5 Players I Love to Hate, But I’d Still Want Them on My Team
Dirk Nowitzki (photo. Monte Isom)
When Bruce Bowen retired, I became fraught with emotion.
On one hand, I absolutely couldn’t wait for that dude to get the heck out of the League so I’d never have to see or hear about him again; nobody puts Baby Steve Nash in a corner or knees him in the gonads on my watch. However, I also couldn’t help thinking that if I were a Spurs fan (I’m laughing as I type this since I can’t say that with a straight face), I’d be pretty bummed that Bowen is no longer on my team.
This led to an enlightenment of sorts – are there any players that I (from a fan perspective) can’t stand, but would welcome them with open arms on my favorite team? Well, apparently there are, and here are my top 5.
5. Dirk Nowitzki – It’s impossible to count the number of times when I’ve looked at Dirk Nowitzki and wanted to punch him in the Hassellhoff. However, there is no getting around how brilliant of a player he is and the sick things he is able to do on the basketball court. The guy has unparalleled offensive skills for his size, is a genuinely good person, and I’d absolutely love him if he were a member of my team.
4. Kevin Garnett: I’ve never been a big fan of KG and his supposed “leadership” abilities. Anytime you pick a fight with someone who is a foot smaller than you and clap your hands in their face, you lose a little of my respect. Though, the guy plays his ass off every single night, and puts a major focus on the defensive end of the floor. Something that, as a Suns fan, I have a tremendous of respect for.
3. Pau Gasol – Pau is such an easy player to dislike. The way he so annoyingly pounds his chest after a fierce lay-up, the way he grimaces to apparently show that he’s ‘tough’, and…well…just the way he looks. But the guy has proven to be a clutch player, and easily makes everyone around him better while consistently playing hard. Yes, he’s nauseating, but his all-around game is ridiculously good and would fit in well with any style of play.
2. Tim Duncan – This really shouldn’t be that much of a surprise. I don’t care what team you’re a fan of; there is simply no justifiable reason why you wouldn’t want Tim Duncan on your team. He’s the greatest power forward to ever play the damn game. Even though he thinks he hasn’t fouled anyone ever, I can’t help but admire his silent passion for winning and doing so with honor and character. To be as consistent as he is, night in and night out, is awe-inspiring. I also love that he lives a simple lifestyle, and leads by example. I’d take Timmy anytime.
1. Manu Ginobili – This one physically hurts me. I actually think my nose is now bleeding. It goes against every fiber of my being, every value I’ve ever held true, and is a virtual sin against all Suns fans across the world. However, you can’t honestly tell me that if he were on your team you wouldn’t love the dude. Yes, he makes it so easy to find ways to dislike him; whether it be the large bald spot, the tears he sheds after ever drive to the basket, and the amount of heartache he’s probably caused your team there certainly isn’t a shortage of reasons to hate on Manu. But, the way he plays with such passion, heart, and fervor is remarkable. Isn’t that what you’d truly want in a player? I respect someone who goes all out every game much more than another player who is more talented and half-asses it. As much as it pains me to say it, its official, I’d take Baldy on the Suns.
What players can you not stand, but would love them if they were on your favorite team?
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September 18th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Jake says:
Being a fan of basketball in general (I dont have a favorite team, I’ll watch any game) I dont have the “hate someone but love em if there on my team” motive. Good list. If Bowen were still in the league he’d definately be #1 on this list.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Jake says:
Being a fan of basketball in general (I dont have a favorite team, I’ll watch any game) I dont have the “hate someone but love em if there on my team” motive. Good list. If Bowen were still in the league he’d definately be #1 on this list.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:10 am
doc says:
I think the top 2 here are Lebron and Kobe.Because they get more love than anybody,but at the same time get the most hate too.But your list on point.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:14 am
jihad says:
wow…3 spurs players??? really? you just hate them, dont you´
September 18th, 2009 at 9:14 am
jihad says:
(including bowen)
September 18th, 2009 at 9:21 am
karizmatic says:
Yeah your list is pretty good.
I wouldn’t want Nowitski on my team at all though, but would take him if I had to.
I hate on KG but would probably love him if he were on my team. Same with Manu.
I have to appreciate Tim Duncan’s game though. He gets no hate from me.
I used to hate on Chauncey Billups for real, but I would love that guy if he was on my team.
