The 25 most eccentric NBA players of all time

Formerly known as Chris Jackson, who was an All-American point guard at LSU in the late 1980s and early '90s, and spent parts of nine seasons in the NBA, and also competed in the Big 3. However, he's likely best known for stirring up controversy. Abdul-Rauf, who converted to Islam and changed his name in 1993. During the 1994-95 season, he refused to stand for the "The Star-Spangled Banner" before games, in protest of the flag. He also claimed that the September 11, 2001 attacks on America were an "inside job" and has lived with a moderate form of Tourette syndrome.

The man known as "Agent 0" has towed the line between eccentricity and criminality. Also nicknamed "Hibachi" for the ability to "cook" his opponents, the All-Star guard was part of that infamous locker room gun situation with Washington teammate Javaris Crittenton, which did not result in any shots fired. Then were was a reported case of Arenas defecating in teammate Andray Blatche’s shoes, as part of a spat between the two. Of course, Arenas averaged 20.7 points during his 11-year career, was quite charitable, and even has his own podcast, but in 2025, he was probed by the Feds for an illegal gambling operation.

Ever since his college days at Auburn, Barkley has been a larger-than-life figure. The "Round Mound of Rebound" was the SEC Player of the Year and an 11-time NBA All-Star. He could be an agitator on the court, but generally quite lovable. Especially in his post-playing days, when he transitioned to broadcasting and became a popular commercial star. Barkley is generally loved more for being a character than a consistent source of knowledge. Yet, Barkley, who likes to have fun and doesn't take himself too seriously, offers excellent insight when getting into the mind of a player and addressing the emotion of the game.

Butler has had an interesting NBA career, to say the very least. But when focused, he's still one of the best in the game. He's about to enter his 15th NBA season in 2025-26, and in addition to being a six-time All-Star with more than 15,800 points scored, he's blossomed into quite the free spirit and out-of-the-box thinker. Butler, who likes to surprise with his hairstyles, cameoed in music videos by Luke Bryan and Fall Out Boy and ran a coffee business during the NBA Bubble of 2020

Chamberlain holds a host of NBA records, notably his 100-point game from 1962 and 23,924 career rebounds, But off the court, Chamberlain was a celebrity of the largest stature. He rarely slept, had a house that rivaled the Playboy mansion in style, flair and amenities, and especially when it came to throwing parties. His notorious status as a ladies' man was perhaps more legendary than his achievements on the hardwood. Jazz composer Thad Jones composed the piece "Big Dipper" in Chamberlain's honor.

The man known as "Chocolate Thunder," for his forceful play around the rim, Dawkins starred for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1970s and early 1980s. He also won his only NBA title with Detroit in 1989. The 6-11, 250-pound Dawkins embraced his image as a power player and dunking machine. The late Dawkins appeared at WrestleMania II and was known to hit the town looking for a good time -- often to his own detriment. 

Lloyd Free was an All-Star shooting guard who enjoyed a successful 13-year career (1975-76-1987-88) in the NBA, notably with Philadelphia, the San Diego Clippers, Golden State and Cleveland. Born in Atlanta, Free grew up in Brooklyn and was known for his high-arcing jump shots. He liked to rap in freestyle form and changed his name in late 1981 as a nod to his playground days when friends dubbed him "All World," for his ability on the basketball court. 

The 6-foot-10 Haley's NBA career spanned parts of nine seasons (1988-89-1997-98), but featured just 341 games played and 54 starts. However, Haley won an NBA title with Chicago in 1996 and was considered a happy-go-lucky teammate who liked to have fun and was the ultimate cheerleader from the bench. Haley, who grew up in Southern California and liked to surf, was known for his close friendship with Bulls teammate Dennis Rodman (more on him in a bit). Sadly, Haley passed away from heart issues in 2015, at age 51.

"The Beard" averages more than 24 points in his career that began in 2009-10, and he is a former NBA Most Valuable Player. Yet, he’s played for six teams and is often questioned as to whether he's a good teammate. Now, Harden does exude a carefree demeanor and tends to march to the beat of his own drum (Does he really not go on the Internet?). Perhaps that's why Harden also has never passed up a shot he does not like while shooting roughly 44 percent and attempting more than 18,600 shots during his stellar NBA career.

Irving is a true enigma.  A great talent since breaking into the league in 2011, and a nine-time All-Star, Irving can be pretty odd. He's claimed to believe the Earth is flat and sided with other conspiracy theories surrounding COVID-19, anti-semitism, and President John F. Kennedy's assassination. On the court, Irving doesn't always like to play hurt and seems to be a fan of the ever-popular “personal reasons” to miss time.

Of course, AI will be on this list. Iverson was an NBA Most Valuable Player (2001) and an 11-time All-Star during a strong career that was clouded by controversy. He could be a somewhat disruptive figure, no matter where he played in the NBA. His seemingly carefree attitude and presumed arrogance clashed with coaches like Larry Brown, Chris Ford, and Jim O’Brien. Of course, fans know well his disdain for “practice."

OK, eccentric might not be the right term to describe Magic, but he's one of the more outgoing and fun-loving athletes of all time. In addition to being one of the greatest basketball players to ever grace a court. The Hall-of-Famer and five-time NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) has always been a character. Remember his short-lived late-night talk show The Magic Hour? It's OK, most don't. He also had his own chain of movie theaters and created a cable television network (Aspire).

A two-time All-Star, Marbury had plenty of talent, and he seemed to know it.. Marbury seemed to be more concerned with his status off the court than on it. Hence the nickname "Starbury." And, while he clashed with prominent coaches like Larry Brown and Isiah Thomas, Marbury played 13 years in the NBA (1996-97-2008-09), including a lov/hate late-career run with his hometown New York Knicks. However, once his career ended, Marbury's penchant for the spotlight has fueled a second career. He's active on social media, had a musical created about his life, hosted a talk show ( Stars on Stars), and is beloved by Chinese basketball fans.

