LeBron James was an all-state receiver at St. Vincent-St. Mary.

Basketball players have been referred to as the greatest athletes in the world. In the NBA, you see superbly conditioned athletes soar to the basket and throw down rim-rattling dunks or muscle past two or three defenders. Sometimes we marvel so much at these super beings that we, as fans, wonder how pro basketball players would do in another realm, such as pro football.

With the return of the NFL season, I thought it would interesting to put together a football team comprised of current pro basketball players. Who knows? Some of these guys may consider this crazy idea and ditch the round ball in favor of the pigskin. I’m sure NFL general managers would love to have any of these guys on their roster. This concept has been written in the past, but not in the context where each basketball player is assigned a football position. So, without further ado, here is my 25-man, NBA-inspired gridiron gang:

QUARTERBACK

Kevin Durant (6-9, 235)

— If Allen Iverson was still in the Association this would be an easy choice. Iverson was an all-state quarterback in high school and was considered a Michael Vick-type talent in the state of Virginia. But since A.I. is currently out of the NBA the next best option is Kevin Durant. You may wonder why we’re going with KD over skilled passers such as Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo. Durant may not possessed your prototypical quarterback, but he’s a terrific athlete who has shown in the past that he can sling the football. If you recall, during the NBA lockout, Durant flashed his QB skills in a pick-up flag football game. We have visual evidence.

When K.D. asked a bunch of Oklahoma State students in Stillwater, Okla., if he could play in their flag football game because he was bored during the NBA lockout, one of the students asked Durant if he could catch a football. Durant replied, “Are you for real?” Durant may not seem imposing but he’s quick and explosive, and he’s got arms like Mr. Fantastic. The scouting report on Durant would be something like this: has great size to oversee the defense, decent arm strength to get the ball down the field, can elude rushers with his agility, able to make plays when the pocket collapses. Mel Kiper Jr. would have given him a B+ and a second-round grade.

RUNNING BACKS

Derrick Rose (6-1, 190)

— Legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno said he knew Curt Warner could play running back for him after watching him in a pickup basketball game. Paterno says if you can run, plant, cut, and change direction quickly on the basketball court then you can play running back on the football field. In terms of changing gears without skipping a beat, very few players in the world can match the Chicago Bulls’ superstar guard.

Deron Williams (6-2, 209)

— Williams attended The Colony High School in Texas, and we all know football is king in the state of Texas. D-Will was also a highly touted wrestler as a youngster, so he is no stranger to using leverage and doesn’t shy away from contact. At 209 pounds, Williams could be a very capable tailback in the NFL.

TIGHT END

LeBron James (6-8, 255)

— The tight end position is where basketball players seem to have the most success on the football field. Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham and Tony Gonzalez were power forwards in college before they were drafted as tight ends in the NFL. LeBron was an all-state wide receiver at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, Ohio, but he would be better suited at tight end because he would be an absolute nightmare to cover for any linebacker or safety. James has phenomenal quickness for a man his size. He could realistically play any position on the field. He’s big enough to play outside linebacker and he’s fast enough to be a safety. He could also play quarterback if needed. As a tight end, LeBron will be able to utilize his 255-pound frame to block and set the edges. And when it’s time to score in the red zone, LeBron and his 44-inch vertical leap could outjump any defensive back in the end zone. LeBron scored 27 touchdowns in two seasons for St. Vincent-St. Mary. “I think LeBron could come in and do better than Antonio Gates,” said former All-Pro NFL receiver Randy Moss. “LeBron James is the athlete that comes around every so often.”

WIDE RECEIVERS

Matt Barnes (6-7, 226)

— The forward was a former all-state wide receiver at Del Campo High School (Calif.) so he can definitely play the position. Barnes is a tough player who doesn’t mind getting dirty. He should be a perfect candidate to go over the middle and catch passes in tight zones. Barnes may not be Hines Ward in terms of blocking, but he’ll irritate the heck out of the opposing defensive backs.

Russell Westbrook (6-3, 190)

–Westbrook is considered one of the fastest players in basketball, and he could certainly give NFL speedster DeSean Jackson a run for his money in the 40-yard dash. The ultra-quick Oklahoma City guard can cover a lot of ground, making him an ideal candidate to be the deep threat on offense. One of Westbrook’s greatest strength is his passion for the game. Football is all about raw emotion, and few NBA players play with more raw emotion than Russ. With Durant playing quarterback on our fantasy squad, it makes sense to have his Oklahoma City teammate to be his primary target.

KICK RETURNER

Darren Collison (6-0, 160)

— The point guard is an absolute blur on the court, able to change gears without losing any speed. Collison can thank his parents for his sprinter’s speed as both were former elite track runners from Guyana.  If it were not for his undying devotion to the game of basketball, Collison easily could have been running track instead of running point.

