Ranking the 20 Most Extra Players in NBA History

There are flashy players, and then there are extra players—the ones who turn every moment into a production, every outfit into a statement, and every quote into a headline. These are the guys who don’t just play basketball—they live it like it’s a performance, often making themselves the main character, whether the game calls for it or not.

From walk-in fits that scream “look at me” to postgame interviews filled with drama, these players brought more than just talent—they brought the theatrics. Love them or roll your eyes at them, they kept things entertaining in the most extra way possible.

20. Nick Young

Nick Young
Flickr

Swaggy P never met a shot he didn’t like or an outfit too loud for a Tuesday night. He made the NBA tunnel feel like a red carpet and somehow turned a simple three-pointer into a full-on celebration.

19. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook
Wikimedia Commons

Nobody commits to a look—or a triple-double—quite like Russ. His energy is unmatched, and his fashion choices are often louder than the arenas he plays in.

18. JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee
Flickr

From wild plays to even wilder Shaqtin’ a Fool moments, JaVale has always marched to the beat of his own very extra drum. Whether he’s dunking from outer space or dancing on the bench, he makes sure you notice him.

17. Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving
Flickr

Kyrie treats every game like a philosophical journey, complete with cryptic quotes and unexpected detours. Whether he’s burning sage or debating the shape of the Earth, there’s always a subplot when he’s around.

16. Lance Stephenson

Lance Stephenson
Wikimedia Commons

Lance once blew in LeBron’s ear during a playoff game, and somehow that wasn’t the weirdest thing he did that series. His antics were pure chaos, but undeniably entertaining.

15. Metta World Peace

Metta World Peace
Flickr

From wild elbows to changing his name to something straight out of a motivational poster, Metta was always doing the most. You never quite knew what he’d do next—and he liked it that way.

14. LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball
Wikimedia Commons

He’s got the game to back it up, but LaMelo’s flair is off the charts for someone so young. From flashy passes to head-turning fits, subtle has never been part of his brand.

13. Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas
Flickr

Agent Zero brought his own brand of weird to every game, whether it was pulling up from 30 or stashing pranks in his locker. His antics were unpredictable but never boring.

12. Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah
Flickr

Between his hair, his interviews, and his open disdain for anything Cleveland, Joakim was a one-man theater troupe. He played with passion and spoke with spice.

11. Kelly Oubre Jr.

Kelly Oubre Jr.
Wikimedia Commons

Oubre turned every walk-in into a fashion editorial and every dunk into a statement. He’s the kind of player who probably practices his post-dunk poses in the mirror.

10. Jason Williams

Jason Williams
Wikimedia Commons

White Chocolate played like a streetballer dropped into an NBA game, and he loved every second of it. His passes had flair, his moves had sauce, and his confidence was always on ten.

9. Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson
Flickr

Clarkson leans into style and swagger like it’s a second career. He plays like he’s starring in his own mixtape and dresses like every game might end on a runway.

8. DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins
Wikimedia Commons

Boogie always had something to say and usually made sure everyone heard it. Whether it was beefing with refs or flexing after buckets, his presence was impossible to ignore.

7. J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith
Wikimedia Commons

J.R. never saw a heat check he didn’t like—and that was just during warmups. From shirtless parades to head-scratching decisions, he did things his way, every time.

6. Stephen Jackson

Stephen Jackson
Wikimedia Commons

Captain Jack brought drama, energy, and a don’t-mess-with-me vibe to every locker room. Whether on the court or on a podcast, he never holds back.

5. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal
Wikipedia

Shaq was larger than life in every possible way. From rapping to wrestling to reality TV, his extra-ness was part of what made him a global icon.

4. Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson
Wikimedia Commons

AI didn’t just change the game—he changed the vibe. With his tattoos, braids, and press conference rants, he brought a level of personality the league had never seen.

3. Ja Morant

Ja Morant
Wikimedia Commons

Ja plays like every play is a viral clip waiting to happen. Add in the off-court headlines and dramatic energy, and you’ve got a modern master of being extra.

2. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler
Flickr

Playoff Jimmy is a real thing—and he makes sure you know it. Whether it’s wild hairstyles, fake emo looks, or coffee shop side hustles, Jimmy does things with full flair.

1. Dennis Rodman

Unknown Date 1997; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls forward #91 DENNIS RODMAN looks to rebound  against Miami Heat center ALONZO MOURNING at the Miami Arena during the 1996-97 season. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright USA TODAY Sports / Imagn Images

No one in NBA history has ever been more extra than The Worm. From wedding dresses to Vegas trips between Finals games, Rodman made headlines in ways that had absolutely nothing to do with basketball.

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