Basketball is supposed to be a team sport, but some guys never got that memo. These players walked into a locker room and immediately became the storyline, whether they meant to or not.
From trade demands to dramatic interviews to refusing to play second fiddle, these stars ensured that every team they joined revolved around them. Here are 15 NBA players who made every team about them, for better or worse.
15. Carmelo Anthony
Melo was never shy about wanting his shots and his spotlight. Every team he joined had to figure out how to fit around him, not the other way around.
14. Jimmy Butler
When Jimmy shows up, things get intense fast. He either leads the team or flips the whole locker room dynamic.
13. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie can dazzle on the court—but off it, he’s always the main character. From disappearing acts to deep thoughts on the universe, every team becomes the Kyrie Experience.
12. Dwight Howard
At his peak, Dwight was dominant—but every team had to deal with his off-court energy, locker room quirks, and endless smile-or-scowl vibe.
11. DeMarcus Cousins
Boogie brought buckets and plenty of baggage. Depending on his mood, he could take over a game or team meeting.
10. Gilbert Arenas
Arenas loved to shoot and stir the pot. Whether it was locker room antics or oversized personalities, he focused squarely on himself.
9. Russell Westbrook
Russ plays like his hair is on fire and often forces everything to orbit around his style. When he’s on your team, it’s his pace, rules, and show.
8. Draymond Green
Draymond is the emotional engine of every team he’s on and ensures everyone knows it. The highs are incredible, but the drama is always close by.
7. Ben Simmons
Every team Simmons has played for has dealt with some saga. It’s always been about Ben, whether it’s injuries, shooting hesitation, or trade demands.
6. Kevin Durant
KD is among the greatest scorers ever, but the drama follows him everywhere. It’s always more than just basketball, from burner accounts to mysterious exits.
5. James Harden
Harden’s scoring speaks for itself, but so do the mid-season exits and disappearing acts. Wherever he goes, the franchise tends to revolve around his whims.
4. Allen Iverson
AI didn’t try to fit into a team—he was the team. Practice or no practice, he was the identity from day one.
3. LeBron James
LeBron might be the best, but let’s be honest—he’s also the GM, the coach, and the marketing department. Every team he joins becomes a LeBron production.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Sensitive NBA Superstars of All Time
2. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq dominated the floor, and a walking headline was off it. Everything around Shaq felt oversized, whether it was his teammates, nicknames, or feuds.
Read More: 15 NBA Stars Who Took Themselves Way Too Seriously
1. Michael Jordan
MJ didn’t just make the team about him—he demanded it. Every player, coach, and opponent had to fit into the Jordan narrative, or they were just extras in his story.
Read More: 15 NBA Stars Who Were All About Me, Me, Me
