The same question is brought up every time there’s international soccer being played. How good would the U.S. be if our star athletes played soccer? While freak athletes can compete in almost any sport they want, some would be better suited to the lacrosse field than the soccer pitch. A starting 10 of the All-Athlete Lacrosse team might look like this:
Attackmen:
Lebron James: James is one of the greatest pure athletes to ever walk the Earth, and as such could probably play whatever position he wants on the lacrosse field. However what sets Lebron apart from other freak athletes is his mind. He’s always a step or two ahead of everyone else on the court. Combine that with his vision and willingness as a passer, and LBJ would be a serious threat from X. Lebron could use his size to bully defenders and get to his spot while he picks apart their slides, in a role not dissimilar from Rob Pannell’s when he was at Cornell.
We believe Sidney Crosby‘s skills would translate nicely from hockey to lacrosse.
Sidney Crosby: Sid the Kid has been absolutely tearing up the NHL and it’s no secret that hockey skills translate well over into lacrosse. Crosby’s been torturing defenders and goalies alike with his stickhandling for years and should be able to do the same thing on grass.
Brad Marchand: Why Marchand and not another hockey player like Patrick Kane? Marchand has a reputation for being a pest on the ice. His scrapping for loose pucks can easily be envisioned as scrapping for ground balls. He earned the nickname “The Little Ball of Hate” for his occasionally nasty play, giving the team a bit of an edge on rides after a turnover.
Middies:
Russell Westbrook: Not much can be said about the NBA’s premier triple-double threat that isn’t conveyed by his game itself. Westbrook is an explosive athlete, and his blow-by drives into the lane could just as easily be dodges down the alley. Dodging middies need to be willing to distribute as well as score, and Russ is proving his passing chops this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: People who are seven feet tall aren’t supposed to move with the fluidity that Giannis does. His enormous strides make him a threat to go coast-to-coast faster than almost anyone else. With his lanky frame, he should be able to shoot with serious velocity. The Greek Freak adds a shooter to the midfield who can fire over the top or around any defender, while still having the athleticism to play solid defense.
Mike Trout: As a Center Fielder, Trout is comfortable covering an enormous amount of ground on the field, making him perfect for the role of midfielder. He doesn’t lack size either at 6’2” while weighing a strong 235 pounds. His combo of size and quickness means he will be able to shut down almost anyone. As comfortable as he is swinging a bat, the reigning MVP may have something to add with step-down rips on the offensive end.
Defenseman:
Avery Bradley: Avery has quite possibly the quickest feet in the NBA. He shuffles in front of offensive players fast enough to make it look like a choreographed dance. Giving Bradley the extended reach of a long pole would be almost unfair to the poor attackman who drew his assignment.
Jamie Collins: Another freakish athlete, Collins adds a physical presence to the defense that can only be provided by an NFL linebacker. Opposing attackman will have to be constantly aware of Jamie’s cross-crease slides. He brings solid cover skills to the table in addition to his size and strength, making him a tough defender all around.
Kawhi Leonard: Leonard has 95% of AB’s foot speed while being a much bigger player. The Klaw is one of the most terrifying perimeter defenders the Association has ever seen, shifting over to a sport with much of the same defensive principles. His all-business demeanor will give the defensive unit a steady anchor should they make a few mistakes.
Goaltender:
Braden Holtby: This one is pretty simple, Holtby is one of the best goalies in the NHL today. He’ll bring his reflexes and positioning to the table in a relatively easy transition.
