Players that you didn’t like but became a fan of later..

PKIPP · 07-13-2023, 09:45 PM

I’m bored and sipping a few adult beverages and just thinking about Giannis. In 2018-2020 era I disliked the guy. I’m a huge James Harden fan and I still believe James was robbed of a 2nd straight mvp award after putting up a ridiculous 36+ ppg season for Houston in 2019.

As the years have went on I’ve grown to not just respect Giannis, but he has become someone I root for (besides when playing the pistons).

I think winning with Milwaukee and staying true to that city and team won me over. Other than him being just a great player and someone who’s a good guy.

Who are some players you didn’t like and later became a fan of?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

kingofsnake · 07-13-2023, 09:47 PM

The answer is Russell Westbrook.

rogueriver · 07-13-2023, 09:48 PM

Larry Bird and Isaiah Thomas....I’m a Lakers fan nuff said. Hated these two when we played them, but now have mad respect for their game

PKIPP · 07-13-2023, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingofsnake

The answer is Russell Westbrook.

This is another one for me, though I mostly disliked him in his first 4-5 years in the league. I became a very big fan when Kd left and he averaged the first triple double in a season since the Big O.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

eastbayak · 07-13-2023, 10:48 PM

LeBron
Stephen Jackson
CP3

daveyc1 · 07-13-2023, 10:52 PM

Jordan. I was a big Barkley fan, and when MJ beat Phoenix in 93 i felt heartbroken. I eventually came around

gameissued · 07-13-2023, 11:06 PM

For me it's Kobe Bryant.. never liked him during his playing days except maybe in his last season. Had very little cards of him and anything I pulled was immediately for sale. After his retirement was a different story though and for whatever reason just started to have an appreciation for his career.

Sort of the same right now (on a much smaller scale) for D'Angelo Russell. Absolutely hated him the first few seasons in the NBA.

ninjacookies · 07-13-2023, 11:40 PM

Everyone BO hates becomes my spirit animal.

Luni · 07-14-2023, 12:02 AM

Kobe. Couldn't stand him when he was playing, but realized later it was just because he was so good. Saw the same drive in him that I loved in KG.

oplum29 · 07-14-2023, 12:30 AM

Kobe

never liked him. beat my Spurs a few times in the playoffs, always thought he was a drama queen and stuff like that. i don't like him, but i respect him, if that makes sense. i love the Mamba mentality and came to appreciate what an absolute dog he was. his work ethic was amazing.

also, Barkley. i hated that he went ring chasing to Houston. i'm a Spurs fan, my friend was a Rockets fan, and would always rub it in our faces that they had won 2 Titles, and we had zero.

now Karl Malone....F that guy. and F his elbow too. Glad he never won a title.

REGGIE206 · 07-14-2023, 03:49 AM

Kobe.. because he was the enemy.

hauntedcomputer · 07-14-2023, 06:25 AM

Phil Ford.

On the flip side, Harden was my favorite player when he was at OKC and now rates slightly above Lebron/Dillon Brooks/Dame on my crap list.

rifleman69 · 07-14-2023, 07:28 AM

Larry Legend, Magic Johnson, and Robert Horry.

jzx1103 · 07-14-2023, 07:29 AM

Kobe, because I treated him like the leader of the evil empire. Then looked back at his career and was like wow. Also Jordan to a smaller extent back in the 90s, although I already felt Jordan was GOAT. I also tend to root for underdogs aside from my favorite team, and Kobe and Jordan are typically the opposite of an underdog lol

MJ23Collector · 07-14-2023, 07:40 AM

Surprisingly I have to say Jordan. When you understand that in the 90s I was a Knicks fan (and still am) the heartbreak that Jordan and the Bulls were inflicting on New York was really tough to take. Something very close to what the Pistons were doing to the Bulls early in the 90s, except that the Bulls managed to overcome that hurdle, something which the Knicks never managed.

Like so many superstars before him, Jordan always seem to have something special saved for the games at MSG. The difference was that although the New York fans hated losing to the Bulls, there was a special respect for MJ, possibly due to the fact that he was born in Brooklyn.

jcardstore · 07-14-2023, 09:58 AM

I don’t dislike any player in a vacuum but the BO hype machine makes it really easy to be a hater.

When the Warriors/Cavs had a rivalry I hated Curry Klay and Draymond but I actually am a huge fan of Curry and Draymond now. Both are generational talents and without the emotional attachment it’s easy to be a fan

BGT Masters · 07-14-2023, 10:06 AM

Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal.

rats60 · 07-14-2023, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogueriver

Larry Bird and Isaiah Thomas....I’m a Lakers fan nuff said. Hated these two when we played them, but now have mad respect for their game

Definitely Bird. Couldn't stand him when he played, but definitely respect his game and what he did for the NBA.

