The NBA is well known for its competitiveness, wealth and talent. In addition, the league is also famous for its sporting personalities and its sense of fashion. In the past, most players kept it simple regarding hairstyle, with many spotting bald heads or extreme afros. However, in recent times, there has been an emergence of stars with dreadlocks. So which ones are they? And which are the most popular NBA players with dreads in 2024?
The NBA has grown in popularity in recent times. It is the second most followed sport in the USA, behind the NFL and after baseball. With such publicity comes attention. Players use this publicity to promote individual or corporate brands. Therefore, it is no surprise that most stars spot new hairstyles like dreadlocks or donning the latest fashion.
NBA players with dreads
If you are a fan of the NBA, you might have noticed that most players nowadays spot a similar and unique hairstyle, the dreadlocks. From the 1989 number-one draft pick, Pervis Ellison, to the 2011 round-one pick, Jimmy Butler, the league has witnessed many dreadlocked players.
But in 2024, which famous NBA players have dreadlocks? Here are 20 names ranked on their popularity and fame.
1. Ja Morant
Jamel “Ja” Morant is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA. He is among the best young players In the NBA with dreadlocks. Ja Morant constantly steals the show with his unique hairstyle and talent, making him one of the most successful and fashionable stars in the NBA.
2. DeAndre Jordan
If you were looking for NBA players with long dreadlocks, who better than DeAndre Jordan? In 2016, the star flaunted his new dreadlocks, a look he still rocks in 2024.
The star is among the top NBA players with dreads in the west. However, DeAndre’s dreads are a little shorter this season than he had a few years back.
3. Derrick Rose
Derrick Martell Rose is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks. He is among the top NBA players with dreadlocks. Derrick used to spot short hair (buzz cut) before moving to afro fade and now dreadlocks.
4. Markelle Fultz
Markelle N’Gai Fultz is a point guard for the Orlando Magic. He started playing college basketball for the Washington Huskies before being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.
Markelle’s hairstyle has mostly stayed the same since his debut in 2017. While in college, he had an afro fade, then baby locks (during his draft in 2017) and finally, long dreadlocks.
5. Anthony Davis
Anthony Marshon Davis Jr is among the top NBA players with braids. He is a power forward and centre for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. Davis is an eight-time NBA All-Star and has appeared in four All-NBA First Teams and four NBA All-Defensive Teams. But apart from his career, Davis is known for his looks. He has spotted various hairstyles in his career, including afro fade, cornrows, twits and off-scalp braids.
6. Jericho Sims
Jericho Eduard Sims is a centre for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is renowned for his style, which includes rocking an afro dreadlock hairdo. Sims played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns before being selected in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft with the 58th pick by the New York Knicks.
7. Jimmy Butler
If you were looking for NBA players with long hairdos, who better than Jimmy Butler III? He plays as a small forward for the Miami Heat. Jimmy started as the last pick of the first round, being selected by the Chicago Bulls.
In 2023, Jimmy Butler ranks among the NBA’s top defenders and one of the most popular players in the league.
8. Elfrid Payton
Elfrid Payton Jr is among the NBA players with short dreads. He is a point guard for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA G League. Payton has played for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns. His hairstyle was freeform dreads, but he cut them in 2018. However, in 2024, the star regained his hair and spotted short dreads.
9. Robin Lopez
Robin Byron Lopez is a centre for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. His hair is one of the curliest in the league and his trademark.
Robin was a selection in the 2008 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns. He moved to the New Orleans Hornets in 2012 and Portland in 2013. He has a twin brother Brook Lopez who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks
10. Jae Crowder
Corey Jae Crowder is a power forward for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association. Crowder, who stands 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), is known for his agility and speed. Aside from his profession, the star is also a fashionista. Crowder sports long trendy dreads that complement his appearance.
11. Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Taylor Clarkson is among the NBA players with straight hair. He is a Filipino-American shooting guard for the Utah Jazz. He forewent his senior year of college to enter the 2014 NBA Draft. Clarkson was drafted in the second round by the Washington Wizards and later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He was traded to the Cavaliers in 2018 and then to the Jazz in December 2019.
12. Kenneth Faried
If you are looking for NBA players with dreads in the east, what better name than Kenneth Faried? He is a power forward for the Denver Nuggets. Aside from his talent, the star is known for his awesome dreadlocks. After going undrafted in 2010, Faried spent a year playing professional basketball in Turkey before entering the 2011 NBA draught.
13. Robert Covington
Robert Covington is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association. He is well-known for his seasonal hairstyles and has experimented with various hairdos, including a mohawk, braids, and fancy top-up dreadlocks. His appearance is distinct and appealing from the front.
14. Jalen Williams
Jalen Devonn Williams is a shooting guard for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. He is well-known for his iconic afro dreadlocks and distinct playing style. Jalen played basketball for the Santa Clara Broncos in college. The Oklahoma City Thunder selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
15. Jordan Hill
Jordan Craig Hill is a former NBA power forward and centre. He is well-known for his dreadlocks. Jordan’s career spanned nine years, including stints with the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers.
16. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shaivonte Aician Gilgeous-Alexander, or SGA, is a Canadian NBA point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His signature braids set him apart. The Charlotte Hornets selected SGA with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft. He was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers that same night. After his rookie season with the Clippers, SGA was traded to the Thunder in July 2019.
17. Carmelo Anthony
If you are looking for an NBA player with twists, then Carmelo Kyam Anthony is the player for you. He is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. He is the NBA All-Star holder (ten times) and an All-NBA Team member (six times).
18. Michael Beasley
Michael Beasley is an American professional basketball player. He was most recently with Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). Michael Beasley is well-known for his signature hairstyle, which includes cornrows.
19. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson is among the top NBA players with braids. The star is well known for his iconic cornrows and headband. Allen Iverson spent 14 seasons in the league, winning the 1997 Rookie of the Year Award and was an 11-time League All-Star. In addition, he played as a shooting and point guard and was a fantastic scorer.
20. Amare Stoudemire
Amar’e Stoudemire’s name should be among the top when discussing NBA stars with dreadlocks. He had a successful eighteen-year career that saw him win various accolades, including the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2003 and a bronze medal with the USA national team at the 2004 Olympic Games.
NBA players with dreads include some of the best and most promising names in the sporting industry. These stars have succeeded in their trade, winning various accolades. They are also famous for their hairdo, which has made them fan favourites.
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