Greatest Trash Talkers in NBA History

These basketball players turned the tradition of trash-talking into a savage art form.

Trash talk happens in every sport, but basketball takes it to a whole new level of intensity. Something about the physical nature of the game, the proximity to the opponent and the crowd, and the constant one-on-one battles cause players to do whatever they can to get in an opponent’s head.

For the most part, trash-talking remains on the court. So fans only get a few glimpses of it, along with anecdotal evidence and stories passed down over the years. But throughout the history of the NBA, there have been some incredible smack-talkers.

These are the best.

60. Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis got game. Frank Franklin II / AP Photo

The “Unicorn” grew up a massive NBA fan in Latvia and learned that the art of trash-talking was a key to survival in the NBA. So he worked on his smack talk game as a young player.

Instead of just pure insults, he figured it would be better to find very specific things to say about his opponents.

“You can be more intelligent and try to get some painful spots in that guy’s personal life,” said Porzingis.

59. Ja Morant

Get used to Ja Morant. Brandon Dill / AP Photo

Ja Morant is a future star in the NBA, and his confidence has never been in question.

He’ll dunk over anyone in his way.

And he’ll also drain an open three.

58. Luka Doncic

The next generation is now with Luka Doncic. Tony Gutierrez / AP Photo

Luka Doncic has taken the league by storm in his first few years.

Despite being 19 in his rookie season, he was a veteran professional player in the Spanish league. Nothing intimidates him, so when opponents try and get in his head he usually has a quick response.

57. Dirk Nowitzki

Are we having fun yet? Tony Gutierrez / AP Photo

One of the most beloved and jovial players in NBA history, Dirk Nowitzki didn’t often try to incite fights with his trash-talking.

Instead, he would use it to make people more comfortable around him.

56. Isiah Thomas

Watch this. David M Tenenbaum / AP Photo

Don’t his diminutive stature fool you.

Isiah Thomas might have been known as the quiet one on the famous Detroit Pistons “Bad Boys” teams of the 1980s, but the 6-foot-1 point guard wasn’t afraid of anyone.

He would throw punches at much bigger opponents and refused to back down despite being much smaller than the rest of the NBA.

55. Raja Bell

Intensity. Jim Urquhart / AP Photo

Raja Bell was an old-school NBA tough guy.

In fact, he was often more noted for his ability to tussle with opponents than for anything he brought offensively.

He famously clotheslined Kobe Bryant during the 2006 playoffs, and the two had plenty of beef during their playing days.

54. J.R. Smith

Yeah, what? John Raoux / AP Photo

J.R. Smith started his career as an insanely talented player who may have enjoyed the nightclub scene a little too much.

But once he was traded to the Cavaliers, he became a key piece of the championship puzzle around LeBron James (provided he knew what the score was).

A quirky guy, he had a weird habit of untying opponents’ shoes at the free-throw line.

53. Richard Jefferson

Richard Jefferson, Dikembe Mutombo, Kevin Garnett

Richard Jefferson exchanges some pleasantries with Kevin Garnett. Bill Kostroun / AP Photo

Richard Jefferson was one of the most media-savvy players during his career.

And his podcast featured all kinds of fellow stars during his playing days.

So he’s got many stories involving trash-talking,

52. Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin never doubted himself. Bill Kostroun / AP Photo

“Linsanity” was a short-lived phenomenon with the New York Knicks, but Jeremy Lin himself carved out a solid and long-lasting NBA career.

He overcame a lot of doubters throughout his career, and his fearlessness allowed him to achieve much more than expected.

51. Steph Curry

Game changer. Eric Gay / AP Photo

Steph Curry changed the game of basketball with his 3-point shooting ability and led the Warriors to three NBA titles.

He’s also known as a generally “good dude” in the game.

But he’s an undercover savage.

50. LeBron James

It’s good to be the King. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Many argue that LeBron James is the best NBA player ever, but that debate is for another list.