KICKER

Kobe Bryant (6-6, 205)

— We all know Kobe played soccer when he was in Italy. He follows the sport religiously and has, on more than one occasion, displayed his soccer skills on the pitch. NFL kickers are all soccer-style kickers. Given enough practice and proper technique, Kobe should be able to pick up the nuances of kicking field goals. Kobe is a perfectionist, so if this challenge was presented in front of him he will attack it like a Black Mamba. Because so many football games are won or lost with last-second field goals, who better to put in clutch situations than Kobe Bryant.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Al Horford (6-10, 245)

Kevin Love (6-10, 260)

Kendrick Perkins (6-10, 275)

Zach Randolph (6-9, 260)

Marc Gasol (7-1, 270)

— Blocking in football is similar to setting screens in basketball, except when you use both hands on a screen you’ll get called for a foul. All five of the players mentioned above can all set good picks. But more importantly, each player plays with a bit of a nasty streak, which comes in handy when you need to get a first down on fourth-and-1. Atlanta Hawks center/forward Al Horford could anchor the line at center because he’s likely agile enough to handle the position. We all known center Kendrick Perkins has a nasty streak, and that should translate well on the football field. Power forward Kevin Love, who led the NBA in rebounding in 2010-11, has good size and extremely good hands, which will help him grab an oncoming speed rusher. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are arguably the best center-power forward tandem in the NBA and they certainly don’t mind playing in the trenches. Having these two play on one side of the offensive line bring familiarity, continuity and physicality.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Glen Davis (6-8, 295)

— Can’t think of a better anchor on defensive line than Clippers power forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who has always bragged that he could play in the NFL. Who’s gonna argue with a 295-pound man? Not me. But Davis’ claim is not a stretch. He was a terrific two-way football player at University Laboratory High School in Baton Rouge, starring at defensive end, defensive tackle and tailback. Yes, tailback! He scored 15 touchdowns his junior year in high school so he could be a tremendous goal-line back. But Big Baby hung up his cleats for good when he received a basketball scholarship from LSU. Big Baby shows great agility for a 295-pound (ahem, roughly) athlete. Watch:

DeAndre Jordan (6-11, 265)

— DeAndre Jordan is front Texas, and we all know football is king in the state. Jordan has the size and quickness to be a great edge rusher. And in terms of hand-eye coordination, Jordan could give Houston Texans stud J.J. Watt a run for his money.

Dwight Howard (6-11, 265)

— The Orlando Magic all-star center has the size, strength and agility that would make any defensive line coach drool. Howard’s freakish athleticism is suited at defensive end. He can rush the passer and, using his 40-inch vertical leap, bat down any ball that comes his way. He would be absolutely intimidating if he could only wipe that big smile off his face.

Joakim Noah (6-11, 240)

— Joakim Noah could play defensive end because of his great motor. Noah, a former Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA, has earned the reputation as being one of the toughest competitors in basketball. So, all that effort and energy should bode well on the football field.

LINEBACKERS

Metta World Peace (6-7, 250)

— In building a defense, you start with a nasty, punch-you-in-the-mouth middle linebacker. With that in mind, can you name anyone crazier than the player formerly known as Ron Artest? I think not. There is absolutely nothing peaceful about Metta World Peace, who calls his record label TruWarier. He definitely fits the part of a middle backer. Metta, who is currently playing in China, has his sights set on a possible return to the Association.

Kenneth Faried (6-8, 228)

— When your nickname is the Manimal you’re a perfect fit to play outside linebacker. Faried’s greatest asset is his motor. He plays hard on every play and doesn’t shy away from physical play. Those are two absolute necessities to play linebacker. That should translate well on the football field because Faried can play sideline to sideline and be a disruptive force.

Blake Griffin (6-10, 250)

— Few can match Blake Griffin in terms of speed and power. Griffin is a gifted athlete who has earned a reputation as one of basketball’s best dunkers. We won’t need Blake to thrown down dunks. Instead, we’ll need him to throw down quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers.

CORNERBACKS

Nate Robinson (5-8, 200)

— Nate the Great is the only player on this entire list who actually play college football. Robinson played point guard in basketball and cornerback in football for the University of Washington. Robinson is a physically gifted athlete who can run all day and is built like granite. He is such a well-conditioned athlete that he could probably be a good two-way player.

Robinson’s reputation as a football stud didn’t get lost with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who invited him to Seahawks camp in 2011. Robinson didn’t show up, but he may have to revisit that offer once his basketball career is over.

Tony Allen (6-4, 213)

— Grizzlies guard Tony Allen is one of the best on-the-ball defenders in the NBA and could transition into a solid man-to-man cover corner. In 2005, Allen was charged with aggravated battery stemming from an altercation outside a restaurant in Chicago. Police charges? Battery? Altercation? Sounds like Allen has a little bit of Pacman Jones in him.

SAFETIES

Kawhi Leonard (6-7, 230)

— Can you imagine Kawhi playing safety in the NFL? He can run with any receiver. He can lock down any tight end or running back. And he’s got massive hands. If a pass comes his way, you know Kawhi won’t drop a sure interception.

Dwyane Wade (6-4, 220)

— Before he became a full-time hoopster, Wade played wide receiver and defensive back for high school football powerhouse Richards High in Oak Lawn, Ill. Wade has the size to make plays at the line of scrimmage, and he can certainly outjump and outrun a lot of NFL receivers and tight ends. Wade grew up watching the Chicago Bears as a youth so you know he’s familiar with the Monsters of the Midway.

