The Least Likeable Player on Every NBA Team

Atlanta Hawks: DeShawn Stevenson

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As far as backup shooting guards go, DeShawn Stevenson is a bit of a letdown for Atlanta.

Stevenson is a 12-year veteran, and he averaged only 2.9 points and two rebounds over 19 minutes per game. He's good sized at 6'5" and 218 lbs, but the Hawks can hardly utilize Stevenson in the paint like they'd like.

Stevenson is using up $2.5 million of Atlanta's salary space, and I don't expect them to keep him past next season.

Boston Celtics: Paul Pierce

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I would have personally picked Kevin Garnett, but according to the Forbes list, Paul Pierce is the No. 8 most disliked player in the entire league.

Certain players—Pierce included—will be disliked easier simply by being a member of Boston, Miami or the Lakers' roster.

However, the forward also lost fans when he was so blatantly outspoken about the union’s negotiating tactics during the recent NBA lockout.

Brooklyn Nets: Kris Humphries

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Maybe it's because his point totals aren't as high as anticipated and maybe it's because he was married—however so briefly—to Kim Kardashian, but the fact of the matter is this: Kris Humphries may come from the state of "Minnesota Nice," but not many fans can hack him.

He comes in No. 1 on Forbes' list of "Most Disliked NBA Players."

Charlotte Bobcats: Tyrus Thomas

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Tyrus Thomas was drafted No. 4 overall in 2006, and he hasn't come close to living up to expectations since entering the league. Currently, he's serving as the biggest downer on Charlotte's squad.

Last year, his season-high game consisted of 14 points. Thomas played an average of 18 minutes off the bench for the Bobcats, and he shot only 36 percent from the floor, averaging 5.6 PPG.

Charlotte hoped to get some relief with the top-drafted Thomas, and he's been nothing but a disappointment thus far.

Chicago Bulls: Joakim Noah

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Chicago fans will probably always love Joakim Noah and his edgy personality. Since being drafted, the center out of Florida has improved with every year. In 2011-2012, he averaged a solid 10.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Noah's outspoken, though, and his words have gotten him on other teams' "hate" lists.

Examples of Noah's less-than-professional comments include the following:

"Cleveland sucks." – Noah, 2010

"Kevin Garnett will not—will not—get a Christmas gift from me. I don't like him." – Noah, 2010

Cleveland Cavaliers: Luke Walton

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At 32 years old, Luke Walton has never made the impact he hoped to in the league. Supporters may have been Walton fans initially as a result of him being the son of the infamous Bill Walton; however, Luke has stopped far short of matching the reputation of his father.

He may look like a winner on paper, having earned two championship rings, but he did so by sitting on the Lakers bench.

The name on the back of his jersey no longer matters; he's basically lost all fans. During the 2011-2012 season with Cleveland, Walton averaged only 1.8 points and 1.6 rebounds per game.

Dallas Mavericks: Vince Carter

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Vince Carter has always carried an attitude of an all-star, and it becomes obnoxious when he's playing at a below-par level.

At 35 years old, Carter is only shooting 41 percent from the floor, and his personality clashes with the rest of the Dallas lineup.

Denver Nuggets: JaVale McGee

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I put this slide in as a bit of tongue-in-cheek, as JaVale McGee requires a love-hate relationship.

He puts up solid numbers as a center, averaging 11.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game.

On the flip side, however, McGee is also the most aggravating player in the league. He makes more basketball blunders than any pro I've seen, and Denver fans spend just as much time with their heads in their hands as they do cheering.

Detroit Pistons: Ben Wallace

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The team that has gotten under the skin of many players and fans over the years; the Pistons have featured players like Bill Lambier, Isaiah Thomas, Dennis Rodman and Mark Aguirre. In today's era, the memories of the incident in Detroit of the game against the Pistons still resonates in the league.

And, the player that it all started with was center Ben Wallace. Wallace has made an outstanding career out of his physical play, winning four Defensive Player of the Year awards with his title in 2004. But, lackluster stays in Chicago and Cleveland have diluted his once great career.

