10 Of The Best TV Show Appearances By NBA Players

When it’s time to hang up the sneaks, there are very few basketball players that can make the transition to the TV screen. Being a great athlete is one thing but making the transition to being an actor is another. Let’s be honest, many have tried and quite a few have crashed and burned (cough, coughDarius Miles in Perfect Score) but there are a few that have the potential to star in their own TV series.

Check down below at 10 of the best television show appearances by NBA players.

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10. KAREEM ABDUL-JABBARFull House
To start of the list we have Kareem. Everybody knew Kareem was a great player but when he appeared on Full House, he left the impression that he was well… a great coach? I mean, he wasn’t Denzel Washington but he still managed to fool us into thinking he was a coach, right?

9. GARY PAYTON, SHAREEF ABDUR-RAHIM & VIN BAKERThe Jamie Foxx Show
Next up we have Shareef Abdur-Rahiem, Vin Baker and the “Glove” himself, Gary Payton, making their first TV series appearance on The Jamie Foxx Show. Considered one of the best episodes of the series, watch it below to get some laughs.

8. KOBE BRYANTHang Time
Although, Reggie Theus was a main character on the show, the player that stole this TV appearance was Kobe Bryant. Back in his’fro days, Kobe wasn’t a bad actor for his first time on a TV series. Check it below.

7. DAWN STALEY, REBECCA LOBO & SHERYL SWOOPESMartin
Even though NBA stars have experience on the big screen, WNBA players were not rookies to nailing their scripts, either. Three WNBA players that seemed to be naturals on the screen were Rebecca Lobo, Dawn Staley and Sheryl Swoopes. They definitely brought laughs to this episode and showed that WNBA players were maestros in the acting department too.

6. GRANT HILL
Who would have thought Grant Hill would be so suave on camera? Grant Hill really showed off his smooth side when he put the moves on one of the characters “Khadijah James” played by actress Queen Latifah. Grant not only shows that he is good with the ladies, but also showcases his musical talents when he serenades Khadijah.

5. KEVIN GARNETTThe Jamie Foxx Show
KG makes his memorable appearance on The Jamie Foxx Show as himself, and reveals that he has a humorous side (yeah, who would have thought). Peep the video below.

4. KEVIN McHALECheers
Cheers to Kevin McHale. Honestly, how can you disregard the attempt Kevin McHale had as an actor on the show Cheers? Playing as a substitute bartender and a “Ringer” in a charity basketball game, Kevin McHale showed that he was a natural for the camera. (Sorry about the language! For English, click here.)

3. MICHAEL JORDAN – My Wife And Kids
Just when you thought MJ was a TV one-hit wonder, Michael Jordan returned to the screen as himself in the show My Wife and Kids. He played a camp instructor for his fantasy camp “Flight School” and showed why he is the greatest in a comedic fashion. Check out the video below.

2. RICK FOXThe Game
Ask yourself about a decade and change ago if you thought Rick Fox would be a decent actor? Yeah, me neither. Never in a million years would you have thought Rick Fox would have transcended as an NBA player to a Hollywood star. Well, we all were wrong, as Rick Fox has been in various movies and his role in the show The Game proves that he is a pro. Skip to the 2:34 mark to see Rick Fox in action.

1. SHAQUILLE O’NEALMy Wife And Kids
We get to the top spot and without a doubt, it goes to Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq provides laughter in almost every skit he does and is a natural in front of the camera. There is no question he deserves his own TV series, and when you watch the clip below you will agree.

What do you think?

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