NBA players aren’t just known for their performances on the court—they’ve also created some of the most memorable moments on social media. Over the years, Twitter has given athletes a platform to share unfiltered thoughts, jokes, and reactions, leading to posts that fans still talk about years later. Some tweets capture humor, some reveal unexpected honesty, and others simply show how connected players are to everyday life. This collection highlights some of the funniest and most talked-about NBA tweets that went straight to the point and stayed in fans’ memories.
1. Devin Booker’s “Hooters With the Fellas” Tweet Became an NBA Internet Classic
Source: https://x.com/DevinBook/status/200365028426252289
Tweet by @DevinBook
“I’m thinking hooters tonight with the fellas.”
Devin Booker’s 2012 tweet—“I’m thinking hooters tonight with the fellas”—was posted when he was just 15, still a high school basketball prospect. The casual plan to hit Hooters, known for its sports-bar vibe and waitstaff branding, later became a nostalgic fan favorite as Booker rose to stardom with the Phoenix Suns. By 2025, as Hooters faced bankruptcy rumors, Booker publicly backed the chain, sharing it had been a bonding spot for him and his father. Over time, the tweet turned meme-worthy, with fans referencing it in humorous edits and replies, cementing it as a lasting piece of NBA Twitter lore.
2. “Devin Applebee’s Booker” Meme Rises After Lakers Loss
Source: https://x.com/KL0WRYY/status/1400686771516608514
Tweet by @KL0WRYY
On June 4, 2021, @KL0WRYY posted a viral joke calling Devin Booker “Devin Applebee’s Booker” after the Phoenix Suns tied the playoff series 2-2 against the Lakers. The nickname comes from Booker’s old tweets from 2011–2013, where he often mentioned going to Applebee’s. At 24, Booker was averaging 29.7 points per game in the series, and fans pointed out the contrast between his performance on the court and his casual dining habits off it. The meme shows how NBA Twitter often highlights small details from a player’s past and ties them to their current success.
3. Devin Booker’s Applebee’s Era and the Rise of a New NBA Generation
Source: https://x.com/afflictionnnn/status/1400684954640543748
Tweet by @afflictionnnn
Posted on June 4, 2021, @afflictionnnn’s thread spotlights Devin Booker’s old tweets about Applebee’s, where the Suns star regularly documented his visits from 2012 to 2013. These posts resurfaced during the 2021 NBA playoffs as fans embraced Booker not only for his scoring—27 PPG that postseason—but for his relatable, low-key habits. The caption “The new era” reflects a larger shift in the league, as legends like LeBron James and Steph Curry were eliminated early, making way for rising stars. Booker’s Applebee’s tradition became a meme and a symbol of a new kind of NBA superstardom—humble, funny, and elite.
4. Durant Asks the Big Questions
Source: https://x.com/KDTrey5/status/185869111589482497
Tweet by @KDTrey5
“So if you think a young lady looks nice your considered thirsty?? Absurd”
Kevin Durant’s 2012 tweet—“So if you think a young lady looks nice your considered thirsty?? Absurd”—reflects his pushback against the then-rising use of the term “thirsty.” While the slang dates back to the late 1990s, it became mainstream in the early 2010s through platforms like Twitter, often used to call out perceived desperation for attention. Durant’s frustration captured a broader cultural shift, as public figures began navigating a new era of hyper-scrutinized social media interactions. His post questioned whether genuine compliments were now seen as desperation—an early example of how online slang shaped real-time reputations.
5. The Thirst Chronicles: Scarlett and the Edge of the Bed
Source: https://x.com/KDTrey5/status/26802158502416384
Tweet by @KDTrey5
“Scarlett johanneson I will drink ur bath water…#random”
In 2011, a 23-year-old Kevin Durant tweeted one of his most infamous lines: “Scarlett johanneson I will drink ur bath water… #random.” At the time, Durant was still early in his NBA career and known for his candid, sometimes wild posts. The tweet, a bold declaration of celebrity admiration, gained renewed attention in 2017 when Bill Simmons brought it up on his podcast—the same year Durant’s burner accounts were exposed. Scarlett Johansson, then rising in fame as Black Widow in the Marvel universe, became an unlikely part of NBA Twitter history thanks to Durant’s unfiltered thirst tweet.
KD wasn’t afraid of emotions. Or thirst. Or oversharing at 2AM.
6. The Club Conundrum
Source: https://x.com/KDTrey5/status/19970390110
Tweet by @KDTrey5
“I’m watching the History channel in the club and I’m wondering how do these people kno what’s goin on on the sun..ain’t nobody ever been”
Posted in 2010, Kevin Durant’s tweet about watching the History Channel in a club and questioning how scientists know what’s happening on the Sun reflects a blend of humor and curiosity. Then just a few seasons into his NBA career, Durant unintentionally touched on a classic misunderstanding—how science can explain phenomena without direct contact. While no one’s been to the Sun, solar research relies on tools like telescopes and plasma physics. The tweet went viral again years later, with scientists and fans chiming in, showing how even a joke in a club can lead to unexpected science conversations online.
