The 15 Best NBA Trash Talkers of 2023- An Updated List

Remember when Paul Pierce famously told LeBron James, “I don’t believe you, you need more people,” during the 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals? This moment will go down in history as one of the best trash talking moments in the NBA. 

Pierce’s confidence and quick wit in the face of one of the league’s biggest superstars made it clear that he was not intimidated and was ready to bring his A-game. And, of course, this moment helped fuel the Celtics’ eventual victory in the series.

This is just one example of how good trash talkers can make a difference. I’m sure we all have our favorite trash talking moments from players, and that’s what we’re here to talk about today. So let’s dive in and see who makes the list of the best trash talkers in NBA history.

List of 15 Best Trash Talkers in NBA History

1. Larry Bird

Larry Bird, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was also known for his sharp tongue and quick wit. Bird’s trash talking was legendary, as he could use his words to get under the skin of his opponents or even leave them laughing. He was a master of the mental game, and his trash talking was just one more tool in his arsenal to gain an advantage on the court.

In one famous incident, Bird was playing against the Detroit Pistons, and their star player, Isiah Thomas, struggled with his shots. Bird walked over to Thomas and said, “Hey Zeke, why don’t you give it up? You can’t shoot worth a damn today.” Thomas was so frustrated by Bird’s trash-talking that he missed even more shots, and the Celtics went on to win the game.

In this instance, Bird used his words to gain an advantage on the court, showing his competitiveness and ability to use words to his advantage. In the long run, Larry Bird will be remembered as one of the most memorable trash talkers in the history of the NBA.

2. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his trash-talking abilities were just as legendary as his basketball skills. Jordan was known for his intense competitiveness and his willingness to do whatever it took to win, including getting in his opponent’s head with his words. He used his quick wit and humor to mock his opponents and get under their skin, which often threw them off their game.

One of Jordan’s most famous trash-talking moments came during the 1992 NBA Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers. Gary Trent guarded Jordan, and during a timeout, Trent trash-talked Jordan about his age and how he was slowing down. Jordan responded by scoring 25 points in the quarter and famously telling Trent, “Age is just a number. I can still play.”

Jordan’s trash-talking ability was just one more weapon in his arsenal, and it was a big part of what made him one of the most feared and respected players of all time. Whether it was making his opponent laugh or losing their cool, Jordan knew how to use his words to gain the upper hand on the court.

3. Gary Payton

Gary Payton, also referred to as “The Glove” for his impressive defense, was known for his talent in trash talking. He would get into the heads of his opponents and distract them with his words, causing frustration. Payton was so skilled in this aspect that he was able to get under the skin of some of the biggest stars in the league, including Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

One of Payton’s most memorable trash talking moments occurred during the 1996 NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls. He was playing against Jordan and the two engaged in a heated battle on and off the court. Payton’s persistent trash talking was reported to have gotten under Jordan’s skin, causing him to miss important shots, which led to a win for the Seattle Supersonics.

Aside from his trash talking, Payton was a talented basketball player. He was selected for the NBA All-Defensive First Team 9 times and was a 9-time All-Star. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying his place as one of the best point guards in NBA history.

Gary Payton was a renowned trash talker in the NBA, leaving a lasting impact on the game with his legendary moments on the court.

4. Reggie Miller

One of the most legendary moments in NBA history was Miller’s trash talking of the New York Knicks in the 1990s. In the deciding Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 1995, Miller scored eight points in the final 8.9 seconds to lead the Indiana Pacers to a stunning victory over the Knicks. After hitting the game-winning three-pointer, Miller famously turned to the Knicks’ bench and made a choking gesture, referring to their infamous choke in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals.

Another favorite moment was in the 2000 Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. In Game 1, Miller got into a heated exchange with Lakers’ superstar Kobe Bryant, and after hitting a clutch three-pointer, Miller famously shrugged his shoulders and whispered, “Kobe, how do you like me now?”

These are just a few examples of how Miller was not afraid to use his words to get under his opponents’ skin and gain a mental edge on the court. Miller was a master at using his quick wit and humor to get under his opponents’ skin, and his trash talking will always be remembered as some of the best in NBA history.

5. Kobe Bryant

Kobe, known for his competitive drive and relentless pursuit of success, was also one of the most skilled trash talkers in the NBA. He used his words as a tool to get in the heads of his opponents and gain an advantage on the court.

One of the most famous moments of Kobe’s trash talking came during a game against the Boston Celtics. In the middle of a heated exchange with Paul Pierce, Kobe famously told Pierce, “I’m going to knock you down, then I’m going to jump on your chest.” The exchange fired up both players, and the game became even more intense.

Another memorable moment came during a game against the Chicago Bulls. Defenders were guarding Kobe, and he told them, “You can’t guard me, I’m Kobe Bryant.” This statement showed his confidence and dominance on the court, and it became one of his signature trash talking moments.

Overall, Kobe Bryant was not afraid to use his words as a weapon, and his trash talking was just as much a part of his legacy as his five championship rings.

