17 NBA Stars Who Went From Heroes to Headaches

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

Jan 3, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving (11) passes the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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

Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) at the end of the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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

May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) prepares to pass the ball in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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

May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) runs down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

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

Apr 8, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) dunks the ball in the second half of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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

Apr 27, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets center DeMarcus Cousins (4) spins away from Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the fourth quarter during game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

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

Dec 26, 2020; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-Imagn Images
Justin Ford-Imagn Images

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

May 1, 1996; Miami, FL; USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson and forward Dennis Rodman talk on the sidelines against the Miami Heat during the first round of the 1996 NBA Playoffs at the Miami Arena. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

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

Feb 5, 1999; Orlando, FL; USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Knicks forward Latrell Sprewell (8) in action against Orlando Magic center Danny Schayes (24) at the Orlando Arena. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

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

November 2, 2009; Sacramento, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson (3) dribbles around Sacramento Kings guard Beno Udrih (19) during the first quarter at Arco Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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

Mar 14, 1999; Miami, FL; USA; FILE PHOTO; New Jersey Nets guard Stephon Marbury (33) in action against Miami Heat guard Tim Hardaway (10) at the Miami Arena. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

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)

April 1, 2011; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Ron Artest (15) dribbles during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. The Lakers won 96-85. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-Imagn Images
Russ Isabella-Imagn Images

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

Apr 5, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (7) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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

Apr 5, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Rajon Rondo (1) passes the ball against the Orlando Magic in the first half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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

Jan 6, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Rockets guard John Wall (1) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Aaron Holiday (3) defends in the third quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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.

Read More: The Top 10 Nastiest Players in NBA History

2. Kevin Durant

Mar 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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.

Read More: 15 Players the NFL Quietly Wanted Nothing to Do With

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