Shock: Superstar Klay Thompson ate his own nose, shocked the fans about what he was thinking and ate it right after the video was spread.

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the NBA, it’s not just the players who create viral moments — sometimes it’s the commentators. Tasked with narrating the action and keeping viewers engaged, these voices often slip from insightful to downright savage, with players becoming the target of jokes, roasting, or even harsh critiques that blur the line between honesty and humiliation. Here’s a look at some of the most embarrassing moments when NBA players got burned — not on the court, but by the mic.

When Humor Turns Hurtful

James Harden has long been a lightning rod for criticism. His fluctuating physique once prompted an announcer to snark, “James Harden definitely had a pregame meal.” Harden was also roasted for a dubious record-setting game where he logged 10 turnovers — resulting in what the commentator dubbed a “quadruple double.” Harsh.

But the hits didn’t stop there. The announcers have questioned his very presence on defense, claiming, “He doesn’t guard his shadow,” and one reporter even delivered a full-blown character assassination — listing every team and player Harden reportedly ran out of town before concluding: “James, you’re not the beard, not the system — you’re the problem.”

No One Is Safe — Not Even Legends

Even LeBron James wasn’t immune. During a game against the Grizzlies, a broadcaster mocked his flop, exclaiming, “Are you serious? That is awful. Horrible.” Later, hockey legend P.K. Subban criticized LeBron for sitting out the 2025 All-Star Game, reminding him that fans pay thousands to see superstars play: “If you don’t show up, you’re letting the fans down.”

Then there’s Carmelo Anthony, who got a backhanded compliment during his late-career signing: “How desperate are the Trail Blazers? They just signed Carmelo Anthony.”

Embarrassing Moments Made Worse by Commentary

Victor Wembanyama became an unwitting symbol of national embarrassment when a commentator said Trace Jackson-Davis “put the entire country of France in the basket.”

Jordan Poole, famously involved in a preseason altercation, was reminded on air: “That’s not the worst shot Jordan Poole has taken to the face.”

Andre Drummond took a hopeless shot against Joel Embiid, prompting the commentator to say: “Did he actually expect that to go in?”

Kevin Porter Jr. suffered a disturbing gaffe when a broadcaster ignorantly said he “pulled the trigger like his dad” — unaware that Porter’s father had been shot and killed.

Commentators vs. Fashion, Form, and Family

Even style choices weren’t off-limits:

Kyle Kuzma’s haircut had one commentator asking, “Did he lose a bet?”

Russell Westbrook’s bold fashion sense drew a brutal comparison: “By day, a bank robber. By night, a basketball player.”

Meanwhile, Austin Rivers became the poster child for nepotism when an announcer highlighted: “His dad was the coach. You’re going to give the money, might as well give it to your kid.”

Feuds That Got Personal

Shaquille O’Neal vs. JaVale McGee was one of the most drawn-out feuds in NBA history. After years of roasting McGee on Shaqtin’ a Fool, JaVale had enough. Even after joining a championship team, Shaq mocked his haircut, prompting JaVale to say: “Get off my nuts.” Eventually, it took Shaq’s mother to get him to stop.

Stephen A. Smith’s relentless criticism of Kyrie Irving went from media rant to personal feud when Kyrie’s father stepped in: “You still got that same energy face to face?” Stephen A. later admitted, “The youngest one had to educate us. Kyrie was right.”

The Rookie Who Made Headlines for the Wrong Reason

Before even playing an NBA game, Ace Bailey caused a stir. Projected as a top-three pick in the 2025 Draft, he tried to control his destination by skipping workouts and interviews — and the backlash was swift. One analyst said, “That’s the dumbest move I’ve ever heard from an agent.” Bailey’s icy reaction to being drafted by Utah — looking more like he was being “sentenced to prison” — only added fuel to the fire.

From Roasts to Redemption

Sometimes, players fire back. Giannis Antetokounmpo, called an “underachiever” by Stephen A., simply held up his MVP and championship trophies as proof. Meanwhile, Reggie Miller, forever a villain in New York, continued his feud with Knicks fans into his broadcasting days — arriving for a playoff game in all black, joining Pacers players in a symbolic “funeral” look.

And let’s not forget Taylor Rooks, who may not be a commentator, but whose interviews inspired a different kind of embarrassment. When she interviewed Ja Morant and Jaylen Brown, both players made bold, almost laughable claims — Ja said he would “cook Michael Jordan” and Brown predicted “five or six” titles.

Even LeBron got caught fibbing, pretending to read The Autobiography of Malcolm X before stumbling through a vague answer. All Taylor had to do was ask a question.

Final Whistle

In the NBA, commentators walk a fine line between playful banter and harsh disrespect. Sometimes it’s just entertainment. Other times, it cuts too deep. But as the players have proven — whether it’s through comebacks, championships, or clapbacks — they’re not afraid to respond when the mic gets messy.

Because in the NBA, trash talk isn’t just on the court — it’s on the airwaves, too.