6. Draymond Green

Draymond Green is a player who is known for his brash confidence on the court, and that confidence extends to his trash talking as well. 

Throughout his career, Green has been known to get under the skin of his opponents with his words, often leading to on-court confrontations. One of his most memorable trash talking moments came during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016. Green was jawing back and forth with Thunder star Russell Westbrook, and things escalated when Westbrook warned Green to “watch your mouth.” Green simply responded with a smile and a sarcastic “Oh, I’m so scared.”

Another memorable moment came during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals. Green was going back and forth with LeBron James, and when James missed a critical free throw late in the game, Green could be heard shouting “that’s what’s wrong with you” at James.

These moments are just a few examples of the type of trash talking that has made Green one of the best in the game today. He may not have the quick wit of some other players, but his confidence and willingness to engage in trash talking make him a force to be reckoned with on the court.

7. Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett, also known as “The Big Ticket”, was a force to be reckoned with both on and off the court. His relentless energy and intense competitiveness made him one of the most fierce competitors in NBA history. Garnett’s trash talking was known to be clever, witty, and often times brutal.

One of Garnett’s most famous trash talking moments came during a game against the New York Knicks. After getting into a heated exchange with Carmelo Anthony, Garnett walked past the Knicks bench and said, “You’re not about this life”. The comment quickly went viral and became a popular catchphrase among fans.

Another example came during a game against the Miami Heat when Garnett got into a shouting match with LeBron James. In response to James talking trash to Garnett, Garnett retorted, “I don’t play with regular marbles, I play with big boy marbles”.

Garnett’s trash talking skills were not only limited to on-court exchanges. He also had a reputation for being one of the most vocal players in the locker room, often motivating his teammates and getting under opponents’ skin with his words.

8. Charles Barkley 

Charles Barkley was known for his bold and brash personality on and off the court. On the court, he wasn’t afraid to let his opponents know how he felt, often using his wit and humor to get under their skin. One of his most memorable trash-talking moments came during a game against the Detroit Pistons. After Barkley was fouled hard, he got up and famously shouted at the Pistons bench, “I may be ugly, but you’re ugly, and you’re going to jail!”

Another classic moment came during a game against the New York Knicks when Barkley was getting into a heated exchange with Patrick Ewing. Barkley calmly leaned in and told Ewing, “I’m not even going to fight you because if I hit you, it will ruin your whole day.” This comment not only diffused the situation but also showed Barkley’s confidence and ability to use his words to control the court.

Barkley’s trash talking ability was a big part of what made him such a beloved and entertaining player, and it’s a testament to his larger-than-life personality that he could use it to his advantage on the court.

9. Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson, also known as “The Answer,” was one of the most electrifying players in NBA history. Not only was he a phenomenal scorer and ball handler, but he was also known for his ability to talk trash on the court. Among his most famous trash talking moments are:

“We talkin’ ’bout practice?” This is one of Iverson’s most famous quotes, and it came from a press conference in 2002 after he was criticized for missing practice. In the press conference, he famously said, “We’re sitting here, I’m supposed to be the franchise player, and we’re talking about practice. I mean, listen, we’re talking about practice, man.”

Trash talking Michael Jordan. During a game against the Washington Wizards, Iverson was matched up against Michael Jordan. Iverson famously told Jordan, “You can’t guard me.” Jordan responded with a series of buckets and a win, but the moment has become part of NBA lore.

“I don’t miss shots, I miss opportunities.” This quote from Iverson perfectly sums up his confidence on the court. He wasn’t afraid to take big shots and always believed he would make them.

10. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal, also known as “Shaq”, was one of the most dominant and physically imposing players in NBA history. He was known for his larger-than-life personality both on and off the court, and his trash talking was no exception.

One of Shaq’s most memorable trash talking moments was when he famously referred to Lakers’ rival Kobe Bryant as “the biggest sidekick in the game.” This comment was made after Kobe was unable to lead the Lakers to victory in a game against the Kings, and Shaq was quick to jump on the opportunity to rib his former teammate.

Another instance of Shaq’s trash talking was during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. When Mavericks’ player Dirk Nowitzki attempted a free throw, Shaq famously yelled “that’s a rim shot!” to distract him. Shaq’s antics were not only entertaining for fans, but they also served as a form of mental warfare against his opponents.

11. Charles Oakley

Charles Oakley was known for being a tough and physical player, and he also brought that intensity to his trash talking on the court. One famous instance of his trash talking came during a game against the New York Knicks, when he got into a heated exchange with Knicks’ forward Charles Smith. Oakley famously told Smith, “Don’t come at me with that weak stuff, bring the real stuff.” The exchange fired up Oakley and his teammates, and they went on to win the game.

Another famous trash talking moment from Oakley came during a game against the Miami Heat when he got into it with Alonzo Mourning. On camera, Oakley told Mourning, “Don’t come at me, Zo. I’ll break you in half.” The exchange showed Oakley’s fiery competitive spirit and willingness to engage in some playful trash talk.

