What Current NBA Players Would Be Like As Politicians

Aside from skill, intangibles set the good players apart from the greats in the game today. Those guys that can motivate their team through a losing streak, spark a comeback on their hustle alone, and much, much more. They are the type of people that could one day make a smooth transition from the hardwood to the political desk.

Phoenix Suns great Kevin Johnson turns 47 today. During his playing days, K.J. accomplished plenty, which included being a three-time All Star, becoming one of three players to average at least 20 points and 12 assists in a season (1989), and leading the Suns to the most total regular season wins in the league from 1989-95. Now, Johnson has taken everything he has learned and applied it to his current occupation: mayor of Sacramento.

While it's clear that not everyone can cut it in the government, we thought about taking a hypothetical look at some of the biggest names in the league today and how they would fair in politics, such as Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum. So, without further ado, here is our look at What Current NBA Players Would Be Like As Politicians.

Would Resemble:: Your typical Tea Party member.

You can tell a lot about a person just by looking at their grooming habits. And if that's the case, Andrew Bynum would make a terrible politician when his playing days are done. It seems as though every week, Bynum is experimenting with his hair and each reincarnation is just a tad bit crazier (and scarier) than the last one. If there's one thing to take away from his constant switch-ups, it's an inability to commit to one thing for an extended period of time. Bynum is the type of guy that will commit to something whole-heartedly, no matter how ridiculous it may seem.

After all, he must've seen his perm in mirror and said to himself, "yeah, this works," right? But, at the same time, the 25-year-old can easily be persuaded into trying something equally extreme on a whim with no consideration towards pros and cons. That sounds an awful lot like a member of the Tea Party if you ask us. At this point, it's clear that Bynum doesn't know what he wants. His brain is still quite malleable and those are the qualities that embody your every day Tea Party member. A desire to believe in one ideal until a different, fresher, (temporarily) more plausible idea comes to the surface.

Would Resemble:: Joe Biden

Kevin Garnett can be seen as an arrogant, loud mouth yet loyal individual. In many ways, Joe Biden can be considered the same thing. Both guys have the tendency to just fly off the handle and say whatever is on their mind, regardless of whom it may offend. Sometimes, it may be to get a rise out of the opposition.

In KG's case, does the Honey Nut Cheerios situation ring a bell? As for Biden, did you see the way the Vice President handled Paul Ryan in the VP debate leading up to the 2012 Presidential Election? However, both Biden and Garnett get a bad rap. They are simply passionate men towards their respective field of interest. For Garnett, it seems as though when he sets his mind to something, he dives in headfirst and remains tried-and-true to a fault.

If KG were to go the political route after retirement, he would be extremely loyal to his party while striking fear into his competitors. He wouldn't have a single problem doing, saying, or acting in whatever way is necessary. Those in his party would love him while the ones on the other side would despise him. And honestly, Garnett would not want to have it any other way.

Would Resemble:: Chris Christie

While attending St. Vincent–St. Mary, NBA owners and general managers were salivating at the opportunity of getting LeBron James in the 2003 NBA Draft and hopefully turning their franchise around. In the same way, Chris Christie is looked at these days as the guy that could help the Republican party get back on their feet.

Both Christie and LeBron are seen as many negative things: arrogant at times, somewhat painfully outspoken, and borderline hated by a select few. However, both guys back up these assumptions. In LeBron's case, he's a hardworking individual who doesn't settle with being good. He wants to be great.

If King James were to commit himself to politics, he'll probably go through his growing pains, as would anyone else on this list, but throughout his years in the NBA, James has shown a desire to get better at every facet. Only problem is, LeBron would probably want to look at going up the political ladder in the English Parliament (or marry into the Royal Family) considering there he could actually be King James one day.

Would Resemble: The love child of George W. Bush and Paul Ryan

Playing in the NBA offers up some rewarding life lessons, like learning how to deal with others and maturing as you get older. While it's true that not everyone reaches that moment where they've finally come into their own, it's something that is expected out of the stars of the game. Being one of those high-profile athletes, it's shocking just how little Dwight Howard has matured since entering the league in 2004.

If he were to pursue a political career, Howard would only fly by on his charisma and character. Similarly, both Paul Ryan and George W. Bush had good personalities outside of the walls of the government, however, once they entered into the field, they looked out of their element.

