NBA's Notorious Whiners

SI Staff | Sep 24, 2010

NBA's Notorious Whiners /

NBA's Notorious Whiners

Kobe Bryant

The NBA has tried for years to crack down on unsportsmanlike conduct and players' gripes about foul calls. And this year, the league took a controversial step in doing so: Players will now receive more technicals for overreacting to referees' calls. In light of this move, here's a look at players, such as Kobe Bryant, who should be a bit concerned. After all, they're known for being some of the league's biggest complainers.

Tim Duncan

A four-time NBA champion, Duncan is known for his quiet and unassuming ways on the court. Unfortunately, he's also known for complaining about no-calls.

LeBron James

Like Kobe, LeBron is one of the league's greatest players. And like Kobe, LeBron likes to whine.

Paul Pierce

Like many of his Celtics' teammates, Pierce has a reputation for questioning the refs' calls.

Kendrick Perkins

If anyone has the potential to fill Rasheed Wallace's shoes as the league's King of Technicals, it's Perkins, who received 16 T's last season.

Ray Allen

In the 2010 playoffs, Ray Allen compiled 70 percent of the Celtics complaints. This is a fact; the Wall Street Journal kept a running tally.

Josh Smith

The Hawks forward started every game for last season and averaged 15.7 points. He probably also averaged 15.7 complaints per game.

Manu Ginobili

The Spurs' sixth man has mastered the art of whining without getting caught: He received one one technical last season, which was later rescinded after league review.

Carmelo Anthony

Despite his nickname, Anthony is anything but mellow when officials call him for a foul.

Dwight Howard

The always-playful big man has a knack for picking up technicals. He had a league-leading 17 T's last season ... and that's without cursing, which he claims he never does.

Amar'e Stoudemire

The Knicks signed a $100-million complainer who racked up 13 technicals last year.

Richard Hamilton

The Pistons' guard is annually among the league leaders in technical fouls.

Steve Nash

Nash, who seems even-keeled, is anything but when he gets a call he disagrees with.

Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk doesn't mess around when he's upset with a call. Which may explain his 10 technicals last season.

Stephen Jackson

The Bobcats' leading scorer tied for fifth in technicals last season with 13. And that's an improvement over the 18 he received (enough for a second-place finish) in 2008-09 with Golden State.

Baron Davis

Davis has been criticized for not playing well with his teammates. He's also been criticized for not playing nice with referees.

Published Sep 24, 2010

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