Originally posted by DarthNiner:
In terms of conditioning, think about the length of time they are on the court/ice. Basketball players can last an entire quarter without resting, maybe even an entire half (Monta/Curry). But hockey player's shifts only last 45 to 60 seconds, after which they need to be replaced as soon as possible.
It's tougher for the NHL on back to backs, but the NBA still is athletically better than all sports (football and baseball included).
I disagree. Hockey players make the types of moves NBA players make while displaying an incredible amount of balance along with a higher degree of physical contact. On top of that, they are not allowed to directly use their hands and must manipulate a tool to preciseness.
It also depends on what you call athletic. A 7-footer like Gasol may be athletic for his height but he is not athletic in terms of being able to do most things a guy who is 6'3" can do.
You put NFL, NHL, and NBA players in a series of multiple contests including events similar to the NFL combine, including events that address their strengths such as moving while dribbling and I bet NHL players lead overall in strength, agility, and other attributes.
There's really very little too fat or too skinny or too tall NHL players.