Greatest Trash Talkers in NBA History

Trash talk happens in every sport, but basketball takes it to a whole new level of intensity. Something about the physical nature of the game, the proximity to the opponent and the crowd, and the constant one-on-one battles cause players to do whatever they can to get in an opponent’s head.

For the most part, trash-talking remains on the court. So fans only get a few glimpses of it, along with anecdotal evidence and stories passed down over the years. But throughout the history of the NBA, there have been some incredible smack-talkers.

These are the best.

The “Unicorn” grew up a massive NBA fan in Latvia and learned that the art of trash-talking was a key to survival in the NBA. So he worked on his smack talk game as a young player.

Instead of just pure insults, he figured it would be better to find very specific things to say about his opponents.

“You can be more intelligent and try to get some painful spots in that guy’s personal life,” said Porzingis.

Ja Morant is a future star in the NBA, and his confidence has never been in question.

He’ll dunk over anyone in his way.

And he’ll also drain an open three.

Luka Doncic has taken the league by storm in his first few years.

Despite being 19 in his rookie season, he was a veteran professional player in the Spanish league. Nothing intimidates him, so when opponents try and get in his head he usually has a quick response.

One of the most beloved and jovial players in NBA history, Dirk Nowitzki didn’t often try to incite fights with his trash-talking.

Instead, he would use it to make people more comfortable around him.