Despite being in an era with the least aggression, players are as hot-headed as ever and competition brings it out of them.

The NBA, with its fast-paced and intense gameplay, often serves as a stage for both skillful displays of athleticism and dramatic emotional outbursts. While passion is an integral part of the game, some players take it to another level, earning reputations as the league’s most hot-headed individuals. Some of the most hotheaded players ever include Dennis Rodman and Rasheed Wallace among others, but which current players are on that level?

In this article, we delve into the realm of fiery competition and spotlight the 10 most hot-headed players currently gracing the NBA courts. From their on-court altercations to their off-court personalities, we explore what makes these athletes a volatile force to be reckoned with. Get ready to witness the fire, the intensity, and the unfiltered emotions that define the game for these passionate players in the NBA.

Honorable Mention

Jae Crowder

Jae Crowder, a veteran forward known for his tenacious defense and gritty playing style, has earned his spot on the list of the NBA’s most hot-headed players. Currently donning the jersey of the contending Milwaukee Bucks, Crowder brings an undeniable intensity to the court that can both ignite his team and rile up opponents.

Crowder’s on-court demeanor is marked by a no-nonsense attitude, often leading to confrontations with opponents in the heat of the game. Whether it’s jawing with rival players or engaging in physical battles under the basket, Crowder is never one to back down. His fiery nature has, at times, resulted in technical fouls and ejections, showcasing the fine line between passion and aggression.

The forward has already found himself on the wrong side of the referees’ whistles, accumulating two technical fouls, each accompanied by a $2,000 fine. These early-season incidents only emphasize Crowder’s reputation as one of the league’s most hot-headed players.

10. Trae Young

Trae Young, the dynamic point guard for the Atlanta Hawks, brings not only extraordinary skills on the court but also a fiery temperament that adds a unique flavor to his game. Despite his stature, often referred to as a “little man,” Young’s on-court demeanor is anything but diminutive, and his competitive spirit occasionally leads him to the edge.

In the previous season, Young accumulated 15 technical fouls, providing evidence of the temper that simmers beneath his dazzling plays. An ejection and a $25,000 fine for throwing the ball harshly at a ref added to the narrative of Young’s occasionally combustible nature.

As the current season unfolds, Young has wasted no time in picking up where he left off, already amassing three technical fouls. This “hot” start hints at the ongoing challenge Young faces in managing his emotions on the court.

Despite the occasional flare-ups, Trae Young’s intensity is undoubtedly a driving force for the Atlanta Hawks. His ability to balance passion with composure will likely be a focal point as he continues to evolve as a leader for his team.

9. Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart’s on-court demeanor is defined by his relentless defensive efforts and a competitive spirit that occasionally spills over into heated moments. His willingness to dive for loose balls, take charges, and challenge opponents makes him a formidable adversary. However, this aggressive approach has also led to instances of confrontation, resulting in technical fouls and, at times, ejections.

Off the court, Smart’s fiery personality remains evident. Interviews and social media interactions showcase a player deeply invested in the emotional highs and lows of NBA competition. Smart’s vocal leadership and unwavering commitment to his teammates further contribute to his reputation as a player who wears his emotions on his sleeve.

In the 2022-23 NBA season with the Boston Celtics, Marcus Smart found himself ejected from three separate games due to his impassioned on-court behavior. Transitioning to the 2023-24 season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Smart, now playing in a new jersey, faced disciplinary action early on. While covering for the suspended Ja Morant, Smart accumulated a technical foul, accompanied by a $2,000 fine. These incidents highlighted the challenge of maintaining a balance between the spirited play that defines Smart’s game and adhering to the league’s code of conduct.

8. Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid, the dominant center for the Philadelphia 76ers, is not only a force on the court but also a player whose fiery temperament has drawn attention. In the 2022-23 NBA season, Embiid accumulated seven technical fouls, indicative of his passionate approach to the game. Additionally, an incident involving an obscene gesture resulted in a $25,000 fine, showcasing the costly consequences of letting emotions run high.