Isiah Thomas I go hot and cold on. I couldn't stand him him college, but appreciated his game when he joined the NBA. Later when the Pistons became good, it became hard to like a jerk. His comment about Bird, not shaking hands with the Bulls when they lost and crying about being left off the Olympic team when he didn't deserve it. He wasn't Magic and Bird and he was past his prime in 1992.

Asian62150 · 07-14-2023, 12:11 PM

Didn't like/still don't like Kobe for stuff he did off the court (Colorado, forcing Shaquille out of town) and even some of the stuff he did on the court (starting the trend of winding down the shot/game clock to take the last shot of the game even when you're behind. That's just dumb basketball).

Respect him for his work ethic as others have said and how he taught the Bron, D-Wade, and others what hard work really looks like.

Makakilo Cards · 07-14-2023, 12:45 PM

I absolutely hated Kobe but it was just because he always ripped my heart out. Loved him by the start of his second run after they had some bad years. He paid his dues haha.

ClipsFan · 07-14-2023, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingofsnake

The answer is Russell Westbrook.

Same.

bradical · 07-14-2023, 01:30 PM

Jimmy Butler.

Loved him on the Bulls.

Disliked him on the TWolves and Sixers.

Love love love him on the Heat.

GOATcards · 07-14-2023, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcardstore

I don’t dislike any player in a vacuum but the BO hype machine makes it really easy to be a hater.

so someone else's hype makes you a hater of the hyped. huh.

asujbl · 07-14-2023, 02:11 PM

None

Once you’re dead to me you’re dead to me

ZappBrannigan · 07-14-2023, 02:26 PM

Iverson for me.

07-13-2023, 09:45 PM	#1
PKIPP Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Michigan Posts: 5,002	Players that you didn’t like but became a fan of later.. I’m bored and sipping a few adult beverages and just thinking about Giannis. In 2018-2020 era I disliked the guy. I’m a huge James Harden fan and I still believe James was robbed of a 2nd straight mvp award after putting up a ridiculous 36+ ppg season for Houston in 2019. As the years have went on I’ve grown to not just respect Giannis, but he has become someone I root for (besides when playing the pistons). I think winning with Milwaukee and staying true to that city and team won me over. Other than him being just a great player and someone who’s a good guy. Who are some players you didn’t like and later became a fan of? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ i collect Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers, Carmelo Anthony, Donovan Mitchell, Detroit Pistons Follow me on IG: Cardboard_vault

07-13-2023, 09:47 PM	#2
kingofsnake Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Napa Valley Posts: 4,528	The answer is Russell Westbrook. __________________ I collect Joe Johnson - 2,827 different cards, 527 1/1's. www.ilocust.com/hobby.htm

07-13-2023, 11:40 PM	#8
ninjacookies Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: All the girls see the (boi)/ Look at his flips / Look at his kards / All they say is (oh boi). Posts: 57,061	Everyone BO hates becomes my spirit animal. __________________ #5 world ranked Ledell Eackles superclection as recognized by Tuff Stuff junior managing editor, Barry McCaulkinner. Somethin' like a cross between Teddy Aguhob and Kaboom Mystery Packs. I got that Givenchy denim flow.

07-14-2023, 12:02 AM	#9
Luni Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: NC, USA Posts: 1,406 Luninutz Luni	Kobe. Couldn't stand him when he was playing, but realized later it was just because he was so good. Saw the same drive in him that I loved in KG. __________________ Kevin Garnett Collector https://www.instagram.com/luni_kg 2018-19 Prizm Rainbow Status: 38/38 - Now Complete!

07-14-2023, 12:30 AM	#10
oplum29 Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 10,405	Kobe never liked him. beat my Spurs a few times in the playoffs, always thought he was a drama queen and stuff like that. i don't like him, but i respect him, if that makes sense. i love the Mamba mentality and came to appreciate what an absolute dog he was. his work ethic was amazing. also, Barkley. i hated that he went ring chasing to Houston. i'm a Spurs fan, my friend was a Rockets fan, and would always rub it in our faces that they had won 2 Titles, and we had zero. now Karl Malone....F that guy. and F his elbow too. Glad he never won a title. __________________ "got em, got em, need em, got em, got em, need em, got em" - Little Monsters

07-13-2023, 09:48 PM	#3
rogueriver Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Texas Posts: 970 rogueriver	Larry Bird and Isaiah Thomas....I’m a Lakers fan nuff said. Hated these two when we played them, but now have mad respect for their game

