The Top 10 Dirtiest NBA Players of All Time

The NBA has seen its share of dirty players throughout the years. From flagrant fouls to fights to trash talking these players didn’t shy away from getting their hands dirty. Here are the top 10 dirtiest NBA players of all time.

1. Ron Artest One of the most infamous cases of on-court fighting happened when Artest rushed into the stands to fight with a Pistons fan who had thrown a drink at him. The “Malice at the Palace” resulted in a massive brawl and multiple suspensions, including Artest’s for the remainder of the season.

2. Metta world peace Now known as Metta Sandiford-Artest, World Peace has had his fair share of on-court altercations throughout his career. In 2004, he was suspended for seven games after elbowing then-Jazz player James Harden in the head, and in 2012, he was ejected from a game after headbutting then-Thunder player James Harden (no relation).

3. Bill Laimbeer As one of the Top Players on the “Bad Boys” Pistons teams of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Laimbeer was known for his physical play and hard fouls. He racked up numerous technical fouls throughout his career and was even voted by his peers as the league’s dirtiest player in a 1990 poll.

4. Rick Mahorn: Another member of the bad boys Pistons, Mahorn was known for his physical style of play and willingness to get under opponents’ skins. He was involved in several on-court altercations throughout his career and even got into a fight with then-Lakers player Kobe Bryant during a Preseason Game in 1997.

5. Kevin McHale McHale was notorious for his hard fouls, particularly against Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar In one infamous incident, he clotheslined Lakers forward Julius Erving while he was in midair, resulting in a huge brawl between the two teams. McHale was also involved in an on-court fight with then-Pistons player Bill Laimbeer in 1986.

6. Charles Oakley Oakley was known for his physical play during his 19 seasons in the NBA. He racked up more than 2,500 career rebounds and 1,200 career assists, but he also accumulated nearly 1,500 personal fouls during his career. Oakley was also involved in several on-court altercations, including one with then-Bulls coach Phil Jackson during a game in 1997.

Who are the dirtiest NBA players of all time?

The National Basketball Association is no stranger to physical play. In fact, many believe that the level of physicality in the NBA is what separates it from other Professional Basketball leagues around the world.

However, there is a line between physical and dirty play and some players have definitely crossed it. Here are 10 of the dirtiest NBA players of all time.

1. Dennis Rodman
2. Charles Barkley
3. Gary Payton
4. Kobe Bryant
5. Ron Artest
6. Kevin Garnett
7. Kendrick Perkins
8. Dwight Howard
9. Joakim Noah
10. Draymond Green

The top 10 dirtiest players in NBA history

The NBA has seen its fair share of dirty players throughout its history. From those who take shots at opponents to those who try to injure them, there are plenty of players who have been called out for their dirty play.

In this article, we take a look at the top 10 dirtiest NBA players of all time. These are the players who have been consistently associated with dirty play, and who have racked up plenty of fines and suspensions as a result.

So, without further ado, here are the top 10 dirtiest NBA players of all time:

10. Reggie Evans
Reggie Evans was an enforcer during his time in the NBA, and he was known for his physical play. He was also known for taking cheap shots at opponents, and he was fined and suspended on multiple occasions as a result.

9. Chris Paul
Chris Paul is one of the best point guards in the NBA, but he’s also one of the dirtiest. He’s been known to take shots at opponents, and he’s been suspended for it on multiple occasions. He’s also been fined for various infractions, including a $25,000 fine for slapping Lakers’ forward Kent Bazemore in 2014.

8. Andre Drummond
Andre Drummond is one of the best young centers in the NBA, but he’s also one of the dirtiest players in the league. He’s been involved in multiple on-court altercations, and he’s been fined and suspended as a result. He was even involved in a fight with Serge Ibaka during a game in 2016, which led to Ibaka being suspended for three games.

7. Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah is another player who is known for his physical play. He’s taken shots at opponents on multiple occasions, and he’s been suspended and fined as a result. He even got into a fight with Bulls’ teammate Nazr Mohammed during a game in 2013, which led to Noah being suspended for one game.

6. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in NBA history but he’s also one of the dirtiest. He’s been known to take cheap shots at opponents, and he’s even been suspended for it on occasion. He was even involved in a fight with then-Rockets center Yao Ming during a game in 2009, which led to both players being ejected from the game. Ming later said that Bryant had punched him during the altercation.

The most infamous dirty players in NBA history

The NBA has a long history of players doing whatever it takes to win, even if that means breaking the rules. Here are the top 10 dirtiest NBA players of all time.

10. DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins is one of the most physically gifted players in the NBA, but his emotions often get the best of him. He’s been suspended multiple times for fighting, and he even punched an opposing player in the groin during a game.

9. Metta World Peace

Metta World Peace was once one of the most feared defenders in the NBA, but he also had a habit of losing his temper. He was suspended for 86 games after elbowing James Harden in the head, and he’s also been involved in multiple altercations with fans.

