Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo made a startling statement on Twitter on Thanksgiving morning. Antetokounmpo tweeted a photo of himself snarling with the caption:
“Most hated.”
It comes days after Antetokounmpo got embroiled in a postgame controversy with Philadelphia 76ers center Montrezl Harrell. The two had a dispute over Antetokounmpo’s use of the Sixers pitch, which ended with the Bucks superstar pushing a ladder that belonged to a Sixers staff member.
However, even after Antetokounmpo’s outburst, fans aren’t convinced he’s one of the NBA’s most hated players, with many saying he’s not even close.
So, on that note, here are five of the most hated NBA players of the 2022-23 season.
Top 5 Most Hated NBA Players
#5 Russell Westbrook
During his early years at OKC Thunder, Russell Westbrook was considered one of the most fun and electric players in the NBA. It was then that Westbrook broke all-time triple-double records and led the lackluster Thunder rosters to the playoffs without Kevin Durant.
However, as his athleticism and efficiency declined over the years, Westbrook became one of the most hated players in the league.
This was largely due to his inability to accept a bench role and not playing team basketball. LA Lakers fans were even begging the team’s front office to trade him all offseason.
However, Westbrook has finally come to terms with his new role on the bench and has rejuvenated his career over the past few weeks. Russ averaged 17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game while shooting 43.2 percent and 38.9 percent three of 12 games off the bench.
It remains to be seen if “Mr. Triple-Double” will sustain that level of bench production. For now, however, Westbrook’s hatred seems to have died down for the first time in a long time.
#4 Kevin Durant
A few years ago, Brooklyn Nets superstar forward Kevin Durant was probably the most hated player in the NBA. This was due to him leaving the OKC Thunder in 2016 to join the historic Golden State Warriors 73-9.
Many fans were frustrated with the simplicity of Durant’s two championships with Golden State, alleging that he took the easy way out. Others have complained about ruining the NBA by joining a super team.
After KD left the Warriors in 2019, he failed to live up to expectations while playing for the Brooklyn Nets. Durant’s hatred has also died down to some extent, although the drama of this final offseason hasn’t gone down well with everyone.
Read also : “NBA fans really have love for you; it’s just misplaced love I guess” – Kevin Durant on Brooklyn Nets is disliked by fans
#3 Draymond Green
Golden State Warriors All-Star forward Draymond Green has long been one of the most hated players in the league. It has a lot to do with his trash talk and dirty games.
The Warriors’ immense success in the 2010s also contributed to people hating Green. The forward has always been the most vocal of Golden State’s stars, despite being their third or fourth option on offense.
Many fans have also been rubbed the wrong way by Green’s four All-Star game selections, alleging he’s just a glorified role player (career 8.7 PPG).
#2Patrick Beverly
LA Lakers veteran Patrick Beverley was one of the NBA’s most hated players for most of his 11-year career.
Beverley may not be the most talented player in the NBA, but he almost always finds his place on competitive teams. The 34-year-old is best known for his wild talk and dirty plays.
Beverley just received a three-game suspension for taking a cheap shot at Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton, who now goes by the name ‘Shovegate’.
Read also : Patrick Beverley is ‘a bane on the sport’, no reason to be in the league: NBA analyst
#1Ben Simmons
Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons is widely hated throughout the NBA for a variety of reasons. Most of the hate he’s received comes from fans who believe he quit the Philadelphia 76ers after his disappointing performance in the 2021 playoffs.
Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season due to resistance followed by a mysterious back injury. He later added that he suffered from mental health issues, but fans still showed him little sympathy.
Things apparently got so bad for Simmons in Philadelphia that he had to do some anonymous charity work. It was because the Aussie was afraid people wouldn’t accept his donations.
Apart from these reasons, there are also fans who love to hate Simmons for his inability to shoot from 3 points (career 14.3% shooting from beyond the arc). Others are content to shoot him for not living up to his No. 1 draft pick in 2016.