Trash talking has always been an overlooked root of sports. Like it or not, it is part of the game. The same applies to the sport of basketball. As a result, the NBA has had some impressive trash talkers over the years. With that in mind, who are the three best trash talkers in NBA history? Without further adieu, let’s rank the three best trash talkers in NBA history.
The Three Best Trash Talkers in NBA History
NBA Trash Talker #3: Michael Jordan
What is there left to say about Michael Jordan? He is already the greatest of all time and he never gave less than 100% in anything he did. The same goes for his trash talking. Whether it was literally telling Byron Scott he was going to drop 50 points on him and keeping true to his word or shooting a free throw left-handed and making it after being harassed by Dikembe Mutombo, Jordan never backed down from a challenge. We already knew he was extremely competitive, but many fans still underestimate him as a trash talker to this day. Jordan is also very competitive in other avenues such as golf or even gambling.
NBA Trash Talker #2: Reggie Miller
This one should come as no surprise. Everyone remembers the infamous game where Miller made the choke gesture towards Spike Lee during the game against the New York Knicks. However, there are many other examples that prove that Reggie Miller is one of the greatest trash talkers of all time. He had no fear. He did not back down from anyone including Michael Jordan.
Reggie Miller made his name on the court as both a great shooter and an amazing trash talker. If you let Miller get into your head, it was game over. Just ask many other players who fell victim to the Pacers’ legend’s antics. However, there is still one NBA legend who surpasses both Miller and Jordan in terms of trash talking. First, let’s list some honorable mentions. Names that almost made the list include Kobe Bryant, John Starks, Rasheed Wallace, and Kevin Garnett.
#1: Larry Bird
Larry Bird is one of the greatest players of all time. He is also the greatest trash talker of all time. The stories about Larry Legend’s trash-talking are endless. Whether it was asking all the contestants in the three-point contest “who is coming in second?” or telling Xavier McDaniel how he was going to score on him, Bird knew how to get into an opponent’s head.
Bird also had heated battles with other NBA legends like Reggie Miller and Dominique Wilkins. Who could forget the infamous scrum that broke out between the Hawks and Celtics?! There are even more stories about Bird roasting his opponents and many other NBA greats will admit Bird was the biggest savage of them all. With this in mind, he is truly the GOAT of trash talking.
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