16 NBA Players That Don’t Get Along With Each Other
Most NBA players are usually so fiercely competitive that they would hardly give an inch to win a basketball game. In some cases, the animosity will extend to more than a couple of games, resulting in a feud.
While some of these heated battles have simmered down, a few are still just as intense or even growing in antagonism. The sometimes no-holds-encounters between these players only add more fun and intrigue to the game.
Here are some NBA players who don’t see eye-to-eye on the court
#8 Joel Embiid and Russell Westbrook
The friction between Russell Westbrook and Joel Embiid was at its peak when “Russ” was still with the OKC Thunder. Every time the Thunder and Embiid’s Philadelphia 76ers meet, fireworks always ensue between the two NBA superstars.
In 2019, a reporter asked Westbrook if he and Embiid were on good terms. The former MVP emphatically had an expletive-filled negative answer.
Russ and Embiid get into it every time they play 🍿 https://t.co/klqbiDR9Ug
Joel Embiid and Russell Westbrook have mellowed a bit over the plast two years. They’re more civil now than before but aren’t going to be buddies anytime soon.
#7 Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden
A few years ago, two of the NBA’s biggest stars were feuding. No one can pinpoint the exact reason why it started but it became the talk of the league.
Most fans are convinced that the beef started in 2019 when Giannis Antetokounmpo won the MVP over James Harden. “The Beard” had a historically-great season, averaging 34.3 points and 7.5 assists.
“I wish I could just run, and was 7 ft and run and just dunk. Like that takes no skill at all”
Wonder who James Harden is talking about 🤔
https://t.co/4cthTch1gF
“The Greek Freak” won the MVP, however, which led Harden and the Houston Rockets to say that the Milwaukee Bucks star didn’t deserve the award.
In 2022, Antetokounmpo quashed any beef, even revealing in an interview that he has a signed jersey from James Harden.