Now that the playoffs are just around the corner, the acronym “NBA” takes on a different meaning.

No Babies Allowed.

In the postseason, the physicality of players is turned up a notch.  It’s the time of year when the men and separated from the boys.  But with this added element, teams and players still have to keep their composure – if they desire to have a chance at coming out on top.

Just like any other skill set, you’ll find certain NBA ballers that specialize in getting under players’ skin.  These players have the ability to play sticky, annoying, pesky defense.  They have abundant energy, are physical with their opponents, and disrupt the natural flow of the game.

So, who are the NBA’s top antagonists?

1. Ron Artest – Everybody knows this guy and his track record.  His strength overshadows his mobility these days and subsequently his defensive effectiveness has slipped a little, but who actually wants Ron Artest to guard him?  And in the playoffs…are you kidding me??  If a guy will run into the stands and beat up a spectator, imagine what he’ll do on the basketball court to win a game.  I don’t know if he’ll admit it, but I’m sure that Kobe Bryant breathed a huge sigh of relief when the Lakers picked up Ron-Ron in the offseason.

Martin: "You better not say anything about these lips!!"

2. Matt Barnes – A few years, Barnes made somewhat of a name for himself by helping the Golden State Warriors orchestrate a monumental opening round upset over the #1-seeded Dallas Mavericks.  Since then, he has refined his ability to be a pest to superstar players.  In Orlando recent battle against the Lakers, it was Barnes who was physical and nasty with Kobe Bryant.  Although they have the beasty Dwight Howard, the Magic were about as soft as toilet tissue.  Barnes won’t keep me from referring to them as toilet paper, but with him they are more like a rough, one-ply, no-name brand.

3. Andersen Varajeo – Just watching this guy used to get on my nerves.  Now, he’s pretty amusing to me.  But he wasn’t amusing to Dwight Howard in the Eastern Conference Finals last year.  He made Howard miserable whenever he touched the ball in the post.  This year, Varajeo has kept a fairly low profile, and he’s even improved his offensive game by hitting more mid-range jumpers and cutting to the basket for passes.  But the 6’11″ Brazilian earns his money by making his opponents earn their points.   

4. Kenyon Martin – Nicknamed “K-Mart”, Martin’s game is a lot like the low-end department store chain – dirty and grimy.  If you look at how he’s played throughout his career, he is definitely an atypical #1 draft pick.  When healthy, he is surprisingly agile and extremely physical.  But don’t talk about that tattoo (of a pair of lips paying homage to his girlfriend, rapper Trina) that he has on his neck.  That’ll really set him off. 

One thing that’s noticeable about these four players is the teams that they play on.  The Lakers, Magic, Cavs and Nuggets are arguably the top four teams in the NBA, and they unquestionably are residents of any NBA follower’s list of favorites to win the championship this year.  The consensus is that it’s good to have one of these guys on your side to rattle your opponents.

And also, it’s one less trouble maker that your team’s superstar will have to face.

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