Not all NBA records are created equal. Some mark the low point of a player’s career rather than the high point, and some are just symptoms of spending a ridiculous amount of time on the court.
Most misses, longest dry-spells, worst shooting games. This is a different kind of list — one that contains some of the more embarrassing NBA records, many of which won’t ever be touched again.
Some all-time greats made it in, as well as a couple of players who won’t be remembered for much else.
James Harden — Most seasons leading the NBA in turnovers (6)
No player has led the NBA in turnovers more often than James Harden, finishing first in the category six separate seasons.
The record is largely a by-product of Harden’s unique role. During his peak with the Houston Rockets, nearly every offensive possession ran through him, meaning he created more scoring opportunities than almost anyone else in the league.
This could be one of the harder-to-beat records here. It’s hard to see that level of superstar-centric focus coming back any time soon.
Tim Hardaway — 17 consecutive missed field goals in one game
Even the greatest scorers have off nights, but few have endured one quite like Tim Hardaway’s. During a game in 1991, the All-Star guard missed his first 17 field-goal attempts before finally getting on the board.
Considering Hardaway was one of the league’s premier point guards during his prime, the performance is more of a crazy statistical anomaly than a reflection of his career.
Giff Roux — Worst free-throw game ever (0-20)
Missing a few free throws happens to everyone. Missing all 20 attempts is something else entirely.
Giff Roux owns one of the NBA’s strangest records after finishing 0-for-20 from the foul line during the league’s BAA era. Another one you can’t see being bested — or worsted, I guess?
Detroit Pistons — Longest single-season losing streak (28 games)
The 2023-24 Detroit Pistons made history for all the wrong reasons, losing 28 consecutive games in a single season.
As the defeats piled up, every game became must-watch television for the wrong reasons. Players and coaches openly spoke about the mental toll of the streak. They finally ended it with a win against the Raptors, and the franchise has done a complete 180 in the two years since.
Joe Fulks — Most missed field goals in a game (42)
Joe Fulks put up one of basketball’s most unbreakable records when he missed 42 shots in a single game, finishing 13-for-55 from the field.
The sheer volume is almost impossible to imagine in today’s NBA. Modern coaching philosophies, efficiency metrics and shot distribution mean no player is likely to be allowed 55 field-goal attempts. You would imagine setting the new record would see you dropped from an NBA roster.
Rasheed Wallace — Most technical fouls in a season (41)
Rasheed Wallace’s fierce competitiveness was legendary, and so was his ability to pick up technical fouls.
During the 2000-01 season, Wallace was handed 41 technicals, a record that became so extreme the NBA eventually tightened its disciplinary rules. Under today’s automatic suspension system for excessive technical fouls, surpassing Wallace’s total is virtually impossible, leaving his place atop this unwanted leaderboard looking secure.
LeBron James — Most career turnovers (5,650)
As the primary ball-handler and offensive engine for more than two decades, LeBron James has had the ball in his hands more than almost any player in league history. More possessions naturally create more opportunities for mistakes.
Unlike most records on this list, this one isn’t particularly embarrassing. In many ways, it reflects remarkable longevity, durability and responsibility. To even challenge the record, a player would need to spend well over 20 years running an NBA offense at an elite level—a feat that is far easier said than done.
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