He likes to pull out some trash talk on opponents.

49. Kyrie Irving

How do you like me now? Nick Wass / AP Photo

Kyrie Irving has left a trail of hurt feelings in his wake across the NBA, mostly from players on his own team.

But he’s also vicious toward opponents, too.

48. Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin is no joke. Duane Burleson / AP Photo

Blake Griffin dabbles in stand-up comedy, improv, and sketch comedy in his free time.

So it’s sometimes easy to forget what a fierce competitor he is on the court.

But Griffin doesn’t back down from any challenges.

47. Kenyon Martin

Kenyon Martin enjoyed rattling opponents. David Zalubowski / AP Photo

“K-Mart” was a brash, smack-talking, alley-ooping machine for the New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks.

The former No. 1 overall pick didn’t stop trash-talking when he retired from the NBA.

46. Jermaine O’Neal

Jermaine O’Neal celebrates after scoring on a dunk in 2002. Bill Kostroun / AP Photo

A key figure in the “Malice in the Palace,” Jermaine O’Neal displayed a toughness and fighting spirit throughout his NBA career.

He didn’t really mellow out late in his career either.

Who could forget his altercation with Blake Griffin in 2014?

“Man, I’m a monster off the court,” O’Neal said.

45. Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas dribbles down the court against the Utah Jazz in 2013. Kim Raff / AP Photo

Being significantly smaller than the rest of the NBA, Isaiah Thomas has had to use his skills, speed and toughness to carve out a successful career.

That same attitude that made him a star also drives him to let his opponents know exactly how he feels about them.

44. John Wall

John Wall yells against the Indiana Pacers in 2014. R Brent Smith / AP Photo

Similar to Damian Lillard, John Wall plies his craft in relative anonymity during the regular season playing for the Wizards.

But in the playoffs, the rest of the nation gets to see his electrifying play.

43. Stephen Jackson

Stephen Jackson, Mario Chalmers, Shaun Livingston

Stephen Jackson talks with Mario Chalmers in 2012. Lynne Sladky / AP Photo

If you played a major role in the “Malice in the Palace,” then you probably belong on this list.

Stephen Jackson is as well remembered for his aggressive and tough nature as he is for his scoring ability.

Like many guys on this list, he didn’t leave the trash-talking behind when he retired from the NBA.

42. Dennis Rodman

What game are you watching? Bill Kostroun / AP Photo

“The Worm” was noted for many, many things both on and off the court. He is perhaps the most unique athlete in American history, and sometimes it’s easy to forget just how good he was as a player.

When Dennis Rodman joined Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, Rodman knew the importance of keeping opponents’ negativity away from the stars of the team.

41. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler wasn’t the first NBA star to ask for a trade, nor will he be the last. Jim Mone / AP Photo

Jimmy Butler is one of the most competitive players in the NBA, but the people who have caught the brunt of his vicious nature have been in his own organization.

When Butler wanted to force his way out of Minnesota, he famously scrimmaged against the other Timberwolves regulars with a team of end-of-the-bench players.

40. Kenny Smith

Kenny Smith, left, guards Gary Payton in a 1993 playoff game. Matt Todd / AP Photo

“The Jet” has been a professional talker for so long that many NBA fans may have forgotten he was actually a player at one point.

Even when he was a star point guard, he was known for running his mouth at opponents, and, really, anyone who would listen.

39. Giannis Antetokounmpo

You ready for this? Willie J. Allen Jr. / AP Photo

“The Greek Freak” is a superstar and one of the most popular players in the NBA.

His personality is as big as his wingspan, and he loves to entertain on and off the court.

But he’s also skilled in the dark arts of trash talk, picking up the skill as he’s established himself in the league.

38. Zach Randolph

Watch and learn. Brandon Dill / AP Photo

“Z-Bo” was one of the more unique players in the NBA, somehow becoming a star despite playing very much below the rim.

