Austin Rivers' Bold Claim: 30 NBA Players Could Excel in the NFL

Austin Rivers' proclamation that a significant number of NBA players could make the transition to the NFL has sparked a fierce debate, with former NFL receiver James Jones leading the charge against the assertion. NFL experts weigh in with their own perspectives and offer a hypothetical list of NBA players who might succeed in football.

Austin Rivers' assertion that 30 NBA players could easily make the transition to the NFL has ignited a heated debate in the football world. Former NFL receiver James Jones vehemently refuted Rivers' claim, launching a nearly 90-second rant on "Speak," emphasizing the unique demands and physicality of football compared to basketball.

"Let's just get this straight: No. 1, they put in a flop rule in the NBA because you guys are soft," Jones began. "If you wanted to say one dude or maybe Anthony Edwards could play safety or something, I would've listened to you. You said 30 dudes. No. Put respect on our sport. It is not just run, catch the ball and turn around. It ain't just hand the ball off and do that."

Rivers promptly responded, while the "First Things First" crew presented a more nuanced perspective. Former NFL receiver Greg Jennings conceded that some NBA players might have the physical attributes to play football, but acknowledged that their stamina, durability, and ability to withstand the rigors of a season would be key factors.

There is a notable history of basketball players successfully transitioning to the NFL. Terrell Owens, Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, Julius Peppers, Donovan McNabb, and Antwaan Randle El are among the most prominent examples. NC State basketball star DJ Burns Jr. has also garnered attention for his potential to follow in their footsteps, though he has expressed a desire to remain a basketball player.

Despite acknowledging that Rivers' estimate of 30 players was excessive, "First Things First" host Nick Wright assembled a hypothetical NFL roster of NBA players, projecting their potential positions:

- Boston Celtics F Jaylen Brown: Defensive end

- Minnesota Timberwolves G Anthony Edwards: Running back or safety

- Denver Nuggets F Aaron Gordon: Tight end

- New York Knicks G/F Josh Hart: Wide receiver

- Los Angeles Lakers F LeBron James: Tight end or defensive end

- LA Clippers G Russell Westbrook: Running back or safety

- New Orleans Pelicans F Zion Williamson: Tight end

While no NFL player has yet made the transition to the NBA, some experts believe certain players have the necessary skills. Chris Broussard suggested that Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson could potentially succeed as defensive backs or safeties due to their physicality.

However, Jennings and Broussard acknowledged that the height disadvantage that NFL players would face in the NBA could make it challenging for them to compete at a high level. Myles Garrett's exceptional athleticism, for example, might not translate to the same level of dominance in basketball due to the presence of taller players.

The debate over Austin Rivers' claim will likely continue, but it highlights the significant differences between basketball and football. While some NBA players may possess the physical attributes to excel in football, the unique demands and rigors of the sport present a formidable challenge. Conversely, NFL players with basketball skills would face obstacles in the NBA due to their relative lack of height.