8. Draymond Green

Draymond Green is one of the most versatile players in the NBA, but he’s also one of the dirtiest. He’s been suspended multiple times for Flagrant fouls and his kick to Steven Adams’ groin during the 2016 playoffs was particularly egregious.

7. JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee is known more for his antics than his basketball skills but there’s no denying that he’s a dirty player. He’s been suspended for flagrant fouls on multiple occasions, and he was even ejected from a game for attempting to trip an opposing player.

6. Zach Randolph

Zach Randolph is a two-time All-Star and one of the most dominant post players of his generation, but he’s also been involved in his fair share of dirty plays. He was once suspended for elbowing Steve Nash in the head, and he’s also been known to shove referees on occasion.

5. Dahntay Jones

The dirtiest players in the NBA today

The NBA is home to some of the most talented athletes in the world. But it’s also home to some of the dirtiest players. Here are the top 10 dirtiest players in the NBA today

1. Draymond Green
2. Rajon Rondo
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Kevin Durant
5. Dwyane Wade
6. LeBron James
7. Carmelo Anthony
8. Dwight Howard
9. Chris Paul
10. Blake Griffin

A history of dirty players in the NBA

The NBA has always been a physically demanding sport Players are constantly pushing each other and trying to get an advantage. This can sometimes lead to players crossing the line and becoming classified as “dirty” players.

dirty player is defined as a player who uses physicality and sometimes even violence, in order to gain an advantage over their opponents. This can manifest itself in a number of ways, such as hard fouls, elbowing, tripping, and even fighting.

While some dirtiness is to be expected in any physical sport, there have been some NBA players who have taken it to another level. Here are the top 10 dirtiest NBA players of all time.

The worst dirtiest players in NBA history

The NBA has seen its share of dirty players throughout the years. From hard-nosed defenders to enigmatic enforcers, these players have all been remembered for their willingness to do whatever it takes to win – even if that means playing a little bit outside the rules.

In no particular order, here are the top 10 dirtiest NBA Players of all time:

Gingernut Robinson – A physical player known for his toughness and tenacity, Robinson was also one of the key members of the notorious “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was involved in several on-court altercations throughout his career and was famously suspended for punching New York Knicks player Greg Anthony in 1993.

Reggie Evans – A journeyman who played for eight different teams during his 16-year NBA Career Evans was known as a tough, physical player who wasn’t afraid to mix it up with opponents. He was suspended multiple times for flagrant fouls and fighting, and once even kicked then-Boston Celtics player Kendrick Perkins in the groin during a game.

Metta World Peace – One of the most controversial players in NBA history World Peace (formerly known as Ron Artest) has been involved in several on-court altercations throughout his career. Most infamously, he was at the center of the “Malice at the Palace” brawl between the Pistons and Pacers in 2004, which resulted in him being suspended for the remainder of that season.

Matt Barnes – A journeyman who played for 10 different teams during his 16-year nba career, Barnes was known as a physical defender and enforcer who wasn’t afraid to mix it up with opponents. He was arrested for assault in 2010 after allegedly attacking then-Knicks coach Derek Fisher and he has been involved in several on-court altercations throughout his career.

Dennis Rodman – One of the most eccentric players in NBA history Rodman was also one of its most controversial. He was often involved in on-court altercations and had a well-publicized feud with then-Utah Jazz player Karl Malone He also kicked a cameraman during a game between the Pistons and Nets in 1993, resulting in him being suspended for six games.

How dirty is too dirty in the NBA?

The NBA is no stranger to physical play. From the hard fouls of the early days to today’s more technical brand of basketball, players have always looked to gain an advantage over their opponents. But what happens when that physicality crosses the line into dirty play?

There are a lot of ways to be dirty in the NBA. You can take cheap shots at opponents, you can flop to draw fouls, or you can intentionally injure players with dangerous plays. Some players have made a career out of being dirty, while others have let their tempers get the best of them on one occasion and paid the price with a suspension.

Either way, there’s no denying that these are some of the dirtiest players in NBA history

1. Bill Laimbeer – Bill Laimbeer was one of the most hated players in the NBA during his 14-year career. He was known for his physical play, which often crossed the line into dirty territory. He would clothesline players who came into the lane, he would elbow them in the face, and he was even accused of biting an opponent on one occasion.

