The NBA has never been short on confidence. But some players didn’t just believe in their greatness—they practically wrote love letters to themselves about it.
These are the guys who flexed in the mirror, talked in the third person, and made sure the cameras caught every smirk. Whether they backed it up or not, these 15 NBA stars made it clear that no one loved them more than, well, them.
15. Paul Pierce
Pierce once claimed he had a better career than Dwyane Wade, and he said it with a straight face. He believed he was that guy—whether fans agreed or not.
14. Gilbert Arenas
Arenas gave himself the nickname “Agent Zero” and played with the swagger of a guy who thought he ran the league. Even during off-court controversies, his self-confidence never took a hit.
13. Patrick Beverley
Pat Bev plays like every game is personal and talks like he’s guarding Michael Jordan every night. His confidence is never in short supply, even if the stat sheet doesn’t always match.
12. James Harden
Harden plays with a style that screams “watch me.” Whether it’s the step-backs or the nightlife swagger, he’s always been his own biggest fan.
11. Reggie Miller
Reggie loved talking trash almost as much as hitting clutch shots. His confidence fueled his game—and annoyed just about every fanbase outside Indiana.
10. J.R. Smith
J.R. once forgot the score in the Finals, but you’d never know it from the way he carried himself. He always looked like he thought he was the coolest guy on the floor—and sometimes, he was.
9. Kyrie Irving
From thinking the Earth is flat to saying he’s a basketball genius, Kyrie’s ego has its own orbit. He’s incredibly skilled, but he talks like he’s rewriting the rulebook of reality.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq gave himself more nicknames than anyone in NBA history. He was dominant and hilarious, but he never passed up a chance to tell you how great he was.
7. Draymond Green
Draymond acts like the heart and soul of the dynasty—and he’ll tell you that at least ten times. He’s loud, brash, and always convinced he’s the smartest guy in the arena.
6. Kobe Bryant
Kobe’s confidence was legendary, and he leaned into it with Mamba Mentality. He believed he was the best—and made sure you did too.
5. Allen Iverson
Iverson walked into every game like he was the baddest man alive. From fashion to interviews, he lived like a one-man movement.
4. Kevin Durant
Durant has burner accounts and real accounts, and he uses both to remind people how great he is. He’s always ready to defend his legacy—even if no one’s attacking it.
3. LeBron James
LeBron once declared himself the greatest ever on camera. He’s an all-time great, but he’s never exactly been shy about telling the world.
2. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook plays with a chip on both shoulders and stares like he just got personally insulted by gravity. His intensity is unmatched—and so is his self-belief.
1. Michael Jordan
MJ wasn’t just conceited—he made it an art form. From inventing slights to building a brand around domination, no one believed in themselves harder than Mike.
