DeMar DeRozan Thinks There Are 20 NBA Players Who Can Play In The NFL

The debate was initially ignited by Austin Rivers, who boldly claimed that as many as 30 NBA players could make the transition to the NFL. DeRozan, however, took a slightly more conservative stance, asserting that while he personally could name around 10 players capable of excelling on the gridiron, the number extends to approximately 20 when considering the broader talent pool of the NBA.

DeRozan's perspective on the matter stems from his belief in the versatility and adaptability of basketball players. He contends that given adequate time to prepare, NBA athletes possess the physical attributes and mental fortitude necessary to succeed in a variety of sports, including football. 

DeRozan's assertion underscores the notion that elite-level athletes often possess a diverse skill set that extends beyond their primary sport.

While the physical demands of football differ significantly from those of basketball, DeRozan's confidence in the adaptability of NBA players suggests that with proper training and preparation, many could make a seamless transition.

DeRozan's remarks add fuel to an ongoing debate within the sports community, raising intriguing questions about the intersection of talent and opportunity across different athletic pursuits. As the conversation continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the potential for NBA players to thrive in the NFL represents a fascinating prospect that captivates the imagination of fans and athletes alike.

Lou Williams Says Basketball Players Can Easily Transition To Football But It's Hard The Other Way Around

Lou Williams also shared his perspective on the potential transition between basketball and football, emphasizing that basketball players often have an easier time crossing over to football than the other way around. Speaking on 'Run It Back' TV, Williams highlighted examples of individuals who found success in football after initially pursuing basketball.

"I personally know guys who dedicated their lives to basketball all the way up until their senior year, realized, you know what? This is not gonna work out. I'm gonna go out for the football team. And they've made handsome livings in the NFL."

"You've never heard of a football player playing football all the way up to high school and say, you know what? I'm gonna go hoop and have an opportunity."

"That's all I'm gonna say. That should tell you everything you need to know about the two things. I respect NFL, I respect NBA, but when it comes to somebody being able to translate over to the other sport, I think it's more likely for NBA player to translate to a football player than vice versa." (1:20)

According to Williams, he personally knows individuals who dedicated themselves to basketball throughout their youth, only to pivot to football later in their high school careers and ultimately achieve success in the NFL. This anecdotal evidence, he suggests, demonstrates the flexibility and transferability of skills possessed by basketball players.

In contrast, Williams notes that it's rare to hear of a football player transitioning to basketball after focusing on football during their formative years. This, he suggests, speaks volumes about the inherent challenges of transitioning between the two sports and underscores the unique skill set required for success in basketball.

Williams' comments highlight the distinct athletic demands of basketball and football, as well as the versatility of basketball players in adapting to different sports. While both sports require athleticism and physicality, the specific skill sets and strategic nuances differ significantly, making the transition from basketball to football potentially more feasible for some athletes.

Overall, Williams' perspective offers insight into the dynamic relationship between basketball and football, shedding light on the potential for athletes to explore alternative paths to success based on their individual talents and circumstances.