07-13-2023, 10:48 PM	#5
eastbayak Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 16,450 eastbayak	LeBron Stephen Jackson CP3

07-13-2023, 10:52 PM	#6
daveyc1 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: maine Posts: 2,115	Jordan. I was a big Barkley fan, and when MJ beat Phoenix in 93 i felt heartbroken. I eventually came around

07-13-2023, 11:06 PM	#7
gameissued Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,468 gameissued	For me it's Kobe Bryant.. never liked him during his playing days except maybe in his last season. Had very little cards of him and anything I pulled was immediately for sale. After his retirement was a different story though and for whatever reason just started to have an appreciation for his career. Sort of the same right now (on a much smaller scale) for D'Angelo Russell. Absolutely hated him the first few seasons in the NBA.

07-14-2023, 03:49 AM	#11
REGGIE206 Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Mukilteo, WA (hometown: Vallejo, CA) Posts: 9,791	Kobe.. because he was the enemy.

07-14-2023, 06:25 AM	#12
hauntedcomputer Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: NC mountains Posts: 1,097 hauntedcomputer	Phil Ford. On the flip side, Harden was my favorite player when he was at OKC and now rates slightly above Lebron/Dillon Brooks/Dame on my crap list. __________________ +++ The market is always right, even when it's dumb. More cards are overgraded than undergraded. Change my mind.

07-14-2023, 07:28 AM	#13
rifleman69 Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Space Mountain Posts: 3,534	Larry Legend, Magic Johnson, and Robert Horry.

07-14-2023, 07:29 AM	#14
jzx1103 Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,569	Kobe, because I treated him like the leader of the evil empire. Then looked back at his career and was like wow. Also Jordan to a smaller extent back in the 90s, although I already felt Jordan was GOAT. I also tend to root for underdogs aside from my favorite team, and Kobe and Jordan are typically the opposite of an underdog lol Last edited by jzx1103; 07-14-2023 at 07:37 AM.

07-14-2023, 07:40 AM	#15
MJ23Collector Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 150	Surprisingly I have to say Jordan. When you understand that in the 90s I was a Knicks fan (and still am) the heartbreak that Jordan and the Bulls were inflicting on New York was really tough to take. Something very close to what the Pistons were doing to the Bulls early in the 90s, except that the Bulls managed to overcome that hurdle, something which the Knicks never managed. Like so many superstars before him, Jordan always seem to have something special saved for the games at MSG. The difference was that although the New York fans hated losing to the Bulls, there was a special respect for MJ, possibly due to the fact that he was born in Brooklyn.

07-14-2023, 09:58 AM	#16
jcardstore Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 22,038 Jcardstore	I don’t dislike any player in a vacuum but the BO hype machine makes it really easy to be a hater. When the Warriors/Cavs had a rivalry I hated Curry Klay and Draymond but I actually am a huge fan of Curry and Draymond now. Both are generational talents and without the emotional attachment it’s easy to be a fan __________________ Just moonwalking through hell on my last brain cell

07-14-2023, 10:06 AM	#17
BGT Masters Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wellsville, New York Posts: 10,184	Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal.

07-14-2023, 12:11 PM	#19
Asian62150 Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 6,583 Asian62150	Didn't like/still don't like Kobe for stuff he did off the court (Colorado, forcing Shaquille out of town) and even some of the stuff he did on the court (starting the trend of winding down the shot/game clock to take the last shot of the game even when you're behind. That's just dumb basketball). Respect him for his work ethic as others have said and how he taught the Bron, D-Wade, and others what hard work really looks like. __________________ IG: Asian62150

07-14-2023, 12:45 PM	#20
Makakilo Cards Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Makakilo, HI Posts: 315	I absolutely hated Kobe but it was just because he always ripped my heart out. Loved him by the start of his second run after they had some bad years. He paid his dues haha. __________________ 90s basketball Portland Trailblazers

07-14-2023, 01:30 PM	#22
bradical Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 8,409	Jimmy Butler. Loved him on the Bulls. Disliked him on the TWolves and Sixers. Love love love him on the Heat. __________________ :turkey: :turkey: :turkey:

07-14-2023, 02:11 PM	#24
asujbl Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 63,310 ohiosundevils	None Once you’re dead to me you’re dead to me __________________ https://ohiosundevils.smugmug.com/ Browns/Cavs/Tribe/Buckeyes/Jackets/Devils TheFrenzy - “Blowout ain't a place for normies”

07-14-2023, 02:26 PM	#25
ZappBrannigan Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Biafra Posts: 2,393	Iverson for me.