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Lebron James has recently announced that Space Jam 2 is starting production soon, aiming for a July 2021 release date. Fans of the first film will remember Michael Jordan and the Tune Squad tipping off against the Monstars, a team of aliens that stole the “powers” of five of the best players in the game during that era: Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, Shawn Bradley and Muggsy Bogues.
While the Monstars’ starting line up for the sequel has yet to be announced, it’s always fun to speculate who could be getting the call! Here are my picks for each Monstar, however it should be noted that this list does not reflect who I believe are the best at their position, but the best for the film!
As Pound, the orange alien that stole Charles Barkley’s power and leader of the Monstars, my pick would be Kevin Durant. Since signing with the Golden State Warriors in 2016, Kevin Durant has won two Finals MVP’s and has been in the conversation of being the best player in the league today outside Lebron James. It should also be mentioned that in his two championship seasons with the Warriors, both victories came over Lebron and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
As Bang, the tough and aggressive green alien that stole the skills of Patrick Ewing and is second-in-command to Pound, my pick would be Joel Embiid. Not only is Joel Embiid one of the best, if not the best center in the NBA, but he has the tough and aggressive personality to match. This includes stare downs with Donovan Mitchell after rejections at the rim, poking fun at Draymond Green and the Warriors on Twitter for their blown 3-1 lead in the 2016 Finals and of course, his growing rivalry with Oklahoma City Thunder star, Russell Westbrook.
As Nawt, the hyperactive red alien that stole the skills of Muggsy Bogues, there’d be no pick more perfect for this squad than Russell Westbrook. Not only is Westbrook one of the most athletically gifted players in today’s game, he is also one of the most entertaining athletes to watch on the court. If he’s not staring down players or having his way with the media, Westbrook can be seen rocking the cradle to other players. Plus, having him and Joel Embiid in the same film with the same struggle would make a great movie in itself.
As Bupkus, the purple alien that stole the talent of Larry Johnson, I’d pick Jimmy Butler. Bupkus shows a lot of emotion and loved destroying Jordan and the Tune Squad. It’s safe to say that Butler is known for being very vocal about his feelings, especially in his tenure with, and departure from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Not only does he show that intensity in his play both in practice and in games, he has the skillset suitable for a Monstar.
Lastly, as Blanko, the blue Alien that stole Shawn Bradley’s talent, I’d pick Giannis Antetokounmpo. Blanko is a little more laid back than his teammates just like Giannis. While many of the other players that made this list are more vocal about their point of view on the media, Giannis is a gentle giant that destroys opponents on the court.
There you have it! To recap our list, my fan cast for the Monstars of Space Jam 2 are Russell Westbrook, Jimmy Butler, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid! These are five current or former all-stars and five of the most recognizable faces and personalities among the league. Let us know who you’d want to see in the Monstars’ starting line up this time around!
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