7. Club vs. Twitter
Source: https://x.com/KDTrey5/status/13648164970
Tweet by @KDTrey5
“Twitter is better than goin to da club…”
Kevin Durant’s 2010 tweet—“Twitter is better than goin to da club…”—captures a moment when social media was still new territory for athletes. At just 21 and fresh off leading the Thunder to their first playoff run, Durant was choosing timelines over turntables. It reflected a shift from traditional celebrity nightlife to building an online presence, something that would later define much of his public persona. Years later, this tweet resurfaced in debates about his personality and decisions, especially after joining the Warriors, as fans revisited it to paint him as more introspective—and less confrontational—than his peers.
8. Terry Rozier Drops an All-Timer
Source: https://x.com/MikeBeauvais/status/1200924453737242624
Tweet by @MikeBeauvais
“Osama shouldve hooped instead of tryna kill ppl cause he tall as hell!”
Terry Rozier’s 2011 tweet suggesting Osama bin Laden “should’ve hooped instead” became one of the most infamous NBA Twitter moments of the decade. Posted just hours before bin Laden’s death on May 2, the timing was surreal—and the take, bizarrely specific. At 6’4″ to 6’6″, bin Laden was technically shooting guard height, even taller than Rozier himself (6’1″). Mike Beauvais later called it a defining post of the 2010s, capturing the wild, unfiltered energy of pre-viral athlete Twitter. Despite its absurdity, the tweet gained over 37K likes and has since lived on in social media legend.
9. Paul Pierce’s Rocket Emoji Post and the Early Emoji Era Struggles
Source: https://x.com/paulpierce34/status/618860245025030144
Tweet by @paulpierce34
On July 8, 2015, NBA legend Paul Pierce tweeted a screenshot of a rocket emoji—rather than using the emoji itself—likely symbolizing excitement over his move to the Washington Wizards. Coming from a long stint with the Celtics and a brief time with the Nets, the rocket may have hinted at a fresh start. But the real highlight? The image format. Fans instantly roasted the post, assuming Pierce wasn’t quite fluent in emoji tech. As emoji use was still evolving, especially among older athletes, his post unintentionally captured a moment of generational adjustment to digital communication norms.
10. The Kevin Durant Burner Account Slip That Shook NBA Twitter
Source: https://x.com/harrisonmc15/status/909634206355066880
Tweet by @harrisonmc15
‘’KD has secret accounts that he uses to defend himself and forgot to switch to them when he was replying to this guy I’m actually speechless.’’
On September 17, 2017, Kevin Durant appeared to accidentally reveal he was using burner accounts to defend himself online when he replied to a fan’s question from his official @KDTrey5 account instead of a private one. Responding to a query about why he left the Thunder, Durant criticized OKC’s organization, coach Billy Donovan, and the team’s roster, saying it was “just him and Russ.”
The tweet exploded, fueling theories he’d been secretly clapping back at critics all along. Durant later blamed the slip on grogginess, but the damage was done, turning the moment into one of the most infamous Twitter mishaps in NBA history.
11. Eric Bledsoe’s Exit from the Suns Goes Viral
Source: https://x.com/EBled2/status/922201984211369984
Tweet by @EBled2
‘’ I Dont wanna be here.’’
On October 22, 2017, Eric Bledsoe tweeted “I Dont wanna be here,” igniting instant speculation about his dissatisfaction with the Phoenix Suns. Coming off a rough 24-58 season and already having requested a trade during the preseason, Bledsoe’s post was widely seen as a public break with the team. Though he later claimed the tweet referred to being at a hair salon, Suns GM Ryan McDonough dismissed the excuse, and Bledsoe was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks just over two weeks later. The tweet became an iconic moment of NBA drama, capturing the tension between players and management in real time.
12. LeBron’s Lakers Deal Changes NBA and Cleveland
Source: https://x.com/KlutchSports/status/1013574315411849216
Tweet by @KlutchSports
On July 2, 2018, Klutch Sports Group announced LeBron James’ $154 million, four-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers—his third major team move after stints with Cleveland and Miami. The decision marked both a basketball shift and a strategic move toward Hollywood opportunities. His exit from Cleveland, where he delivered a 2016 title, also had economic effects, with the city’s tourism revenue dropping the following year. Orchestrated by longtime agent Rich Paul, the move cemented Klutch Sports’ influence, later expanding into international markets like European soccer.
13. “Win a Playoff Game Then Talk” Sparks CJ McCollum Meme Moment
Source: https://x.com/ChocDelight1980/status/1029793850653663233
Tweet by @CJMcCollum
In August 2018, CJ McCollum publicly criticized “ring chasing”—joining dominant teams for easy titles—referring to moves like Kevin Durant’s to the 73-win Warriors. His comments triggered a viral response from @ChocDelight1980: “Win a playoff game then talk,” referencing Portland’s first-round sweep that season despite McCollum’s 21.4 PPG. The jab led to McCollum’s now-famous “I’m trying Jennifer” reply, turning the thread into a meme. Ironically, the following season saw McCollum lead the Blazers to the Western Conference Finals, making the original criticism a key moment in NBA Twitter history.
