In the NBA, respect isn’t just earned with stats—it’s earned through leadership, work ethic, and how you carry yourself when the cameras aren’t rolling. Players know who puts in the work, who shows up for their teammates, and who elevates everyone around them without needing to say much.
While fans might focus on highlight reels, NBA players tend to admire consistency, toughness, and humility. These 15 guys have gained the admiration of their peers across the league—and not just for their talent, but for how they’ve handled the game, the grind, and the locker room.
15. Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez has reinvented his game and quietly become one of the most dependable bigs in the league. Teammates and opponents alike respect how he stays locked in and does the dirty work without needing credit.
14. Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson isn’t flashy, but he’s earned a ton of league-wide respect for his toughness and steady leadership. He plays like a 10-year vet and makes everyone around him better.
13. Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry has long been known as the ultimate competitor—tough, unselfish, and a leader in every locker room he’s been in. Other players love how hard he plays and how little he cares about the spotlight.
12. Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon carries himself with quiet confidence and earns praise for being one of the league’s most grounded, team-first guys. He plays smart, plays hard, and lets his game do the talking.
11. DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan is beloved around the league for his loyalty, work ethic, and class. He keeps things low-key, but he’s always there to hit big shots and mentor younger players.
10. Al Horford
Al Horford is the ultimate veteran—always professional, always prepared, and never rattled. He’s a glue guy who commands respect just by how he carries himself.
9. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler might bring the fire, but it’s his relentless commitment to winning that earns respect. Teammates admire how he brings intensity to every practice, every game, every possession.
8. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard gets massive props for staying loyal, grinding through adversity, and showing up when it matters most. He’s one of those players who talks the talk and absolutely walks the walk.
7. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard doesn’t say much, but everyone knows what he’s about. His work ethic and ability to perform under pressure have made him one of the most respected names in the league.
6. Chris Paul
Chris Paul is basically a coach on the court, and younger players have long looked to him for guidance. He’s earned his respect through basketball IQ, leadership, and his impact on every team he touches.
5. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant might be one of the most scrutinized players in the league, but among his peers, he’s admired for his unmatched scoring ability and relentless dedication to the game. Players know KD is a walking bucket who lives in the gym.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis plays hard, stays humble, and leads with a kind of joy that players genuinely appreciate. His rise from an unknown prospect to a two-time MVP has been nothing short of inspirational.
3. Steph Curry
Steph Curry changed the game but stayed grounded while doing it. His unselfishness, leadership, and killer instinct have made him one of the most universally respected players in the league.
2. LeBron James
LeBron has been the face of the league for two decades, and players constantly praise his leadership, preparation, and basketball IQ. Whether you love him or not, you can’t help but respect the way he approaches the game.
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1. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic has quietly become the league’s most respected superstar by dominating without ego. He’s selfless, consistent, and completely locked in on winning—everything players admire in a teammate.
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