Every great story needs a villain, and the NBA has had plenty of them over the last two decades. Whether it’s dirty plays, controversial decisions, or just being too dominant for fans to handle, these players and figures embraced their roles as the league’s bad guys.
Love them or hate them, they made the game way more entertaining. Let’s rank the 20 biggest NBA villains of the last 20 years!
20. J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith was the king of chaotic energy—he could drop 30 points one night and forget the score in the NBA Finals the next. Whether it was his questionable shot selection, off-court antics, or shirtless celebrations, J.R. was as unpredictable as they come.
19. Rudy Gobert
Gobert became the villain of the NBA in 2020 after mocking COVID protocols, only to test positive and shut down the league. Add in his beef with teammates, flopping, and general on-court antics, and he’s become one of the most annoying players for both fans and opponents.
18. Chris Paul
CP3 is one of the greatest point guards ever, but he’s also a master of sneaky cheap shots and relentless flopping. Whether it’s questionable screens, veteran trickery, or his “accidental” hits below the belt, Paul has frustrated fanbases everywhere.
17. Rajon Rondo
Rondo loved being the guy who got under everyone’s skin—whether it was opposing players, coaches, or even his own teammates. From spitting on Chris Paul to constantly feuding with coaches, Rondo always kept things messy.
16. Marcus Smart
If there was a Hall of Fame for flopping, Marcus Smart would be a first-ballot inductee. His relentless defense and theatrics made him a nightmare to play against, and he embraced every bit of that villain role.
15. Dwight Howard
Dwight went from lovable Superman dunk contest winner to locker room headache real quick. His messy exits from multiple teams, awkward jokes, and lack of self-awareness turned him into one of the NBA’s most frustrating villains.
14. James Harden
Harden’s step-backs are legendary, but his ability to draw fouls by barely getting touched was the stuff of nightmares for defenders. Combine that with forcing trades out of Houston, Brooklyn, and Philly, and he’s earned his villain status.
13. Dillon Brooks
Brooks wants to be an NBA villain, and he’s leaned into that role with reckless trash talk and borderline dirty plays. Whether it’s taking cheap shots at stars or calling LeBron “old,” he never stops poking the bear.
12. Joel Embiid
Embiid is one of the best big men in the game, but he loves to talk way too much. Whether he’s trolling on Twitter, flopping for calls, or stirring up drama, he’s always in the middle of something.
11. Trae Young
Trae Young officially became a villain when he silenced Madison Square Garden in the 2021 playoffs, and he hasn’t looked back since. His deep threes, cocky celebrations, and ability to embrace the hate make him one of the NBA’s most fun bad guys.
10. Kevin Garnett
KG talked so much trash that even opponents who respected him still hated playing against him. From his mind games to his sometimes over-the-line taunts, he never let anyone off easy.
9. Metta World Peace (Ron Artest)
The artist formerly known as Ron Artest will always be remembered for the Malice at the Palace, making him one of the most infamous villains in NBA history. Even after that, his physical play and unpredictable behavior kept him in the bad guy role for years.
8. Patrick Beverley
Bev plays like he’s 6’8” when he’s actually 6’1”, and that level of intensity is exhausting for everyone. Whether he’s trash-talking, shoving Chris Paul in the back, or acting like he shut down LeBron, he’s fully committed to being that guy.
7. Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce was a fantastic player, but his post-playing career has made him even more of a villain. Between that fake wheelchair moment and his endless “I was better than LeBron” takes, he refuses to stay out of the drama.
6. Zaza Pachulia
Zaza was the goon of the Warriors dynasty, best known for taking out Kawhi Leonard with a dirty closeout. He played his role as an enforcer perfectly, and opposing fans will never forget it.
5. Kobe Bryant
Kobe was the ultimate NBA villain—not because he was dirty, but because he did not care about your feelings. He would talk trash, take your soul, and let you know he did it with a cold-blooded stare, making him the most feared and respected bad guy in the game.
4. Draymond Green
Draymond is a walking technical foul and loves getting under opponents’ skin. From kicking players below the belt to his endless trash talk and podcast monologues, he’s the modern-day villain fans love to hate.
3. Russell Westbrook
Russ is a villain not because he’s dirty, but because he plays with pure anger every night. His constant scowling, fiery press conferences, and endless beefs with fans and media make him one of the most polarizing players in the league.
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2. LeBron James
LeBron is one of the greatest players ever, but the Decision in 2010 made him public enemy No. 1 for years. Even now, his flopping, cryptic tweets, and tendency to play the victim keep him locked in as a low-key villain.
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1. Kevin Durant
KD’s move to the Warriors made him an instant NBA supervillain, and he’s been embracing the drama ever since. Whether he’s clapping back at fans on Twitter or switching teams at the first sign of trouble, he’s always stirring the pot.
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