The Craziest Players in NBA History

From Rodman to Bad News Barnes, here are the most erratic and unstable players ever to grace professional basketball.

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Image via Complex Original
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No matter what era, the NBA attracts a wide array of characters. Some guys make it to the league because of their relentless work ethic and singular passion for the game. They approach their craft with the care and precision of someone whose very life hinges upon their ability to competently do their job without making any waves or creating any distractions or controversy.

These are not those guys.

Today’s birthday boy Dennis Rodman is the most notorious of a different type of NBA player: the nut case. Whether it’s on the court, off it, or both, some guys just have a proclivity for both causing and getting involved with troubling activities, and others seemingly invite attention upon themselves by acting out. It may be childish and strange, but it also has given them a legacy that lasts long after their playing days are through.

While many players have acted out in one way or another over the course of the years, guys like Marvin “Bad News” Barnes and Ron Artest have been habitual offenders. These are the Craziest Players in NBA History.

Charles Barkley

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Stephen Jackson

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Gilbert Arenas

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Bill Laimbeer

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Calvin Murphy

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Bonzi Wells

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Ricky Davis

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Career years: 1998-Present
Team(s): Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers
Craziest moment: Shot on his own hoop to complete a triple-double.

Ricky Davis was a special kind of crazy. In March 2003, with the Cavaliers leading the Utah Jazz by 25 points, six seconds to go, and Davis needing just one rebound to complete a triple-double, he did what any normal person in that position would do: he collected an inbounds pass, took a shot on his own hoop, and grabbed his 10th rebound of the game.

Sadly for Davis, he didn’t understand the rules of basketball, and was not given credit for the rebound. He’s now back in the D-League, trying to resurrect his career after antics like the triple-double incident (deservedly) earned him a reputation around the NBA as a selfish player. He also once said: "I thought LeBron James was just going to be another addition to help me score," when the Cavs drafted the soon-to-be King.

Stephon Marbury

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Delonte West

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Vernon Maxwell

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J.R. Rider

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Ron Artest

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Javaris Crittenton

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Marvin Barnes

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Latrell Sprewell

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Dennis Rodman

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