2. Dennis Rodman – Dennis Rodman was one of the most talented rebounders in NBA history but his career will always be marred by his off-the-court antics and on-court dirty play. He was suspended multiple times for fighting with fans and opposing players, and he once head-butted a referee. He also had a habit of kicking players in the groin, which earned him a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in NBA history

3. Rick Mahorn – Rick Mahorn was another player from the Bad Boy Pistons teams who knew how to use his physicality to gain an advantage over opponents. He body-slammed Atlanta Hawks player Tree Rollins during a game in 1988, and he also delivered a Cheap Shot to Isiah Thomas during the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals that led to a bench-clearing brawl between the Pistons and Bulls. That Cheap Shot is widely considered to be one of the dirtiest plays in NBA history

4. Metta World Peace – Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) has had many moments during his career that could be considered dirty plays. But none are more infamous than “The Malice at The Palace” incident from 2004 when World Peace punched Detroit Pistons fan Steve Jackson after Jackson threw a beer at him while he was lying on the court. World Peace was suspended for 73 games as a result of that incident, and it cemented his reputation as one of the dirtiest players in NBA history

5., 6., 7., 8., 9., 10 Michael Jordan – Michael Jordan is widely considered to be one of greatest basketball players ever, but even he wasn’t immune from accusations of beingdirty from time to time throughout his Hall of Fame career . He has been accusedof everything from head-butting an opponentto putting extra pinsto intentionally miss Free throws so they’d bounce off an oppoenent’s head . Whether or not these claims are true , there’s no doubt that MJ has had some moments where he’s entered into “dirty player” territory.”

The line between dirty and clean in the NBA

In the NBA, there is a fine line between dirty and clean play. Some players toe that line, while others cross it. Here is a list of the top 10 dirtiest NBA players of all time.

1. Ron Artest: Ron Artest was known for his physical play, often times pushing the envelope too far. He was involved in the infamous Malice at the Palace incident in 2004, where he got into a fight with a fan in the stands. He was also suspended for 7 games in 2006 for elbowing then-Jazz player Kris Humphries

2. Metta World Peace: Metta World Peace is Ron Artest’s new name, but his old habits die hard. He was involved in another on-court fight, this time with then-Pacers player James Harden He was also suspended 7 games in 2012 for elbowing Thunder player James Harden (again).

3. Kobe Bryant Kobe Bryant is one of the all-time greats, but he has been known to be a bit of a dirty player himself. He was suspended for 5 games in 2007 for throwing an elbow at then-Suns player Steve Nash He has also been fined multiple times for various infractions, including $100,000 for making an obscene gesture towards a fan in 2011.

4. Kevin Garnett: Kevin Garnett is another all-time great who has been known to cross the line from time to time. He was once suspended 2 games for spitting on then-Hawks player Danny Ferry during a game in 1997. In 2009, he head-butted then-Rockets player Dwight Howard during a game.

5. Rajon Rondo Rajon Rondo is known as one of the more physical players in the league, and that can sometimes lead to dirty plays. In 2015, he punched then-Bucks player Kris Middleton during a game, resulting in a 1-game suspension. Earlier that year, he also dislocated then- Hawks player Kyle Korver’s elbow with a hard foul during a game.

6. Rasheed Wallace: Rasheed Wallace was one of the more controversial players during his playing days, and that included being one of the dirtier players as well. In 2000, he received an 8-game suspension for head-butting then-Warriors player Jerome Kersey during a game (he had also been ejected from 7 other games that season). In 2006, he punched thenClippers player Steve Novak during a game (he was suspended 1 game for that infraction).
7 . Matt Barnes Matt Barnes is another player who has had his fair share of run-ins with the law – both on and off the court . Onthe court , he received an 8 – game suspension in 2010for elbowingthen – Thunderplayer Andre Roberson duringa game . Offthe court , hewas arrestedin 2010for domestic violenceand againin 2018for assaultwitha deadly weapon . 8 . Reggie Evans : Reggie Evans earnedhis reputation as adirtyplayermainlyfor his flagrantfoulson other players – namely , Tyson Chandlerof the Knicksduringa 2012 playoffgame whenthe two got tangledup and Evans appeared totry and takea chunk outof Chandler’s armwithhis teeth . 9 . Andray Blatche : Andray Blatchehasbeeninvolvedin several physicalaltercationsduringhis career , both onand offthe court . Onthe court , perhaps his most notabledirtymoment camein 2012 whenhe clotheslinedthen -76ers center Spencer Hawesduringa game , resultinginsuspension . Offthe court , Blatchewasarrestedin 2007for sexualsolicitationof ac minorand againin 2014for assaultinghis girlfriendat the time . 10 Charlie Villanueva : Charlie Villanueva made headlinesin 2011whenhewas photographedvia Twitterusinganelectronic cigarettesduringhalftimeof agame between his teamat Detroit Pistonsand thememphis grizzlies

Why do some players get away with being dirty in the NBA?

The National Basketball Association has a long history of players being called “dirty” for their on-court antics. Some of these players are adored by fans for their willingness to do whatever it takes to win, while others are reviled for the same reason. So, why do some players get away with being dirty in the NBA?

There are a few factors that come into play. First, the NBA is a physical league, and there is a lot of contact between players. This can lead to tempers flaring and on-court altercations. Second, the NBA is an entertainment product, and fans love to see players who are willing to mix it up a little bit. That’s why guys like Dennis Rodman and Chris Paul have been so popular over the years.

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 10 dirtiest NBA players of all time.

The Top 10 Dirtiest NBA Players of All Time