10 Ugliest Basketball Players in NBA

Have you ever heard the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”? Well, it’s certainly true in the NBA – some of the greatest players in the league aren’t exactly the most attractive!

In the spirit of fun, we’ve looked at some of the ugliest players in the NBA and put together a list of the top 10.

We’re not saying they’re not talented – they’re just not the most aesthetically pleasing of the bunch!

So, if you’re ready to enjoy some good-natured laughs, let’s take a look at the 10 ugliest basketball players in the NBA.

Here is a Quick Overview of the 10 Ugliest NBA Players:

Player NamePlaying Year
1. Gheorghe Muresan1993 to 2003
2. Sam Cassell1993–2009
3. Reggie Miller1987–2005
4. Popeye Jones1993-2004
5. Dennis Rodman1986–2006
6. Tyrone Hill1990–2003
7. Chris Kaman2003–2016
8. Michael Ruffin1999–2011
9. Manute Bol1985 to 1995
10. Chris Anderson1999–2017

1. Gheorghe Muresan

Full NameGheorghe Dumitru Mureșan
Nick NameGhiță
Date of Birth14 February 1971
Current Age51 Years (As of 2022)
Place of BirthTritenii de Jos, Romania
ProfessionRomanian Former Professional Basketball Player
NationalityRomanian
Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/GirlfriendWife: Liliana Mureşan (1994)
HeightIn Meters: 2.31 m
In Centimeters: 231 cm
In FT and Inches: 7 ft 7 Inches
WeightIn KG: 137 kg
Pounds: 303 lbs
Hair ColorDark Brown
Eye ColorDark Brown
Net Worth$5 Million

Yes, Gheorghe Muresan is one of the ugliest Basketball Players in the NBA’s history. But what is the reason? His 7 ft 7 inches in height? Or half-closed eyes and a big nose? Actually, these all are responsible.

However, you will be amazed to know that the height of his mother (5 ‘7″) and father (5 ‘9″) are normal. But his overheight was caused by acromegaly, a pituitary gland disorder.

Importantly, the fascinating achievements of this ugly player are the “1995-1996 NBA Most Improved Player award”.

Gheorghe Muresan NBA Career, at a Glance:

  • Start Career in NBA: 1993
  • NBA Teams: Fayetteville Patriots: Washington Bullets/Wizards: 1993-1998, New Jersey Nets: 1999-2000
  • Last Played: 2000 in New Jersey Nets
  • NBA Achievements: 1 NBA Most Improved Player award and 2 NBA Field Goal Percentage Leader

2. Sam Cassell

Full NameSamuel James Cassell Sr.
Nick NameSam I Am, The Space-Man
Date of BirthNovember 18, 1969
Current Age53 Years (As of 2023)
Place of BirthBaltimore, Maryland, USA
ProfessionBasketball Player
NationalityAmerican
Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/GirlfriendTonya Cassel
HeightIn Meters: 1.91 m
In Centimeters: 191 cm
In FT and Inches: 6 Ft 3 Inches
WeightIn KG: 83.9
In Pounds: 185 lbs
Hair ColorBald
Eye ColorBrown
Net Worth$23 Million

Even if you are a die-heart fan of Sam Cassell, you will definitely comment negatively about his teeth, head shape, small eyes, or lower jaw.

Interestingly, if we want to compare Sam Cassell with Gheorghe Muresan, we will see that Sam Cassell has an average and perfect height and weight.

However, apart from his bad shaped-face, he is an awesome NBA player, along with obtaining several awards like NBA Champion, NBA All-Star, and so on.

