The Landry Hat
Fansided

Comparing 10 Dallas Cowboys to their NBA counterparts

By Bryan Spielman

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 07: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 7, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 07: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 7, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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This week, a teammate compared Jason Witten to former NBA star Kobe Bryant. This got me to thinking, what other Dallas Cowboys have NBA counterparts?

DALLAS, TX – MARCH 07: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 7, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 07: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 7, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

I’m going to be completely honest with you. Before this week, I had never put the names Jason Witten and Kobe Bryant in the same sentence.

That all changed when Dallas Cowboys‘ safety Kavon Frazier was left on the ground, after going against the veteran in one on one drills.

When asked about his teammate, Frazier compared him to the retired Los Angeles Laker.

"“[Witten’s] like the Kobe Bryant of football,” Frazier told the Star-Telegram. “Kobe got older and he started losing some athletic ability and stuff like that. Not saying Witt is, but he finds out other stuff to make up for that. That’s why he’s still great. Witt is still the best tight end in the league."

This comparison got me to thinking, what other Cowboys could I compare to NBA stars?

Jason Witten = Dallas Mavericks Forward, Dirk Nowitzki

First off, we need to improve on Frazier’s comparison. While I think Bryant is a good counterpart for Witten, the more accurate selection is Mavericks’ forward Dirk Nowitzki.

Let’s look at a number of similarities. One, both players are in the later stages of their career. Two, they’ve played for the same team (in the same city no less), since being drafted. Three, they’re among the all-time greats at their position, in their respective sports. And Four, both players are beloved by their teams’ owners.

These are all well and good, but there’s a bigger trait the two stars have in common. Both have continued to play at a high level later in their careers, by perfecting one move they use to beat younger opponents. Nowitzki has his one-legged fade away jump shot, while Witten dominates the “y-option” route.

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