Top Five Villains of the NBA

The 1950s and '60s produced the most ruggedly competitive NBA matchups between men fighting for a paycheck. The '70s and '80s produced a violent, and often dangerous, brand of competition.

The Commissioner and his staff have been successful at changing the image of the pro game over the past 15 years, promoting how stars help and entertain their communities.

Still, a select group of "rugged defenders" still bring the boos when they enter a game. We're not speaking of star players, who are disliked because of what they can do to your team, we wish to reveal a list of five men who bring terror to the hearts of opposing players.

These are the bad men of bad company. They don't wear six-shooters; they come to the floor with six hard fouls.

Rasheed Wallace, Detroit Pistons

Wallace has been the most vilified player on any court since he left high school. With his artful collection of technical fouls, Wallace can slow down the pace of a game by himself. Combine this with his Laimbeer-like shooting touch from outside and you have the prototype of the 21st century villain of the NBA.

Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings

With the end of Latrell Sprewell's career, Artest is the most disliked player among fans and followers. He may also be the best player of the group. An excellent defender and rebounder, his antics overshadow his talent to slow down the attack of the opponent by any means necessary.

P.J. Brown, Boston Celtics

Now here is a villain in any era. Powerful and menacing, this giant enforcer takes care of business. Coming out of retirement this season, he was most recently seen throwing Pau Gasol into the stands and battering a helpless Lamar Odom to the floor. He may play until he's 50 years old.

Bruce Bowen, San Antonio Spurs

While most of the attention goes to the big men and the spectacular guards, it is the forwards who make the best villains. Bowen is a superb defender with a knockout corner jumper. He will do anything to slow down the opponent. You can't tire him out or run him through screens to free yourself. He is true glue.

Raja Bell, Phoenix Suns

There is a question regarding why he is so disliked; it seems to be because he stands up to Kobe Bryant. Confident and secure, he seems almost smug as he goes about the court providing whatever it takes to insure a win for his team. He may never be liked by the fans of opposing teams but, he'll always be respected by the players.