Each Remaining NFL Playoff Teams’ NBA Equivalent
By Matt Urben
I had a weird idea, to take the eight remaining NFL Playoff teams and match each of them up with one NBA team that I feel they most closely identify with, in terms of team success and key players. For example, the Steelers would be the Cavaliers because their three stars (Love, Irving and Lebron) are similar to the Pittsburgh Big-3 of Big Ben, Brown and Bell. Remember, this is just for fun. I tried to get creative with it, so don’t take it too seriously (Looking at YOU Twitter). Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do the Lions, having lost to the Seahawks last week. Enjoy!
Dallas Cowboys = Golden State Warriors
Who else would America’s team be this season other than the Golden State Warriors? The non-stop headline producing, superstar-packed Warriors. Steph Curry took the league by storm much the same as Ezekiel Elliott this season. Going from good for a rookie, to the best RB in football, to a legit MVP candidate. Both teams play beautiful, fundamentally sound ball.
New England Patriots = San Antonio Spurs
This is probably the easiest and most obvious of them all. The Spurs and the Patriots have been compared for years. Both have a certain model they stick to and it has worked to the tune of 9 combined Championships between Popovich and Belichick. This season is no different. Both will quietly stay in contention wire-to-wire, year in year out. Whether it’s the Spurs without Tim Duncan or the Pats without Tom Brady for 4-games, it doesn’t seem to matter. These two franchises are unstoppable powerhouses.
Atlanta Falcons = Houston Rockets
I like this one based on the big regular season numbers each has had with little Playoff success in recent memory. The Falcons had one trip to the NFC Championship a few years ago, while the Rockets did the same in 2015. Both have superstar, MVP-candidates leading them — in Matt Ryan and James Harden — this year, but need to prove it in the Postseason.
Kansas City Chiefs – L.A. Clippers
These have been two of the most talent-rich teams in their respective leagues over the past five years. The Chiefs routinely send tons of players to the Pro Bowl, while not ever getting to the big game. Sound familiar? Oh you mean the Clippers, who have been all flash and no substance since getting Chris Paul to play with Blake Griffin. They have so much talent and should/could/never seem to win the big game(s).
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Green Bay Packers = OKC Thunder
Okay, this comparison comes from the Packers & Thunder each having the best player in the league and still being an average Playoff team. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Westbrook are both superstars, maybe the best ever at their positions someday, but their franchises have failed them in a sense. Rodgers needs more help and OKC just lost Kevin Durant (not for lack of trying) and traded James Harden a few years ago to avoid a luxury tax. The Packers rarely spend in free-agency.
Houston Texans = Boston Celtics
This comparison is all about being a good team with no chance to win a championship. The Celtics are good, yet will never beat Lebron and the Cavs. The Texans are becoming a perennial Playoff team — that loses in the first round usually — just like the Celtics, only to get killed. I know they beat the QB-less Raiders, but I’m not counting it. They have a great defense but Osweiler will NEVER beat Brady. Nor will he be worth all that money he was paid. Some would say the same about Celtics free agent Al Horford, but that’s way too disrespectful to Horford, a former All-star.
Pittsburgh Steelers = Cleveland Cavaliers
I really felt like this one worked. The Steelers haven’t had Super Bowl success in recent years, but they have a Hall of Fame QB, with multiple championships, and a S.B. loss. The “King” Lebron James has lost in the finals four times but has won three NBA championships. The Cavs have a big three with Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, and Lebron, while the Steelers have Big Ben, Antonio Brown and LeV’eon Bell. Enough said.
Seattle Seahawks = Chicago Bulls
This one was a little out there. I thought about a talented Playoff team that was falling a little bit short of expectations. The Bulls’ acquisition of Dwayne Wade has worked out about as well as Seattle’s acquisition of Jimmy Graham. They both have the firepower to win a championship, but like the Seahawks did earlier this season, the Bulls are having some internal feuds. Both could turn it around, but I don’t think either will advance far in the Playoffs.
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