Some people say it's never good to ask "What if?" questions because there will never be any real answers. Sometimes, though, it is a little fun. That's why I'm presenting my top 10 sports "What-Could-Have-Beens," sports figures whose relatively incomplete careers leaves questions behind.
10. Earl Manigault
People said that upon NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's retirement, he was asked who was the greatest player he had played against. His answer was said to have astounded everyone as he named Earl "Goat" Manigault, a man who never set foot in the NBA, as the guy. Turns out, Manigault was indeed a heck of a street ball player. Details of his exploits include such tales as once doing 36 consecutive reverse dunks to win a 60 dollar bet, dunking from the free throw line with two hands over two people during a game, and picking off dollar bills and quarters from the top of the backboard. It was clear that the freakishly-athletic 6'2" baller was an exceptional prospect for the NBA. Unfortunately, Manigault succumbed to a drug habit for years, effectively destroying any chance for a basketball career. It does beg the question, though, if the "Goat," could have dominated the NBA the way he dominated the playground.
