In 2022, the NBA will be celebrating its 76th anniversary. While we anticipate the outcome of the NBA draft for this year, let’s take a look back at some of the top players NBA players supporting football, more accurately, Arsenal FC. These players have shown their support in various ways, whether it’s attending games, wearing Arsenal gear, or simply praising the team. Here are some of the best NBA players who love Arsenal!
Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry is one of the most popular players in the NBA today. A two-time MVP, he is known for his shooting prowess and his dribbling skills. He plays for the Golden State Warriors, and he is a big Gunners fan. Arsenal is one of the most popular soccer teams in the world, and they play in the English Premier League. Curry grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and he played college basketball at Davidson College. He was drafted by the Warriors in 2009, and he has been with the team ever since. In 2015, he helped lead the team to an NBA Championship, and he was named the Finals MVP. Curry is now considered one of the best players in the NBA, and he is one of Arsenal’s biggest fans.
James Harden – Houston Rockets
James Harden is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born in Los Angeles, California, and played college basketball for Arizona State University before being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft. Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012 and quickly emerged as one of the league’s most prolific scorers. He has been named an All-Star eight times, and he was named MVP of the 2019 NBA All-Star Game. In addition to his on-court accomplishments, Harden is also a diehard Arsenal supporter. He often posts about the team on social media, and he even attended a match at Emirates Stadium in 2018. Given his passion for Arsenal, it’s no surprise that Harden chose to wear the number 13 jersey with the Rockets – the same number worn by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Klay Thompson – Golden State Warriors
Klay Thompson is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Golden State Warriors in the National Basketball Association. He is a three-time NBA champion, a five-time NBA All-Star, and has been named to the All-NBA Third Team twice. Thompson was born in Los Angeles and played college basketball for three years at Washington State University before being drafted by the Warriors in 2011. He helped lead the Warriors to back-to-back NBA championships in 2015 and 2016 and was a key member of their dynasty that won three titles in four years from 2015 to 2018. In 2019, he suffered a season-ending injury but bounced back strong the following year, helping the Warriors win another championship. Off the court, Thompson is an avid Arsenal fan and has even visited the Emirates Stadium.
Russell Westbrook – Oklahoma City Thunder
Arsenal supporter Russell Westbrook is an American professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a nine-time NBA All-Star and was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2016–17 season. Westbrook played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins, where he was selected fourth overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics before moving to Oklahoma City. He’s one of just two NBA players to accomplish the feat, along with Oscar Robertson in 1962.. Westbrook has led the league in scoring three times and assists four times. He is also a two-time NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, winning back-to-back honors in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, he was named the NBA MVP after becoming only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season. Westbrook has also been selected to nine consecutive All-Star teams, and he was named one of the 30-player finalists for the 2020 U.S. Olympic team. Spurs’ Gregg Popovich once described Westbrook as “a superstar on steroids,” lauding his work ethic, physicality, and competitiveness.
Carmelo Anthony – Oklahoma City Thunder
Carmelo Anthony is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has also played for the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. Anthony is a ten-time NBA All-Star and has won three Olympic gold medals. He is also an Arsenal supporter. In February 2019, Anthony signed with the Thunder after being traded by the Rockets. He struggled during his first season with the Thunder, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and assists. However, he rebounded in the 2019-20 season, averaging 18.5 points per game. Anthony is one of just four people in NBA history to have won an NCAA championship, an NBA title, and an Olympic gold medal.