The last guy is Anderson VareHO (yes that is what I call him that’s how much I hate on him) But I got to realize that guy is the all out hustle energy guy that you need on you team. Even if he attempts some of the dumbest offensive moves and shots for a big guy with such a limited repertoire.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:21 am
King says:
Swayze reference that has been done to death ( no pun intended) in the last two days.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:24 am
heartbreaker85 says:
did you just call steve nash “baby?”
September 18th, 2009 at 9:26 am
sh!tfaced says:
A.K.A. The Bruce Bowen Award?
“I’ve looked at Dirk Nowitzki and wanted to punch him in the Hassellhoff.” LOL. Good one. And especially when he’s shooting free throws…
How about Anderson Vera-gina and Boozer? Naw. Fuck no, you’d still hate them no matter who they play for.
The Lakers and Celtics have a bunch of them right now…
The C’s have KG, Perk, Sheed. Pierce, Rondo and even Big Baby had their share of hate too. That’s not even counting Shelden, mostly because of the wifey.
LA has Bryant, Artest, Gasol, Fisher, Bynum, Sasha Vuja-bitch… Surprised Kobe isn’t even on the list, who wouldn’t love Mamba on their side? Just don’t be his maid though…
September 18th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Kermit the Washington says:
I can’t STAND Eddie House. But if he was droppin’ 3s for LA like he does for Boston, I would straight LOVE that dude.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Amar says:
somehow the most obvious guy isn’t on this list: Kobe
September 18th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Ross says:
Why don’t you just make a list of the 5 players on the Spurs you love to hate?
September 18th, 2009 at 10:21 am
G says:
Joakim Noah
September 18th, 2009 at 10:30 am
rangerjohn says:
ok ben,
so including bowen you say you hate 3 spurs (and former) but you would love them on your team? why not just become a spurs fan? then you can hate them and love that they are on your team already? makes more sense!
September 18th, 2009 at 10:30 am
M Intellect says:
Baby Steve Nash? [Pause]
September 18th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Pje says:
Did you know Manu Ginobili has 72% winning percentages in the NBA? Second all-time after Larry Bird. Yeah I would pick him for my team every day.
September 18th, 2009 at 10:58 am
control says:
I could honestly say I would hate Manu if he were on the Raptors. I can not watch that guy play, he ruins the game of basketball everytime he steps on the floor. I’d hate to not be able to watch my team’s games, or puke a lil’ bit each time I do because his flopping ass was out there pussying it up. God damn I truly hate Manu.
KG is one player I really hate right now, but would love it if he were on the Raps. Kobe or LeBron should be on the list too, seems everyone on this site either really hates those to or are on their jocks.
I can see Dirk being on this list, just for that stupid ‘mean goat’ face he drops everytime he does his 7ft fade away jumper over a 6′7 guy.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:02 am
control says:
Pje
Did you know that Manu played beside some guy called “Tim Duncan” for his entire career? He’s only the best power forward to play the game…
He also has flopped in 100% of the games he’s been in, and has like a 14/4/4 career average, nothing really that special.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:04 am
control says:
Also, I think Manu has a 0-5% career win percentage when both TD and TP are out.
Check TP’s win % when both Manu and TD are out, or TD’s when TP and Manu are out…it’s QUITE a bit higher…
September 18th, 2009 at 11:07 am
pain in Lebron's ass says:
FUCKIN RICKY RUBIO!..such an overrated pussy…the missing guy from the jonas brothers
September 18th, 2009 at 11:19 am
mellmeister says:
5 Players i love to hate… and wouldn’t want in my team.
1) Eddy Curry – imagine this mofo, getting his paycheck from the knicks office holding a box of kripy kreme while he at it…
2) Jerome James – He’s next in the line Eddy Curry
3) Glen “Big Baby” Davis – After hitting that game winning jump shot… damn, all the hatred i have in my guts went out and wanted to smack him in the face. Don’t act cool, “ya don’t look good hitting that jumper of yours…” you’re happy but ya look like ya whinin’…
4) Carlos Boozer – I wouldn’t wanna take someone like him on my team.
5) Yinka Dare – Don’t know if you know him… shouldn’t even set foot in the NBA.
Shelden Williams almost made it… the hate i have for that dude bagging candace parker… tsk… Woof!!!!
I’m out like Yinka’s Career.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Lee says:
Iverson – I would probably give him a pass on the hate but I wouldn’t “love” him to be on my team.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Joross says:
i hate rondo but he’s good….
