As if there wasn't enough buzz around Miami basketball over the past month, there is yet another development in the Soap Opera that has become South Beach this summer. Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall stated that in the event of a league lockout in 2011, he will hand in his cleats, lace up his high-tops and play professional basketball in the NBA.
Huh?
Adam Schefter seemed to have that exact reaction when Marshall made such a statement in an interview during ESPN's NFL Training Camp bus tour. Even Dolphins' quarterback Chad Henne couldn't help but snicker at Marshall's outlandish claim. When Schefter asked Marshall to clarify such a pursuance, Marshall responded by stating that his claims were factual rather than ones of hopeful pursuit.
Not only did Marshall say that he will be in the NBA in a lockout scenario, but has even narrowed down his options to just two teams. The Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat. The Nuggets being his preferred of the two.
Let's take a second to think about this logically Brandon, cause you seem to have overlooked some key concepts.
First of all, Bill Parcells is not going to be thrilled that his All-Pro, newly acquired, wide receiver is contemplating a basketball career. Lockout or no lockout, the chances of something like that flying with the Tuna are slim to none. But let's give you the benefit of the doubt and say that in his older days, Parcells benevolence is at an all-time high and he gives you the nod for such an endeavor. How thrilled and welcoming do you think the fans of Denver really are? I highly doubt they will welcome you back with open arms after leaving such a sour taste in their mouth. Not to mention the anxiety that will be plaguing them with the possibility of losing Carmelo Anthony to free agency. Nuggets fans will be looking for someone to fill the void of a franchise player and Brandon Marshall isn't exactly the answer. Put that all together and it seems like the only trips Marshall will be making to Denver are to visit family members.
Although I find it very unlikely to happen, there is one scenario in which I could possibly see Marshall playing in the NBA. And for all of those playing at home, can you guess what that is? If you said the Miami Heat, you are today's top winner. Have you looked at the Heat's roster lately? Aside from Lebron, D-Wade and Bosh, the Heat's roster is filled with inexperienced rookies and over the hill veterans. An athletic, guard who can get out and run might fit well in the scenario that James or Wade get into foul trouble or need to catch a breather. However, the Miami Heat certainly cannot match the Dolphins' salary due to Marshall. I mean let's be real, the Heat can only offer Marshall a $1-2 million a year at best. How's he supposed to feed his family with that type of money, right Latrell? That is roughly one-fifth of what he's scheduled to make with the Dolphins in 2011. Now although this seems like the scenario with the higher possibility of the two, it is still very unlikely.
The fact of the matter is Marshall is not the first guy in the NFL to think that he is cut out to play in the NBA. Tony Gonzalez made the Miami Heat summer league team back in 2001, but was quickly brought back to reality after appearing in only two games. There is no doubt that Marshall is a phenomenal athlete and arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. He may even be able to hold his own in some pick-up games featuring some NBA players. However, when it comes to playing a full 82 game season in the NBA, I find it hard to believe he has the chops.
On a side note, I just got off the phone with Marshall's agent and he has informed me that any money Marshall could possibly make if he were to play for the Miami Heat would be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of America. (You asked for it Lebron)
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