Sam Cassell NBA Career, at a Glance:

  • Start Career in NBA: 1993
  • NBA Teams: Fayetteville Patriots: Houston Rockets: 1993 to 94, Phoenix Suns: 1996, Dallas Mavericks (1996 to 97), New Jersey Nets (1997 to 99), Milwaukee Bucks (1999 to 2003), Minnesota Timberwolves (2003 to 2005), Los Angeles Clippers (2005 to 2008), Boston Celtics (2008 to 2009
  • Last Played: 2009 at Boston Celtics
  • NBA Achievements: 3 NBA Championships, 2 Second Team All-ACC, 1 All-NBA Second Team, 1 NBA All-Star, No. 10 jersey honored by Florida State Seminoles

3. Reggie Miller

Full NameReginald Wayne Miller
Nick NameKnick Killer, Miller Time
Date of BirthAugust 24, 1965
Current Age57 Years (As of 2023)
Place of BirthRiverside, California, U.S.
ProfessionBasketball Player
NationalityAmerican
Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/GirlfriendMarita Stavrou
HeightIn Meters: 2.01 m
In Centimeters: 201 cm
In FT and Inches: 6 Ft 7 Inches
WeightIn KG: 88 kg
In Pounds: 194 lbs
Hair ColorBrown
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$90 Million

Reggie Miller was a 6′ 6½′′ Guard position player for the Indiana Pacers. He was indeed a good basketball player.

Unfortunately, he is on the list of the 10 ugliest basketball players in the NBA. However, he is an awesome example of one of the most glamorous NBA long-range shooters.

Yes, we can blame the structure of his face, but we can’t ignore the innocent smile. However, many people do not even miss the chance to blame the shape of his head, ears, nose, and eyes.

Reggie Miller NBA Career, at a Glance:

  • Start Career in NBA: 1987
  • NBA Teams: Indiana Pacers: 1987-2005
  • Last Played: 2005 at Indiana Pacers
  • NBA Achievements: 5 NBA All-Star, 50–40–90 club, All-NBA Third Team, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 31 retired by Indiana Pacers

4. Popeye Jones

Full NameRonald Jerome “Popeye” Jones
Nick NamePopeye
Date of BirthJune 17, 1970
Current Age52 Years (As of 2023)
Place of BirthDresden, Tennessee, USA
ProfessionAmerican Professional Basketball Player
NationalityAmerican
Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/Girlfriend1. Divorced 2. Amy Jones
HeightIn Meters: 2.03 m
In Centimeters: 203 cm
In FT and Inches: 6 Ft 8 Inches
WeightIn KG: 113 kg
In Pounds: 250 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$5-6 Million

An unattractive player with insane skills in the Basketball career, I’m talking about Popeye Jones.

If you look at him, his large ears and crossed-shaped eyes, or crooked smile will make you feel bored.

However, keep Popeye’s ugly face aside, and let’s praise him for his outstanding dedication to playing.

Popeye Jones NBA Career, at a Glance:

  • Start Career in NBA: 1993
  • NBA Teams: Dallas Mavericks: 1993-96, 2002-03, Toronto Raptors: 1996-98, Boston Celtics: 1998-99, Denver Nuggets: 1999-2000, Washington Wizards: 2000-2002, Golden State Warriors: 2003-04
  • Last Played: 2004 at Golden State Warriors
  • NBA Achievements: No NBA Achievements
  • Other Achievements: 3× First-team All-OVC, 2× OVC Player of the Year, No. 54 retired by Murray State Racers, NCAA rebounding leader

5. Dennis Rodman

Full NameDennis Keith Rodman
Nick NameThe Worm
Date of BirthMay 13, 1961
Current Age61 Years (As of 2022)
Place of BirthTrenton, New Jersey, USA
ProfessionAmerican Former Professional Basketball Player
NationalityAmerican
Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/Girlfriend1. Annie Bakes 2. Carmen Electra 3. Michelle Moyer
HeightIn Meters: 2.01 m
In Centimeters: 201 cm
In FT and Inches: 6 ft 7 Inches
WeightIn KG: 100 kg
In Pounds: 220 lbs
Hair ColorMulti Colors
Eye ColorDark Brown
Net Worth$500 Thousand

Unfortunately, the list of the 10 most unattractive basketball players of all time is totally incomplete without Dennis Rodman.

By the way, how much unattractive is he? Too much? Most probably. But why?

His crazy hair colors, haircuts, clothes, and tattoo designs are highly responsive to keep him on the list of worst basketball players.