The 2023-24 season continued to paint a picture of Embiid’s intense nature, with three technical fouls and another obscene gesture, this time warranting a $35,000 fine. Despite being a two-time scoring champion and the reigning MVP, Embiid’s on-court success has occasionally been accompanied by challenges in controlling his temper.

The narrative surrounding Embiid suggests that while his dominance on the court is undeniable, managing his emotions remains a crucial aspect of his game. As fans marvel at his scoring prowess and overall impact, the need for Embiid to strike a balance between passion and composure becomes evident.

7. Marcus Morris

Marcus Morris, a forward known for his physical style of play and vocal presence on the court, carved out a reputation as one of the NBA’s most intense competitors during the 2022-23 season. With a staggering 11 technical fouls and two ejections, Morris became a lightning rod for on-court incidents, showcasing both his tenacity and his willingness to mix it up with opponents.

One notable incident that fueled Morris’s fiery demeanor involved a confrontation with Nikola Jokic. The Serbian center’s hard hit on Morris’s twin brother, Markieff Morris, ignited a heated exchange between the two players. Marcus Morris, not one to back down, vocalized his displeasure and showcased his willingness to defend his teammates with both words and physicality.

Morris’s confrontational style is underscored by his physical presence on the court. Standing his ground against anyone who challenges him, he adds an element of toughness to his team. His voice, both in terms of communication and on-court actions, sets the tone for his competitive mindset although it often results in negative outcomes in terms of technical fouls and ejections.

6. Luka Doncic

Doncic’s on-court demeanor is typically characterized by his flair for the dramatic and a competitive edge that drives him to take on challenging plays. However, this intensity has, at times, resulted in confrontations with opponents and disagreements with referees, leading to technical fouls. While his passion is a significant factor in his success, it also presents a double-edged sword, as the league closely monitors and penalizes behavior that crosses the line.

Luka Doncic’s on-court intensity and fiery nature have certainly made headlines, with a notable track record of technical fouls and an ejection in the 2022-23 NBA season. The Slovenian sensation amassed an eye-catching 15 technical fouls, signaling the challenges he faced in managing his emotions on the court. Additionally, an ejection and a hefty $35,000 fine for an obscene gesture underscored the need for Doncic to strike a balance between passion and maintaining composure.

Despite his early-season aspirations to improve his attitude in the 2023-24 campaign, the young star has already garnered two technical fouls. While this may suggest that Luka is still navigating the fine line between passion and restraint, it’s clear that he recognizes the importance of refining his on-court demeanor.

5. Isaiah Stewart

Isaiah Stewart, the formidable power forward-center for the Detroit Pistons, has earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s most intimidating and fiery players. Standing at an imposing 6’8″ and weighing 250 lbs, Stewart’s physical stature is matched by a demeanor that can be described as nothing short of imposing.

Stewart’s on-court intensity has manifested in a series of incidents, including accumulating five technical fouls in the previous season and already garnering three in the current season. Notably, in the 2021-22 season, he gained widespread attention for going ballistic on LeBron James, nearly sparking a brawl on the court. This high-profile altercation showcased Stewart’s fiery nature and the challenges of containing him once he loses control.

The young and powerful forward’s willingness to stand up to even the biggest names in the league underlines his fearlessness and determination. With a physical playing style that matches his fiery personality, Stewart is a force to be reckoned with on the court. As he continues to develop in the NBA, opponents and spectators alike are reminded to approach him with caution, as the combination of size and temperament makes Stewart a player best left undisturbed.

4. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook, the seasoned point guard known for his explosive athleticism and unyielding competitiveness, remains a force on the court with a fiery nature that shows no signs of diminishing despite the passage of time. As Westbrook continues to navigate the later stages of his career, his aggressive playing style and unapologetic demeanor remain defining characteristics.

