There is an art to trash talk. Not everyone can do it. And when some players try, they are sent packing by those more adept at gab jab. My favorite all time trash talk story was when Kevin Garnett admitted Tim Duncan was unflappable, poked in a quiet way, and simply ruined opponents by simply dominating the game.
That said, trash talk is a big part of the game. Curiosity begs the question of from whence it derived. For sure, it existed on playgrounds and neighborhoods courts. Japery development is as much
of the game as learning how to free throw. But there was a time when basketball was a “gentleman’s” game. In order to play in the NBA each man had to have a college degree and could not have any tattoos. The men who played in the early days couldn’t fathom the verbal assaults that players endure today. Those days are long gone (can you imagine all the talent unavailable if tattoos were outlawed?) and now smack talk is 100% a art of the game. It is a tool used toward an upper hand…until it crosses a line.
So who are the habitual line steppers whose trash talk was as integral to their game as a fast break layup?
As the summer lingers on, Bleacher Report continues to offer interesting content to fill the days between Summer League and Preseason. They’ve added an installment of the “Top 50 Trash-Talkers Ever” and while some names seem like a shoo-in, there are others who should have possibly ranked higher.
Let’s start with the former Spurs on the list:
#16 Dennis Rodman, who spent two seasons with the Spurs, definitely belongs on this list. He spent so much of his career getting into opponent’s heads. Rodman didn;t just trash-talk, he’d push and jockey for position. During plays, between plays, after the whistle blew, Rodman’s entire technique was to push guys to their limit. The fact that he took pleasure in the confrontation infuriated players from both sides even more.
#18 Chris Paul was hated by Spurs fans hated him for so many years…until he signed on for a year. And that’s what you want in a trash-talker – someone who you hate to play against and love to have on your side. Paul, one of the most celebrated point guards of all time spent years poking at opponents.
#23 Chuck Person, aka “The Rifleman,” was with the Spurs from 1994-1998. The sharpshooter had a propensity to aggravate his opponents, with his shot as well as verbally.
#24 Stephen Jackson had two stints with the San Antonio Spurs. The first from 2001-2003 resulting in a championship. The second from 2012-2013 allowing the Spurs to trade away Richard Jefferson. For those unaware of Jackson’s verbal style and tone, check out his digital video podcast All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. His partner, Matt Barnes, is #31 on the list, so you can imagine what their show is like.
#43 Like Captain Jack, Vernon Maxwell also had two tenures with the Spurs. The first from 1988-1990, his first two years in the league, and then again from 1996-1997. He was known for his altercations not only with opposing players, but with fans.
As I was sifting through old video footage one thing was consistent. No matter whose name a put next to the words “trash talk” in search engines, inevitably video results consisted of that player in an altercation with Larry Bird. There should be little surprise that Larry Bird is the #1 trash-talker of all time.
You can see the entire list HERE.
Do you agree? Should anyone be added or amended? Were there any names that surprised you? Personally, I don’t see Kevin Durant as more acerbic than Dennis Rodman. I’ve also heard Luka Doncic trash talk and I am curious if cuts as deep when it requires subtitles. Finally, shouldn’t Dillon Brooks be higher on the list considering his trash talk overshadows most other facets of his skill set?
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