11 of the Most Bizarre Off-Court Confrontations in NBA History
The NBA has seen its share of in-game drama, but some of the strangest conflicts happened when no whistle was involved. Locker rooms, team buses, and even practice courts have hosted some truly odd altercations. Here’s a look at 10 off-court run-ins that were anything but routine.
Carmelo Anthony Waited Outside a Bus for Kevin Garnett
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After exchanging some words during a 2013 game, Carmelo Anthony wasn’t ready to let it go. He tried to approach Kevin Garnett near the locker room postgame, but when that didn’t work, he stood by the Celtics’ team bus waiting for him. Nothing came of it, but the NBA issued a one-game suspension anyway.
Chris Mills Tried to Restart a Fight by Blocking a Bus
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Following a 2002 scuffle with Bonzi Wells after a game, Chris Mills tried to continue the dispute by approaching Portland’s locker room, then escalated things by parking his car in front of the Trail Blazers’ bus. He and his entourage challenged the team to come outside.
Latrell Sprewell Returned to Practice After Grabbing His Coach
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During a Warriors practice in 1997, Latrell Sprewell became fed up with coach P.J. Carlesimo and physically grabbed him by the neck. Players broke it up, and Sprewell left the gym, but only briefly. Minutes later, he came back, reportedly threatening Carlesimo again. The NBA suspended him for 68 games.
Isiah Thomas Was Left Off the Dream Team, Reportedly by Request
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Despite being one of the top guards of his era, Isiah Thomas didn’t make the 1992 Olympic team. It’s long been reported that Michael Jordan didn’t want him on the roster. Their rivalry had boiled over in previous playoff matchups, and Jordan had the clout to make things happen.
Kwame Brown Tossed a Cake and Drove Off in a Limo
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In a strange 2007 incident, a man carrying a large sheet cake on a Los Angeles sidewalk asked Ronny Turiaf for a photo. Turiaf agreed. Kwame Brown, also present, grabbed the cake and threw it at the man for no apparent reason. Lamar Odom’s bodyguard then reportedly shoved the same man after he complained.
Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone Took Their Rivalry to Wrestling
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Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone once appeared in a professional wrestling match as opponents, weeks after facing off in the 1998 NBA Finals. Rodman teamed with Hulk Hogan, while Malone joined Diamond Dallas Page. The entire thing was staged, but their competitive tension felt real.
Draymond Green Threw a Punch at a Teammate During Practice
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A Warriors practice turned awkward after Draymond Green and Jordan Poole exchanged heated words in 2022. Green suddenly threw a punch, and Poole dropped to the floor. The footage leaked and spread online within days. The team fined Green, and though he wasn’t suspended, it sparked months of internal tension.
DeMarcus Cousins Confronted a Broadcaster After a Loss
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Following a game against the Spurs in 2012, DeMarcus Cousins took issue with postgame comments made by San Antonio commentator Sean Elliott. Elliott had criticized Cousins’ attitude toward Tim Duncan. After the broadcast, Cousins approached Elliott near the court and challenged him about the remarks, which later led the league to issue a suspension for the confrontation.
Zach Randolph and Kendrick Perkins Took Things Off the Floor
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A Thunder-Grizzlies matchup in 2014 saw Zach Randolph and Kendrick Perkins exchange words across the lane. Both were ejected. What made the exchange memorable happened after—Perkins reportedly rushed into the hallway, and Randolph followed. Officers and arena staff separated them before anything more happened.
Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton Brought a Card Dispute to the Locker Room
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It began as a disagreement over money during a card game between teammates, but quickly turned into one of the league’s strangest headlines. Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton argued over a debt during the 2009 season. The disagreement spilled into the locker room, where both reportedly made threats.