With Space Jam 2 production exciting basketball fans everywhere, one of the biggest topics around the basketball entertainment world is which stars will be participating in the long-awaited flick? We know that LeBron James is going to play the main NBAer, a role that was taken on by Michael Jordan in the original, but if the first film indicated anything it’s that there will be many more.

For example, five other NBAers were included in the first Space Jam in fairly significant roles. Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, and Shawn Bradley played the roles of NBAers that had their “talents stolen” by an alien squad named the Monstars beefing up to take on the Tune Squad.

It also included many other players, as well as footage from inside the courts, but the five “Monstar” NBAers were certainly the most significant.

The one issue with young basketball fans trying to educate themselves on the movie ahead of its sequel is that it is a little bit dated at this point. They may not even know some or all of the NBAers that had their talent stolen. In response, we asked NBA Hall of Famer turned analyst at the NBA Winners' Corner, one that played with or against all those guys, which modern day players would best match up as replacement.

 

 

Honestly, it’s hard to argue with the picks!

 

Nawt – originally stole the talent of Muggsy Bogues

Nawt is the point guard of the Monstars, the crafty ball handler that is way, way smaller than the rest of them. While names like Isaiah Thomas and the scrappy Russell Westbrook came to mind, Kyrie Irving’s feist would fit right into the squad.

 

Pound – originally stole the talent of Charles Barkley

Easily the biggest of the bunch, Pound is a full on bully. He is the leader of the bunch and certainly isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Demarcus Cousins is the perfect choice.

 

Blanko – Originally stole the power of Shawn Bradley

Blanko is the tall, goofy centre. He is definitely the nicest of the bunch, always seeming to “forget” that he’s supposed to be mean. Who else could match up to the level of jest than the Joker himself? Maybe Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kristaps Porzingis, but Nikola Jokic fits the bill almost too well.

 

Bupkus – Originally stole the power of Larry Johnson

Bupkus is definitely the least noticeable of the bunch. While he’s mean and vocal at times, he’s certainly more of a leader than a follower. This makes the Kawhi Leonard selection make sense, as the Toronto Raptors star has never been known much for talking. We maybe would have gone for someone that is still a little meaner, like a PJ Tucker type, but overlal we aren’t mad about the Klaw getting the nod.

 

Bang – Originally stole the power of Patrick Ewing

Bang is definitely the meanest looking of the bunch, and he’s also very intent on injuring the Tune Squad. Draymond Green, who is known for his relentless trash talk as well as his history with kicking or injuring players, is definitely the right choice. Bang is LITERALLY GREEN. Even the name works.

 

There you have it, your 2019 Monstars squad!