Dennis Rodman’s NBA Career, at a Glance:

  • Start Career in NBA: 1986
  • NBA Teams: Detroit Pistons: 1986-93, San Antonio Spurs: 1993-95, Chicago Bulls: 1995-98, Los Angeles Lakers: 1999, Dallas Mavericks: 2000, Long Beach Jam: 2003-04
  • Last Played: 2006
  • NBA Achievements: 7 NBA All-Defensive First Team, 7 NBA rebounding champions, 5 NBA champions, 2 All-NBA Third Team, 2 NBA All-Star, 1 NBA All-Defensive Second Team, 2 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, No. 10 retired by Detroit Pistons, NBA 75th Anniversary Team
  • Other Achievements: 1 IBM Award, 3 NAIA All-Americans

6. Tyrone Hill

Full NameTyrone Hill
Nick NameN/A
Date of BirthMarch 19, 1968
Current Age54 Years (As of 2022)
Place of BirthCincinnati, Ohio, United States
ProfessionAmerican Former Professional Basketball Player
NationalityAmerican
Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/GirlfriendTracey Back
HeightIn Meters: 2.06 m
In Centimeters: 206 cm
In FT and Inches: 6 Ft 9 Inch
WeightIn KG: 108 kg
In Pounds: 240 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$23 Million

If you look at the smiley face of Tyrone Hill, you will discover his plump lips with long-white teeth. Is that the only reason he is one of the most unattractive NBA players? Not actually.

What is your first reaction after seeing his nose? Is it too much fat? Yes. And What about his ears? They are actually strange-shaped.

Tyrone Hill NBA Career, at a Glance:

  • Start Career in NBA: 1990
  • NBA Teams: Golden State Warriors: 1990-93, Cleveland Cavaliers: 1993-97, 2001-03, Milwaukee Bucks: 1997-99, Philadelphia 76ers: 1999-2001, 2003, Miami Heat: 2003
  • Last Played: 2004
  • NBA Achievements: NBA All-Star
  • Other Achievements: 2 First-team All-MCC, No. 42 retired by Xavier Musketeers, MCC Player of the Year, Second-team All-MCC

7. Chris Kaman

Full NameChristopher Zane Kaman
Nick NameAir
Date of BirthApril 28, 1982
Current Age40 Years (As of 2022)
Place of BirthWyoming, MI, United States
ProfessionGerman-American Former Professional Basketball Player
NationalityAmerican, German
Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/GirlfriendEmilie Kaman
HeightIn Meters: 2.13 m
In Centimeters: 213 cm
In FT and Inches: 7 ft
WeightIn KG: 120 kg
Hair ColorBlonde
Eye ColorBlue
Net Worth$30 Million

Chris Kaman is an outstanding basketball player, obviously. But I have kept him on the badly shaped NBA players list. Why?

You will find the answer by looking at his sore eyes, invisible eyebrows, tiny hair, and ginger teeth.

Chris Kaman NBA Career, at a Glance:

  • Start Career in NBA: 2003
  • NBA Teams: Chicago Bulls: Los Angeles Clippers: 2003-2011, New Orleans Hornets: 2011-12, Dallas Mavericks: 2012-13, Los Angeles Lakers: 2013-14, Portland Trail Blazers: 2014-16
  • Last Played: 2016
  • NBA Achievements: NBA All-Star
  • Other Achievements: MAC tournament MVP, MAC Player of the Year, First-team All-MAC

8. Michael Ruffin

Full NameMichael David Ruffin
Nick NameN/A
Date of BirthJanuary 21, 1977
Current Age46 Years (As of 2023)
Place of BirthDenver, Colorado, United States
ProfessionAmerican Former Professional Basketball Player
NationalityAmerican
Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/GirlfriendMistye
HeightIn Meters: 2.08 m
In Centimeters: 208 cm
In FT and Inches: 6 Ft 8 Inches
WeightIn KG: 111 kg, In Pounds: 246 lbs
Hair ColorNo Hair
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$1-5 Million

Yes, I agree that Michael Ruffin is a good basketball player. But the shape of his head, lips, and facial traits will surely encourage you to blame him. And that is the reason for Micael Ruffin being a bad-looking NBA player.

