NBA superstars Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels named their favorite non-basketball athletes in a recent video released to X (formerly known as Twitter). Members of the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively, both men named two athletes from other sports who have caught their attention this year.
Thompson joined the Mavericks this past offseason after spending his entire career with the Golden State Warriors. On the season, he is averaging 13.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, McDaniels was drafted 28th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft and then subsequently traded numerous times until he landed with the Timberwolves. He is averaging 10.9 points and 3.8 rebounds thus far on the campaign.
Who Are Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels’ Favorite Non-Basketball Athletes?
In the post, Thompson highlights how his favorite non-basketball stars are Colorado Buffaloes dual-threat wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter and Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. Regarding Hunter, the four-time NBA champion Thompson cited the ability to play both offensively and defensively as his favorite quality.
On the other hand, McDaniels gave praise once again to the University of Colorado Boulder star Hunter and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
NBA Legend Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels Favorite Non-Basketball Athlete is Travis Hunter 🔥#HE12MAN pic.twitter.com/dU4ZTq6alY
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) November 25, 2024
Why Is Travis Hunter Thompson and McDaniels’ Favorite Non-Basketball Athlete?
The fact that both NBA superstars mentioned Hunter outlines how impressive and noteworthy his college campaign has been to this point.
At 6’1″ and 185 pounds, Hunter has equal offensive and defensive abilities that make him stand out from others. His two-way ability has him as the current favorite for the Heisman Trophy and the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Pro Football Network Dalton Miller’s Top 100 Big Board.
Offensively, Hunter has elite speed and great hands that allow him to create separation yet also catch contested passes. Hunter has 82 receptions on the season, tallying 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns in the process.
Defensively, Hunter possesses strong footwork and has above-average anticipation and football IQ. To this point, he has three interceptions and one forced fumble on the campaign.
While it’s too early to know definitively where Hunter will play his professional football next season, it’s clear that he has drawn the attention of football (and non-football) fans alike for his unique blend of athleticism and abilities on both sides of the ball.
As a result, whichever NFL franchise selects Hunter next season will be getting one of the most exciting and versatile players in recent memory.