GIFs: Top 5 NBA misplays of the year

If you're looking for highlights, you've come to the wrong place. For that, check out videos of the top five plays of the year. This post details the top five misplays of 2014, in GIF form.

Swaggy P's Swaggy 3

When it comes to the NBA, few players come close to matching the sheer hubris and irresistible charm of Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Nick "Swaggy P" Young, who takes the "shooting" portion of his resume to heart on each and every possession.

Recently, Young proclaimed himself as the best 3-point shooter ever. The claim, although dubious, undoubtedly rings true in Young's mind, which explains his hilariously premature celebration in the play above. 

Tyler Hansbrough at his finest

It's odd to think that out of the long and decorated lineage of legends who hail from UNC, it's scrapper Tyler Hansbrough who holds the school record for points and rebounds.

Obviously, Hansbrough's dominance at the collegiate level hasn't necessarily translated to the professional ranks, but the Toronto Raptors' power forward has managed to carve out a niche as a gritty defender, who more than occasionally gets under his opponents' skin, if not under them altogether.

The best part of the GIF above is the emotional arc of Chicago Bulls small forward Mike Dunleavy, who tries at first to break out of Hansbrough's tackle with a hammer punch, before eventually resigning to his fate.

Tables turned for Lance Stephenson

For better or for worse, Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson was thrust into the national spotlight in last season's playoffs. 

But it wasn't Stephenson's impressive averages of 13.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists that turned Stephenson into a household name. Rather, his notoriety was achieved after being caught on camera blowing into LeBron James's ear, which spawned hip-hop artist Drake's hilarious response in kind at the ESPYs.

Count the RingSSSSS

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich usually portrays himself as a grumpy figure, often being curt and snarky with members of the media. Popovich is also notorious for being demanding of his players.

But it's all for a good cause because Popovich delivers championships. After capturing his fifth title in the Spurs' near two-decade dynasty, Popovich was caught on camera in a cheery mood (imagine that). While celebrating the 2014 title, Popovich took the time to remind us meticulously of his surefire Hall of Fame pedigree.

Andrea Bargnani is the Knicks in 2014

Many fans were shocked when they learned of the New York Knicks' acquisition of power forward Andrea Bargnani. The Italian shooter was talented, no doubt, but he proved over his first seven seasons in the NBA that he simply could not produce consistently.

But the Knicks gladly handed the Raptors three draft picks in exchange for Bargnani, who was billed as the offensive sidekick to Carmelo Anthony. With Bargnani stretching the floor, it was believed the Knicks would take another step from their 54-win performance in 2012-13 into possible contender status.

Alas, it was not to be. The Knicks crashed and burned in 2013-14, missing the playoffs altogether with a 37-45 record, and they are off to their worst start in franchise history in 2014-15. Bargnani unfortunately came to epitomize the Knicks' demise, as he continued to be ineffective, while constantly missing time due to injury. You might even say that the Bargnani acquisition and the Knicks as a whole fell on their faces in 2014.