Often times many professional athletes have thought about playing a different sport. That’s no different for Devin Funchess who wants to play in the NBA. The former NFL Tight End is thinking about making a transition to the hardwood.
“I know I’d have to go overseas and play to get some film, but after that, my dream growing up was to play in the NBA,” said Funchess. “So that’s my main goal. That’s what I’m going to make happen.”
Robinson included a basketball highlight video of Funchess, who also said that he remains open to continuing his NFL career if he gets the call. If he does get a call, there may be some rust that needs to be knocked off. The last time Funchess played in an NFL regular season game was on September 8, 2019, for the Indianapolis Colts (he had three receptions for 32 yards).
Funchess, now 28, was a second-round draft pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2015. He played for the Indianapolis Colts as well and caught 164 passes for 2,265 yards and 21 touchdowns over five career seasons. Funchess has not appeared in an NFL game since 2019 but was briefly on the Detroit Lions roster this past offseason.
From the looks of it, Funchess might be able to ball, though there is also no defense or live action in the above video.
At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Funchess has the size of your average NBA shooting guard. He also played basketball in high school as a three-sport athlete (along with football and track).
History of Transition
Funchess is right though that it won’t just be as easy as going straight into the NBA. He will indeed have to prove himself overseas or somewhere like the G League first. But with precedent from players like Jonathon Simmons (who made the San Antonio Spurs after paying $150 for a tryout) and fellow undrafted player Caleb Martin (who got on the Miami Heat after impressing a famous rapper in a pickup game), never say “never” here with Funchess.
Over the years, there have been many athletes transition from the NBA or the NFL with the most notable names being Michael Jordan and Tim Tebow. There’s also names that transitioned from the MLB to the NBA; Danny Ainge and Brian Jordan.
If Funchess doesn’t get the call, the best bet would be for him to go play in China or in another overseas league for a year or two. Playing in some Pro-Am games in order to get familiar with the pace again.
TL//DR: Devin Funchess wants to play in the NBA
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