Ever wonder what a Sacramento Kings football team would look like? Well, even if not, welcome to this list! With the College Football Championship last week and the Super Bowl two weeks out, I thought I’d assemble this team given the Kings’ current roster, guessing which positions would fit each player best given hardwood skill-set and how it could translate.
Quincy Miller is not included as his one game in a Kings uniform isn’t enough for me to properly assess.
Let’s have some fun:
Offense
~DeMarcus Cousins – Quarterback
Some could make the case for Collison here, given that technically he is the team’s “quarterback” at starting point guard. But we all know “Magic” Cousins has a cannon for an arm and has guard-like passing capabilities. His massive frame and unheard of mobility means he can withstand hits and escape pocket pressure: think Ben Roethlisberger mixed with Colin Kaepernick. Additionally, considering he’s Sacramento’s franchise player, Cousins becomes quarterback by default.
~Derrick Williams – Running Back
“D-Thrill” has the strength to block and the lateral quickness to repel defensive linemen and linebackers. In a real world he would be too tall for this position, but amongst NBA players he’s average height for a forward. Williams is the Kings’ bruiser up the middle, or speedster off the side. His athleticism makes him solid in passing situations as well.
Sir Charles In Charge
~Rudy Gay – Wide Receiver
While not the fastest King, Rudy is long and athletic, possessing a high vertical and big hands. His methodical court style and large strides transfer to precise and creative route running. Having Rudy at receiver makes life easy on QB Boogie.
~Nik Stauskas – Slot Receiver
The rook is more athletic than he appears. His NBA long-ball threat skills translate to slot receiver opposite Rudy. While not strong enough to withstand blows from opposing strong safeties, his height and competitive edge keep him ideal in this spot.
~Jason Thompson – Left Tackle
At 250 pounds, Thompson lacks the weight of a prototype left tackle. However, again, this is an NBA “football squad” and that puts him with heavier company. Accustomed to battling the NBA’s top 4’s and 5’s with Cousins in the trenches on a nightly basis, Thompson is the logical choice protecting Boogie’s blindspot up-front.
~Carl Landry – Tight End
An offensively gifted 248 pounds, Landry has size to block linemen and an NBA midrange game that turns to catching 5-20 yard passes. His high IQ and veteran leadership prove crucial in bringing a stable football option for the offense.
Defense
~Ryan Hollins – Defensive End
Hollins is lengthy, energetic, and unrelenting: perfect qualities for getting at the quarterback and batting down outlet passes. Ryan’s motor and size makes him solid in an NBA “football setting” on the defensive line.
~Eric Moreland – Defensive End
True, Moreland has hardly played this season. But we all witnessed his defensive prowess this past Summer League. Similar to Hollins, his length and defensive intensity propel him to defensive end. Hollins and Moreland would turn to two pit-bulls giving opposing quarterbacks nightmares.
~Reggie Evans – Middle Linebacker
Is there any better choice for MLB? Evans’ rugged play and toughness is a perfect choice, striking fear in the hearts of offenses. Opposing offensive coordinators would think twice about sending their running backs up the middle with Evans awaiting.
~Omri Casspi – Outside Linebacker
Omri has the ball hawkishness and awareness needed next to Evans. Possessing the agility, power, and all-around game from blitzing quarterbacks to covering tight ends, Casspi is the easy choice for Outside Linebacker.
~Ben McLemore – Cornerback
A year ago, this selection would make little to no sense. But its 2015, and Ben has blossomed into a great man-to-man defender. The transition is seamless from hardwood to gridiron for McLemore in becoming Sacramento’s lockdown corner.
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~Ray McCallum – Safety
Similar to McLemore, McCallum is an above average “ball hawk” with mobility and athleticism necessary to blanket the backfield. His toughness and intelligence shift seamlessly in disallowing big passing plays.
Special Teams
~Darren Collison – Kick/Punt Returner
The fastest King, Collison’s speed makes him the team’s “home run threat”, capable of taking it to the house on each kickoff or punt. His low turnover rate transfers to low chances of fumbling as well.
Other
~Ramon Sessions – Water Boy
Sorry, I just had to!