Fansided

30 best personal rivalries in the NBA today

By John Buhler

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 18: Kevin Durant No. 35 of the Golden State Warriors and Russell Westbrook No. 0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder point in different directions after the ball went out of bounds at ORACLE Arena on January 18, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 18: Kevin Durant No. 35 of the Golden State Warriors and Russell Westbrook No. 0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder point in different directions after the ball went out of bounds at ORACLE Arena on January 18, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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At one time, these giant dudes were bros. Technically, they still might be bros. The Orlando connection is strong with these two because they almost won a championship together nearly a decade ago.

One likens himself as the Polish Hammer, probably because his dad was a champion boxer. The other thinks he’s Superman because he’s kind of delusional because he eats a lot of candy all the time. This is why you go to college, kids. To learn how to eat not Skittles and Nerds Ropes.

We’re talking about the semi-there rivalry between Marcin Gortat and Dwight Howard. They played together with the Orlando Magic back in the late aughts. Kobe Bryant took their championship away. These two guys are big and would bang in the low post during Magic practice.

Though a friendly rivalry, it got a little toasty when Howard was playing for his hometown Atlanta Hawks and Gortat was Polish Hammering dudes in the nation’s capital for the Washington Wizards. Howard now plays for another Southeast Division rival of the Wizards in the Charlotte Hornets. This rivalry last year saw Howard and Gortat getting a little too physical in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Imagine if the Wizards and Hornets meet in Round 1 this year.

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