NBA Power Rankings: Ron Artest and the 15 Most Intimidating Players in the NBA
Intimidation comes in many forms. There’s size, speed, strength, ability, and then there is just plain crazy.
The NBA these days is all of those things and then some. There are guys that scare you in transition, there are guys that scare you in the low post, and there are guys that just scare you when they are out there.
The NBA has a little bit of everything in the Intimidation game these days.
Let’s take a look at the 15 most intimidating players in the NBA.
15. Shaquille O’Neal, C, Boston Celtics
1 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Size
He makes the bottom of the list because of his age, but no one can deny that Shaq has been one of the most intimidating men on a basketball court since his rookie year.
From breaking backboards to owning the low post, there is no one who’s enjoyed going up against Shaq.
14. Tim Duncan, F, San Antonio Spurs
2 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Perfection
He’s not an excitable player on the court, but the most intimidating thing about Duncan was never his style of play.
Duncan has made a career of boring the opposition with a fundamentally sound game that cannot be stopped. It’s rare when Duncan has ever been shut down.
There is no flash. Only results.
13. Chris Andersen, F, Denver Nuggets
3 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Appearance
Chris Anderson is the worst player on this list, but he’s also the strangest.
Look back through the annals of sports. Sometimes the scariest player on the other team was the weirdest looking one.
Anderson qualifies as weird looking.
12. Ray Allen, G, Boston Celtics
4 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Clutch.
On the Celtics, Ray Allen is an after thought for much of the game, but come the fourth quarter, there is no one more intimidating.
Year after year, Allen has proven himself to be the nastiest player in crunch time. Whether it’s draining a three or icing the game with two free throws, Allen continually punishes other teams.
That’s scary.
11. Kevin Garnett, F, Boston Celtics
5 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Intensity
Kevin Garnett only has a few years left, but you can bet every game will be played with a desire that will make Boston fans embrace him and the rest of the league hate him.
His intensity has given him a sour reputation league wide, and it’s guaranteed that Garnett could care less.
10. John Wall, G, Washington Wizards
6 of 15
Intimidating Factor: Promise
John Wall is already one of the most difficult guys to guard, and he’s barely halfway through his rookie year.
The promise of what he will become if he stays healthy has Wizards fans hopeful and the rest of the league scared to death.
9. Kenyon Martin, F, Denver Nuggets
7 of 15
Intimidating Factor: Mean
Martin's antics have been far more intimidating than his play on the court.
There was the incident where he mocked Alonzo Mourning's battle with kidney disease.The suspension from the Clippers for “conduct detrimental to the team.”
His run in with a Bulls fan. His run in with a Dallas radio personality.
Martin is mean. There is no way around it.
8. Monta Ellis, G, Golden State Warriors
8 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Speed
There is no one who appears faster on a basketball court than Ellis. For opposing teams, he’s a matchup nightmare.
When he commits to driving the lane, it’s scary.
7. Derrick Rose, G, Chicago Bulls
9 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Finishing Ability
Derrick Rose isn’t a true point guard. That’s bad news for the rest of the league.
He can drive as well as anyone. His body control has gotten better each season, and his ability to finish in traffic is among the best in the game.
Watching Rose get to the rim is a big reason he’s getting MVP consideration.
6. Kevin Durant, F, Oklahoma City Thunder
10 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Versatility
It’s a bit intimidating to hear Durant tweeting that he’s working on his game in the offseason. As if it wasn’t good enough.
The truth about Durant is that he can kill you inside, outside, with the ball in his hands, and without the ball.
There is no shortage of ways he can beat you.
5. Ron Artest, F, Los Angeles Lakers
11 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Crazy
From the Brawl at the Palace, to doing Jimmy Kimmel in his boxers, Artest has proved time and again he is, well…unhinged.
While he’s made no secret of his psychiatric help, it certainly doesn’t mean that anyone is less intimidated by him.
4. Kobe Bryant, G, Los Angeles Lakers
12 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Hardware
Kobe isn’t just a five time world champ; he’s also considered to be one of the five or 10 best of all time.
He’s a killer in close games, and he knows exactly how to put you away. Even if he’s lost a step, it doesn’t mean teams aren’t scared.
3. Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic
13 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Defense
At the very least, Dwight Howard is the best defender in the league. He can block shots and take away big chunks of the court.
At the most, he’s a physical freak who is working to try and get better. No opposing team looks forward to that.
2. Blake Griffin, F, Los Angeles Clippers
14 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Explosiveness
Not since Shawn Kemp has a player been so dangerous above the rim. His leaping ability is off the charts, and he plays mad.
The rest of the league must be terrified of what he’ll look like when he has fully blossomed.
1. LeBron James, F, Miami Heat
15 of 15
Intimidation Factor: Embracing The Villian
There is no doubt that LeBron is the best on the planet. There is also no doubt that he is the most hated too.
But it seems he’s embraced the boo birds and is ready to be the villain. It was bad enough when he wanted people to love watching him play.
Now he wants to break your heart. God help us all.