His physicality and toughness made him a load to handle on the low post.

There was no one in the league that Randolph was afraid to face off against, but his trash talk took a totally different tone.

37. Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins wonders when an official will admit they’re wrong. Sue Ogrocki

Kendrick Perkins was pretty much exclusively an enforcer in his career.

He used his size, strength and aggressiveness to protect the more skilled players on his teams.

And he often talked a much bigger game than he actually brought to the court. It worked.

36. Kevin Durant

Let’s go. Ben Margot / AP Photo

Kevin Durant’s most famous trash talk happens anonymously on Twitter through his numerous burner accounts.

So his inclusion on this list may be somewhat suspect.

He’s not afraid to dish it out on the court, however.

35. Damian Lillard

Right this way. Sue Ogrocki / AP Photo

Damian Lillard has spent much of his career quietly plying his trade in the small market of Portland. But he’s finally recognized as the superstar that he is league-wide.

Never afraid to back down from anyone, Lillard has a killer instinct that comes out in the most clutch moments.

34. Chris Paul

Talk is not cheap. Sue Ogrocki / AP Photo

CPIII’s long career has been marked by many falling-outs with teammates, but it’s his opponents who catch the worst of his competitive fire.

Even his off-the-court friends like LeBron James are not safe from Chris Paul’s jabs on the court.

Bottom Line: Chris Paul

David Zalubowski / AP Photo

33. Drazen Petrovic

Drazen Petrovic was a shooting star. Yugoslavia basketball team 1989 / Facebook

Drazen Petrovic was one of the first truly successful foreign players in the NBA.

And the Yugoslavian star was a quick study when it came to the art of trash-talking.

Even the legendary trash-talker Reggie Miller praised Petrovic’s smack-talking skills.

Bottom Line: Drazen Petrovic

Fernando Ricardo / AP Photo

32. Sam Cassell

Sam Cassell keeps the ball away from Raja Bell in 2006. Chris Carlson / AP Photo

Sam Cassell played for 15 years in the NBA and was a solid player for most of that time, but he’s most remembered now for his mouth.

He loved to celebrate a big shot by doing his signature “big balls” dance.

31. Moses Malone

Moses Malone grabs the ball against the Lakers in 1981. AP Photo

Moses Malone once called himself the “original trash-talker in the NBA.”

His most memorable moment came when he guaranteed that his Philadelphia 76ers would sweep the entire playoffs on their way to the 1983 NBA title.

30. Joe Ingles

Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles, left, talks with Memphis Grizzlies coach J.B. Bickerstaff during a game in 2018. Brandon Dill / AP Photo

Not exactly the image you think of when it comes to trash-talking, but the balding Australian sharpshooter has really made a name for himself when it comes to showing up the opponent.

He’ll blow kisses to opposing fans, or wave goodnight to his defender after a dagger three, and he’ll look hilarious doing it the whole time.

29. Lance Stephenson

Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson, right, talks to Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade during a game in 2014. AJ Mast / AP Photo

It seems that 90 percent of Lance Stephenson’s game is getting in the head of the opponent’s best player.

He’s known to take on the toughest defensive assignment and will do whatever he can to throw someone off of their game.

However, one time that approach backfired when he goaded LeBron James a little too hard during a playoff series in 2014, and James proceeded to dominate him.

“What is wrong with you?” LeBron said to Stephenson after the trash-talker took things a little too far.

28. Patrick Beverley

Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley, left, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook yell at each other during a playoff game in 2017. David J. Phillip / AP Photo

Patrick Beverley, like Lance Stephenson, is known as a defensive pest throughout the NBA.

Beverley is the guy you love to have on your team but hate if he’s your opponent.

He and Russell Westbrook have a long-running feud, resulting in many entertaining battles over the years.

27. Russell Westbrook

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, right, talks with Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, left, following a game in 2019. Sue Ogrocki / AP Photo

Russell Westbrook is one of the most confident players in the NBA, and it shows in his game and his interactions with opponents.

