Parallels in an Arena Far, Far Away is a collection of work that merges iconic figures from the Star Wars universe with some of my favorite basketball players. These hybrids explore connections that go beyond surface aesthetics, delving into shared traits such as movement, style of play, and the deeper narrative arcs of their respective journeys. Each pairing draws compelling parallels between the character’s story and the athlete’s career, creating a fusion of two worlds that highlights their shared qualities. 

Derrick Rose x Darth Maul

  1. The rise

Both Rose and Maul began their stories with explosive starts—quick, agile, and fiercely dominant. Rose's early days with the Chicago Bulls struck fear into defenders with his relentless drives to the basket, much like how Maul sliced through his enemies with brutal efficiency. Both were unstoppable forces on the rise, filled with the promise of greatness, before a devastating injury (Rose's ACL tear, Maul's literal dismemberment) abruptly halted their momentum.

2. The rebirth

After their initial rise, both Maul and Rose faced significant obstacles to recovery. Maul returned with robotic legs, no longer the same physically, but just as dangerous, driven by a thirst for vengeance. Similarly, Rose’s return after missing the 2012-13 season was marked by uncertainty. Though not as explosive as before, both figures found ways to adapt, proving that they still had something to offer.

3. The return

By 2018, Derrick Rose had endured years of setbacks, but his 50-point game on October 31st was a powerful reminder that greatness still resided within him. Similarly, Darth Maul, though no longer the threat he once was, remained a persistent force in the galaxy, using the Mandalorians to extend his reach and influence. Both Rose and Maul had adapted to new realities—they weren’t the dominant figures they once were, but they still commanded respect and could turn the tide at any moment.

LeBron James x anakin skywalker


1. The Chosen one

Both LeBron and Anakin were heralded as "The Chosen One" from a young age. Anakin was a Jedi prodigy, believed to be the one who would bring balance to the Force, just as LeBron entered the NBA as a generational talent expected to lead his team to greatness. Both had incredible abilities that set them apart early on—Anakin fought with loyalty for the Jedi Order, while LeBron battled through tough seasons with underperforming teams. They carried the hopes of those around them, but as powerful as they were, they still felt they needed more.


2. The Decision

LeBron’s decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join the Miami Heat mirrors Anakin’s shift to the dark side. Both figures turned their backs on their former allegiances, chasing the power and control they believed they needed to fulfill their potential. LeBron's move to Miami was seen as his attempt to gain the strength needed to win championships, much like Anakin’s desire to harness the power of the dark side to save those he loved. In this phase, both embraced the ambition that would lead to significant transformation, with a willingness to do whatever it took to achieve their goals.


3. vader rises

LeBron's first championship with the Miami Heat in 2012 echoes Darth Vader’s rise to power. After suffering defeat in his first NBA Finals with the Heat, LeBron transformed his game, just as Vader fully embraced his new identity after losing everything that tied him to his former life. Both figures emerged stronger and more focused after these failures, now fully in control of their destinies. LeBron’s championship run solidified his place as one of the NBA’s greatest, just as Darth Vader established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the galaxy.