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20 NBA players with dreads, ranked by their popularity in 2024

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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?

Nba players with dreads
Jimmy Butler #22, Ja Morant #12, Markelle Fultz #20 and Anthony Davis #3. Photo: Megan Briggs, Justin Ford, Jacob Kupferman, Sean Gardner (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets at FedExForum on 22 March 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo: Justin Ford
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
DeAndre Jordan of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the first round of The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on 16 February 2023 in Pacific Palisades, California. Photo: Ronald Martinez
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Derrick Rose, #4 of the New York Knicks, warms up before the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on 23 December 2022 in New York City. Photo: Adam Hunger
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on 3 March 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo: Jacob Kupferman
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Anthony Davis, #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers, during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on 14 March 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo: Sean Gardner
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Jericho Sims of the New York Knicks speaks during media availability as part of the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend on 18 February 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Alex Goodlett
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Jimmy Butler, #22 of the Miami Heat, looks on against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter of the game at Miami-Dade Arena on 13 March 2023 in Miami, Florida. Photo: Megan Briggs
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Elfrid Payton #2 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during Game Four of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs on 24 April 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo: Jonathan Bachman
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Robin Lopez, #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Miami-Dade Arena on 8 March 2023 in Miami, Florida. Photo by Megan Briggs
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Jae Crowder, #99 of the Phoenix Suns, warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on 20 March 2022 in Sacramento, California. Photo: Lachlan Cunningham
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Jordan Clarkson, #00 of the Utah Jazz, stands near the bench, out with an injury, in the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings on 25 March 2023 in Sacramento, California. Photo: Loren Elliott
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Robert Covington, #23 of the LA Clippers, reacts to a bad pass during the first half of a game against the Houston Rockets on 15 January 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Sean M. Haffey
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Jalen Williams #8 of Team Joakim looks on during the Jordan Rising Stars Game as part of the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend at Vivint Arena on 17 February 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Alex Goodlett
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Jordan Hill, #7 of the Enemies, attempts a free throw during the game against the Triplets during BIG3 – Week Four at the American Airlines Center on 31 July 2021 in Dallas, Texas. Photo: Andy Lyons
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder participates in warm-ups before playing the Toronto Raptors on 16 March 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Photo: Mark Blinch
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Carmelo Anthony, #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers, dribbles during a 126-121 Philadelphia 76ers win at Crypto.com Arena on 23 March 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Harry How
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Michael Beasley, #11 of 3’s Company, reacts against the Ball Hogs during BIG3 Week Six at Comerica Center on 23 July 2022 in Frisco, Texas. Photo: Tim Heitman
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Allen Iverson, #3 of 3’s Company, is introduced during week one of the BIG3 three-on-three basketball league at Barclays Center on 25 June 2017 in New York City. Photo: Al Bello
Source: Getty Images

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

NBA players with dreads
Amar’e Stoudamire #1 of Tri-State speaks during a BIG 3 post-game interview at Sprint Center on 20 July 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo: Ed Zurga
Source: Getty Images

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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