So who are the “dirtiest” players currently in the NBA? Mind you, some Animate ‘feelers’ have made the list in years past, but this year the #13 FCIR definitely takes home the trophy. It’s based on the consensus of NBA coaches, assistants and players, and was conducted by The Times.
Matthew Dellavedova (#13 FCIR) of the Cleveland Cavaliers received the most votes with 13, while Oklahoma City center Steven Adams (#13 FCIR) came up second with 7 votes. Golden State center Andrew Bogut (#13 FCIR) took in 5 votes, while Memphis forward Matt Barnes (#10 BCAR) had 4, being the only Animate on the naughty list. In 5th place came Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka (#13 FCIR) with 2 votes.
Anything about this cast of characters that grabs you quickly? NBA dilatants recognize four of the five are from overseas and locales rather void of the Golden Rule. Also, three are from Down Under, two Aussies and a Kiwi.
Regarding Dellavedova, one unnamed Western Conference coach said, “He’s as dirty as they come. When you’re hurting people, that is not OK.”
“He was kind of dirty in the playoffs, for sure,” another anonymous East coach said. “He broke Kyle Korver’s (#13 FCIR) leg. He held Taj Gibson (#13 FCIR) with his legs and Al Horford’s (#9 FCAR) legs and got them kicked out the games because they retaliated against him.”
Regarding Barnes, one Western coach stated, “He just does stuff to be doing stuff. He fouls real hard, is the first one to want to fight, grabs and holds. He does dirty stuff to me.” To be sure, Matt Barnes has been putting a bit of a stain on the name of #10s, as they typically aren’t overly aggressive, confrontative players. Yet as the NBA increases fines for court abuses, #1s have taken notice (figuring the money is better spent in restaurants!)
Some of the dirtiest players in the 80s and 90s were #6 BEIRs, which included John Stockton, Gary Payton, and Allen Iverson. Being a rarity in the league today, it’s little wonder that no one of that design made the list. Also, #1 FEARs, who are the quickest to react emotionally in-the-moment, can often be found in the top five. Who knows? Maybe they’re turning a new leaf?
In summary, let’s not overlook the topic at hand. Who are the NBA’s dirtiest players, not who has received the most fouls or technicals? While four of this year’s top five abusers are #13s (voted by peers), the ‘owls’ are typically more strategic and subtle in their infractions, likely to be overlooked twice as often as the wear-life-on-sleeve #1s!
Written by: Staff
(click for source)
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Interesting article with a lot of players and types – thanks!
As a Thunder fan, I will say that I have watched Serge Ibaka in-depth for years, and I have always had him as a #9, fwiw (imo). I have perceived him as far too graceful and gymnastically “coordinated” to be #13. He doesn’t remind me of any #13 of similar size but reminds me much more of several other #9s in manner and movement (Dwight Howard, David Robinson etc.).
Totally had Delly and Adams as #13, though! Adams is practically a Caucasian subtype clone of fellow FCIR Joakim Noah. Novice typists should be able to readily see all their #13 manners and movements.
As for their dirty play, Delly was certainly awfully dirty last season, but he’s actually toned it down a lot this year. Adams, on the other hand…no; he’s as bad as ever, if not even worse than before. (I watch OKC and Cavs regularly on DirecTV; Cavs are my #2 go-to team now after OKC)
Thank you for typing Taj, btw (another dirty player; used to like him, but not so much now). I had suggested him as a notable name awhile back because he was a hard read for me.
Regarding #6, yes, they are hard to find nowadays in the modern speed-oriented league. Rose of the Bulls and Love of the Cavs are among the few left who are notable. Love did have the infamous incident with Luis Scola a few years ago, but he’s been low-key since then.
Finally, #1 may not be as physically dirty, but LeBron and even Durant, Brad Beal, etc. sure still run their mouths and put on impulsive and emotional pouting scenes when they can. (For balance, I’d also like to point out some atypical, low-key, calm #1s worth praise: Shaun Livingston, Joe Johnson, and Andre Miller.)