By: Tyler Ward
If there's a lockout for the 2011 NFL season, it looks like a certain player will be switching games. And that player is Brandon Marshall. The Dolphins receiver said Thursday that if there is no NBA in 2011, he will try out for the NBA. The teams he wants to join? The Denver Nuggets and...the Memphis Grizzlies, wait no, that would never happen. I meant the Miami Heat.
Marshall didn't say that there is a possibility that he would follow that route if there is a lockout. He practically guaranteed it. He stated to media personnel, "Not pursuing -- I'm going to be on an NBA team. Seriously."
According to Marshall, the Nuggets would be his first option, with the Heat coming in at a close second. "There's not going to be any football. If there's a lockout, I have to find a job," Marshall said. "I figure the Nuggets will be a better choice because of the welcome home cheer I'll get -- a couple of boos at first. I'm gonna get with a basketball coach and get to work, prepare for the lockout."
Is it me or is that just screaming Latrell Sprewell all over again? A job? Seriously? Marshall just got a 4-year/$47.5 million contract with the Dolphins (he was traded there from Denver). I'm fairly confident that Marshall could last a year with the money he's made from the NFL and endorsements. He doesn't need to go to the NBA. Why? Because he probably will not make it on an NBA team. I will give him credit because he did actually play once upon a time when he was in high school. But, high school basketball and NBA are completely different. Not to mention, he hasn't really played competitively since 2003. I'm sure that there are free agents that deserve to be on an NBA team much more than Marshall. The Dolphins don't even need that distraction. It just wouldn't work out.
But, for now, Marshall has to concentrate on his NFL skills because the regular season is right around the corner. He's got something to prove and with a possible NFL star at quarterback, Marshall could have another huge season.
