Skip to main content
SI

NBA World Pays Tribute to Fallen Troll Account ‘TheNBACentel’ on Social Media

Gone but never forgotten.
Michael Kadlick|
Giannis says a prayer before a game.
Giannis says a prayer before a game. | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

In this story:

Atlanta HawksBoston CelticsBrooklyn NetsCharlotte HornetsChicago BullsCleveland CavaliersDallas MavericksDenver NuggetsDetroit PistonsGolden State WarriorsHouston RocketsIndiana PacersLos Angeles ClippersLos Angeles LakersMemphis GrizzliesMiami HeatMilwaukee BucksMinnesota TimberwolvesNew Orleans PelicansNew York KnicksOklahoma City ThunderOrlando MagicPhiladelphia 76ersPhoenix SunsPortland Trail BlazersSacramento KingsSan Antonio SpursToronto RaptorsUtah JazzWashington Wizards

The NBA world has lost a legend.

Not a player, not a coach, not even a referee—but rather a parody social media account that has tipped the league upside down a time or two over the last several years.

The X (formerly Twitter) account "@TheNBACentel,” a play on the NBA news aggregation page "NBACentral,” was effectively shut down on Wednesday afternoon and has since had all of its posts deleted. The account had amassed a follower count of 150k+ on the platform and was well known for not only spreading fake stories and misinformation about the league, but also for having many prominent sports media professionals fall for the gags.

Getting "Centel'd" became a thing. Now? It may be a thing of the past.

Given the popularity of the account and its notoriety on the internet, the NBA world—and even some verified NBA team accounts—paid tribute to the loss of Centel on X. Here's a look at some of the best reactions to the news:

We'll miss you, Centel. Gone, but never forgotten.

More of the Latest Around the NBA

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Published | Modified
Mike Kadlick
MICHAEL KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is an NFL writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.

Home/NBA