He’ll gesture to the crowd after an explosive dunk or let his defender know exactly how many points he’s got on that night.

Westbrook goes as hard as possible all the time.

26. Xavier McDaniel

New York Knicks forward Xavier McDaniel receives a technical foul during a playoff game against the Chicago Bulls in 1992. John Swart / AP Photo

Xavier McDaniel was a tough defender in the rough days of the 1980s, and he wasn’t afraid of anyone.

But that didn’t always work out well, as evidenced by his torching at the hands of Michael Jordan after he poked Jordan in the face.

McDaniel didn’t back down from Jordan and would have many more battles with him through the years.

25. Rajon Rondo

Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo, left, has a few words for Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris in 2016. Nam Y. Huh / AP Photo

Rajon Rondo has rubbed teammates, opponents, referees and coaches the wrong way many times throughout his career.

It’s resulted in him getting exiled by Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, suspended for using a homophobic slur, and kicked out of several games for instigating fights.

24. Joakim Noah

Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah talks with San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker during a game in 2009. Jim Prisching / AP Photo

A big-time personality and tough defender, Joakim Noah knows how to get into the head of his opponents.

Whether it is with physical play or just the right thing to say, Noah’s job throughout his career often has been to throw off the other team’s best player.

In the 2015 playoffs, LeBron James felt Noah crossed the line with “disrespectful” talk.

“The disrespectful words he said to me were uncalled for,” James said about Noah.

23. Darryl Dawkins

Darryl Dawkins with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1981. Paul Shane / AP Photo

“Chocolate Thunder” was one of the most dominating, colorful and exciting players to ever play the game.

He’d break backboards with crushing dunks, name those dunks, then remind you about them for years to come.

22. Nate Robinson

Golden State Warriors guard Nate Robinson talks to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving during a game in 2012. Mark Duncan / AP Photo

To make it to the NBA as a 5-foot-9 dunking machine, you have to have quite the chip on your shoulder.

Nate Robinson never lacked in confidence and refused to back down from the giants who make up the rest of the NBA.

Robinson’s NBA career ended earlier than he would have liked, but he carried on by playing in Ice Cube’s Big 3 league, where his penchant for trash talking continues.

21. Larry Johnson

Charlotte Hornets forward Larry Johnson looks to make a move against Chicago Bulls defenders Toni Kukoc, left, and Scottie Pippen during a playoff game in 1995. Barry Jarvinen / AP Photo

Larry Johnson was one of the better players of the 1990s, and he also wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.

Ol’ Grandmama — the star of the famous Converse shoe campaign — was a bad man.

If Johnson didn’t like something, you would hear about it. Ask Scottie Pippen.

20. Scottie Pippen

Portland Trail Blazers forward Scottie Pippen, center, looks to pass the ball as Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone pressures him during a playoff game in 2000. Kevork Djansezian / AP Photo

Forever the deputy to the greatest of all time, Scottie Pippen also was not from the best trash-talker on the Bulls.

However, he knew when to make it count, like the times he viciously tore down Larry Johnson.

19. Vernon Maxwell

Houston Rockets guard Vernon Maxwell, right, drives around New York Knicks guard John Starks in Game 6 of the NBA Finals in 1994. Rick Bowmer / AP Photo

Vernon Maxwell was an aggressive player — with opponents, fans and teammates.

“Mad Max” once went into the stands to punch a heckler and later got into a locker-room fight with fellow trash-talking legend Gary Payton.

Maxwell also went toe-to-toe with Michael Jordan and lived to play another day.

18. John Starks

New York Knicks guard John Starks, left, lets Indiana Pacer Haywoode Workman know who’s the man in Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals. Ron Frehm / AP Photo

John Starks embodied the tough, no-nonsense New York Knicks of the 1990s.

The guard would stand up to anyone, no matter how much bigger they were than him.

