10 NBA Players Who Belong Behind the NASCAR Wheel

10 NBA Players Who Belong Behind the NASCAR Wheel

The NBA and NASCAR do not have a lot of obvious traits in common. However, it is no secret that athletes in both sports enjoy collecting expensive, fast cars, and driving above the speed limit whenever possible. It is also a known fact that many NASCAR drivers love watching NBA games, while the basketball king himself, Michael Jordan, is a huge fan of stock car racing. In fact, Jordan is one of the sponsors of Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 car.

Just because Carlos Boozer can be seen driving a Maserati Gran Turismo, a Maybach on 24-inch Forgiato Aresto wheels or a Ferrari F430 Spider on any occasion, it does not necessarily mean he spends his free time watching NASCAR. With that being said, it does mean that Boozer is a big fan of fast cars, which means watching NASCAR on his day off is not outside of the realm of possibility. NBA players above all other athletes are known for driving the nicest cars around. One can only assume they would take an interest in a sport that revolves around cars.

It is no secret that race car drivers have a bit of a temper. Whether it is getting cut off, ran off the track, forced into a crash or simply losing a race, NASCAR drivers have been known to lose their cool, just ask Tony Stewart. Another sport in which athletes frequently get angry quickly is basketball. Numerous fights have broken out over the years, some of which occurred with the slightest bump or misunderstanding.

Make sure to click through the slideshow to see the top 10 NBA players who belong behind the wheel in NASCAR.

10. Carlos Boozer

As I already said, Boozer enjoys collecting very fast cars. Even if he has never actually sat down to watch a NASCAR race that does not mean he would turn down the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a stock car and let loose.

9. Metta World Peace

It is no secret that NBA players with a temper would fit in nicely with NASCAR, even if the sport frowns upon drivers fighting other drivers. There might be no other player in basketball history that has lost his cool as Metta World Peace has. The man formerly known as Ron Artest was at the heart of the ugliest incident in NBA history. The Malice at the Palace, in which he stormed into the stands and fought fans, was no joke. It would certainly be interesting to watch World Peace lose his cool on the race car track.

8. Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum enjoys his fair share of nice cars, including a Ferrari 599 GTB and a Ferrari F430 Spider. Throw in the fact that his knee problems could force him out of basketball at a young age means he might have to look for a new line of work. I am not sure if they make cars big enough for the seven foot center, but I doubt that would prevent him from giving it a shot if he so desired.

7. Reggie Evans

I am not saying there are NASCAR drivers that purposefully drive dirty, but I have seen my fair share of questionable moves on the track. For that reason, Reggie Evans might want to give stock car racing a try. Arguably the dirtiest player in the NBA, Evans has made several questionable decisions on the court that typically leads to a fight. The fact that he has also been known to get away with some of these moves means he would fit in perfectly with NASCAR.

6. Derrick Rose

When healthy, Derrick Rose is one of the best players in the league. His ability to take over games and come out on top certainly would be utilized greatly on the race track. Throw in the fact that Rose has a great taste for cars (he drives a Maserati Gran Turismo, among others) means he would not turn away the idea of getting behind the wheel in NASCAR.

5. Kevin Garnett

NASCAR drivers appear to be very nice men who do plenty for their community. However, a different man emerges when they are locked in behind the wheel. It takes a certain mean streak to win races, even if the average fan is not completely aware of it. Kevin Garnett knows all about mean streaks as he is considered one of the most intimidating and intense players in NBA history. Put him behind the wheel and watch out.

4. LeBron James

LeBron James is one of the most physically gifted athletes in all of sports. He has shown over the years that he is capable of leading a team to a conference championship without a supporting cast. He also has shown that he can win back-to-back NBA Championships when given the right people to work with. Put James in a fast car, give him the right personnel around him and watch magic unfold.

3. Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd is a born leader who will utilize that talent as a head coach next season. As a very talented point guard for many years, Kidd has had to make some tough plays on the court. His leadership trait would certainly come in handy when he has to make some split-second decisions on the track. Not to mention, Kidd enjoys driving fast. Just ask the Cadillac Escalade he wrapped around a telephone pole last summer.

2. Deron Williams

Deron Williams is one of the best point guards in the NBA. He is able to maneuver past defenders with ease and score at will. One could only hope that his ability to weave in and out with precision would transition well over to the race track.

1. Marcin Gortat

Marcin Gortat lands the No. 1 spot on this list for several reasons. For one, he was a mechanic when he lived in Poland. He knows how to tweak his cars in order to reach new heights while driving. In fact, he fixed his BMW M5 up with an 800-horsepower engine. Even though Gortat enjoys working on cars and improving their performance, he much rather get behind the wheel. It has been said that he has driven his M5 faster than 200 miles per hour.