There are the hated ones, and there are the beloved ones. Since we’re only giving out good vibes and energy, we’re picking the latter. These individuals have not only mastered the art of basketball but have also crafted a public image that transcends team loyalties, making them almost universally appreciated across the basketball community. And here it is, 5 of the most beloved NBA players today who have seemingly zero haters.
5. NBA star with zero haters: Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP, has had a roller-coaster career due to career-ending injuries in the past. But, thankfully, he was able to bounce back. If you’re going to hate, at least hate DRose’s knees.
Rose was the youngest player to be ever named an MVP and looked like his path to success was already laid out in front of him. Unfortunately, injuries happened. Because of his passion and dedication, Rose was able to return – although not in his old self – and perform in the NBA again. He is loved by the city of Chicago and is still receiving a lot of love from any team he plays on.
4. Best teammate ever: Mike Conley
Veteran point guard Mike Conley has always been the most professional guy in a league filled with “professional” players. Many of his teammates say that he’s a nice guy and a great locker-room presence.
Throughout his career, Conley only has one (1) flagrant foul and he was never given a technical foul nor was he ever ejected from a game. In addition to that, he has won the Sportsmanship Award four times and was even awarded a Teammate of the Year trophy, which definitely sums up how good of a human he is, on and off the court.
Although he was always underrated and was never selected in the All-Star game, Mike Conley was an essential part of the shocking success of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grit and Grind era featuring Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Tony Allen.
3. All love for Kevin Love
Mostly remembered for his time in Minnesota and Cleveland, the former All-Star virtually almost has zero haters. He isn’t just considered one of the most handsome basketball players ever, he also has a beautiful soul.
Although the 5-time All-Star seems to already have it all, he had a time in his career when he suffered serious mental health issues (i.e. panic attack). Because of that, Love has been an active mental health ambassador and started the Kevin Love Fund, an organization that provides mental and physical health resources for students and teachers. What a great guy!
2. Everybody wants Bobi: Boban Marjanovic
Boban Marjanovic is the perfect depiction of what the BFG or Big Friendly Giant would look like in real life. The 7-foot-4 center is one of the tallest players in NBA history. Aside from his towering nature, Bobi is also one of the most beloved guys in the league, both by fans and players.
His teammates have spoken highly of the Serbian athlete and everything told about him has nothing more but kind things. His team, teammates, crowd, and everyone loves Bobi!
1. Most beloved big man: Steven Adams
Honestly, I don’t know anyone who has ever hated Steven Adams. Aquaman, err, I mean, Adams, is a great teammate. Not only is he a very reliable center who can give you double-digit rebounds, but he’s also the type of player who will go the distance to save his teammates. Maybe that’s an overstatement, but the Kiwi big man may be just that.
As one of Russell Westbrook’s favorite teammates (if not the No.1 favorite), Adams was proven to be always kind, even to his opponents. Remember when he caught Mason Plumlee so that he wouldn’t get injured? Instead of an easy basket, Steven Adams chose the well-being of his defender. That right there, is 100% pure sportsmanship.