September 18th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Amar says:
I don’t understand the hate on Manu, guy is a complete player, i know he’s a flop, but he’s not the only player in the league, past or present who is guilty of this. As stated before, I’m a fan of the game more then an individual team so I can’t really hate on a player.
September 18th, 2009 at 11:47 am
loganlight says:
I agree, My top 5?
Kobe
Manu
Mehmet Okur
Pierce
Tayshaun Prince
September 18th, 2009 at 11:52 am
U hate the Spurs says:
3 out of 5 are Spurs players lmao
i understand the fan hate on Bowen, and maybe even Gino..but TD?? lol u must be a Suns fan.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
mememememe says:
forgot to mention yao and his soft ass!
September 18th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
OC says:
#1 – Kobe – dish out but can’t take
#2 – Jerk No-wit-ski
#3 – Kidd n Cry
#4 – Pau – Greezy – Gasol
#5 – Shaq – nuff sed
Punch out!!!!
September 18th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
j-dub says:
@mellmeister
Yinka’s dead.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
flavur says:
5. Pau Gasol and all his try to act tough antics that always fail
4. Dirk Nowitzki and all his try to act tough antics that fail.
3. Lebron James just cus everyone is on his bandwagon constantly
2. Kendric Perkins and that ugly ass face.
1. Bruce Bowen all the knees to the groin and “accidental trips” they all piss me off but he’s so good.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
pain in Lebron's ass says:
@j-dub
im Yinka and im not dead.im just a recluse….ohh and thanks for the respect
September 18th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
pain in Lebron's ass says:
surprise surprise…nobody mentions the all dirty bastard ms. lebron james…wtf?all the labron haters start to comment only after 1 PM?
September 18th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
pain in Lebron's ass says:
OHH sorry ..favur was here.he’s the chanticleer
September 18th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
JohnnyKILLroy says:
Nocioni, Nocioni, Nocioni!!!!!!!
September 18th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Big B says:
1. Ilgauskas (This guys has me snoring Big Z’s)
2. Tim Duncan
3. Bruce Bowen
4. Sasha Vujacek (spelling?)
5. J.R. Smith (I hate everything about you!!!)
The only person on this list that I would want on my team is Tim Duncan.
Oh yeah and why does mememememe mention Yao’s soft ass? Weird!
September 18th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Sacto_J says:
Good Article. My list –
Kidd – servicably over-rated
Kobe – Just plain haterade
Pierce – How does his head fit through doorways?
Dirk – The Dirkface irritates the whole nation…
Shaq – The big promoter, the big (insert cliche here)
Coach – Phil Jackson – better than Aurback!? Better than Tony Robbins, maybe…
Looks like a freaking all-star roster. Hate em all, but would welcome them to my team in a second….Grrr….
September 18th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
jh says:
Ginobili has something that neither TD or TP have…Olympic Gold to accompany the NBA Championships. You can hate on Manu…but the cat can play.
September 18th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Cha-Ching says:
The BOSTON CELTICS entire team and organization. I’m a Lakers fan and Boston can quiz my … I hate them more then Duke. But, Larry is top ten, KG is a beast, etc. Even Duke produced some quality players but I still think the refs cheat for them.
September 18th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Cha-Ching says:
that would be kiss my… Excuse me people. I was writing this while listening to Tupac “Hit’em up”.
September 18th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Bob says:
PPl who think Ginobili is still a flopper need to actually watch Spurs games. He has toned it WAY down the last few years, Flopajao is the leader in that category these days by a long shot.
I can understand ppl hatin’ on Bowen, to a lesser extent Ginobili, but to actally hate Duncan? C’mon, that’s just jealousy talking.
September 18th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
doc says:
@jh-wow Olympic gold.Who gives a shit.Without Tim he’s nobody.
September 18th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
me says:
VC – brrr, feels like I just sinned.
