The idea of NFL players crossing over to the NBA has always been fascinating for fans. On paper, the athleticism seems transferable as elite strength and explosiveness are common in both sports.
However, according to Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, there really isn’t a debate. For him, basketball isn’t just about the physical aspect; it’s also about skill. But despite this, Green didn’t completely shut the door on the idea.
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He made it clear that very few football players can realistically make the transition. In fact, he could only point to one name as even remotely plausible: Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett.
“It would be like a Myles Garrett or somebody like that who just got athleticism and a bruiser and can like rebound and set screens,” he said.
“Because I just don’t think any of them would have the skill level of an NBA player to where the thing that you hang your hat on is skill and so I think it would have to be somebody who’s like a rebounder, screen setter or lob catcher,” added Dray.
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Athletic freak
Garrett is widely regarded as one of the most physically gifted athletes in professional sports. Standing at 6’4 and weighing over 270 pounds, he has the mix of strength and explosiveness that only a few athletes ever possess. As a dominant edge rusher for the Browns, he has established himself as one of the greatest at his position and holds the record for most sacks in a single season.
But aside from his footballing abilities, he can also hoop. Garrett has shown flashes of his basketball ability in the past, including the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, where he went viral for his vicious dunks.
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The Browns star also has a background in basketball, like many other football players, who often played multiple sports growing up. He is also the half-brother of former New York Nets player Sean Williams. This is why Green believed there is a clear path for Garrett if he ever pursued the sport, even comparing his play to a former highlight-reel role player.
“He would be like a Reggie Evans,” Green said. “They could play like the Reggie Evans type role. Reggie Evans was a good pro for 12-13 years in the NBA.”
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“Myles Garrett is a freak of nature. He would have to take a couple of muscles off the top to make it work,” he continued.
Reggie Evans carved out a long and respected career through his effort and physicality. He wasn’t the flashiest nor the most fundamentally sound, but many fans still remember him for his hustle and his ability to be a capable player off the bench. That’s the kind of role Draymond believes someone like Garrett could realistically fill.
The reality of both sports
On paper, it’s always easy to assume that an NFL player, especially Garrett, who has already shown a glimpse of his basketball ability on the court, can at least be athletic enough to contribute in the NBA.
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Still, the reality, as Green said, is that athleticism can only get you so far in the NBA. What makes NFL players dominant on the gridiron could actually be a disadvantage on the hardcourt if there aren’t any skills to back it up, no matter how athletically gifted someone is.
Football and basketball may share some athletic traits, but they are still fundamentally different. That’s why few professional athletes have ever really tried to transition between one sport and basketball at the highest level.
Garrett might be one of the rare exceptions physically capable of making the jump, but even then, his path would be limited to a specific role. No matter how freakish the talent, there is a barrier that even the best football players would struggle to overcome.
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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.