In the NBA, greatness can be fleeting, and fan adoration even more so. One minute you’re the face of the franchise, the next minute you’re the guy fans wish they could trade for a bag of basketballs.
From locker room drama to endless off-court antics, these players went from being beloved to being borderline exhausting. Whether it was their attitude, ego, or just plain weird behavior, these 17 NBA stars made the complete transition from hero to headache.
17. Kyrie Irving
Once considered one of the most clutch players in the league, Kyrie’s off-court antics have overshadowed his on-court brilliance. Flat Earth debates and sudden sabbaticals turned him into one of the most polarizing figures in basketball.
16. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons was once regarded as the future of the league due to his unique skill set. But after disappearing in the playoffs and refusing to shoot, the frustration started to outweigh the potential.
15. James Harden
Harden was an offensive juggernaut and MVP, but his multiple trade requests and disappearing acts in big moments wore thin. Fans got tired of the beard drama long before he did.
14. Russell Westbrook
The triple-double machine turned into a turnover tornado; Westbrook’s aggressive style became a double-edged sword. What used to be “high motor” turned into “why did he just do that?”
13. Dwight Howard
In Orlando, Dwight was a dominant big man with a big smile. But constant team-hopping and locker room tension made him a tough teammate to root for.
12. DeMarcus Cousins
Boogie had all the talent in the world and a loyal fan base behind him. But technical fouls, clashes with coaches, and a short temper flipped the script.
11. Ja Morant
Ja brought hope back to Memphis with electric play and swagger. Then came the off-court issues and bad decisions that had fans shaking their heads.
10. Dennis Rodman
Rodman helped teams win titles and made headlines with his rebounding and defense. But his wild lifestyle and constant distractions eventually overshadowed his impact.
9. Latrell Sprewell
Sprewell had star power and serious skill, but also a history of altercations. That infamous coach-choking incident made him more infamous than admired.
8. Allen Iverson
AI changed the game and inspired a generation, but its resistance to practice and authority rubbed many people the wrong way. The Answer wasn’t always what coaches were looking for.
7. Stephen Marbury
Marbury had all the tools to be a superstar and was adored from the start. But drama followed him from team to team, and things unraveled fast.
6. Ron Artest (Metta World Peace)
Elite defender and key championship piece, Artest was once a hero on the court. Then came the Malice at the Palace and name changes that made fans question what they were cheering for.
5. Carmelo Anthony
At his peak, Melo was unstoppable and beloved by fans. But resistance to adapting his game and defensive indifference turned admiration into exasperation.
4. Rajon Rondo
Rondo’s IQ and playoff performances were once legendary. Unfortunately, his clashes with coaches and teammates often made him more trouble than he was worth.
Read More: 15 NBA Players Who Were Never the Same After Demanding a Trade
3. John Wall
Wall gave everything to the Wizards and was loved for it. But injuries and off-court drama led to an expensive contract and a complicated legacy.
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2. Kevin Durant
He was the humble superstar in Oklahoma City, adored by fans and the media alike. Then came the Golden State move and social media spats that completely flipped the narrative.
Read More: 15 NBA Players Who Were Built for Chaos, Not Composure
1. LeBron James
Yes, he’s one of the greatest of all time—but even legends aren’t immune. From “The Decision” to passive-aggressive subtweets, LeBron’s journey has had more than a few headache-worthy moments.
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