14. NBA Suspends Season in Unprecedented COVID-19 Shutdown
Source: https://x.com/wojespn/status/1237914166285008896
Tweet by @wojespn
‘’The NBA has suspended the season.’’
On March 12, 2020, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that the NBA had suspended its season after Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. The announcement came just hours after the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic, making the NBA one of the first major U.S. leagues to shut down operations. With over 1,000 U.S. cases reported at the time, the decision signaled the seriousness of the outbreak. The league faced massive financial setbacks, while teams like the Mavericks stepped up to support arena staff, highlighting the far-reaching effects of the sudden halt.
15. Vernon Maxwell Trolls Utah With Internet Dig
Source: https://x.com/VernonMaxwell11/status/839893370449375232
Tweet by @VernonMaxwell11
‘’I’d like 2 apologize Jazz fans that were offended by my tweets. If I knew u guys had internet in Utah I would’ve never made those tweets.’’
In 2017, former Rockets guard Vernon Maxwell took a shot at Jazz fans with a tweet mocking Utah’s internet access, reviving his long-standing rivalry with the team Houston defeated in the 1994 Western Conference Finals. The jab was met with pushback, as fans pointed out Utah cities like Provo and Salt Lake City were among the first to roll out Google Fiber’s gigabit-speed internet. Maxwell, known as “Mad Max” for his fiery persona, likely meant the tweet sarcastically—true to form for a player once fined a then-record $20,000 for going into the stands to confront a heckler in 1995.
16. Lakers Land Luka Doncic in Shocking Three-Team Deal
Source: https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1885920217362051276
Tweet by @ShamsCharania
‘’Yes, this is real. Sources tell ESPN: Full trade:
– Lakers: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
– Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LAL 1st
– Jazz: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers 2nd, 2025 Mavericks 2nd.’’
On February 2, 2025, Shams Charania confirmed a stunning NBA trade: the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris from the Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Jazz also joined the deal, receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-rounders. The move reshaped the Western Conference, pairing Doncic with LeBron James and sending Davis to Dallas alongside Kyrie Irving. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison cited a new defensive identity, while the Lakers looked to secure their future with Doncic’s superstar trajectory. The blockbuster shocked fans and analysts alike.
17. Kobe Fires Back at Cuban With “Amnesty THAT”
Source: https://x.com/kobebryant/status/305797901974646784
Tweet by @kobebryant
‘’Amnesty THAT.’’
On February 24, 2013, Kobe Bryant responded to Mark Cuban’s suggestion that the Lakers should use the NBA’s amnesty clause on him by tweeting, “Amnesty THAT.” The tweet followed Kobe’s dominant 38-point, 12-rebound, 7-assist performance in a win over Cuban’s Mavericks. Cuban’s comment about Kobe’s $30.45 million salary quickly backfired, as the 34-year-old Lakers star silenced critics with a vintage performance. The tweet became a defining moment of Kobe’s relentless competitive spirit during a turbulent 2012–13 season, which later saw him suffer a major Achilles injury.
18. Terry Rozier’s Take on Osama’s Potential Career
Source: https://x.com/T_Rozzay3/status/64889433505284096
Tweet by @T_Rozzay3
‘’Osama shouldve hooped instead of tryna kill ppl cause he tall as hell!’’
On May 2, 2011, Terry Rozier tweeted that Osama bin Laden “shouldve hooped” due to his height—just hours after bin Laden’s death was announced. Mixing dark humor with basketball logic, the post went viral and later resurfaced in 2023 when Rozier compared bin Laden’s height to James Harden’s, highlighting how NBA Twitter often blends global news with unexpected commentary.
19. Shaq vs. Roller Coasters
Source: https://x.com/T_Rozzay3/status/64889433505284096
Tweet by @SHAQ
‘’im at knots berry farms n my butts 2 big 2 fit in da seats on ride. ahhhhhh (dats me yellin).’’
On August 20, 2009, Shaquille O’Neal shared a hilarious moment at Knott’s Berry Farm, joking that his “butts 2 big 2 fit in da seats on ride.” At 7’1” and 350 lbs, Shaq turned a common theme park struggle into a viral tweet that later inspired memes and merch, proving once again he’s a giant both on and off the court.
20. Blake Griffin, a Squirrel, and a Hard Pivot
Source: https://x.com/blakegriffin23/status/103195046920204288
Tweet by @blakegriffin23
‘’Accidentally hit a squirrel yesterday in my car. Feel so guilty I could barely sleep. Casey Anthony is a monster.’’
Blake Griffin’s 2011 tweet blends sincere guilt over hitting a squirrel with a jarring reference to Casey Anthony, whose recent acquittal had sparked national outrage. The post’s emotional whiplash and unexpected comparison turned it into a viral NBA Twitter moment, often revisited for its bizarre yet oddly reflective tone.
Conclusion
NBA players have created some of the most memorable moments on social media. These tweets captured real reactions, simple jokes, and honest thoughts that fans still remember. NBA Twitter remains a place where players show a different side of themselves beyond the game.
