Bogues picks potential ‘Space Jam 2’ lineup
He played for four teams in 14 seasons, twice averaged double-digit assists in a season, and ranks 18th all-time in career assists. But to a generation of fans, Bogues will always be known for one thing: his appearance in the movie “Space Jam.” Bogues was one of the five players whose talents were stolen in the movie, along with then-Hornets teammate Larry Johnson, former MVP Charles Barkley, and big men Patrick Ewing and Shawn Bradley.
Rumors of a “Space Jam” sequel or remake have been swirling for years, so who better to pick the new lineup of players who have their talents stolen than one of the originals. At the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, Bogues gave his ideal 2016 Monstars lineup.
Filling the Barkley role is another powerful, versatile MVP — one who’s been rumored to potentially have the starring role in the movie, LeBron James. “You gotta have LeBron,” Bogues said of the man who once took his talents to South Beach, but here would be having his talents taken to Moron Mountain.
The original “Space Jam” lineup had two centers, and Bogues stuck with that roster format for his next two picks. “The big tall guy, probably would be either Anthony Davis or (Andre) Drummond,” he said. “Those are the other two guys.”
Next up was the Larry Johnson role, and Bogues took his time deciding who could live up to the legacy of one of the most famous players in Hornets history. “Draymond Green would be LJ, I guess,” he said. It’s not a bad comparison. This season, Green is averaging 14.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG and 7.2 APG. In 1994-95, when Johnson was 25 and in his fourth season — the same as Green is now — he averaged 18.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG and 4.6 APG. Both players shot around 48 percent from the field as well. While Green might be a good fit for LJ in “Space Jam,” it remains to be seen how he’d look as Grandmama.
Lastly, who’d be the new Muggsy?
“Isaiah Thomas,” Bogues said. It makes sense. The 5-foot-9 Thomas, a first-time All-Star this year, matched Calvin Murphy as the shortest All-Star ever, while Bogues was the shortest player overall in NBA history. As for who should star in the Jordan role, Bogues didn’t make a pick on that. But there is a certain Jordanesque, five-time champion who is retiring soon and might have some free time on his hand.
Space Mamba, anyone?