New York Mets NBA Roster: A pickup basketball game of Amazins

What would a basketball team of New York Mets players look like? We found the tallest, fastest, and a few guys with experience to fill the roster.

Baseball is the best game in the world! There is something about the crack of a bat, the atmosphere at the ballpark, and the feel of the game that is unmatched by other sports. However, have you ever wondered how your favorite New York Mets would fair if they traded in their bats and gloves for different athletic equipment?

Let’s look at how a roster of Mets might look if they played in the NBA.

Guys with Experience

Chris Young: Position – Starting C

Height: 6’10″ Weight: 195lbs

Chris Young’s presence on the team immediately makes them competitive. The former Highland Park High School standout lettered three time as a basketball player. In fact, he received buzz as a potential NBA prospect before ultimately choosing basketball. Young would bring size, efficient inside scoring, and rebounding to the team.

High School Basketball Stats:  NBA.com Profile

• Games Played: 60
• Points per Game: 13.8
• Rebounds per Game: 5.8
• Assists per Game: 3.2
• Steals per Game: 1.2
• Blocks per Game: 2.3
• Shooting Percentage: .698%

Zack Wheeler: Position – Starting PG

Height: 6’4″ Weight: 195lbs

Considering all the available data, Zack Wheeler has had the most accomplished basketball career. Wheeler played for East Paulding High School in Dallas, Georgia during his junior year (2007). He wore number 12. He appeared in 26 games and made solid contributions in points and rebounds.

While his 6’4” frame might suggest he’d be best suited in the frontcourt, I’m placing him as the teams starting point guard. The fact that he is the most experienced basketball player on this list makes him the most ideal floor general.

Hopefully, he would be able to use his size to his advantage in the same way Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers does.

High School Basketball Stats According to Max Preps

• Games Played: 26
• Points per Game: 5.5
• Rebounds per Game: 6.2
• Assists per Game: 2.4
• Steals per Game: 1.4
• Blocks per Game: 1.2

Travis d’Arnaud: Position – Starting SF

Height: 6’2″ Weight: 210lbs

Unfortunately, there is no known reliable source of Travis d’Arnaud’s basketball statistics. However, it is commonly known that he played for the Lakewood High School basketball team in California. In fact, due to his impressive achievements as a High School athlete, d’Arnaud was named Lakewood’s co-Athlete of the Year alongside NBA MVP James Harden.

He makes the starting lineup as one of three Mets with basketball experience on his resume. Let’s hope living in the same community as Harden rubbed off on him.

Robert Gsellman: Position – Reserve Front Court Player

Height: 6’4″ Weight: 205lbs

How many high school players can claim they have never missed a basket? Robert Gsellman holds that unique distinction as a career 100% shooter.

The bad news, however, is that he only attempted two shots. His experience, limited as it may be, coupled with his 6’4” height earn the pitcher a starting spot in the frontcourt.

High School Basketball Stats: According to Max Preps

• Games Played: 1
• Points per Game: 5
• Assists per Game: N/A
• Steals per Game: N/A
• Blocks per Game: N/A
• Shooting Percentage: 100%

Guys Who are Tall

Noah Syndergaard: Position – Starting PF

Height: 6’6″ Weight: 240lbs

The formula for playing Noah Syndergaard at a starting frontcourt position is simple. He is one of the team’s tallest and strongest players. Someone will have to tangle with the opponent’s big guys.

Based simply on appearance, Syndergaard is the man for the job!

Guys Who are Fast

Jose Reyes: Position – Starting SG

Height: 6’0” Weight: 195lbs

Jose Rayes has no know experience as a basketball player. However, we do know that he is an impressive athlete with elite speed. His 408 stolen bases are most in franchise history. The strategy here is to start Rayes at shooting guard and hope he can use his speed to get to the basket.

The Bench

Jon Rauch:

Height: 6’11″ Weight 290lbs

How’s that for a name you haven’t thought of in a while? Jon Rauch was a relief pitcher who played for the Mets for only one season (2012). Why does he make his list? Because he happens to be the tallest player in the history of MLB. His massive 6’11” stature would make him physically capable of handling legitimate NBA centers. Don’t let his position on the bench fool you, Rauch would be Sixth Man of the Year material.

Brandon Nimmo:

Height: 6’3″ Weight: 207lbs

Nimmo has proven to be a solid athlete during his major league career. He has also displayed an infectious energy and positivity. His value to any team’s bench would be beneficial both on and off the court/field.

Darryl Strawberry:

Height: 6’6″ Weight: 190lbs

Darryl Strawberry is one of the best hitters in Mets history. He has good size and enormous strength and athleticism (his 252 home runs are most in Mets history).

Bartolo Colon

Height: 5’11 Weight: 285lbs

Every basketball team needs a big body to strategically use his fouls. Bartolo Colon’s frame and sneaky athleticism would make him a valuable piece.

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