Judge Henry X Harper – Tim Duncan

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

At first glance, the San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan seems like a crotchety old man with no heart, and just wants to follow the fundamentals of the game, which makes him boring and soulless. In the movie, Judge Henry X Harper also seems like an old man with no heart, until we learn otherwise.

Duncan has proved over the years that he plays the game the right way, with lots of heart, and it’s his adherence to the fundamentals that make him great. We’ve also learned through candid moments and stories that he’s actually quite jolly. It’s Judge Harper’s heart and fundamental adherence to the law that allows him to rule in favor of Kris Kringle, since the Post Office considers him the real deal.

Fred Gailey – Drew Brees

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In the movie, Fred Gailey defends the case for Kris Kringle as the real Santa Claus. He takes on what seems like an impossible task, just like when Drew Brees came to the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were an awful team for decades. They struggled to find a true leader, until Brees brought them eternal faith, now that they’re a perennial playoff team. Brees would make an excellent Fred Gailey because of his ability to beat the odds and make everyone around him better.

Doris Walker – Venus Williams

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Venus Williams had to deal with an upstart young lady trying to prove something to the world with her sister Serena. She tried to teach her, then she learned from her, and became a great supporter of Serena. It’s that experience that would make Venus a great Doris Walker.

Suzie Walker – Danica Patrick

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Danica Patrick has been going up against non-believers her whole life, trying to prove to a world of skeptics that she can race with the men and beat them. It’s her tenacity, faith and experience with fighting the odds that makes her a great Suzie Walker.

Kris Kringle – LeBron James

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After leaving his comfort zone in the North, for most of the movie, Kris Kringle was vilified as a crazy person, relying on a small fan base (Suzie Walker) to keep up his spirits. He was a stickler for detail, as is the Miami Heat’s LeBron James, telling shop owners how to arrange their reindeer correctly. An attribute that would make Kringle a solid point forward, along with his size and distributing capabilities. After proving he was the real deal, he won back fans all over the world, as did James. Plus, you know, that neck beard thing.