The 7-foot-5 Nevitt is one of the tallest players to ever play in the NBA. Actually, during his nine-year career (1982-83-1993-94), Nevitt saw action in just 155 games, with no starts. But, he actually won a title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985, and was close friends with Houston teammate Hakeem Olajuwon, with whom he would scrimmage often, and would always great the game officials as an "honorary" captain, alongside the star center, prior to games. Nevitt, who sported a bushy mustache, was dubbed the "Human Victory Cigar" for usually seeing action only late in one-sided games.

O’Neal did plenty of complaining and often allowed his ego to get in the way of things while starring alongside the late, great Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers. In Miami, Shaq also had his issues, but overall, the 15-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion (2000-2002 , 2006) is one of the legendary characters in all of sports. To this day, Shaq is still entertaining, whether as a basketball analyst, commercial star, or everyday funny man. Sure, his ego would often get in the way, but Shaq is a kid at heart.

In a case where looks can be deceiving, Rambis was a beast on the court while helping the Los Angeles Lakers win four championships (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988). Doing so with his trademark black, horn-rimmed glasses and bushy mustache. Rambis, who seemed the perfect complement to the Lakers' "showtime" image of the day, was among the team's most popular players for his hard-nosed play. He also took advantage of his proximity to Hollywood, making guest spots on such television favorites as 7th Heaven and The Commish.

When you are one of the best rebounders in the history of the NBA (11,954 boards), eventually teammates, coaches and fans will put up with the antics that made Rodman one of the great characters in all of sports, from his tattooed-coverage body, multiple piercings and colorful hair, Rodman was a show himself, seemingly every time he stepped on the court during his stellar NBA career (1986-87-1999-2000), that featured five world championships. Sure, Rodman had no trouble stirring up controversy (fights, disappearing from the team), but he was, and still is, highly entertaining.

In the case of the legendary Russell, his well-known intensity for all aspects of the game often bordered on the eccentric. The 11-time NBA champion and five-time MVP, Russell liked to nap during practice as a way to recharge and would study individual opponents in almost obsessive detail. Then there was Russell's personal nature. He was a very private figure during his playing days, did not sign autographs, and was often considered aloof by the media and fans.

Also known as Metta World Peace (a name change based on unity), or Ron Artest. Artest was a solid NBA player over a 17-season career. However, he could also be a loose cannon and had a short fuse. NBA fans probably remember that incident in November 2004 in the Palace of Auburn Hills when he got into a skirmish on the court. Then, after lying on the scorer’s table, he was pelted with a drink from a fan. That led to Artest hopping into the stands and eventually attacking an innocent fan – causing a brawl. Then again, he was also on Dancing with the Stars, showed up on the Comedy Central sketch show Key and Peele , and also competed on Celebrity Big Brother and The Masked Singer.

The New York Times reported in 2012 that Smith might be the most heavily tattooed player in NBA history. Smith, who played from 2004-'20, drew plenty of attention to himself during that career, and did well to energize the home crowds. He's one of the only people to tick off LeBron James (notably for his questionable tea play), but also helped Cleveland win its first title in 2016. While Smith had several brushes with the law, he was certainly quirky and remains so post-NBA. He went back to college and made the golf team at North Carolina A&T State and is an avid Esports competitor.

The enigmatic and often volatile Sprewell was a quality basketball player when focused. Nobody can argue that “Spree” couldn’t play. He averaged 18.3 points over 13 seasons with three teams. However, Sprewell was always about himself, and it didn't matter who got in his way. Like coach P.J. Carlesimo, whom Sprewell choked during practice with Golden State and drew a 68-game suspension. Sprewell also threatened his teammates with weapons or even 2x4s. Apparently, Sprewell has got his act together and reportedly works for the New York Knicks in a community relations capacity.

There were times as a player, and certainly as an analyst and commentator, that Walton seemed like he was on another planet. But that's what made him special, whether calling NBA or college basketball games, or passionately hugging his college coach John Wooden or helping Portland and Boston win NBA titles. One of the greatest players to ever grace a basketball court -- on the college or pro level, the Hall-of-Fame Walton was a hippie at heart. He was an avid fan of the Grateful Dead and a personal friend of the legendary band, as well as famed writer Ken Kesey. 

A standout on and off the court. Westbrook, who be set for a 17th NBA season in 2025-26, is a nine-time All-Star and former MVP known for his intense play. Plus, plenty of swagger to go along. Westbrook plays with a high motor, which can be both positive and negative to the team cause. Of the floor, Westbrook's fashion game is also at an All-Star level. It's all about color and flair, complete with the same "notice me" mantra he exudes on the court.

Perhaps Williams' eccentricity stemmed from an unabashed sense of confidence on the floor. Dubbed "White Chocolate," Williams, who hailed from West Virginia, managed to find NBA success from 1998-2011 -- and even win a title with Miami in 2005 -- while playing a playground style of basketball at the pro level. Flashy dribbling, no-look passes, jump passes, hair-on-fire spurts to the goal. Not to mention his tattoos and shaved head. Williams was not your typical white basketball player and embraced the fact while never apologizing.

It’s somewhat surprising that Young played 12 seasons in the NBA, and he even won a title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015. Young might be one of the more overrated players in league history. Young loved to shoot but was only a 41.8-percent shooter for his career. He was also a friend to drama, like his issue with teammate D’Angelo Russell, which involved pop star Iggy Azalea. He drew plenty of attention to himself in 2014, via YouTube in a video with a figure dubbed "Big Meat," which eventually became a popular meme. "Swaggy P" remains a widespread web presence, regularly commenting on topics from the world of sports and pop culture.