Michael Phelps on NBA Stars Transitioning to Swimming: It’s a Different Sport Altogether
In an intriguing and unexpected conversation, with Bovada’s Scoop B Talks host Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson had a candid discussion with the legendary Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. During their their interview, Robinson posed a thought-provoking question: “Who in the NBA could you see making the transition to swimming, and would their name be LeBron James?” Phelps’s response provided a fascinating insight into the potential crossover between these two vastly different sports.
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, expressed his reservations about NBA players transitioning to the world of competitive swimming. His extensive experience in the pool gives his opinion a unique perspective that few can match.
Phelps began by stating, “I don’t know, I really don’t. It’s a completely different sport.” This initial assessment underscores the stark contrast between the demands of basketball and those of swimming. The two sports require distinct skill sets, physical conditioning, and training regimens, making a transition from one to the other a formidable challenge.
However, Phelps didn’t dismiss the idea entirely. He shared a compelling anecdote from his own experiences, saying, “After working with him for one week, I watched Shaq come a long way.” This reference to the legendary NBA big man, Shaquille O’Neal, highlights the potential for athletes to adapt and improve when faced with new challenges.
Phelps continued, “When we did Shaq verses, it made me believe that their body awareness is there once they put something into it.” This observation is crucial—athletes at the highest level possess a remarkable degree of body awareness and athleticism, which could serve as a foundation for success in a different discipline.
However, Phelps remained realistic about the limitations of such a transition. “So, I think over time they could get good, but I don’t know how good it could be, right, you know,” he mused. This cautious optimism acknowledges the immense dedication and effort required to excel in competitive swimming. Phelps’s own journey to Olympic glory is a testament to the unrelenting commitment necessary for success in the pool.
The Olympic icon concluded by emphasizing the precision and fine margins that define competitive swimming, saying, “Like, we’re literally working in hundreds of a second.” This final point underscores the unparalleled precision and split-second decisions swimmers must make in a sport where the smallest details can determine victory or defeat.
In the end, while the prospect of NBA stars transitioning to swimming may be a tantalizing idea, Michael Phelps’s insights remind us of the profound disparities between these two sports. While some athletes may possess the raw physical talent and body awareness required for swimming, mastering the intricacies and nuances of competitive swimming is a monumental task. Phelps’s cautious optimism serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence that define elite athletes, whether they’re in the pool or on the basketball court.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