17. Bill Laimbeer

Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer grabs the ball during a game against the Miami Heat in 1990. Kathy Willens / AP Photo

The heart and soul of the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons of the 1980s, Bill Laimbeer was a physical presence in the middle. And he always let you know he was there, too.

Laimbeer also was known for his dirty play, always hovering around the line between fair and foul.

16. Chuck Person

Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Chuck Person in 1987. Michael Conroy / AP Photo

“The Rifleman” was a clutch 3-point shooter and a consistently great trash-talker.

Chuck Person often would go after the best player on the other team, which led to epic battles against Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.

15. Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid talks to fans during a 2018 game against the New York Knicks in New York. Frank Franklin II / AP Photo

Like many trash-talkers, Joel Embiid seems unable to stop talking. Whether that’s on Twitter, on the court, or in the media, Embiid always has something to say.

Oftentimes, his trash talk, like fellow big man Shaquille O’Neal before him, is shrouded in humor, making him a popular player throughout the NBA.

14. Charles Oakley

Charles Oakley, surrounded by media in Houston after a 2004 Rockets practice, did not suffer fool’s gladly during his NBA playing days. Pat Sullivan / AP Photo

A legendary tough guy, Charles Oakley’s main job while playing on the Bulls with Michael Jordan was to protect Jordan from other players.

Oakley also could talk with the best of them, and he backed up his words, getting in scraps throughout his 19-year NBA career with the Knicks, Raptors, Wizards and Rockets.

His combustible spirit didn’t stop when his playing days were over. He was thrown out of Madison Square Garden in 2017 for yelling at Knicks owner James Dolan during a game.

13. Paul Pierce

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce, right, gets set to drive on Indiana Pacers forward Stephen Jackson during a 2006 game in Boston. Charles Krupa / AP Photo

Paul Pierce was a cold-blooded killer on the court in his career, famously drilling a three in Al Harrington’s face once after jawing in his face for 10 seconds.

A year after retirement, Pierce even was seen talking noise to LeBron James during Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference finals.

12. Ron Artest

Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest has a question for coach Rick Carlisle during a 2003 game against the Memphis Grizzlies in Indianapolis: Should I mess with them over here or over there? Darron Cummings / AP Photo

Otherwise known as Metta World Peace, Ron Artest was one of the great agitators in the NBA. His entire game was based upon getting in the heads of opponents.

This antagonism resulted in one of the worst moments in league history, when a fight between him and Ben Wallace escalated into the “Malice at the Palace,” an all-out brawl involving Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers players and fans in 2004 that changed the NBA forever.

11. Rasheed Wallace

Rasheed Wallace was not afraid to voice his opinion — to anyone. Kevork Djansezian / AP Photo

Rasheed Wallace was famous for his mouth and his attitude. And, while he smack-talked plenty of fellow NBA players, he ranks this high on the list due to his vitriol directed toward officials.

He holds the NBA record for most technical fouls in one season with 41, most career technical fouls and most ejections in one season.

In fact, he was once ejected after playing only 1:25 in a game.

10. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal holds up the MVP trophy, right, and the championship trophy in 2001 in Philadelphia after the Lakers won their second straight NBA championship. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Now seen as one of the most lovable personalities in sports media, Shaquille O’Neal had a killer side of him on the court. But even when insulting other players or coaches, Shaq tried to keep it funny.

His most consistent form of insult was turning an opposing player’s name into a woman’s name, such as Ericka (instead of Erick) Dampier or Laura (instead of Lawrence) Frank or the Sacramento Queens (instead of Kings).

9. Draymond Green

Draymond Green has taken NBA trash-talking to the next level. Carlos Osorio / AP Photo

Without a doubt, the modern-day king of trash-talking, Draymond Green, has a reputation for savagery.

The enforcer for the high-scoring Golden State Warriors team, Green will insult legends like when he told Paul Pierce in his final season, “You chasing that farewell tour. They don’t love you like that. You thought you was Kobe?”

