Most Hated 20s Villains
Load management, flopping debates, and Twitter trials. The current era of villainy plays out in real time, hot take by hot take.
9 villains from the 2020s, ranked by community Villain Score.
Ja Morant
The young star speedrunning his villain arc. Multiple gun incidents on Instagram Live, suspended twice for reckless behavior. His 'my own worst enemy' approach is making him one of the league's most controversial stars.
Point Guard • Memphis Grizzlies
Trae Young
Trae Young turned Madison Square Garden into his personal highlight reel and made Knicks fans relive their Reggie Miller nightmares. His bow celebration after eliminating New York was pure disrespect, and he seemed to enjoy it too much. His foul-baiting style frustrates opponents and fans, but he backs up his cockiness with clutch shots. He's the villain the new generation deserves - skilled but annoying.
PG • Atlanta Hawks
Dillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks talks like he's a superstar while playing like a role player. His self-proclaimed villain status feels manufactured and try-hard. He'll hit a tough shot then stare down the crowd like he just won the Finals, but then shoot 3-15 in the next game. His antics are more annoying than intimidating, and his playoff record doesn't back up his trash talk. He's the villain nobody asked for.
SF • Houston Rockets
Grayson Allen
The college villain who brought his dirty play to the NBA. Grayson Allen's reputation for tripping opponents in college followed him to the pros. His hard fouls, dangerous closeouts, and smirking demeanor after injuring players have made him one of the most hated role players in the league. Critics say he's a dirty player who gets away with it because he looks like a choir boy. Cameras caught him smiling after hard fouls, fans accused him of enjoying hurting people.
SG • Phoenix Suns
Jimmy Butler
Destroyed the Timberwolves locker room on purpose. Forces his way off every team. His tough-guy act alienates every teammate eventually.
SF • Miami Heat
Anthony Edwards
Talks trash like prime MJ but hasn't won anything yet. Disrespects legends on social media. Called himself the best player in the league after one playoff run.
SG • Minnesota Timberwolves
Luka Doncic
Whines at referees more than any player in the league. Gets every call and still complains. His constant arguing slows the game to a crawl.
PG/SG • Los Angeles Lakers
Nikola Jokic
Three MVPs for a guy who looks like he just rolled off the couch. His dominance feels unfair because he makes it look so effortless and boring.
C • Denver Nuggets
Devin Booker
Scored 70 points in a blowout loss and acted like it meant something. All the stats, none of the winning. The definition of empty calories.
SG • Phoenix Suns