The NBA is a league populated by larger-than-life figures, both literally and figuratively. Basketball naturally attracts the ostentatious, the loud, and the extroverted, and the abundance of these players at the highest level is certainly never in doubt. Even the biggest names in the game are rarely afraid to speak their mind or engage in a little "extracurricular" on-court physicality - anything to gain an edge in a highly competitive atmosphere. As entertaining as such stars can be, often their outgoing attitudes can land them in hot water, thereby inviting scorn and hatred. From on-court pugilists to loudmouth bullies, overly-pampered egos to selfish superstars, the NBA is riddled with pantomime villains it's sometimes just too easy to despise. Although the league's representatives would outwardly claim to stamp such behaviour from the game, many basketball fans wouldn't be surprised if it was privately welcomed to drive up viewing figures and game attendances. There's no drama like real life, after all. Here are ten of the most hated players in NBA history, for one reason or another. Some appear more justified than others, but every man on this list has been forced to deal with his fair share of abuse from fans, fellow players, and the media.