He also will diss teammates like when he and Kevin Durant got into a heated argument in November, and Green reportedly called Durant a b–ch repeatedly and told him they could win without him.

8. Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, left, understood the psychological game within the game of basketball and sought to exploit any weakness in his opponents. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

The Black Mamba’s intensity was so well known that Kobe Bryant turned it into a book called “Mamba Mentality.”

Bryant turned Lakers practices into all-out battles with his smack-talking, and he didn’t let up on opponents either.

Dwight Howard, both a disliked teammate and an opponent, may be the man who experienced the worst of Kobe’s vicious ways.

7. Allen Iverson

Pound for pound, Allen Iverson may have been the greatest basketball player — and trash-talker — in the history of the NBA. Tim Johnson / AP Photo

One of the toughest, roughest, baddest dudes to ever play, AI never let his small stature stop him from intimidating people.

His most legendary taunting moment came in the 2000 NBA Finals when he was locked in a fierce battle with Tyronn Lue of the Lakers. Iverson finally got the best of Lue with a nasty crossover, step-back jumper that caused Lue to fall to the ground.

Iverson then stomped over Lue in what has become an iconic moment in NBA history.

6. Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley, right, gives Michael Jordan an earful during the closing moments of Game 5 in the 1993 NBA Finals at Chicago Stadium. John Swart / AP Photo

Charles Barkley is now most famous as an NBA talking head on TNT, dishing out hilarious and often offensive opinions about everything.

He was never one to back down from a fight in his playing days and earned a reputation as one of the best trash-talkers in the game, going toe-to-toe with the best of the best like Reggie Miller and Michael Jordan.

5. Reggie Miller

Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller at Madison Square Garden in 1995: I’m not finished with Spike Lee. Bill Kostroun / AP Photo

Reggie Miller was a known smack-talker throughout his career, but his iconic taunting of Knicks superfan Spike Lee in the 1994 playoffs has gone down as one of the greatest moments in trash-talking history.

While torching the Knicks, Miller was bantering with Lee and eventually made the now-famous choke sign in his direction.

This move is often mimicked by athlete’s to this day.

4. Gary Payton

Don’t let Gary Payton’s smile fool you. He was ruthless on the court — with his words and actions. Elaine Thompson / AP Photo

Another trash-talk legend who put the emphasis on “talk,” Gary Payton never would shut up. Constantly jabbing at an opponent, both on and off the court.

“The Glove” could shut down anyone defensively, earning the right to talk all that noise.

3. Kevin Garnett

You’re next. Opponents often regretted getting on Kevin Garnett’s bad side. Winslow Townson / AP Photo

There was absolutely no line Kevin Garnett wouldn’t cross.

His list of deeply insulting and offensive lines to opposing players is numerous, from referencing a player’s wife to their mother to a medical condition they were born with.

KG was ruthless to the point where it wasn’t even funny.

2. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan was not out to make friends during games. Ask Patrick Ewing. Fred Jewell / AP Photo

The GOAT was not the greatest ever in terms of smack talk, but he was pretty close.

Jordan used anything and everything to motivate him to be great, and he wanted to make sure every opponent knew of his greatness.

Perhaps the most insane moment of confidence was when he took a free throw with his eyes closed after telling Dikembe Mutombo, “This one’s for you.” He, of course, swished it.

1. Larry Bird

Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird, in 1979 at the Boston Garden, was a master of the mental game. Paul Benoit / AP Photo

“The Hick From French Lick” was as savage as they come, and it might have been all the more insulting coming from the gangly 6-foot-9 guy with the curly hair in short shorts.

Larry Bird’s trash-talking exploits are legendary, including guaranteeing wins in the NBA three-point contest, telling opponents exactly what he was about to do and then executing, and relentlessly ripping on Dennis Rodman as he dropped bucket after bucket on him.

Nobody could equal Bird’s verbal warfare.