September 18th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Ian says:
control
why must you do this to me? arent we friends shit man.
i know you hate the man but pleaseee dont use stats to say how good a player is if you give out the stats of antoine walker , ricky davis and corey maggette to someone that has never seen a game they would think manu is worst than all of them. so is this what you are sayin???
you said that percentage was because of tp and td im sorry is birds percentage without mchale , parish and the dude with the freckles that died? NO right.
is magics without jabbar and worthy? no right.
so why the bias agains manu?
didnt the last two seasons prove that the spurs win when manu is healthy? how many times had td lost in the first round before?? hum never take manu out and what happened??
isnt manu the go to guy in crunch time for the spurs? doesnt that alone mean hes good.
like i say hate him sure why not but dont bash him game.
doc
who cares?? well everyone but u my man that proved he can carry a team and beat your team full of nba stars. didnt he carry a team in the euroleague??
how many players have won olympic gold , nba champ and euroleague title??
JUST ONE
September 18th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
kirk says:
hate manu but the guys a winner, whiny, but he wins
plus he does some crazy shitt so i do enjoy watching him play when its not against my rocketss
September 18th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
jzsmoove says:
Ron Artest. Pau Gasol. It doesnt even have anything to do with them both being on the Lakers now. I been feeling it a while back.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
AB_40 says:
anderson varejo flopper supreme but an anoying and aprecieated defender if you’re a cleveland guy
leon powe when he was acting like ZO sreaming huffing and puffin after a good play he made.
chris paul because besides being a great passer and scorer he get’s far too much credit for his “defense” which he doesn’t excel in… check the denve NO series for proof. but he’s a top 4 point guard in the nba so I gotta respect that.
joakim noah because he’s well joakim noah
September 18th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
control says:
Hahah, sorry Ian, you know how it is when Manu comes it.
It’s ironic that you named 3 guys I can’t stand in your example. Walker, Davis and “Bad Porn”, they all play the game in a bitch ass selfish way and I hate em for it.
The ONLY respect I have for Manu is because of the opposite, the guy plays for the team, and is an excellent teammate. I just hate his theater antics on the court. There’s no room in a MAN’S game for that bullshit.
As far as the Olympic, NBA and Euroleague championships, that is kind of bullshit. If you take Kobe, and put him on ANY country’s team, he will have the same distinction. Hell, when Kobe is 44 and decides to lace em up somewhere in Italy, he’ll be on that list. That list is just a matter of opportunity, there are over 25 guys in the NBA who could go get a Euro championship if they wanted to take the pay cut.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
control says:
BTW, I hate Vergina more than Manu now. Manu is just a really deep strong hate. Vergina is such an anger that I would rip his fucking head off if I were face to face with him. It’s just disgusting that someone who has NO basketball skills at all is making 50 million dollars to play basketball.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
mr wilson says:
These are players I hate and wouldn’t care if they were on my team or not:
1)Tim Duncan (boring but yet effective)
Boris Diaw (Kobe hater)
2) Paul Pierce (better than Kobe comments, yeah right)
3) Lebron James (big azz bully go play football)
4) The entire Dallas Mavericks roster except Jason Kidd (always hated them, so wack)
5) Vince Carter (ugly, typical athlete with inconsistent jump shop)
6) Ruben Patterson (too much sh*t talking and no back up)
7) Radja Bell (sucks)
9) Jokim Noah (too much hair bouncing around)
10) Daniel Gibson (this guy has Keyshia Cole on his arms, why?)
September 18th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
mr wilson says:
Oh yeah and screw Dwight Howard and the Magic squad from last year. Howard’s offensive game is crap in the post. Another big bully….
September 18th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Ben York says:
I left Joakim Noah out because I have too much fun disliking him, and certainly don’t want him on my team.
September 18th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
A-Lid says:
who’s more overrated Lebron james or Derek jeter?
…MIND BOGGLING!
September 18th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Templeton says:
Lebron james is by far the most overrated athlete in the history of sports
September 19th, 2009 at 12:04 am
vintakular says:
notice the list is comprised mainly of suns killers…
September 19th, 2009 at 1:23 am
Sean says:
I can see Manu from a Suns fan or others, but Tim? He plays the game to perfection, he doens’t talk shyt a tall and doesn’t annoy other players like some other idiots do! BTW as a Suns fan do you not see Nash flops his azz off, when Horry hit him he looked like he got shot out of a damn cannon for GODS SAKES! Dude is beyond a flopper too but I like dude so.
