The NBA has always had players that have been willing to go over the line from time to time to help their team - or because they lose their temper. However, some players have developed a reputation as some of the dirtiest players that have ever played the game. Here are the four dirtiest players in NBA history:
4) Karl Malone
Malone is one of the best players in NBA history, but he also had a bit of a mean streak. A physical, intimidating presence, Malone loved to throw elbows in the lane. Isiah Thomas was on the end of one of those vicious elbows, as seen in the video above:
“I think it was the dirtiest play I have experienced in the game of basketball in my life.” Thomas said. “I don’t think I’ve seen anything as vicious and as intentional to a player. I still don’t understand it.”
3) Rick Mahorn
Mahorn was a vital member of the Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys" teams of the late 1980's and early 1990's. He only averaged 6.9 points per game for his career, but he made up for his lack of offensive game with his physicality.
2) Charles Oakley
Oakley's NBA career lasted 19 years because of his physicality. He never backed down from a fight, and was never afraid to start one.
1) Bill Laimbeer
No one in NBA had a worse reputation than the baddest of the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons.
“A lot of basketball is mental,” Laimbeer said. “Some people find the way I play very frustrating. They can’t handle it. I throw them off their game. I’m playing to win, and I’ll use all my tools both physically and mentally to win the game. Other players don’t like that and I can’t help that. I have to do what I do best. I call it gamesmanship.”
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