Neymar names his Top 5 NBA players of all time / News - Basketnews.com

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler made Neymar's Top 5 because he couldn't exclude the Heat star due to his friendship with him. Neymar's inspiration growing up was Kobe Bryant.

Credit: YouTube/NBA Brasil Credit YouTube/NBA Brasil

Football superstar Neymar is a big fan of the NBA, he's friends with numerous league stars. Recently, he's best known in basketball circles for his friendship with Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler.

Jimmy Butler

MIN:35.15PTS:23.98 (62.9%)REB:5.97As:5.47ST:1.82BL:0.41TO:1.67GM:88ProfileNBA2022/2023

In a recent interview with NBA Brasil, the Paris Saint-Germain star told how the two became the close friends that they are today.

"We first met because he made a video playing football in Brazil's uniform. We started messaging each other on Instagram. He soon went to Paris and we met there. Then, he went to my house in Rio [de Janeiro], and we became even closer," he said. "We're in close contact now. I love him, he's such a nice guy not only to me but to everyone around him."

"I admire him a lot not only on the court but off the court as well. This friendship is special [to me]," Neymar said.

Neymar is an NBA fan but admits that the time difference makes it difficult for him to follow the games live, especially when center-back Thiago Silva is no longer his teammate.

"I don't watch the games a lot because they're very late, it's very tough to watch them live. I watch some games the next day though. I used to watch a lot more when Thiago Silva was playing in PSG. We'd watch the highlights together. Right now, I don't watch it a lot because it's very late and it's not easy but I'm a fan of the sport and these athletes," the football superstar told.

As a global football phenomenon, Neymar is now usually meeting the players personally either before or after the games. However, he's not always comfortable doing it, Neymar admits.

"I've already met many of them. Curry is an idol, LeBron, Jordan - I've had an opportunity to collab with them. They're amazing, idols, legends, and it's very special to have this contact with them," he said.

LeBron James

Team:Los Angeles LakersPosition:SFAge:38Height:203 cmWeight:113 kgBirth place:Akron, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

"It's a bit scary sometimes," Neymar admits. "When my friends are by my side, they're already used to being with me. When people come up to me to demonstrate affection and say some amazing words, my friends are always like 'Wow, this guy is a big fan of yours!' It's very cool to see that."

Neymar was a basketball fan since he was little. There are two players he considers to be his idols but only one has been his inspiration while growing up.

"I grew up listening to people talking about Jordan. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to see him play. A player that inspired me, though, was Kobe Bryant," he shared. "Kobe was a player that I used to watch, and he played for the most famous team. I don't support any single team, I support the teams of my friends."

Neymar was later asked to name his Top 5 NBA players of all time. After a bit of hesitation, he shared his list.

"Jordan, Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, LeBron, Curry, and Jimmy. Jimmy needs to be on it because he's making history," Neymar laughed.

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