In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, NBA players often face immense pressure both on and off the court. For some, personal relationships have added a significant burden, leading to dramatic declines in their careers. These basketball players discovered that love is not always a fairy tale, and their relationships with girlfriends or wives led to some of the worst times in their lives, both personally and professionally.

Steve Nash and Alejandra Amarilla

Steve Nash, a two-time MVP and one of the NBA’s most revered point guards, saw his personal life take a tumultuous turn when his marriage to Alejandra Amarilla fell apart. The couple, who had three children together, shocked the world when Nash announced their divorce just a day after the birth of their third child. Rumors swirled that Nash’s teammate was the actual father of the child, leading to further public scrutiny. This scandal not only tarnished Nash’s personal life but also coincided with a decline in his basketball performance, plagued by injuries until his retirement in 2015.

Rashad McCants and Khloe Kardashian

Rashad McCants, once ranked as the top high school basketball player, saw his NBA career spiral downward after dating reality TV star Khloe Kardashian. McCants’ relationship with Khloe became a media spectacle, overshadowing his performance on the court. After their breakup, McCants claimed that teams doubted his commitment to basketball because of his highly publicized relationship. His career dwindled as he bounced around various international leagues before retiring in 2015, never living up to his early potential.

Chandler Parsons and Kendall Jenner

Chandler Parsons enjoyed the best season of his career with the Houston Rockets in 2013-14, but his fortunes changed after he began dating Kendall Jenner. Following his relationship with the high-profile model, Parsons struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances. His stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, backed by a hefty $94 million contract, was marred by knee problems and a significant downturn in form. Parsons never managed to replicate his earlier success, leading to a career that fizzled out.

James Harden and Khloe Kardashian

James Harden’s promising career took a hit during his relationship with Khloe Kardashian. Harden, who had led the Houston Rockets to the Western Conference Finals, experienced a significant dip in performance during his time with Khloe. His turnovers increased, and his shooting percentage dropped, marking his worst season since his rookie year. The relationship cast a shadow over his game, and the Rockets ended up with a disappointing record.

Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian

Tristan Thompson’s career saw a drastic decline after he started dating Khloe Kardashian in 2016. Despite signing a lucrative contract and helping the Cleveland Cavaliers win their first championship, Thompson’s performance plummeted. He was out-rebounded by smaller players and faced public ridicule for his off-court behavior, including cheating scandals. The pressure of dating a Kardashian, combined with his deteriorating play, turned Thompson from a key player to a subject of mockery.

Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian

Kris Humphries’ brief marriage to Kim Kardashian is one of the most infamous celebrity relationships. The couple’s 72-day marriage in 2011 was a media circus that overshadowed Humphries’ career. Following their divorce, Humphries faced severe public backlash and struggled with anxiety. His performance on the court suffered dramatically, and he never regained his previous form, marking the end of a once-promising NBA career.

Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian

Lamar Odom’s tumultuous relationship with Khloe Kardashian culminated in a tragic downfall. After a promising start to his career, including two NBA championships, Odom’s trade to the Dallas Mavericks marked the beginning of his struggles. His performance declined, and personal issues, including substance abuse, took over. In 2015, Odom was found unconscious in a brothel, suffering multiple strokes and heart attacks. Although Khloe supported him during his recovery, Odom’s NBA career was effectively over, illustrating the devastating impact of their relationship.

These stories highlight how personal relationships can dramatically affect professional athletes. While love can be a source of support, for these NBA players, it became a catalyst for their career downfalls.