Ex NBAer Jalen Rose thinks LeBron James should stay away from NFL – NBA Update
Last month, LeBron James, the Miami Heat superstar tweeted something to ESPN’s John Clayton that created a stir.
“When is the deadline for an NFL team to sign a free agent?" he inquired.
Yes its NFL and not NBA. With lockout going nowhere and most the players eyeing overseas opportunities, LeBron came up with an altogether different idea. LeBron tweet stirred a lot of interest initially, however with labour negotiations
getting intense; LeBron’s NFL plans have died down significantly. However, with the lockout all set to engulf the whole NBA season after the breakdown of talks, James might be tempted to try a hand at NFL again.
Jalen Rose, the NBA All-Star, who last played for Phoenix Suns in 2006-2007, believes that it is not a very good idea.
Talking to NFL.com, he said
"LeBron is probably one of the best athletes in professional sports right now, and probably is going to be discussed over the history of all sports when you say best athlete, because of his height, because of his strength. Because
of his athleticism, his speed, his agility. But from a basketball player (pointing to himself), to play football? That's something totally different."
According to Jalen, LeBron’s stature is built for NBA and not for NFL. He has the height and agility which he uses in NBA to perfection however football is a completely different ball game and his height, which is a weapon in NBA
might work against him in the NFL.
Jalen’s argument does hold weight. The 6 ft 9 NBA star, who is a die-hard football fan, might acquire a slight edge in catching the ball, but the game is not all about catching and speed. There is an element of brute power and
technique in the game and in the presence of so many NFL superstars, who live the game, James may not be able to create an impact.
There is also an element of injury. Football is a hardcore physical game, at a level much higher than basketball. If James sustains a serious injury while playing, he might not be able to return to NBA with the same pedigree. That
in itself would be a shame, not only for the Miami Heat, but for the whole of NBA.
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