Interesting that the start of each NBA season coincides with Halloween. In the tradition of Hal Greer, Tyrone Hill and Popeye Jones, who are the league’s scariest players?
10. Shelden Williams (Nuggets) » No Rick Fox. Family tree includes a picture of Cro-Magnon man. How did he ever lasso WNBA star Candace Parker?
9. Earl Boykins (Bucks) » It’s hard to call a Smurf (5-5, 133) scary. But considering he bench presses 315 pounds, Boykins is not to be messed with.
8. Joakim Noah (Bulls) » When the Bulls drafted him No. 9 overall, they took a walk on the wild side.
7. Chris “Birdman” Anderson (Nuggets) » This decade’s answer to Dennis Rodman as a disruptive player — and a tattooed flamingo.
6. Shaquille O’Neal (Celtics) » At his scariest when he’s at the free throw line for your team in the closing seconds.
5. Gilbert Arenas (Wizards) » The pistol-packing point guard can liven up any Halloween party.
4. Greg Oden (Portland) » The height, the face, the tats, the expression — it all adds up to one scary package. Well, make that two.
3. Charlie Villanueva (Pistons) » NASA recently picked up this communication from Mars: Charlie come home.
2. Chris Kaman (Clippers) » Even the GEICO Caveman thinks the 7-foot center is ugly.
1. Ron Artest (Lakers) » His scare quotient is declining in his advanced years, but the ringleader of the “Malice in the Palace” remains the Darth Vader of the NBA.
