Some NBA players attract attention for reasons beyond their performance on the court. Their bold trash talk, questionable plays, and trade demands often stir up strong opinions. They might not win everyone over, but they certainly keep things interesting in the league. Here’s a look at the players who often find themselves in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Jimmy Butler
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When things don’t go Jimmy Butler’s way, trouble usually follows. Miami looked like his perfect long-term home until extension talks fell apart. Instead of riding it out, he demanded a trade and turned the season upside down. Multiple suspensions later, Butler’s antics left a bad taste with everyone who once cheered for him.
Devin Booker
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Trash talk is part of the game, but it backfires fast when the wins stop coming. Devin Booker’s confident attitude during Phoenix’s hot streaks made him a target when the Suns stumbled. Booker’s mouth ran hot, but the scoreboard hasn’t backed it up lately.
LeBron James
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There’s no escaping it — LeBron James gets hate no matter what he does. Some argue that Michael Jordan holds the GOAT crown and won’t let James have his moment. Even without scandals off the court, moments like “The Decision” in 2010 didn’t help his image.
Zaza Pachulia
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Time has passed, but Zaza Pachulia’s name sparks anger. In 2017, his infamous move against Kawhi Leonard in the playoffs changed everything. He slid under Leonard’s landing space, causing a sprained ankle that knocked Kawhi out of the series. The Warriors cruised to a sweep, but Pachulia’s reputation never recovered.
Kevin McHale
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Boston fans loved Kevin McHale. The rest of the NBA? Not so much. One of his dirtiest moments came in the 1984 Finals when he clotheslined Kurt Rambis of the Lakers, nearly starting a riot. This athlete’s tough, physical style helped win titles, but you probably couldn’t stand him if he were lined up across from your team.
Jalen Brunson
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The Knicks finally found a star in Jalen Brunson, but the way he racks up fouls has people talking. Opposing fans point fingers at how often he gets calls that smaller guards usually don’t. While Brunson became a hero at MSG, he became a villain everywhere else.
Bradley Beal
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Phoenix took a gamble by adding Bradley Beal, but it hasn’t paid off. His no-trade clause feels like a ball and chain, locking the Suns into a disappointing situation. Nobody liked hearing Beal brag about controlling his future while the team struggles. It’s one thing to bet on yourself — it’s another to tie your team’s hands while doing it.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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Putting up MVP numbers gets you love at home but plenty of grumbles elsewhere. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s knack for drawing fouls has turned into a lightning rod. Some say he gets too many friendly whistles, and when the Thunder win big, the complaints grow louder. Great athletes usually split opinions; right now, Shai is living that reality.
Ben Simmons
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Few fallouts were messier than Ben Simmons’ breakup with the 76ers. His rough playoff showing triggered sharp public criticism from his coach and star teammate. Skipping practices, missing games, and dragging out the drama turned people from frustrated to furious. Simmons’ reputation still hasn’t fully bounced back, and his name often draws boos around the league.
Draymond Green
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You don’t have to look far to find someone who can’t stand Draymond Green. He’s made a career out of trash-talking, complaining to refs, and crossing the line into dirty play. Being a role player who talks like a superstar rubs people the wrong way. In any case, he seems to thrive on hate more than anyone else.
Kevin Durant
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Joining a powerhouse like Golden State turned Kevin Durant into public enemy No. 1 for a while. A later stint with Brooklyn softened things slightly, especially after an epic playoff showing. But another trade demand put Durant right back on the hate list. Greatness isn’t enough to erase every grudge, and KD’s choices still sting.
Kyrie Irving
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Drama seems to follow Kyrie Irving everywhere he goes. A rocky exit from Cleveland, bad Boston chemistry, and Brooklyn’s chaos have all hurt his image. Skipping games without warning and missing most of a season because of off-court decisions didn’t help. Whatever skills he brings to the floor, Kyrie’s off-court actions have turned viewers against him.
Dillon Brooks
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Getting under opponents’ skin is Dillon Brooks’ specialty, not in a good way. Insulting Klay Thompson, shoving a cameraman, and acting like the villain have made Brooks one of the least-liked players. Even teammates seem fed up due to his antics.
Russell Westbrook
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Once the hero who stayed loyal to Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook’s brash style now draws more criticism than applause. Loud trash talk, emotional blowups, and tough seasons with the Lakers changed how individuals see him. Westbrook’s inability to take a step back or self-reflect has cost him supporters, especially after rough performances and louder excuses.
Grayson Allen
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It’s rare for a role player to spark this much dislike, but Grayson Allen found a way. He was hated at Duke for dirty plays and bad sportsmanship, and the reputation stuck with him in the NBA. Multiple incidents have made people think he’s still trying to hurt opponents.
James Harden
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Pulling the trade-demand card once looks bad. Doing it twice turns you into a villain. James Harden forced his way out of Houston by showing up out of shape, then quit on Brooklyn when things got tough. Fans and media alike enjoyed his playoff struggles after watching him bail on teams. Harden’s talent is undeniable, but so is the backlash.