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry

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If you're an opponent of Golden State, Stephen Curry is your worst enemy when he's on the floor. He's one of the league's best pure shooters, with an incredible 45 percent accuracy from the three-point line. Curry is a sniper from downtown, and not many defenses can stop him.

To the same extent that he's the Dubs' star player, however, their success often hinges on his unpredictable physical condition. Golden State continues to hang onto Curry in hopes of going all the way, but the guard's injury-prone ankles often cause a letdown for Warriors fans and teammates alike.

When Curry is disabled, so are Golden State's postseason chances.

Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lin

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After last season's "Linsanity" hit New York, one thing can be said about the recent success of Jeremy Lin: NBA fans either love him or absolutely hate him.

While I think Lin has what it takes and will probably continue to put up solid numbers in Houston, I think a majority of people are sick of hearing about him and are ready and waiting to see him flop.

In addition, if he does continue to play well, he's the type of player that drives opponents crazy and makes them scratch their heads.

"Are you serious? Where did this guy come from?"

Indiana Pacers: Danny Granger

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The Pacers don't have any truly controversial players, but Danny Granger is disliked among the league because he's one of those guys who can nag an opponent all night long.

Last season, the forward kept Indiana in the game, leading the Pacers to the playoffs with averages of 18.7 points and five boards per game.

Los Angeles Clippers: Lamar Odom

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Maybe the Kardashians automatically jinx whoever they're married to.

Lamar Odom is married to Kim's sister Khloe, and the crossover doesn't bode well for NBA fans.

Besides not being very well liked among fans, Odom apparently isn't that easy to get along with in the locker room, either. Fellow B/R writer Paul Grossinger describes him as a combination of "high-maintenance behavior, emotional antics, low production and griping."

He has emotional baggage, he wasn't content in Dallas and his production is less than impressive. He has yet to play a game for the Clips, but I already anticipate him being the most disliked.

Los Angeles Lakers: Metta World Peace

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Ironically enough, the player with "World Peace" embroidered on the back of his jersey is one of the most disliked individuals in the league.

Formerly known as Ron Artest, the forward changed his name to Metta World Peace in 2011.

"Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world," World Peace said in a statement. "I'm glad that it is now official."

Metta is a Buddhist term that means loving kindness and friendliness toward others.

Artest didn't exactly carry a positive reputation, and the name change hasn't seemed to fix that.

Anyone who watches this video of World Peace throwing an elbow at James Harden might see a disconnect between the forward's words and his actions.

Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Randolph

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Zach Randolph may be a solid basketball player, but his emotional reputation isn't exactly squeaky clean.

The biggest incidents to remember happened in 2009, when he punched Louis Amundson in the face and when he clotheslined Blake Griffin.

Miami Heat: LeBron James

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LeBron James is one of those players who's either loved or hated, depending on who you talk to.

After James' notorious "Decision" press conference in July 2010, he gained the reputation of a gloating, arrogant individual who really cared for no one but himself. There were even stories of Cleveland fans burning their James jerseys.

Whatever your view on LeBron, however, no one can deny his sheer talent on the basketball court. He's easy to criticize for his fourth-quarter troubles, but he did redeem himself this season by finally leading Miami to a championship ring.

Milwaukee Bucks: Ekpe Udoh

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The Milwaukee Bucks rarely find themselves with a top-10 pick in the NBA Draft, but they've gone one from the 2010 NBA draft after acquiring Ekpe Udoh from the Golden State Warriors last season.

At 6'10" and 245 lbs, Udoh should be an aggressive tool beneath the basket; however, he averaged only 5.6 points and 4.2 rebound over 21 minutes last season. The Bucks have resorted to using 31-year-old Samuel Dalembert as starting center.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams

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Fortunately for Minnesota, the Timberwolves recently relieved themselves of their three most disliked players in Darko Milicic, Wesley Johnson and Michael Beasley.

Derrick Williams is most disliked not because he is a terrible player or has a poor reputation, but because he is yet another story of disappointment for the Wolves.

Minnesota grabbed Williams No. 2 overall in 2011, and he was expected to make a big impact on the Midwest team. Unfortunately for Minny, though, the 6'8" forward has yet to make his mark. He was moved around a bit on the floor last season, and he averaged only 8.8 rebounds and 4.7 rebounds per game.

