchups nightmares, playing like a dog on the defense end. That’s how Ruff Ryders roll.
JEFF GREEN
“Get Back” – Ludacris
One of the most underrated players in the NBA, Jeff Green is an athletic, high-flying wing player that has had his share of posterizing dunks. A terror in the open floor, you have to get back on D against him… either that or just get out of the way.
DANNY GREEN
“Make it Rain” – Fat Joe
As we all saw in the NBA Finals, Danny Green “made it rain” on the Miami Heat, setting an NBA Finals record for three-pointers made. Plus, his swagger for a shooter also fits nicely with Lil Wayne‘s chorus.
What do you think?
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