Basketball fans around the world eagerly await the start of each NBA season, keen to cheer on their favorite teams and players. But as much as the sport brings people together, it can also cause deep divides. In 2023, tensions are running high as we rank the most hated NBA teams. These are the squads that elicit boos and jeers from opposing fans, the ones that inspire passionate debates and heated arguments. From controversial moves on the court to off-court drama, these teams have earned their place as the most despised in the league. So grab your popcorn and get ready to see where your team ranks – this is the definitive list of the Most Hated NBA Teams of 2023.
5. Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks aren’t necessarily a hated team per se, however, they have two of the most hated and controversial players in the league today.
NBA All-Stars Trae Young and Dejounte Murray created notoriety for being the NBA’s newest villain duo. Indeed, these two are extremely talented athletes, but sometimes, they can get full of themselves. Just a few months ago, tension was brewing in the Hawks locker room between Young and the then-head coach Nate McMillan. Well, we all knew who got released by the team afterward. Then came the signing of forward Dejounte Murray. Murray sparked a lot of hate after a disrespectful attitude toward players. Unfortunately, this is not the backcourt duo Atlanta needed.
4. Golden State Warriors
Obviously, a lot of people still hate the Golden State Warriors even up to this day. They hated the team for making a superteam after recruiting Kevin Durant in 2016, and surprisingly, they still hate them now.
Players and fans have argued that the Warriors, especially Steph Curry, changed the game for the better or for the worse. But, now that this team is aging, the hate towards them seems unreasonable at this point.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
If we’re going to be brutally honest, LeBron James may be the most hated basketball player in history. And that’s a fact.
A lot of Michael Jordan fans hate LeBron. But, even at 38 years old, he still proves his doubters wrong. There’s nothing much to explain here but to say that every team LeBron James joins become the most hated in the league. Back in 2010, the Miami Heat was torched by everyone for creating a superteam with LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. Then, he went back to Cleveland and it was still the same old story. Now that he is in L.A., the hate doesn’t seem to stop.
2. Phoenix Suns
Even before Kevin Durant signed with this team, the Phoenix Suns has been the most hated team in the league. Well, that is before being dethroned by the first one on our list.
Usually, people hate teams because they’re good. Not this one. The Phoenix Suns have been getting a lot of hate mainly because their stars are unlikeable. Devin Booker, who has been deemed the next Kobe, isn’t the same as the Mamba at all. Chris Paul may be one of the best point guards in history, but he is also one of the dirtiest players we have seen. Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton was a huge disappointment. Now, with another hated NBA player in Kevin Durant, the Suns couldn’t catch a break.
1. Memphis Grizzlies
Need I say more? The Grizzlies failed at a championship but definitely won the “Most Hated Team in the NBA” award this year.
From Ja Morant’s on-court attitude and off-court legal issues to Dillon Brook’s antics, the Grizzlies have a very talented yet troubled roster. There could be a million reasons to hate this squad of misfits, but you can’t take away they’re one of the best teams in the league. Ja Morant is already a legitimate superstar, while Jaren Jackson Jr. has proven to be Grizzlies’ defensive anchor. On the other hand, Desmond Bane deserves to be appreciated as well as other players in their roster.
Do you agree with our list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
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