Michael Ruffin NBA Career, at a Glance:

  • Start Career in NBA: 1999
  • NBA Teams: Chicago Bulls: 1999-2001, Philadelphia 76ers: 2001-02, Utah Jazz: 2003-04, Washington Wizards: 2004-07, Milwaukee Bucks: 2007-08, Portland Trail Blazers: 2009
  • Last Played: 2011
  • NBA Achievements: None
  • Other Achievements: First-team All-WAC (1998)

9. Manute Bol

Full NameBol Manute Bol
Nick NameNute
Date of BirthOctober 16, 1962
Aged47y-246d (Died on June 19, 2010)
Place of BirthGogrial, South Sudan
ProfessionSudanese-American Professional Basketball Player
NationalityAmerican, Sudanese
Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/GirlfriendAjok Deng
HeightIn Meters: 2.31 m
In Centimeters: 231 cm
In FT and Inches: 7 ft 7 Inches
WeightIn KG: 90.7 kg
In Pounds: 200 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorDark Brown
Net Worth$7 Million

Can we compare 7′ 6″ Manute Bol with 7′ 6″ Gheorghe Muresan? Yes, we can. Both are among the 10 ugliest basketball players in the NBA and one of the tallest.

By the way, Manute Bol died at age 47 because of acute kidney failure and complications from Stevens–Johnson syndrome in 2010.

Manute Bol NBA Career, at a Glance:

  • Start Career in NBA: 1985
  • NBA Teams: Washington Bullets: 1985-88, 1994, Golden State Warriors: 1988-90, 1994-95, Philadelphia 76ers: 1990-93, 1994, Miami Heat: 1994-94
  • Last Played: 1995
  • NBA Achievements: 1 NBA All-Defensive Second Team, 2 NBA blocks leader
  • Other Achievements: None

10. Chris Andersen

Full NameChristopher Claus Andersen
Nick NameBirdman
Date of BirthJuly 7, 1978
Current Age44 Years (As of 2022)
Place of BirthLong Beach, California, US
ProfessionAmerican Former Professional Basketball Player
NationalityAmerican
Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/GirlfriendWife: Tina Wiseman
HeightIn Meters: 2.08 m, In Centimeters: 208 cm
In FT and Inches: 6 ft 10 Inches
WeightIn Kg: 111 kg
In Pounds: 245 lb
Hair ColorBlonde
Eye ColorBlue
Net Worth$14 Million

Hope you have noticed Chris Andersen’s bright color tattoo around his neck along with the amusing hairstyles. These actually make him an ugly NBA player.

Wait, Chris Anderson is not only an unattractive player but also on the list of the worst and crazy NBA players’ tattoos.

Chris Andersen NBA Career, at a Glance:

  • Start Career in NBA: 2001
  • NBA Teams: Fayetteville Patriots: 2001, Denver Nuggets: 2001-2004, 2008-2012, New Orleans Hornets: 2004-2006, 2008, Miami Heat: 2013-2016, Memphis Grizzlies: 2016, Cleveland Cavaliers: 2016-2017
  • Last Played: 2017
  • NBA Achievements: NBA Champion
  • Other Achievements: None

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, the 10 ugliest players in the NBA! We hope you enjoyed this list – it was just for fun and to give NBA fans something to laugh about.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how these players look – their talent and skill on the court counts.

So, don’t let appearances fool you, and enjoy the NBA!

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Meet Liton Karmakar, an up-and-coming Basketball journalist who covers the league with a fresh perspective. With a finger on the pulse of the latest and updated news, Liton Karmakar provides an in-depth solid analysis of the game and its players. His writing style is engaging and easy to understand. It makes him a go-to source for fans looking for the latest on their favorite teams and players. He writes for several online media publications where his work is highly appreciated by readers.

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