There is no question that basketball and pop culture go hand in hand. One helps accent the other and vice-versa. You can even see the influence they have on each other in movies, modern music, and fashion. One helps influence the other, and vice-versa.
Recently I was watching some YouTube videos of celebrities playing basketball and some of these guys can really play. So that got me thinking, “what would NBA team’s starting rosters look like if celebrities played for their favorite teams?”. Well, today that is what we are going to look at, mainly focusing on teams in the western conference. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Los Angeles Clippers
Coach: Billy Crystal
C: Anthony Anderson / PF: YG / SF: Arsenio Hall / SG: Tyga / PG: Adam Devine
Since their inception in the 1980s, the Clippers have always played second fiddle to the global popularity superpower known as the Los Angeles Lakers. That doesn’t mean, however, that they have a lack of fans, in fact, it’s the exact opposite. From famous rappers YG and Tyga repping the Clippers in their music, to actors Anthony Anderson, Arsenio Hall, Adam Devine, and Billy Crystal endorsing themselves as “ride-or-die” fans, this team looks like it could compete.
Los Angeles Lakers
Coach: Jack Nicholson
C: Ice Cube / PF: Denzel Washington / SF: Snoop Dogg / SG: Kendrick Lamar / PG: Eddie Murphy
The Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in league history, and they are arguably the most popular (next to the New York Knicks). This roster looks stacked and can honestly do some damage against the other celebrity teams of this conference. With Jack Nicholson behind the bench, you can’t go wrong.
Golden State Warriors
Coach: George Lucas
C: E40 / PF: Guy Fieri / SF: Dave Chappelle / SG: Manny Pacquiao / PG: Jessica Alba
What this team lacks in athleticism they more than makeup for with enthusiasm. These celebrities are die-hard Warriors fans and even George Lucas was said to be in contention to buy a stake in the Warriors in 2019.
Phoenix Suns
Coach: Alice Cooper
C: J.J Watt / PF: Larry Fitzgerald / SF: Phil Mickelson / SG: David Spade / PG: Kendall Jenner
This team has the most athleticism of any of the other celebrity teams, as they have three professional athletes on the team. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re good at basketball, but it does help that they are trained professionals in another sporting domain. Both Kendall Jenner and Phil Mickelson have close ties to the Suns, as Jenner is dating Devin Booker, and Mickelson actually married a former Suns dancer. Go figure!
San Antonio Spurs
Coach: Barbara Walters
C: Samuel L. Jackson / SG: Tommy Lee Jones / PG : Selena Gomez
This team is short a few players because quite honestly, I couldn’t find other celebrity Spurs fans. I’m sure they’re out there though!
Dallas Mavericks
Coach: Mark Cuban
C: 2Chainz / PF: Post Malone / SF: Common / SG: George Clooney / PG: Jamie Foxx
This team is in contention for taking it all if celebrities ever did play for their favorite teams. I have a feeling all these guys are super athletic, and having their biggest fan as the coach is probably the best way this team will achieve success.