I hate Verajao (Spelling), Pau Gasol from his stupid faces like he is hard after a layup or dunk trying to look tough, he is a good dude but just irks me for some reason. I also can’t stand Vince Carter at all for some reason? He is a self player IMO and a horrible jump shooter at times. AI is easy to hate on now, he won’t even try to get a lesser role to win a title and be a team player, he still wants to be the MAN when thats proven it does not work after 01 for dude, loved him that year after that not so much at all. Kobe is too easy to hate, but dude is just so damn good it’s crazy. Lebron is easy to hate too, ego so huge he gets a tape taken away of him getting dunked on in camp and doesn’t shake hands after a loss like a little girl. Marbury very easy not to like as well, that rounds out my list.
September 19th, 2009 at 1:24 am
Razzle says:
What a childish article…
September 19th, 2009 at 2:52 am
the cynic says:
not enough foreigners on the list
September 19th, 2009 at 3:49 am
EN FUEGO says:
TD hated?! What’s to hate about Timmmmeeehhh?
No Kobe. No Verajao. No Boozer. Not one Duke player. And no fucking LeBron.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:08 am
kowtz says:
3 years ago, KB24 would have topped this list…
September 19th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Flip says:
@the cynic: I hope that was sarcasm. If it was, that was an absolutely brilliant comment. I was gonna comment on the fact that Ben York chose three foreigners in his list of five people myself, too. You beat me too it, tho.
September 19th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Ian says:
control
its not bullshit look at the example u used yeah kobe could prob do it of course but none of the scrubs i mentioned that could post better stats than 14/4/4 can do it. 25 player could win in the euroleague but i doubt those 25 can carry argentina to gold in manus spot.
so doing all this elimination thing hes a top 20 player and one of the top sgs.
you know we can go back and forth for ever you on the extreme hate side and im on the opposite end besides comon man at least hes not 250 and 7′0 like divac.
September 20th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Danny Conner says:
Control
As Ian has pointed out Manu has dialed back the flopping the last 2 years . Virtually flop free.
Even when he did flop he still was fouled often and HARD.
Why, because he frustated people. Shaq and Yao are the only players fouled harder than Ginoboli. People wanted to hurt him it was obvious.
You won’t believe this. That is fine. Just my opinion.
This is fact. At the NBA Allstar game a reporter asked Kobe, ” Who do you watch when you’re not in the game”?
Kobe answered, Manu, I love his game.
In his Spike Lee documentary before playing the Spurs Kobe once again talks about Manu. The mans got mad game.
I have so much respect for his game.
This is KOBE FRIGGIN BRYANT talking. Not a fan, reporter or even a coach. Not only a player but one of the best ever saying how much RESPECT he has for Manus game.
Do you feel STUPID yet???
You seem to like Kobe do you think he is lying? Do you think you know more About basketball than Kobe???
Even people who don’t like Kobe after hearing these comments should quit hating on Manu. Hate the fact he is not on your team. Enjoy the fact that he is one of the most fierce competitors to play any game.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:11 am
the game says:
umm…control ur logic on manu ginobili makes no sense. Point 1 – EVERY PLAYER FLOPS. Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Vince Carter – every single great player flops. Check every single player that avgs over 5 free throws in a game and you tell me how they get to the line so many times. If you can sell the foul to the officials, then you are helping your team. This guys get paid millions of dollars to win, not to stand around and look pretty which unfortunately is all the toronto raptors know how to do. Manu’s career avg maybe 15-4-4 but in the league he’s a top 5 shooting guard. why because STATS aren’t everything. Manu brings the intangibles to the table – the hustle, fast break points, controlling the pace and tempo of the game, clutch plays and the humility to recognize and respect the role that’s given to him. not many people appreciate what manu ginobili brings to the table and the ones that hate on him (casual & stats fans) are about the same as those who says Kobe is better then MJ
September 22nd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
ape says:
2SPURS FANS ON CONTROL & OTHER WHINERS WITH FINGER CALLUS’
YOU CAN’T EXPLAIN A CHAMPION TO A FAN OF LOSSERS. EAT YOUR
BEEFS 2 MAINTAIN THE MORAL HIGH GROUND (LIKE THE
SPURS) IF YOU MUST QUARREL KEEP IT BETWEEN WINNERS. AS
FAR AS BOSTON L.A. GO- OUR FAN OPINIONS REALLY DON’T
AFFECT THE BALL PLAY! HERE’S A NOVEL IDEA LET THE SEASON
START B4 WE JUMP TO THE DEFENSE OF A PERENIAL ALL-STAR.
CHANCES ARE GINOBOLI WILL DO ALL OUR TALKING…