10 Most Likable NBA Players of 2014-15

By Dan Schultz

10 Most Likable NBA Players of 2014-15

Kevin Durant Tim Duncan NBA
Getty Images

The NBA is so full of likable players that it is almost impossible to come up with a "most likeable" list. If we did not like many players in the league, why would we watch? We root for teams/players because we want them to succeed and we are happy when they do. Here are 10 of the most likeable NBA players of 2014-15.

10. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki NBA
Getty Images

10. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki NBA
Getty Images

Seeing Dirk Nowitzki win his first championship in 2011 was a truly special, memorable experience. He has always presented himself as a fierce competitor and very likable, laid back guy off the court. Fans cannot get enough of the German snarl he presents after an unbelievable fade-away jumper. Even if you do not like the Dallas Mavericks, you have to love Dirk.

9. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks

Jabari Parker NBA
Getty Images

9. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks

Jabari Parker NBA
Getty Images

Although he is brand new to the NBA, many are familiar with Jabari Parker after watching him this past year at Duke University. The 19-year-old is very mature for his age and is already coming across as having true leadership qualities, something the Bucks desperately need. He seems very respectable and genuinely grateful for where he is in his life right now.

8. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Getty Images

8. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Getty Images

While it has become a popular meme on the Internet, Kevin Durant's MVP trophy speech which he concluded by calling his mom "the real MVP" was one of the more moving moments we saw in the NBA this year. Durant is beloved everywhere because of his strong work ethic and the fact that he just really enjoys playing basketball. He is a humble player and has won a lot of people over to being Thunder fans over the years.

7. Kyle Korver, Atlanta Hawks

Kyle Korver, Atlanta Hawks
Getty Images

7. Kyle Korver, Atlanta Hawks

Kyle Korver, Atlanta Hawks
Getty Images

Kyle Korver has come an incredibly long way since being a second-round draft choice in 2003. His quick-trigger and sharpshooting have always been admired, and the fact that he gives a lot of the money he makes away to charity is also something you do not see from every player. You ask anyone who knows the game of basketball, and they will tell you that they love watching Korver shoot the ball.

6. Marcin Gortat, Washington Wizards

Marcin Gortat NBA
Getty Images

6. Marcin Gortat, Washington Wizards

Marcin Gortat NBA
Getty Images

While it seems the Washington Wizards do not get as much national TV time as many other teams, if you have ever seen Gortat be interviewed after the game you notice that he behaves a lot like Dirk. He makes for a nice interview and his joking nature is received extremely well. The chemistry he develops with his teammates is very important to him, and it is a big reason why the Wizards rewarded him with a big payday this summer.

5. Nate Robinson, Denver Nuggets

Nate Robinson, Denver Nuggets
Getty Images

5. Nate Robinson, Denver Nuggets

Nate Robinson, Denver Nuggets
Getty Images

Nate Robinson has definitely jumped around the league over the years, but he has been a fan favorite everywhere he goes because of the insane amount of energy he brings whenever he is in the game. Many also love him because of the fact that he is only 5-foot-9 and can dunk, which is extremely rare. Right now Robinson fits in perfectly with the Nuggets.

4. Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls

Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls
Getty Images

4. Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls

Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls
Getty Images

Many forget that Pau Gasol was perhaps the biggest reason why the Los Angeles Lakers won the championship in 2010 thanks to his Game 7 performance where he came alive in the fourth quarter. Gasol has always demonstrated that he loves people and wants to make everybody happy. He has already won his new Bulls teammates over by leaving Los Angeles to come to the Windy City, which is a huge sacrifice weather-wise.

3. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Getty Images

3. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Getty Images

While he was in his fair share of tabloid news this year, fans still love Paul George because they feel like they saw him grow up in a way during the 2013 NBA Playoffs when he played phenomenal against LeBron James and the Miami Heat. His gruesome injury during the FIBA World Championship and the way he handled it made everyone love George more. Here's hoping that he comes back stronger than ever when he is fully recovered.

2. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors

Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
Getty Images

2. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors

Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
Getty Images

The reason why fans love Korver is the same reason they love Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors -- they love watching him shoot. Curry is one of the most dangerous shooters in the game, and you truly believe he is going to make every shot he takes. Combine that with sick handles and an ability to find wide open teammates, and many are left breathless at his game.

1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Getty Images

1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Getty Images

Worldwide appreciation for the San Antonio Spurs reached its apex during the 2014 NBA Finals when they defeated the Miami Heat, and a big reason as to why this was the case is because of Tim Duncan and the way he has played the game over his career. He is now entering his 18th season in the league, and many want to see the humble superstar win one more before he calls it a career.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like