The Meanest NBA Players of All Time

From Bill Laimbeer to Metta world peace check out our list of the NBA’s meanest players of all time.

Bill Laimbeer

Though he was never the biggest or the strongest player on the court, Bill Laimbeer was one of the most successful – and most reviled – players in NBA history A key member of the Detroit Pistons “Bad Boys” teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s, Laimbeer was known for his physical play, often pushing and shoving opponents to get an advantage. His tactics were so effective that he became one of the league’s most hated players, especially by fans of opposing teams. But even those who couldn’t stand him had to respect his skill as a player: over his 14-year career, he was named to four All-Star teams and won two NBA championships

Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman is widely considered to be one of the meanest NBA players of all time. He was known for his aggressive style of play, and often got into on-court altercations with opponents. He was also known for his bad behavior off the court, and was often in the news for his antics.

Metta World Peace

Metta World Peace formerly Ron Artest is widely considered one of the meanest players in NBA history In 2004, he was involved in a massive brawl between players and fans at a Pistons game. He was suspended for 86 games and spent time in anger management counseling. He’s also well-known for his aggressive style of play on the court.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant who played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history He was also one of the meanest. Kobe was known for his competitive fire and trash-talking abilities, which often got him into trouble with opponents and even teammates. He was involved in several on-court altercations and was suspended multiple times for fighting. Kobe was also fined numerous times for making derogatory comments to officials and opposing players. In addition to his on-court antics, Kobe was also cited for sexual assault in 2003 (although the charges were later dropped). Despite all of his boorish behavior, Kobe was still revered by many as one of the game’s greats.

Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett is often considered one of the meanest NBA players of all time. He was known for his intensity on the court, and his willingness to trash talk opponents. In one famous incident, Garnett got into a shouting match with then-rookie Dwight Howard Garnett reportedly told Howard that he “couldn’t wait” to see him in the league, and that he was going to “destroy” him.

Shaquille O’Neal

He was not just one of the meanest players in NBA history Shaquille O’Neal was also one of the most dominant. Standing 7-feet-1 and weighing in at 325 pounds, he was an imposing physical specimen. And he used that size to his advantage, bullying his way to the basket and using his body to intimidate opponents.

Reggie Miller

Reggie Miller was one of the meanest NBA players of all time. He was known for his trash talking and for getting under his opponents’ skin. He was also a very clutch player, hitting many Big Shots in the playoffs.

Chris Paul

Chris Paul is often considered one of the meanest basketball players of all time. He’s been known to trash talk opponents and even get into physical altercations with other players.

Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo is one of the meanest NBA players of all time. The point guard was known for his intense competitiveness and Trash-talking on the court. He was also known for getting under the skin of his opponents, which would often lead to fights and ejections.

Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard was drafted first overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic He quickly became one of the best players in the league, winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award three times. He also led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009.

However, Howard has also been known for being a bit of a meanie. He has been involved in several on-court altercations, including a fight with then-teammate Hedo Turkoglu. He also once got into a heated exchange with Shaquille O’Neal.