Basketball is meant to be a fun sport. There are dunks, alley oops, and up and under shots, that make the game really exciting to watch. But can a well-known NBA player be a fun coach and incorporate all these things? Here are my top 10 NBA players that I believe would be the most fun to play for in high school:
1. Dwight Howard
When I thought of a NBA player, that would be fun to play for, I instantly thought of Howard. In my opinion, Howard has the greatest sense of humor in the NBA. He’s always joking with other players and is known to be a great guy. He’s had funny moments, dancing with Shaquille O’Neal at the 2007 All Star game. Howard also has hit Youtube videos, pranking players like Derrick Rose. The 6 time All Star not only has a sense a humor, but he also works hard. During his rookie season in 2004, Howard was criticized as being too skinny. During the 2005-2006 offseason, the 3 time Defensive Player of the Year added 20 lbs of muscle to his frame. Any high school player would enjoy playing for a coach like Howard.
2. Metta World Peace
World Peace is known to be a bit crazy, but I believe he would be a fun high school coach. The 2004 Defensive Player of the Year is entertaining and a hard worker. He’s known around the NBA for his crazy hair styles and his memorable 2010 championship comments. Most people wouldn’t thank their therapist on a nationally televised game, but World Peace had no shame. He doesn’t care what people think of him and I believe he truly enjoys the game of basketball. I believe he would have the best games to watch and scream the craziest things to the refs.
3. J.R. Smith
Smith has always been questioned for his in-game decisions, but that’s why I believe he would be a fun high school coach. Between his career early shot clock shots, extremely far threes, and his flashy moves to the basket, I believe he would allow his high school players limitless offensive freedom. Who wouldn’t want to play for a coach that would allow you to take any shot you want? Your games wouldn’t be pretty, but definitely every player could get up 10 shots a game.
4. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook definitely loves to put on a show and as a high school coach, he would definitely do the same. He would allow his players to do flashy dunks and throw alley oops. He loves playing a fast pace game and I believe his players would love playing his style. His players would be able to shoot early shots in the shot clock and run out for transition 3 pointers.
5. Monta Ellis
Like Smith and Westbrook, Ellis would be a fun high school coach for the same reason. He would allow his players early shots and highlight plays. In Golden State, Ellis was known for his outstanding highlight plays. Between his behind the back passes and his up and under shots, Ellis would always leave his fans in awe. High school players and fans would love the games he would coach.
6. Dwyane Wade
Playing for Ellis, Westbrook, Smith, and Wade, high school players would play a fast pace game. The only difference between the last three players and the 2 time NBA Champion is defense. In my opinion, defense is the hardest and most underrated part of basketball. I believe the way Wade would make his players play defense wouldn’t be as fun as allowing players a lot of shots, but that’s why the 2006 NBA Finals MVP is at No 6.
7. Kevin Durant
Like Wade, Durant would allow a fast paced game but would force his players to play intense defense. The only difference between Wade and the 3 time scoring champ, is Durant would revolve his team game around jump shots. Wade would make his players take it to the basket and allow for more highlight dunks. I also gave the 3 time All Star the No.7 spot because of his youth and Wade’s experience over Durant.
8. Blake Griffin
Griffin is a one man highlight reel, but his game is solely revolved around dunks and alley oops. His high school players would love the dunk opportunities and alley oops he would allow, but I feel Griffin wouldn’t be as good or fun as the previous seven. Griffin may have made the All Star game in his only two years in the NBA, but he has a long way to go before he becomes a solid superstar. He still needs to expand his game outside dunks and develop a post game. He could be a really fun high school coach, but it is going to take some time.
9. Amar’e Stoudemire
Like Griffin, Stoudemire’s game is very two dimensional. He can only provide offense off pick and roll dunks and mid range pick and pops. The games he would coach would have some highlights, but I can see his offensive sets being all pick and roll. He’s a great overall player and and an all star, but he made the list because of his glory days in Phoenix.
10. Joakim Noah
I had a hard time deciding on No. 10, but I believe Noah is a solid pick. He’s a intense player and a fan favorite. He has a lot of work to do before he becomes a great player in the NBA, but I feel he could be a fun coach. He’s energetic and loud, but I’m unsure what highlights you would get from the 2006 NCAA Champion star? He was never known for his offense and I believe his players wouldn’t have as much fun on defense as they would on offense.
Is there a NBA player I left out? Let me know your top 10 NBA players that would be fun to play for in high school! Follow me at @ericdomingo3 on Twitter or like my page on Facebook.