If Williams doesn't establish himself this season, fans will really start to wonder if there's anything to him.

New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis

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How can someone as talented as Anthony Davis be the most disliked player on the Hornets roster?

Because every other team wishes they would have been able to take him home instead. Davis is one of the most NBA-ready college players to come through the draft in years, and he automatically upped New Orleans' chances to succeed next season.

New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony

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Carmelo Anthony's story is a bit like that of LeBron James, although to a lot smaller degree.

Carmelo didn't feel the need to hold a private press conference to make his announcement, but he did force himself out of Denver in order to play in a larger market.

Although one can't really blame him for wanting to leave, many NBA fans out there will argue that moves like this are what's wrong with the league as a whole.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook

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The Thunder don't seem to have any real problem players on their roster, but All-Star Russell Westbrook certainly becomes irritating to other teams.

Wesbrook is certainly a huge factor in OKC's success, and opponents can't seem to stop him.

Plus, the hipster trend is just getting a bit out of hand...don't you think?

Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard

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I think it's safe to say that All-Star center Dwight Howard used to be pretty well liked around the league. However, his diva-like behavior as of late is a bit much to deal with.

Plain and simple, fans are sick of Howard. The media is sick of Howard. Even though Orlando wants to keep Howard around, it's obviously getting tired of his antics.

Howard has insulted his fans, his city and his team. He signed a contract and now regrets it, so he's actually taking legal action against the Magic, saying he was "blackmailed."

Dwight Howard is digging himself a serious hole.

Philadelphia 76ers: Andre Iguodala

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There's not a single player on Philadelphia's squad that I would say is disliked, but frustrations surround Andre Iguodala.

The veteran forward looks solid on paper, but he has yet to turn the team around. Iguodala is stuck being "average," and Philly should consider taking its roster in another direction.

Phoenix Suns: Michael Beasley

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Michael Beasley is just one of the most disliked players in the league in general.

Even Minnesota gave up on him, and he seems unable to shake the pot-smoking, underachieving image.

Phoenix brought in Beasley in hopes of strengthening its lineup in the wake of losing Steve Nash, but I expect disappointment there.

Portland Trail Blazers: Nic Batum

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Nicolas Batum is a solid member of the Portland Trail Blazers, but fans probably aren't too thrilled after he looked seriously at leaving the team and publicly stated that he was interested in playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to SI.com, he even said he "never wanted top play in Portland ever again."

Now that Batum will remain in Portland, you can bet Wolves fans aren't loving him either.

Sacramento Kings: Travis Outlaw

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For being a first-round draft pick, Travis Outlaw is barely utilized by the Sacramento Kings.

He doesn't fit their offensive style, and he shoots an embarrassing 34 percent from the floor. He's basically taking up space as a third-string shooting forward in Sacramento.

San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker

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This one was hard to determine because the San Antonio Spurs are one of those lay-low, don't-do-anything-crazy type of teams.

Tony Parker may be one of their stars, but he definitely received a drop in reputation when he supposedly cheated on wife Eva Longoria Parker with a former teammate's wife. Tony and Eva were divorced in 2010.

Toronto Raptors: Andrea Bargnani

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It's almost unfair to denote a player averaging almost 20 points per game to "most disliked" on a roster, but fans expected huge things from the 2006 No. 1 draft pick, and Andrea Bargnani hasn't yet been that leader.

Utah Jazz: Al Jefferson

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The problem with Al Jefferson is that he wants to be a team's star, but it won't ever happen for him. He puts up decent numbers, but he will never be that go-to guy for a franchise. Fellow B/R writer Ben Leibowitz weighs in:

"The problem with Jefferson is staring him straight in the face: He can’t be the alpha dog on a champ. If it hasn’t happened after eight NBA seasons, the chances are as close to zero as they can get."

Washington Wizards: Trevor Ariza

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UCLA alumnus Trevor Ariza is hated across the league, but it's not for anything he does off the court, but rather for his defensive tenacity and grit that he regularly displays.

He's aggravating to play against and could very well be the missing tool Washington needs alongside John Wall to finally turn around this team's fortunes next season.