Patrick Mahomes chimed in with his take on Austin Rivers’ controversial NFL players can’t survive in the NBA comment.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback intentionally or unintentionally opted to side with Rivers, claiming Oklahoma City Thunder’s forward Luguentz Dort would be a capable linebacker on the gridiron.
After completing his trip down South Beach to watch the Miami Grand Prix, Mahomes flew back to native Dallas. He was present during the Western Conference semi-final game 3 between the Dallas Mavericks and OKC.
Before the contest began, the camera panned towards Mahomes, who was sitting in the front row with his wife, Brittany Mahomes. The Mavs announcer for ABC’s Mark Followill can be heard saying that the 28-year-old quarterback claimed OKC’s Luguentz Dort can play a linebacker in the NFL.
Former Minnesota Timberwolves starter Austin Rivers started the mess on Pat McAfee Show.
I can take 30 players right now in the NBA and throw them in the NFL. You cannot take 30 NFL players and put them in the NBA.
Austin Rivers claimed
Since then, several current retired players from both sports have expressed their opinions. Ex-Green Bay Packers wide receiver turned FOX analyst James Jones quashed Rivers’ claim, saying the exact opposite. Jones asserted that football players endure tougher conditions compared to basketball and NBA players.
Luguentz Dort is a good shout from Patrick Mahomes as an NFL linebacker
If any NBA player wishes to switch jobs to football, then Dort could be a good start. At 6 feet 4, the Canadian is slightly on the taller side for a running back. However, he certainly has the build to be a dominant football player.
Luguentz Dort 5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends against LeBron James 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during their NBA, Basketball Herren, USA game on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Crypto.com (Image via IMAGO)The 25-year-old is perfect for the linebacker position. One of the best edge rushers in the NFL, Dallas Cowboys Micah Parsons, has the same height bue is 25 pounds heavier compared to Dort. So, his trainers might want to put him on a diet and gym regime to become bulkier.
Even FanDuel created a poll on whether Dort can be fit for the NFL. More than 78% of voters supported Mahomes’ statement.
Can Lu Dort play linebacker in the #NFL? 😅
— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) May 11, 2024
Dort has played other sports in college besides basketball. According to AZ Central, he was part of the Association football (Soccer) at Arizona State.
Mahomes chose a smart and safe option to bet on. However, it will most likely never happen because Dort is about to enter his peak years and would prefer spending that time at the sport in which he has practiced the most. It will prove to be a dumb move if he decides to change jobs now.
