Dillon Brooks vs Trae Young
Two of the most hated villains of the 2020s, side by side. Load management & flop wars — and these two wore it loudest.
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.”
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.”
The Verdict
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Era Context: 2020s
Load management, flopping debates, and Twitter trials. The current era of villainy plays out in real time, hot take by hot take.
See all 2020s villains →