Howard could charm the pants off his audience (and some groupies), but at some point, that only takes you so far. It's very likely that Howard wouldn't even cut it as a politician, however, if he did, America would love him because he's so damn funny.

Would Resemble:: Eric Cantor

Could you imagine Tim Duncan as a politician? We already have him as one of the most boring players in NBA history. If he were to go the government route after the NBA, Duncan would undoubtedly be the type of politician that will get the job done with very little fanfare. His rallies would be more like vigils and his speeches would seem more like funerals. But again, he would probably be damn good at his job. We assume, of course.

Would Resemble:: No one we've ever seen before

We've already dubbed Barack Obama as the "iPresident," thanks to his savvy use of social media, but that could all change if J.R. Smith were to pursue a career when his playing days are done. If you're following Smith on Twitter, you already know that the guy utilizes the micro-blogging site to perfection. Yeah, he has some slip-ups here and there, but overall, dude knows how to reach and interact with fans, groupies, whomever. As J.R. goes through the campaign trail, though, his past tweets may come back to haunt him and every intern on the Hill would get the pipe.

Would Resemble:: John Boehner

Chris Bosh isn't afraid to show his soft side. Do you need proof? So, if given the opportunity to pursue a career in politics, Bosh would undoubtedly be the most emotional man since John Boehner. If you're unfamiliar with Boehner's bouts with the sobs, we'll just say that the guy wears his heart (and tears) on his sleeve.

Back in his playing days with Toronto, Bosh was the main man, so it's safe to assume he won't forget how to lead. His willingness to become more of a role player for the sake of a championship exhibits Bosh's openness to reach across party lines. All in all, CB sounds like a great future politician that can make some noise in the government, just as long as his wife doesn't steal all the headlines.

Would Resemble:: John McCain

Rasheed Wallace is an O.G. John McCain is old school. Have these guys ever met each other? Rasheed is stuck in the past where players trash talked incessantly and threw elbows without fear of repercussion. Nowadays, the new rules of the NBA have watered down the league to calling ticky-tack fouls and coddling the biggest names in the game. Wallace is just from a different era.

If he were to enter into politics, even though we all know no one would, Rasheed would be the aggressor. He would resort to old school tactics. Someone attacks us, we attack back. Somebody's talking slick about a plan we're putting in motion, shut that person up! Things like that. It wouldn't be a pretty sight...unless 'Sheed is getting things done, then the rest of his party may turn a blind eye to it all. But which group would he represent? Probably the "Don't start nothin', won't be nothin'" party.

Would Resemble:: Barack Obama

The point guard is many things out on the court: the floor general, the primary distributor of the rock, the leader, just to name a few. Chris Paul embodies all those qualities while also handling everything thrown his way with a reserved confidence. Meanwhile, since become the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama has handled his time in office with a quiet swag.

Since joining the Clippers in 2011, Paul took on the tall task of a dilapidated franchise in need of help. Similarly, Obama started his presidency with plenty of problems that needed to be fixed and slowly but surely, he is turning the ship around. From the way they handle themselves to their style of leadership, both CP3 and Obama resemble each other in many ways.

So, it isn't too far-fetched to envision Paul as a great politician if he were to ever consider a career in the field. And what about a Paul/Griffin ticket in 2024? OK, maybe that's a little too crazy.

Would Resemble:: Fidel Castro

Kobe Bryant, the dictator? You better believe it! Just look at his track record. Since joining the Lakers in 1996, Bryant has slowly climbed his way to top of the totem pole and when opposition like Shaquille O'Neal tried to stand in his way of the throne, he forced them out of the situation. After taking over at the top of the Lake Show hierarchy, Kobe has essentially determined who stays and who goes, how their role factors onto the team, and created an environment stricken with lame faces and sadness. We see you, Dwight Howard.

If he were to assume a role in politics, Kobe would not only snake (get it?) his way to the top, but once he was in power, KB would dictate how things are done to his liking. Kobe wouldn't work alongside his constituents for long because, at the end of the day, it's Mamba's way or the highway. But there may be a bright sign. As Bryant has gotten older, he has shown change and a willingness to conform. However, we're not sure this is a sign of the older, more mature Kobe or just a temporary change of heart. Key word: temporary.