NBA Legends Share Today’s NBA Players They Hate The Most
In an era where social media brings fans closer to their favorite athletes than ever before, it’s easy to forget that behind the scenes, rivalries and strong opinions still shape the NBA landscape. This week, a panel of retired NBA legends gathered for a candid roundtable discussion, revealing which current players they “hate the most”—and why. The conversation, broadcast on a popular basketball podcast, quickly went viral, sparking debate among fans and analysts alike.
Charles Barkley: “Hate the Flopping”
Charles Barkley, never one to shy away from controversy, started the conversation with a laugh. “I gotta say, I hate watching James Harden play sometimes. All that flopping and baiting for fouls—it’s not basketball, man! Back in my day, you drove to the basket, you took the hit, and you finished strong. Now it’s all about tricking the refs. I respect his talent, but I hate the way he plays the game.”
Shaquille O’Neal: “Too Much Talking, Not Enough Winning”
Shaquille O’Neal chimed in, targeting Dillon Brooks. “Dillon Brooks talks too much for my taste. He’s always chirping, always trying to get in people’s heads, but what has he won? You gotta back it up. I like confidence, but I hate empty bravado. If you’re gonna be the villain, you better have the rings to show for it.”
Reggie Miller: “The Social Media Era”
Reggie Miller pointed to another aspect of today’s NBA. “I hate when guys care more about their Instagram followers than their stat line. Ben Simmons, for example—so much potential, but it seems like he’s more focused on the off-court brand than improving his game. I just want to see players put in the work and let the results speak for themselves.”
Kevin Garnett: “Softness and Friendship”
Kevin Garnett, known for his intensity, took issue with the league’s newfound camaraderie. “I hate how friendly everyone is. Back in the day, you didn’t train with your rivals in the offseason. Now you got guys like Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum working out together, hugging after games. Where’s the edge? Where’s the fire? I want to see competitors, not best friends.”
Chris Webber: “Lack of Fundamentals”
Chris Webber was blunt in his assessment. “I hate watching guys who can’t shoot free throws. Giannis is amazing, but come on—how are you an MVP and still struggling at the line? Fundamentals matter. It’s not sexy, but it wins games.”
The Aftermath
The roundtable quickly became a trending topic, with fans defending their favorite stars and legends doubling down on their critiques. Some current players responded on social media, with Dillon Brooks tweeting, “Let the haters talk—I’m still here,” and Ben Simmons posting a photo of himself in the gym, captioned, “Work in silence.”
Analysts pointed out that while the legends’ opinions might seem harsh, they highlight the cultural shift in the NBA. The league is more global, more connected, and more focused on entertainment than ever before. But as Barkley put it, “That’s the beauty of basketball—every generation has its own style, its own villains, and its own heroes.”
One thing’s for sure: the passion and honesty of NBA legends continue to keep the spirit of competition alive, reminding fans that the game is as much about rivalry as it is about respect.
