In professional basketball, some players can’t help but think the spotlight should always be on them. They hit the court with the confidence of a superhero, believing the game wouldn’t even exist without their gravity-defying dunks, clutch shots, or unforgettable celebrations.
From legendary trash talkers to players who never met a shot they didn’t like, these 20 NBA stars always saw themselves as the main character, even when the rest of the cast might have had other ideas. Let’s count down the biggest scene-stealers in NBA history.
20. J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith played with the swagger of a guy who knew the camera was always on him, whether hitting a deep three or forgetting the score in the NBA Finals. His shot selection sometimes felt like he had his highlight reel playing in his head.
19. Gilbert Arenas
Gilbert Arenas thrived on being the guy who could take the big shot without hesitation, even if it was from 30 feet out. On and off the court, he was a walking viral moment, never missing a chance to be the center of attention.
18. Lance Stephenson
Lance Stephenson played every game like a personal performance piece, with air guitars and dramatic flops. Blowing in LeBron’s ear during the playoffs remains one of the most bizarre main character moments in NBA history.
17. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson brought streetball swagger to the NBA, crossing up defenders and stepping over them to make his point. He played with the kind of defiance that screamed, “I’m the show.”
16. Nick Young
Nick Young, aka Swaggy P, operated on a central character wavelength at all times, celebrating shots before they went in and flashing a grin that said, “I’m the star here.” His memes alone have kept his legend alive.
15. Rasheed Wallace
Rasheed Wallace had a knack for being the loudest, most animated guy on the floor, shouting “Ball don’t lie!” every chance he got. He wasn’t just a player but the protagonist in his basketball soap opera.
14. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook doesn’t just play basketball; he attacks it, often looking like he’s trying to break the rim every time he drives to the basket. His intense stare and ferocious dunks scream primary character energy.
13. Stephon Marbury
Stephon Marbury once had his statue in China, which tells you just how much of a main character he saw himself as. Whether dropping 50 points or crying on live TV, he never shied away from the spotlight.
12. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony always demanded the ball, whether it was crunch time or a Tuesday in the preseason. Few players have embraced the isolation game like Melo, convinced the world was watching every jab step.
11. Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard’s infectious personality and Superman shtick made him a main character on and off the court. Whether clowning around at the dunk contest or flexing on the glass, he always had to be front and center.
10. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley never shied away from speaking his mind as a player and now as a commentator. He played like he was starring in his action movie, with dunks that shook rims and elbows that left bruises.
9. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving moves like a character in a basketball video game, dribbling through defenders as if the laws of physics don’t apply. Off the court, he’s got primary character energy too, always the focus of drama and intrigue.
8. Draymond Green
Draymond Green talks like a lead actor in a sports drama, barking at opponents, refs, and even his teammates. His on-court antics and unapologetic confidence make him a constant main character.
7. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant wasn’t just a main character—he was the entire franchise. From game-winning shots to intense stare-downs, Kobe had the aura of a player who knew the credits would roll with him as the hero.
6. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler has primary character energy because he genuinely seems to believe he’s the hardest worker in any gym he enters. From infamous practice takeovers to playoff heroics, he’s always the star of his show.
5. Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman might be the original NBA main character, with his wild hair, outrageous outfits, and unpredictable play. He turned every rebound into a spectacle and every game into a theater piece.
4. Allen Iverson
Yes, we’re mentioning Iverson twice, because that’s how much he owned his main character status. Crossing up MJ and stepping over Tyronn Lue are just a couple of scenes in his basketball blockbuster.
3. LeBron James
LeBron James has been the main character in the NBA for two decades. Every move he makes, on and off the court, is headline news.
2. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan didn’t just think he was the main character—he knew it. His Airness dominated the league, the headlines, and even the sneaker game like no one before or since.
Read More: 15 NBA Stars Who Were All About Me, Me, Me
1. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal didn’t just play the main character; he was the blockbuster franchise. Shaq always ensured he was the center of attention, from shattering backboards to starring in a movie.
Read More: 27 NBA Stars Who Loved Their Own Highlights a Little Too Much
