There’s nothing quite like the fall from grace of a once-beloved NBA star. One day they’re getting standing ovations and shoe deals, and the next they’re catching heat on Twitter and getting booed in their old home arenas.
Whether it was bad behavior or overstaying their welcome, these players all found themselves on the wrong side of public opinion. From fan favorites to full-on scapegoats, here are 19 NBA stars who went from cherished to chastised.
19. DeMarcus Cousins
Boogie was once the most talented big man in the league, but his attitude always came with baggage. Over time, the drama started to overshadow the dominance.
18. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie was Uncle Drew and a fan favorite in Cleveland, especially after that 2016 Finals shot. Then came the flat-earth takes, trade requests, and messy exits.
17. Dwight Howard
Dwight’s image took a nosedive from Superman dunks to locker room headaches. He went from MVP-caliber center to journeyman in what felt like a blink.
16. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook was once adored for his intensity and loyalty. But the triple-double hype wore off fast when his erratic play and turnovers piled up.
15. Ben Simmons
Simmons had Philly buzzing with potential, but his unwillingness to shoot became a meme. After his playoff no-show, fans completely turned on him.
14. James Harden
Harden’s step-backs and scoring titles had fans in awe, but the never-ending trade demands got old. He left three teams in four years, and each exit got messier.
13. Kevin Garnett
KG was once the heart of Minnesota and a beloved Celtic leader. But his trash talk and grudge-holding ways started offending people.
12. Chris Paul
CP3 was once the gold standard of point guard play. But the flopping, chirping, and constant playoff drama led to many fans’ eyerolls.
11. Blake Griffin
Blake was a highlight machine and the face of Lob City. Then the injuries hit, and people started seeing him as more style than substance.
10. Rajon Rondo
Rondo was the gritty underdog in Boston, loved for his IQ and intensity. But his stints with other teams were marred by clashes and inconsistency.
9. Karl-Anthony Towns
KAT was once seen as a humble superstar in the making. Now, he’s known more for his odd quotes and underwhelming playoff showings.
8. Paul George
“Playoff P” was a cool nickname until it became a punchline. His self-comparisons to legends didn’t help his reputation either.
7. Dennis Rodman
Rodman was once embraced for being the wild, lovable enforcer. Eventually, the antics, Vegas trips, and distractions became more annoying than entertaining.
6. Carmelo Anthony
Melo was a walking bucket and a fan favorite for years. But the love faded as he refused to adapt his game or take a lesser role.
5. John Wall
Wall was once the face of the Wizards and a beloved All-Star. Then came the injuries, the massive contract, and the slow fall from relevance.
4. Anthony Davis
AD was adored in New Orleans—until he wore that infamous “That’s All Folks” shirt. How he forced his way to LA didn’t sit well with fans.
3. Draymond Green
Draymond was the ultimate glue guy in Golden State, known for hustle and heart. But the low blows, techs, and podcast rants turned many fans against him.
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2. Kevin Durant
KD was a universally respected scoring machine until he joined the Warriors. That move flipped his image from humble star to ring-chasing villain.
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1. LeBron James
LeBron went from hometown hero to national villain. Even after redemption in Cleveland, the polarizing legacy stuck around.
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