A player who wears his emotions on his sleeve, Westbrook is no stranger to on-court confrontations. His willingness to get into heated exchanges with opponents, including notable incidents involving Patrick Beverley, has solidified his reputation as a tenacious and confrontational player. These clashes, fueled by Westbrook’s unrelenting drive, often become headline-worthy moments in the NBA.

In the previous season, Westbrook accrued seven technical fouls, underscoring the challenges of channeling his intensity within the confines of the game. As the current season unfolds, Westbrook has already tallied another technical foul while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, highlighting that his fiery nature remains a prominent aspect of his playing style.

Westbrook’s ability to maintain his aggressive approach and fiery demeanor, even as he ages, adds a layer of intrigue to his continued impact on the court. Whether driving to the rim with unparalleled intensity or engaging in spirited exchanges with opponents, Westbrook’s presence guarantees that the game remains as thrilling and emotionally charged as ever.

3. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jaren Jackson Jr., the imposing presence in the frontcourt for the Memphis Grizzlies, has not only earned recognition as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year but has also become known for his intense playing style. With a notable edge to his game, Jackson’s on-court demeanor reflects a player unafraid to assert himself as an enforcer for his team.

In the previous season, Jackson garnered attention for accumulating nine technical fouls, showcasing a propensity for on-court incidents. The current season has seen him amass two technical fouls and experience an ejection, further emphasizing the fine line he treads between maintaining an edge and risking disciplinary actions.

As the anchor of the Grizzlies’ defense, Jackson’s tenacity and physicality contribute significantly to the team’s success. However, reigning in his fiery nature might prove crucial in ensuring that he remains focused on the court and avoids unnecessary distractions. Striking a balance between being an enforcer and maintaining composure is a delicate task, especially for a player in Jackson’s role.

While his defensive prowess and intensity are undoubtedly assets for the Memphis Grizzlies, managing the emotional aspects of his game could enhance Jackson’s overall impact. As we continue to witness the evolution of Jaren Jackson Jr., the narrative of reigning in his edge becomes a subplot to the broader story of his contributions to the team.

2. Dillon Brooks

Dillon Brooks, the outspoken and fearless player known for his aggressive playing style, continues to make waves in the NBA with his brash demeanor and on-court incidents. As of the 2023-24 season, Brooks has not shied away from controversy, getting ejected in his very first pre-season game with the Houston Rockets for a contentious groin hit.

In the previous season, Brooks accumulated a staggering 26 violations against him, reflecting a pattern of on-court volatility and off-court incidents. This included three ejections, three suspensions, a violation of media access rules resulting in a $25,000 fine, and an altercation with a cameraman that cost him $35,000.

Brooks’s self-proclaimed affinity for “poking bears” adds an intriguing layer to his playing style, suggesting a deliberate approach to getting under the skin of opponents. His loud-mouthed persona and willingness to push boundaries make him a polarizing figure in the league, drawing attention not just for his skills on the court but also for his confrontational interactions.

1. Draymond Green

Draymond Green, the linchpin of the Golden State Warriors and an undisputed enforcer on the court has earned the title of the NBA’s premier hothead. Renowned for embracing the role of the “tough guy” for the Warriors, Green’s fiery nature serves as a catalyst for his team’s success, allowing the stars around him to thrive.

The 2022-23 season was marked by an astonishing 28 violations against Green, showcasing the challenges he faces in toeing the line between aggression and maintaining control. One particularly noteworthy incident involved a striking confrontation with his former teammate Jordan Poole during practice, underscoring the intensity that Green brings to every aspect of the game.

Last season, Green faced the consequences of his fiery demeanor with three ejections, two suspensions, and a $25,000 fine for directing obscene language at a fan. As the current season unfolds, Green has already accumulated three technical fouls and experienced an ejection, maintaining his reputation as the league’s most prominent hothead.

While Green’s aggressive playing style and willingness to take on the enforcer role are vital for the Warriors, finding a balance to avoid unnecessary incidents remains a continual challenge. As fans witness the ongoing saga of Draymond Green, the narrative of his hot-headedness adds a captivating layer to the story of the Warriors’ pursuit of success.