Image via Complex Original
There's fewer than four weeks left in the 2011-12 season and NBA action this year has certainly been unlike any other in recent history. With no real preseason and 66 games being packed into four months, players in the league have definitely been a bit more rusty this year than in the past. There's been everything from air-balled free throws and layups to baskets being scored for the opposing team. Let us not forget about other SMH moments like Carlos Boozer spray painting his dome and Sean Williams yacking on the sideline. So, on this April Fools' Day where all types of fuckery shenanigans are widely encouraged, this is our list of the best bloopers from your favorite ballers. From common miscues by JaVale McGee to a rare gaffe by LeBron James, here are the 20 Biggest Fails of the 2011-12 NBA Season (So Far).
20. Brendan Haywood Gives OKC 2 points
Date: 12/29/2011
Game: Mavericks @ Thunder
Hey, when you're only averaging 5.6 PPG, you can't help but succumb to the thirst sometimes.
19. His Airness > His Airball
Date: 2/17/2012
Game: Heat @ Cavaliers
LeBron James throws up an airball against his old team which isn't amazingly rare, but the crowd still erupts in joy watching their most-hated villain fail. When your team's down 26 in the 3rd and you get this happy over a miss, the hate is real.
18. Andrew Bynum and Matt Barnes Team Up for -2 Points
Date: 1/5/2012
Game: Lakers @ Blazers
When going hard in the paint goes wrong...
17. Rodrigue Beaubois Blows Crazy Dunk
Date: 1/19/2012
Game: Mavericks @ Jazz
Homie thinks he's Michael Jordan for a sec, but a milli-second later remembers he's Rodrigue Beaubois. The backboard and rim knew the whole time.
15. Deron's Full-Court Pass to Nobody
Date: 1/7/2012
Game: Heat @ Nets
Everybody gets excited watching LeBron and D-Wade put on their amazing displays of athleticism and crazy full-court passes, even Deron Williams. For just a second, D-Will thought his dream of having Dwight on his team had come true but ended up throwing the ball to absolutely no one. #realitysucks
14. Dragic Throws Game-Tying Assist Into Stands
Date: 1/7/2012
Game: Thunder @ Rockets
Despite this fail, we still say Goran Dragic is still the best Slovenian NBA player of this era. FOH, Sasha.
13. Heads Up, JaVale!
Date: 3/12/2012
Game: Wizards @ Spurs
A rule of thumb for big men running on the break is to keep your head up and be ready for a potential pass. Apparently, McGee isn't a big fan of basketball fundamentals. More on JaVale "Fail" McGee a little later.
12. The Invisible 5th Man
Date: 1/23/2012
Game: Magic @ Celtics
Still feel good about sticking with the Magic, Dwight?
11. Wall Trips Over Himself
Date: 2/22/2012
Game: Kings @ Wizards
The Washington Wizards are turrible. Just turrible. *Charles Barkley voice*
10. Brewer Turns Breakaway Dunk into Missed Layup
Date: 1/25/2012
Game: Nuggets @ Kings
This has to be a case of tired legs cause Corey Brewer usually has hops, but it's a fail nonetheless. On a fastbreak he goes up for the dunk, then decides he'll lay it up, then decides he'll miss it. So sad.
9. Martell Webster Goes for Big Slam Despite Being Down 3
Date: 2/20/2012
Game: Timberwolves @ Nuggets
Lets set the scene: Timberwolves are down 3 with 4.9 seconds left and the Nuggets have the ball for an inbound at half court. The only chance the T-Wolves really have other than hoping for missed free throws, is a quick steal and 3. Martell Webster gets the inbound steal, then proceeds to slam it for 2. Fail! Sidebar: That haircut deserves a spot on this list. #failsonfails
8. Rondo Plays Dodgeball with Mickael Pietrus
Date: 2/3/2012
Game: Knicks @ Celtics
Pietrus does his best Three Stooges impression on a cutting pass from Rondo. How do you actively call for the ball, stare it down as it comes to you, and still get hit in the face? Stick to making plays on defense, bruh.
7. Boozer Busts Out the Miracle-Gro
Date: 2/12/2012
Game: Bulls @ Celtics
When you're an honorable mention on our list of the Ugliest Heads in NBA History, we're gonna notice any subtle changes...especially if you go out and spray paint your dome right before a nationally-televised game. C'mon fam, you ain't fooling anyone 'round these parts.
6. Nice Pass, Maggette!
Date: 2/11/2012
Game: Clippers @ Bobcats
We'd love to say we expected more from a player on the Charlotte Bobcats but we can't.
5. Sean Williams Pukes on the Sideline
Date: 12/26/2011
Game: Nuggets @ Mavericks
Eghck! *Pusha T voice*
4. This Ain't Volleyball, Fam
Date: 2/22/2012
Game: Kings @ Wizards
It's almost like he wants to make these lists at this point. JaVale McGee makes another appearance, this time committing the laziest/worst/most substitution-worthy goaltend ever, and it's pure comedy! Dude is the most entertaining player in the league, for all the wrong reasons.
3. Worst. Free Throw. Ever.
Date: 1/28/2012
Game: Wizards @ Bobcats
The look on DeSagana Diop's face after the miss just says it all: Struggle.
2. Worst. Layup. Ever.
Date: 3/8/2012
Game: Lakers @ Wizards
We've lost count of how many times the Wizards have appeared on this list. The good news is they actually won this game, the bad news is all anyone remembers is this epic fail.
1. McGee Gets Back on D a Little Too Early
Date: 2/6/2012
Game: Raptors @ Wizards
A coach will always applaud hustling to get back on D, but not when your team has the ball and you just threw up the ugliest hook shot known to man. JaVale, you are the NBA Fail King.
