Michael Jordan third, Patrick Beverley 12th: Ranking the greatest trash talkers in NBA history

The long NBA offseason is in full swing, and the "Bleacher Report" website continues to pass the time with rankings of the greatest players of all time across various categories. We have already seen lists of the greatest dunkers, best shooters, and best defenders in history, and now it is the turn of the best trash talkers of all time.

In first place is Larry Bird, as "even in trash talk, he was at an exceptional level." The star who won three championships had a tendency to speak directly and literally, yet his words were always sharp and hurtful. It is hard to think of another Hall of Fame player who was willing to conduct research on his opponents just to find personal and accurate material to throw at them during a game. His relationship with Michael Jordan says it all: Jordan made sure not to provide Bird with any material he could use against him and even forbade his teammates from getting dragged into conversations with him.

"Who among you is playing for second place?" Bird asked the other participants before the Three-Point Contest at the 1988 All-Star Game, before going on to win the contest for the third consecutive time.

Bird did not recognize status and did not set boundaries. Everyone was a legitimate target for him, and his ability to back up his words with actions is what made him the choice for first place.

1. LeBron James

2. Cedric Maxwell

3. Rick Mahorn

4. Rick Barry

5. Rajon Rondo

6. Scottie Pippen

7. Magic Johnson

8. Vernon Maxwell

9. Lance Stephenson

10. Damian Lillard

11. Jason Terry

12. Kenyon Martin

13. Xavier McDaniel

14. DeMarcus Cousins

15. Kevin McHale

16. Sam Cassell

17. Marcus Smart

18. Trae Young

19. Metta World Peace (Ron Artest)

20. Matt Barnes

21. Gilbert Arenas

22. Russell Westbrook

23. Dillon Brooks

24. Anthony Edwards

25. Luka Dončić

26. Joakim Noah

27. Stephen Jackson

28. Chuck Person

29. Charles Oakley

30. Dikembe Mutombo

31. Jimmy Butler

32. Joel Embiid

33. Chris Paul

34. Bill Laimbeer

35. Dennis Rodman

36. Kevin Durant

37. Allen Iverson

38. Paul Pierce

39. Patrick Beverley

40. Shaquille O'Neal

41. Isiah Thomas

42. Draymond Green

43. Rasheed Wallace

44. Charles Barkley

45. Reggie Miller

46. Kobe Bryant

47. Gary Payton

48. Michael Jordan

49. Kevin Garnett

50. Larry Bird