It can be fun to imagine some of the world’s best athletes playing outside of their professional sport. Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion and arguably one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time, has created his ideal football team comprised entirely of players from the United States men’s basketball team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He was asked to select a quarterback, a tight end, a running back and two receivers.
.@TomBradyThe ‘s football team consists of @usabasketball the players are 🔥https://t.co/FKfqojMbah pic.twitter.com/UovYApSJUG
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2024
After winning his first NBA championship this season, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was Brady’s first and only choice for quarterback. Although Brady has changed the players assigned to some other positions, Tatum has always been Brady’s choice for quarterback.
The first NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP (2022) and four-time NBA All-Star has been described as a strong leader for his team, which is a key trait needed to be a successful quarterback.
At tight end, Brady selected 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid. Tight ends need to be dynamic on both offense and defense. As a three-time NBA All-Defensive Team member and NBA scoring champion (2021-23), Embiid could serve as a versatile tight end for Brady’s fantasy football team.
Much like Tatum was given the quarterback job, Brady didn’t change his mind and was immediately certain that Embiid was the first choice for the tight end position.
Both of the Lakers’ NBA All-Stars were selected to Brady’s team. Their versatile talents made them two that Brady could see at multiple positions.
Anthony Davis, a nine-time NBA All-Star, was originally considered a running back. His 6-foot-2 frame would have been advantageous for catching passes from Tatum. But Brady hesitated to make that Davis’ final position. He considered moving the five-time NBA All-Defensive Team member to tight end, a position that would allow him to hone his defensive skills.
Ultimately, Brady handed the running back role to Davis.
The last remaining spots on Brady’s fantasy football team were reserved for two receivers.
“I need two different types [of wide receivers]”I need a player who has possession and a player who threatens on the field,” Brady said.
At first, Brady thought four-time NBA champion LeBron James would be more valuable to the team as a tight end. Like his Lakers teammate Davis, the tight end position would allow James to showcase his skills as a six-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. But Brady quickly realized that James’ speed would be better suited to another position.
“I think I can use it better [at wide receiver]”, Brady said. “He has more speed on the field.”
Brady finalized James’ assignment to one of two receiver positions. As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, James’ incredible ability to score baskets could hopefully translate into touchdown-scoring abilities as a receiver.
The latest addition to Brady’s fantasy football team is four-time Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker. The Phoenix Suns point guard will play the No. 2 receiver position.
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