PUNTER

Manu Ginobili (6-6, 205)

— Manu Ginobili is a native of Argentina, so you know he played soccer as a youngster. Manu may arguably be the second-greatest athlete from Argentina, behind only soccer great Lionel Messi. Ginobili can also be a field-goal kicker, but since we already have Kobe at kicker, Manu will have to channel his inner Ray Guy.

There you have it. A 25-man football team comprised of current NBA players. Since Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen owns the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Seahawks, he is the right man to sign the checks for this fantasy football team.

Joel Huerto is the editor and publisher of OneManFastBreak.net. Follow him on Twitter @onemanfastbreak.

With a little over four minutes left in the second quarter of Sunday’s game between the Clippers and the Pistons, the Clippers center lit up Staples Center and social media with his jaw-dropping, one-handed, alley-oop, above-the-rim dunk over Pistons guard Brandon Knight. Yes, that same Brandon Knight who found himself the butt of All-Star jokes when he fell down trying to stop Kyrie Irving’s crossover move during All-Star Weekend. There’s no explanation yet as to why Knight (listed at 6-3) would even try to block Jordan’s slam (listed at 6-11).

To add insult to Knight’s already injured ego, the ball hit Knight’s head on the way down. The ball was OK, though.

Griffin, who has seen his share of monster dunks, said Jordan’s superslam was “the best dunk of the year and the best I’ve seen in person.” That’s high praise from the former Slam Dunk champion who is a nightly regular on SportsCenter with his assaults on the rim.

Griffin wasn’t the only superstar who was impressed by the dunk. LeBron James tweeted: “DeAndre Jordan!!!! Dayyyuummmm!! Dunk of the year #littletikeshoop”

”Usually I get that dunk and nobody is right there. This is the first time somebody tried to block it,” said Jordan, who was the beneficiary of a perfect lob pass from Chris Paul.

Paul said he and Jordan had been trying to execute the play for the previous three or four possessions. In case you missed Jordan’s alley-oop dunk that was a trending topic on Twitter, here it is:

It’s time for Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers to make the leap into the upper echelon of the Western Conference. (GETTY IMAGES)

The Clippers are tired of being the other team in Los Angeles.

They traded for Chris Paul before last season, but it wasn’t enough. Not after Chauncey Billups was lost for the season with a serious injury when he tore his left Achilles tendon in February.

So, they went out and upgraded the bench and adding some scoring punch. Jamal Crawford was added to back up Billups and provide some insurance in case he continues to break down physically. The team acquired veterans Grant Hill and Lamar Odom to provide some frontcourt depth. In other minor moves, Ronny Turiaf and Ryan Hollins, as well as former Laker Matt Barnes, were added to the roster.

Barnes is expected to compete for minutes as a backup small forward, and Willie Green as a backup shooting guard.

Crawford was the best pickup as he gives the Clippers a talented shooter that will help Paul, so he doesn’t have to try and do too much offensively like he has had to do his entire career (mostly with the Hornets).

Paul should be able to focus on running the offense and scoring when he sees an opportunity. Billups gives them a second floor general at shooting guard who can pick his spots to launch his shots and also run the offense at times. But at his age, he needs to choose his spots more carefully. The man can still play some ball when healthy though.

Caron Butler has more help at SF and that should save wear and tear on him. Blake Griffin is recovering from an injury he suffered during the Olympics, but he should be ready for the start of the season. However, he needs to develop his offensive game in order for the Clippers to become a special team capable of taking over L.A. from the Lakers.

Center DeAndre Jordan, who was given a crazy $51 million contract before last season, provides defense and rebounding. If he could develop an offensive game, the Clippers would be a deadlier team with more offensive options than just Griffin, CP, Billups and Crawford.

So what does all this mean for the Clippers? They need to try and win so Paul is enticed to stay in Los Angeles and sign long-term extension (he turned down a three-year deal worth $60 million in July) rather than leave and go to another team. That’s the trendy thing to do lately and Paul isn’t above that. No elite player is.

The man on the hot seat is head coach Vinny Del Negro. The Clippers helped save his job by beating the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the postseason, but the pressure will be on to get better and to advance to the Western Conference finals.

That has to be the expectation with all the money Donald Sterling has doled out. Sterling is a Scrooge when it comes to handing out big contracts, but lately he has spent the kind of money that leads to high expectations. Del Negro has to be happy that they are adding depth, but it puts the pressure squarely on his shoulders to make this work. Owners find it much easier to fire a coach than the 12-15 players on the roster if they don’t perform up to the expectations.

Lets see how good of a coach you are, Vinny.

Projected finish in Pacific Division: Second.

Darren Jacks is a regular contributor to OneManFastBreak.net. Send him an email at: djroxalot@hotmail.com.

The Clippers’ big man has more than 90 blocked shots this season, but his most spectacular one came Monday night when he grabbed – yes, grabbed – Rajon Rondo’s shot on its way up.

The play starts when the Celtics point guard drives past Clippers guard Chris Paul. Seeing his teammate needed help, Jordan comes from the weak side to deny Rondo a basket. Watch Jordan’s jaw-dropping play (video courtesy of LobCityClipps):