Islander or Bombshell: NBA Players as Love Island Characters
- Elsa Olano
- Jun 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Can you name a better feeling than when your nights are filled with NBA Finals games and episodes of a new season of Love Island? Ok, maybe it can be a bit overwhelming and frustrating when they are both occurring at the same time, and it breaks your heart to have to choose which one to watch. We got you! Here’s a crossover where we imagine NBA players as Love Island characters and what would be their profile and journey on a dating show.
Jayson Tatum
The Boston Celtics forward might be known for his solid performance on the court as much as for his undeniable good looks. His presence itself screams “aura” so loud that he could come into the villa and cause some serious chaos that would put him in the middle of love triangles - even if it’s unintentional. But he is not scared of some competition .. after all, he was the 2024 NBA Finals Champion. The viewers and other contestants would probably judge him based on the fact that he is attractive and he would be easily labeled as a player, while in reality, he is a loyal one who goes after what he wants: a ring! Tatum was selected third overall by the Celtics in the 2017 draft and has not left the team since.
Status: CASA AMOR BOMBSHELL (ENTERS THE VILLA)
Jordan Poole
We can’t talk about the NBA and dating reality TV shows without mentioning Jordan Poole. The Washington Wizards guard has game - literally and figuratively - and knows the game too. Since he was drafted in 2019, he might still be considered a young player, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have experience. He has already won a Championship in 2022 while playing for the Golden State Warriors, and now he acts as a mentor for the Wizards rookies. When he was in Golden State he made quite the reputation for himself, with people saying he stepped up his (three-point) game when “baddies” were sitting courtside. However, like Miguel Harichi in season 6 of Love Island, there’s a big soft side that hides beneath all that: Poole is funny, gives good advice and is a dedicated cat dad.
Status: BOMBSHELL (RUNNER UP)
Victor Wembanyama
Perhaps that’s not a coincidence that Victor Wembanyama wears #1. Just like his NBA debuts, he would have a successful journey on the show. It’s only his second year as a San Antonio Spurs player, yet some would believe he already has the mentality - and the rewards of an older elite player. In 2024, he was named Rookie of the Year and broke records like the number of blocks in straight games with 62 blocks while the franchise record was set at 61. He also became the fourth-youngest player to score 50 points in an NBA game, as well as the first player in league history with 20 three-pointers and 13 blocks in a three-game span. No doubt he would be one of the OG islanders, the kind that are so focused and unique that they can appear shy or in their own world at first but quickly grow on people and become a key contestant.
Status: ISLANDER (WINNER)
Tyrese Haliburton
With the Indiana Pacers leading the NBA Final series 2-1 and a few unforgettable clutch shots up his sleeves, Tyrese Haliburton is THE trending, hot topic of the moment, and his name is on everyone’s lips. Even if he is pretty good-looking and totally fits the usual type of men cast for the show, he would be the kind of contestant that you didn't see coming but who would develop an insane connection with somebody from the villa - either a girl already coupled up or a remaining single that was hopelessly waiting for her prince charming (and he fits that description too!). Still, plot twists happen, and despite his connection and doing everything right, he would not be chosen at the recoupling and would be dumped from the villa after a limited time, not getting a real opportunity and the recognition he deserves. Ultimately, it’s just like when Pascal Siakam earned the Eastern Conference Finals MVP title recently, although most people thought it would go to Haliburton.
Status: CASA AMOR BOMBSHELL (DOES NOT ENTER THE VILLA)
Luka Doncic
This one will be short but needs to be addressed. The trade that happened earlier this year and resulted in Luka Doncic going from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers is the most shocking news that took place in the 2024-2025 NBA season. You know that one contestant on Love Island? One of the first to step foot into the villa, being really excited and ready to give his best to the experience? But sadly for that person, they are given false hopes, are being played and get eliminated at the very first recoupling (or the second at best)? That would be Doncic. But maybe in the end, he just deserved better in some way, and better is waiting for him outside the villa (a.k.a the Lakers in that case).
Status: ISLANDER
Tyler Herro
Every show has contestants who don’t make it to the official cast at first, but a turn of events favors them and puts them in the spotlight, where they reveal themselves as true stars. Players like Tyler Herro would fall into that category. Herro is a guard who has been playing for the Miami Heat since 2019. However, it’s only this season that is seen as his breakout. He averaged a career-high 23.9 points and 5.5 assists, along with 5.2 rebounds per game. He was also the winner of the Three-Point contest during All-Star Weekend in February. Herro - rightfully - took advantage of the situation of Jimmy Butler leaving the Heat to place himself as the new face of his team.
Status: ISLANDER
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