The 1950s and '60s produced the most ruggedly competitive NBA matchups between men fighting for a paycheck. The '70s and '80s produced a violent, and often dangerous, brand of competition.
The Commissioner and his staff have been successful at changing the image of the pro game over the past 15 years, promoting how stars help and entertain their communities.
Still, a select group of "rugged defenders" still bring the boos when they enter a game. We're not speaking of star players, who are disliked because of what they can do to your team, we wish to reveal a list of five men who bring terror to the hearts of opposing players.
These are the bad men of bad company. They don't wear six-shooters; they come to the floor with six hard fouls.
Rasheed Wallace, Detroit Pistons
Wallace has been the most vilified player on any court since he left high school. With his artful collection of technical fouls, Wallace can slow down the pace of a game by himself. Combine this with his Laimbeer-like shooting touch from outside and you have the prototype of the 21st century villain of the NBA.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings
With the end of Latrell Sprewell's career, Artest is the most disliked player among fans and followers. He may also be the best player of the group. An excellent defender and rebounder, his antics overshadow his talent to slow down the attack of the opponent by any means necessary.
P.J. Brown, Boston Celtics
Now here is a villain in any era. Powerful and menacing, this giant enforcer takes care of business. Coming out of retirement this season, he was most recently seen throwing Pau Gasol into the stands and battering a helpless Lamar Odom to the floor. He may play until he's 50 years old.
Bruce Bowen, San Antonio Spurs
While most of the attention goes to the big men and the spectacular guards, it is the forwards who make the best villains. Bowen is a superb defender with a knockout corner jumper. He will do anything to slow down the opponent. You can't tire him out or run him through screens to free yourself. He is true glue.
Raja Bell, Phoenix Suns
There is a question regarding why he is so disliked; it seems to be because he stands up to Kobe Bryant. Confident and secure, he seems almost smug as he goes about the court providing whatever it takes to insure a win for his team. He may never be liked by the fans of opposing teams but, he'll always be respected by the players.
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5 months ago
I was hoping you would put Sheed on this list. He is disliked by everyone!
5 months ago
Where's Rick Mahorn (As a Washington Bullet)
5 months ago
My bad, this looks like a current list.
5 months ago
If you speak of 'provoking fear on the court' you have to mention Dikembe Mutombo.
The guy is a sweet pie outside of the court and other players just plain love him, but on the court, everybody (teamates included) are afraid of his flying and reckless elbows that have been knocking teeth out since the early 90's
The guy can't help it, his arms are a menace and that makes him really scary.
5 months ago
This is the current player bad company. In an 80s bad company Mahorn was a good helper for the massive Jeff Ruland with the Bullets for 4 years. They were the so called BEEF BROTHERS who ruled the paint and took off more than one head band on the way to the basket. Jeff Ruland, 6-11 290, was the bad boy villain of the early and mid-1980s because he could handle anyman in the house and opponents would often disappear in the crowd while rebounding. But check him out, he finished his NBA career averaging a double double. Later his helper Rick Mahorn was traded to the Pistons where he carried on the Bullet Beef Brother reputation with former Notre Dame jump shooter Bill Laimbeer.
5 months ago
as a new jerseyan, id put Alonzo Mourning on that list. The Nets paid the guy in 2003 during his whole kidney problem. The next year, he demands a trade to a contender?! The next year, he helps Miami win a title! Not cool and not very liked by New Jersey/New York.
5 months ago
Oh, I like Alonzo as a candidate for this list but he is a legitimate star who also happens to be a villain and I've tried to shy away from the stars.
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