The Art of Trash Talk

In partnership with

Basketball isn’t just about skill and athleticism—it’s also about mentality. And one of the greatest mental weapons a player can have is trash talk. Some use it to throw opponents off their game, others to hype themselves up, and the best use it as both an art and a strategy. Trash talk isn’t just about disrespect; it’s about control. The ability to get inside someone’s head and make them second-guess their own abilities is just as powerful as crossing them up or blocking their shot.

Reasons you should be a Locked On NBA insider

What’s up, NBA fans! From our expert hosts who cover your team every day on our podcasts, we offer a free daily newsletter delivered right to your email so you don’t miss any of the action on the court. Get expert analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, trade talk, draft coverage, and more. We curate your daily ticket to everything NBA, giving you the rundown for each NBA team and the league news you need to know. Be one of thousands of fans who are already insiders - fast and easy.

Subscribe for free

Larry Bird: The Original Trash Talk Master

Before social media, before mic’d-up segments, there was Larry Bird—the original trash talk master. Bird didn’t just talk trash; he predicted exactly how he was going to score on defenders. One of his most legendary moments came in a three-point contest when he walked into the locker room, looked around, and said, “I want all of you to know I’m winning this thing. I’m just looking around to see who’s coming in second.” He then went out and won without even taking off his warm-up jacket.

On the court, he was ruthless. One time, he told Xavier McDaniel exactly where he was going to shoot from, how much time would be left, and that he was going to sink it. Then he did. Imagine trying to guard someone who tells you what’s coming and still makes you look helpless.

Michael Jordan: Psychological Warfare

If Larry Bird was the pioneer, Michael Jordan was the executioner. MJ didn’t just talk—he made you feel like you didn’t belong on the same court. He’d embarrass defenders, remind them they couldn’t guard him, and then prove it every single possession. One of his most famous trash talk stories came against rookie LaBradford Smith, who had a great game against the Bulls and dropped 37 points on MJ. Jordan, never one to let something slide, told the media that Smith had said, “Nice game, Mike.” Whether that happened or not, MJ took it personally and torched Smith for 36 points in the first half of their next matchup.

Kevin Garnett: The Most Ruthless

Kevin Garnett wasn’t just a trash talker—he was a psychological terrorist on the court. He took things to another level, going after players’ emotions, personal lives, and even their families. One of the most infamous stories was when he allegedly told Carmelo Anthony that his wife "tasted like Honey Nut Cheerios." Whether it was true or not, it worked—Melo was furious and even tried to confront KG after the game.

Garnett’s intensity made his words even more impactful. He wasn’t just talking to talk; he was a relentless force who played with unmatched energy and aggression.

Kobe Bryant: The Ultimate Competitor

Kobe wasn’t the loudest trash talker, but when he did talk, you felt it. His confidence was so strong that his words carried weight. In a game against Gilbert Arenas, Kobe told him “You’re not gonna make these free throws”—Arenas missed both.

Kobe’s trash talk was rooted in his competitive nature. He didn’t just try to psych opponents out; he genuinely believed he was better than everyone on the court, and he let them know it.

Reggie Miller: The King of Clutch Trash Talk

Reggie Miller made trash talk an art form, especially when it came to mind games. His battles with Spike Lee on the sidelines are legendary, particularly in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals when Miller scored 8 points in 9 seconds and gave Lee the infamous choke sign.

Reggie was relentless with his words, knowing he could get under a player’s skin while backing it up with his shooting.

Gary Payton: The Mouthpiece

Gary Payton wasn’t just a great defender—he was a world-class talker. His nickname, "The Glove," came from his ability to lock down opponents, but his voice was just as relentless as his defense. Payton wasn’t afraid to go at anyone, whether it was MJ, Shaq, or even refs. The best part? He backed it up. Unlike some trash talkers who let their words get them in trouble, Payton used it to elevate his game and wear opponents down mentally.

Modern-Day Trash Talkers

The NBA has cracked down on trash talk, but some players still keep the tradition alive:

• Draymond Green – The loudest in the league today, constantly chirping at opponents and even his own teammates.

• Patrick Beverley – Annoys opponents to the point of pure frustration, making them lose focus.

• Jimmy Butler – Never afraid to let someone know they can’t guard him, especially in the playoffs.

• Luka Dončić – Doesn’t talk much, but when he does, it’s usually in multiple languages, adding another layer of disrespect.

• Kevin Durant – Elite scorer and elite trash talker. Whether it's calling out fans on Twitter or telling opponents "You know who I am," KD knows how to get in people’s heads.

Trash Talk Is a Mental Game

Trash talk isn’t just about words—it’s about confidence, intimidation, and control. The best players don’t just beat you physically; they make you doubt yourself mentally. And in basketball, once that doubt creeps in, you’ve already lost.