Overall, Charles Oakley was one of the most intense and physical players in the NBA, and his trash talking was just an extension of that intensity. Whether it was getting into it with opposing players or motivating his own team, Oakley never shied away from a little bit of good-natured trash talk.

12. Rasheed Wallace

Rasheed Wallace was known for being one of the most vocal players in NBA history. He was so well known for his trash talking that many players were intimidated by him before even stepping on the court. He was never shy to speak his mind, whether it was to an opponent or a referee.

One of his famous trash talking moments was when he was playing against the Miami Heat in the 2004 playoffs. He was seen shouting at the Miami bench, “Ball don’t lie!” after a controversial call. The phrase became so popular that it is still used by players, fans, and commentators today.

Another legendary moment of his was when he famously told the Indiana Pacers’ Reggie Miller to “just shut up and play” during a heated game. These moments endeared him to fans, who loved his unapologetic and bold personality. Wallace’s trash talking became a big part of his legacy and cemented his status as one of the greats in NBA history.

13. Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce, also known as “The Truth,” was known for his bold and confident trash talking on the court. Pierce was known for his clutch performances and fearlessness on the court, and his trash talking was a reflection of that confidence. In the 2008 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Pierce infamously guaranteed a Game 7 victory, saying, “We’re going to win Game 7, period.” He then scored 41 points in the decisive game, leading the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship.

Another memorable moment was in a 2001 playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers, where Pierce engaged in a heated trash talking battle with 76ers forward Aaron McKie. The two exchanged words throughout the game, but Pierce had the last laugh, hitting a game-winning shot and pointing at McKie as he ran back on defense.

Pierce’s trash talking was never mean-spirited but rather a way to fire up his teammates and himself. He was known for his competitive spirit and love for the game, and trash talking was another aspect of that fierce determination.

14. John Starks

John Starks, nicknamed “The Dunking Demon”, was known for his relentless energy and intensity on the court. This extended to his trash talk, as he was never afraid to get in the face of his opponents. Starks used his trash talk to motivate himself to play even harder, and it often had the desired effect on his opponents as well.

One of Starks’ most famous trash talk moments came during a game against the Chicago Bulls, when he told Michael Jordan, “You’re just lucky you’re Michael Jordan!” Despite playing against one of the greatest players in NBA history, Starks was not intimidated, and his confidence showed through in his trash talk.

Starks’ trash talk was always delivered with a smile and a confident swagger, which made it even more effective. He was known for his never-say-die attitude and relentless competitiveness, both on and off the court.

15. Scottie Pippen 

Scottie Pippen was known for his versatility on the court and his sharp wit and clever trash talking. He was a key member of the Chicago Bulls’ championship dynasty in the 1990s and was known for his ability to get under the skin of his opponents with well-timed trash talk.

One of Pippen’s most famous trash talk moments came during a playoff series against the New York Knicks. After a particularly physical play, Pippen looked at the Knicks’ enforcer, Charles Oakley, and calmly said, “I hope you have insurance.” This simple trash talk was enough to get under Oakley’s skin and help the Bulls gain a psychological advantage in the series.

Pippen’s trash talk was always delivered with a sly smile, which made it all the more effective. He was known for his quiet confidence and ability to let his game do the talking, but when he chose to trash talk, he made sure it was memorable.

Wrapping Up Thoughts

It’s always fascinating to see how trash talking can add an extra layer of intensity and excitement to the game. Whether it’s Michael Jordan’s famous “talk the talk, walk the walk” attitude or Draymond Green’s sharp tongue, these players have become legends in their own right.

As we come to the end of this discussion, I encourage all of you to share your own thoughts and experiences on the topic. Who are your favorite trash talkers? What do you think makes a player a great trash talker? Let’s continue the conversation and keep the love for the game of basketball alive. Thank you once again for joining me.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who talks the most trash in the NBA? 

Draymond Green is widely known to be one of the best trash-talkers in the NBA. He has a reputation for getting under his opponents’ skin with his words, often completely changing the game’s momentum. Paul Pierce and LeBron James are also known for their verbal ability on the court, as they can provide additional motivation to their teams or throw off opponents with clever verbal jabs.

Who is the best trash talkers in the NBA 2022? 

It is too early to tell who will be the best trash talker in 2022. Still, some potential contenders could include Joel Embiid, who is known for his witty remarks both on and off the court, Kyrie Irving, whose passion for winning could lead to some memorable interactions and Kawhi Leonard who has been praised for his stoic and calm confidence that unsettles opponents.

Do NBA players trash talk? 

Trash talking is a common occurrence among professional basketball players. It serves multiple purposes, such as motivating players or amusing spectators. It can help bring an extra level of competition to a game and can help tip it in one team’s favor if used strategically by specific team members.

Who is the most unstoppable player in NBA history? 

Michael Jordan was one of the most unstoppable forces ever seen on a basketball court. His combination of speed, agility, power, and competitive spirit made him nearly impossible to defend against at times. With Jordan leading them, his teams won six championships throughout his career, hailing him as one of the greatest ever to play the game.