The court isn’t the only place packed with heat. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have become digital battlegrounds where fans, critics, and casual observers of the NBA openly express their opinions, both positive and negative. Players and teams often find themselves at the center of heated discussions, with X serving as a megaphone.
Fadeaway World specializes in all things NBA, even the fans. With the online NBA community frequently dissecting every move, play, and decision that is associated with the professional league, we were curious to know which players and teams receive the most hate.
Using a machine-learning sentiment analysis tool that assigned an anger quotient to each post, we analyzed over 400,000 posts on X directed at either active players or NBA franchises. We found that whether it’s their lack of scoring, on-court mistakes, dirty plays, or other controversial situations, certain players and teams consistently find themselves at the center of an online hate storm.
Key Takeaways
- Draymond Green, Miles Bridges, and Ivica Zubac receive the most hate posts on X.
- The Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Golden State Warriors are the franchises with the most hate posts on X.
Players Who Receive The Most Hate Posts On X
Players in the NBA often face criticism and hate posts for various reasons, some related to their on-court actions and others for off-court behaviors. Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors stands out as the player with the highest anger rating from hate posts on X.
The Top NBA Players X (Twitter) Users Are Angry At
Green is frequently criticized for his intense playing style, which often crosses into aggression. Notable incidents include hitting LeBron James and Steven Adams in the groin area and a kick to James Harden’s head. These actions, coupled with his trash-talking and controversial off-court comments, have led to multiple fines and a perception among some fans as being overly aggressive and unsportsmanlike.
Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets faced serious off-court issues, including charges of domestic violence and child abuse. He missed the entire 2022–2023 season as a result. His 2021–2022 season performance as Charlotte’s leading scorer contrasts sharply with his off-court behavior. In October 2023, he turned himself in due to a warrant for an alleged violation of a domestic violence protective order. His return to the game and comments surrounding these incidents have been met with disapproval from fans.
You're a woman beater, you deserved to be locked up.
— #FREEZU (@clippuh_fan) July 5, 2023
The Los Angeles Clippers’ Ivica Zubac has been a subject of debate regarding his defensive capabilities. While he believes his contribution in altering shots is significant, there’s a perspective that challenges this view. His defensive rating is the second-worst on the team, and the Clippers perform better defensively when he’s not playing. Despite leading his team in defensive rebounding percentage, his overall impact on defense is seen as mixed, leading to criticism.
Grayson Allen of the Phoenix Suns has carried a reputation for being a dirty player since his college days at Duke, where he was caught tripping opponents. This behavior has continued in the NBA, leading to several incidents and contributing to his negative reputation.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Patrick Beverley is known for his own trash-talking and mocking gestures, such as the “too small” hand sign. His behavior on the court, while sometimes seen as part of his competitive spirit, has also drawn criticism for being overtly disrespectful to opponents.
touching all the microphones, only to test positive for COVID-19 shortly after. This incident, along with reported tensions with his team, has led to negative perceptions among the public.
Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets is known for his aggressive play and trash-talking, which has earned him a number of enemies in the NBA. His public remarks about LeBron James being old, among other comments, have drawn intense criticism for being disrespectful.
The Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma had a very public Twitter feud with former teammate Spencer Dinwiddie in January of 2023. His time with the Lakers also attracted criticism, with fans questioning his true priorities and focus on basketball.
post he made on X led fans to believe he was criticizing the Spurs organization, which resulted in a swift and negative reaction from fans who felt betrayed and disappointed.
“spit on everyone” due to this situation highlighted his emotional struggle and drew attention to his dissatisfaction.
NBA Teams That Receive The Most Hate Posts On X
Fan reactions on social media can provide a telling story of a team’s public perception and popularity. Within the NBA, several teams have garnered notable attention, not all of it positive, on the platform X, for various reasons ranging from management decisions to team performance.
NBA Teams Ranked By How Angry They Make Fans
The Atlanta Hawks, the team with the highest anger rating from posts on X, faced a wave of criticism following their decision to fire coach Nate McMillan with only 23 games remaining in the 2022–23 season. Such a dramatic change in leadership so late in the season likely stirred discontent among the fanbase, leading to an increase in negative posts.
https://twitter.com/pregamedullah/status/1608293740203974656
The Chicago Bulls, landing in second place when it comes to teams that receive the most hate on X, also found themselves at the center of disappointment, primarily due to their failure to secure a spot in the playoffs for the 2022–2023 season. This underperformance, particularly given the high hopes and expectations of their fans, likely fueled frustration and criticism on social media.
Blow up the roster, cowards
— Papa (@papajohnsdaddy1) November 17, 2023
For the Golden State Warriors, who score third for angry posts directed at them on X, their longstanding success has paradoxically become a source of criticism. The team’s dominance over recent years has led to a phenomenon where fans eagerly await their downfall. This sentiment, combined with mixed feelings about star player Stephen Curry and their exit in the Conference Semifinals in the 2023 playoffs, has contributed to a complex mix of admiration and animosity.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have faced their share of scrutiny, primarily because of their historical inability to reach the NBA finals. This long-standing underachievement, coupled with reports of dissatisfaction with player Rudy Gobert, has led to continuous critique from their fanbase.
Been watching you stink for years man
— Ciaran Wessel ✝️ (@WesselCiaran) July 11, 2023
The New York Knicks, despite having a talented roster, have not been immune to criticism. Their loss in the Conference Semifinals in 2023 and ongoing questions about their management have led to discussions about whether they are living up to their potential.
These instances reflect the multifaceted reasons why teams may receive hate on platforms like X. Factors such as team performance, management decisions, individual player issues, and the gap between expectations and reality all play significant roles in shaping public opinion and online discourse.
The Bigger Picture In NBA Fan Engagement
The varied reasons behind negative posts towards certain NBA players and teams on social media highlights the complex relationship between fan expectations, team performance, and public perception.
As Fadeaway World continues to delve into the fascinating world of basketball, insights like these not only reflect the pulse of the fan community but also offer a deeper understanding of the dynamics that influence the sport, both on and off the court. Such insights are invaluable for fans, analysts, and enthusiasts who seek a more nuanced view of the NBA landscape.
To stay updated on all things NBA and learn more about ranking lists, expert analysis, predictions, and more, check out Fadeaway World’s NBA section.
Methodology
We analyzed 366,944 tweets directed at 492 active players who have X accounts and 43,685 tweets directed at the 30 NBA franchises from October 2022 to November 2023. We processed the language in the tweets using a machine-learning sentiment analysis tool that assigned an anger quotient to each tweet. Players and franchises with especially high average anger quotients across all tweets directed at them ranked the highest.
