The NBA has long been a stage for greatness. From stunning buzzer-beaters to championship dynasties, basketball’s biggest stars often dominate headlines for their brilliance on the court. However, the spotlight doesn’t always fade when the final buzzer sounds. In fact, some of the most enduring headlines in NBA history have had nothing to do with the scoreboard.

Recently, Kawhi Leonard found himself in the middle of an off-court controversy that has sparked renewed discussions among fans, media, and league insiders. While Leonard is one of the NBA’s most respected stars, his name now joins a long list of iconic players whose reputations have been tested by scandals far removed from basketball performance.

Let’s take a closer look at Kawhi Leonard and other NBA icons who have faced major off-court controversies, exploring the impact of these issues on their legacies and the league itself.

Kawhi Leonard: Secret Payments and Salary Cap Drama

Kawhi Leonard has always been known as a quiet, private player—someone who lets his game do the talking. But the alleged secret payments involving the Los Angeles Clippers have placed him in the center of a serious controversy.

Reports indicate that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer allegedly arranged a fake endorsement deal to compensate Leonard beyond his NBA contract, bypassing the league’s salary cap rules. If proven, such actions could constitute a significant violation of NBA policy, possibly leading to fines, suspensions, or worse.

While the investigation is ongoing, Leonard’s image has already taken a hit. The situation is a reminder that even the most seemingly reserved players are not immune to scrutiny when allegations of misconduct surface.

Charles Barkley: Spit Incident and “Not a Role Model”

Charles Barkley has always been larger than life—on and off the court. During the early 1990s, Barkley was one of the NBA’s biggest stars, but his off-court behavior often sparked national outrage.

Perhaps the most infamous incident involved Barkley attempting to spit at a heckling fan, only to accidentally hit a young girl sitting nearby. The backlash was swift and harsh, forcing Barkley to confront his public image.

Instead of apologizing in the traditional sense, Barkley leaned into his persona with a controversial ad campaign declaring, “I am not a role model.” The message stirred debate across the country and further solidified Barkley’s place as one of the most controversial figures in sports history.

Kevin Durant: The Burner Account Revelation

When Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder for the record-setting 73-win Golden State Warriors, the move alone triggered an avalanche of criticism. But Durant’s off-court behavior, particularly his use of burner Twitter accounts, turned public sentiment even further against him.

In 2017, it was revealed that Durant had been using alternate accounts to defend himself, criticize former teammates like Russell Westbrook, and even take jabs at coach Billy Donovan. The incident painted Durant as overly sensitive and damaged his credibility with fans.

Even years later, Durant has admitted to continuing the use of burner accounts, making his social media habits a recurring point of controversy.

Kobe Bryant: A Legal Battle That Shook the NBA

No conversation about off-court controversies is complete without mentioning the late Kobe Bryant. In 2003, Bryant was accused of sexual assault by a hotel employee in Colorado, a case that quickly captured national attention.

Although the case was dropped after the accuser declined to testify, the incident lingered in the public consciousness for years. Bryant’s court appearances overlapped with Lakers games, and his image took a major hit—even as he continued to play at an elite level.

Despite ultimately settling a civil suit and issuing an apology, the incident remains one of the most serious allegations ever faced by an NBA superstar and marked a turning point in how athletes are viewed in the public eye.

Shaquille O’Neal: Involuntary Involvement in Kobe’s Case

The fallout from Kobe Bryant’s legal case unintentionally pulled in his then-teammate Shaquille O’Neal. Bryant reportedly told investigators that O’Neal had engaged in similar behavior and had paid off women to keep quiet.

Though the claims were never substantiated, the mere mention of Shaq’s name in the context of the investigation caused a major stir. Already at odds with Bryant over team dynamics, the scandal added another layer to their well-documented feud and led to further tension in the Lakers’ locker room.

Isiah Thomas: Racial Controversy Involving Larry Bird

In 1987, Isiah Thomas and teammate Dennis Rodman made headlines when they suggested that Larry Bird was celebrated more for being white than for his skills. The comment sparked a media firestorm, with Thomas receiving the brunt of the criticism.

The NBA quickly organized a press conference where Thomas publicly apologized and Bird downplayed the issue. Still, the controversy exposed racial tensions in the league and forever altered Thomas’s image among fans and peers.

While Bird accepted the apology, the moment remains one of the more delicate episodes in NBA history involving race and media.

Kyrie Irving: Vaccine Drama and Anti-Semitism Allegations

Kyrie Irving has been a lightning rod for controversy since joining the Brooklyn Nets. From refusing to get vaccinated during New York’s mandate era—causing him to miss a substantial part of the season—to being suspended after sharing a link to a film viewed by many as anti-Semitic, Irving’s actions repeatedly drew criticism.

While his talent is undeniable, his off-court choices often overshadowed his performance. The controversies led to multiple suspensions, strained team relationships, and played a significant role in the failure of the Nets’ much-hyped superteam.

Michael Jordan: Gambling Rumors and the Dream Team Snub

Even the greatest of all time, Michael Jordan, has not been immune to controversy. His gambling habits were well-documented, and some conspiracy theories suggest his first retirement and his father’s tragic murder were somehow connected to gambling debts—claims Jordan has always denied.

In addition, Jordan has been accused of blocking Isiah Thomas from joining the 1992 Dream Team, supposedly due to personal animosity from their playoff battles. While Jordan never confirmed this, many believe his influence played a role in Thomas’s exclusion.

Though Jordan remains an icon, these rumors and decisions have kept certain aspects of his legacy under scrutiny.

The Broader Impact of Off-Court NBA Controversies

When NBA icons face off-court controversies, the impact goes beyond individual legacies. These incidents affect how fans perceive the league, how young athletes see their heroes, and how the NBA brands itself globally.

For every dazzling dunk and game-winning shot, there’s a human being behind the jersey—capable of mistakes, misjudgments, and missteps. The stories of Kawhi Leonard and other legends serve as a powerful reminder that greatness on the court does not always equate to perfection off it.

Final Thoughts

While the NBA continues to grow as a global phenomenon, the spotlight on its stars has never been brighter—or more intense. Players like Kawhi Leonard, Charles Barkley, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving have all felt the pressure that comes when private decisions become public headlines.

The intersection of fame, fortune, and personal responsibility creates an environment where even the smallest misstep can have massive consequences. As the league moves forward, how it handles off-court issues—and how its stars respond—will remain a defining factor in shaping its future.