24 NBA Players With Their Distinctive Haircuts

We all know that:

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is home to professional, skilled, and talented basketball players with exceptional and distinctive personal styles.

They sport unique hairstyles that often suit their lifestyle, accentuate their features, and put their personalities on display.

On account of that:

Our curated and reviewed selection of NBA players with their respective short, long, dreaded, or controversial hairstyles will inspire your next haircut.

NBA Players With Dreadlocks

1. Ja Morant

Fact:

Temetrius Jamel Morant, commonly known as Ja Morant, is an American professional basketball player born on August 10, 1999, in Dalzell, South Carolina. He plays point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies and is famous in the NBA for his exceptional gameplay and explosive hairstyle.

You see: 

Morant grew up in a sports-inclined family; his father and mother were basketball players, and he learned to play from them. He was awarded the title of NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020 and has since garnered a $3 million net worth.

Ja Morant sports free-form dreadlocks on his afro-textured hair and styles his hair in colorful and intriguing forms. He is commonly spotted wearing these hairstyles:

Free-form Dreadlocks + High Ponytail

Look:

Ja Morant, in an interview, claimed that this hairstyle was accidentally created when he lost two pins in his hair during a game. He had to sweep his hair out of his face into a high ponytail which has become his signature hairstyle.

Dreadlocks + Kamikaze Twists

Get this:

Free-form dreadlocks are wrapped around one another to form two-strand lock twists called kamikaze twists. Ja Morant dyes two of his front locks with vibrant hair color for an added flare.

Dreadlocks + Cornrows + Taper Fade

Listen:

Morant puts his dreadlocks in cornrows to avoid hair on his face and to show off his crisp line-up and taper fade.

2. Dwight Howard

Here’s the thing:

Dwight David Howard II is an American professional basketball player who plays center for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. He was born December 8, 1985, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Dwight and Sheryl Howard.

Note: 

Dwight Howard weighs 264 pounds and is 6 feet 10 inches tall. He is said to be one of the top three players in the league, having won the All-Star NBA eight times. He has accrued several awards and won his first NBA championship in 2020.

Also: 

Howard wears afro-textured dreadlocks and has a variety of go-to styles. He likes to try out the best barbers in whatever city he visits, but he has said that his favorite is Mickey. He is often seen sporting these hairstyles:

Dreadlocks + Man Bun + Skin Fade

Now:

Dwight puts his dreadlocks in a man bun at the top of his head, neatly fading the undercut into his skin.

Dreadlocks + French Braids + Undercut

Look:

A stylish way to pair your dreadlocks is by wearing them as french braids with a crisp undercut.

Dreadlocks + Hair Color

So:

Vibrant, exciting colors are always stunning when paired with dreadlocks. Dwight Howard went with a glamorous purple hue.

3. Jimmy Butler

Look:

Jimmy Butler is an American professional basketball player. Born September 14, 1989, he plays both shooting guard and small forward for the Miami Heat and is nicknamed Jimmy Buckets.

You see: 

Butler has been selected six times for the NBA All-Star games and won an Olympic gold medal in 2016. He has amassed a whooping net worth of $30 million with hard work and dedication.

However: 

Butler didn’t have the most convenient childhood, which played a part in who he turned out to be. He wears his kinky hair in long thick dreadlocks and styles his hair beautifully. Here is a common style he sports:                      

Long Dreadlocks + Braids

Now:

Butler braids his long thick dreadlocks and pairs the style with a stylish goatee.

4. Clint Capela

Get this:

Clint N'Dumba Capela is a Swiss professional basketball player born May 18, 1994, in Geneva, Switzerland. He plays the center position for the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA and is the highest-paid team athlete in Switzerland's history.

Here’s the thing: 

Clint Capela’s father and mother originated from Angola and Congo, respectively. However, he did not grow up with his father and was raised partly in foster care and partly by his mother. 
Regardless of this: 
He has built a massive net worth of $10 million through unrelenting determination and practice.

Capela liked soccer as a child and was very tall for his age. Swiss basketball star Thabo Sefolosha piqued his interest in basketball after a brief meeting. He has sported free-from starter dreadlocks in his time in the league. They look like this:

Short Starter Dreadlocks + Blonde Highlight + Fade

So:

Clint Capela styled his free-form starter locks with a blonde highlight similar to Dennis Schroder’s signature hairstyle and paired them with a fade.

5. Derrick Rose

Listen:

Derrick Martell Rose, born October 4, 1988, in Englewood, Chicago,  is an American professional basketball player. He was drafted into the NBA by Chicago Bulls in 2008 and currently plays point guard for the New York Knicks of the NBA.

You see: 

Rose started with a blast, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2009.  He was also the youngest winner of the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2011 at 22. 

Derrick Rose was raised by his mother, Brenda Rose, who had three other sons talented in basketball. His brothers coached him on nearby courts and honed his skills until he began to receive recognition. He is commonly seen sporting a full head of dreadlocks. He styles his locks like this:

Dreadlocks + Low Ponytail

Fact:

Derrick Rose pulls his dreadlocks together in a fashionable and convenient low ponytail at the back of his head.

NBA Players With Short Haircuts

1. Lamelo Ball

Here’s the thing:

LaMelo LaFrance Ball is an American professional basketball player born on August 22, 2001, in Anaheim, California. He plays point guard for the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA with multiple half-court (three-pointer) attempts and successes.

So: 

LaMelo Ball was drafted into the NBA by the Hornets in 2020 and was voted the NBA Rookie of the Year the following year. He has built a net worth of approximately $20 million.

Note: 

LaMelo Ball grew up in a basketball-loving home and was trained in the sport by his father from a very young age. He wears moderately short hair and pairs his curls with different fades and hairstyles. He is cut by his trusted barber, Philly Garcia, who is integral to his career in the NBA and frequently sports these hairstyles:

Short Curly Mohawk + Skin Fade

Now:

A short mohawk on curly hair is exceptional when paired with a neat skin fade, and LaMelo Ball wears it best.

Short Finger Coils + Mohawk + Skin Fade

Look:

These bouncy finger coils paired with a mohawk and a skin fade give off a sporty, stylish look.

2. Devin Booker

Fact:

Devin Armani Booker is an American professional basketball player born October 30, 1996, in the Grand Rapids region, Michigan. He plays shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns of the NBA after he was drafted in 2015, reaching the NBA Finals in 2021.

Note: 

Booker is a fantastic player being the youngest player to score over 60 points in a game, scoring 70 points. He lived with his mother, Veronica Gutiérrez, and visited his father, Melvin Booker, a former professional basketball player.

Now: 

Devin Booker’s net worth is approximately $2 million, and he has two siblings. He mostly wears short hairstyles cut by his barber Vince Garcia. Take a look at some of these hairstyles:

Short Curly Afro + Burst Fade

Listen:

Devin Booker pairs his short curly afro with a neat burst fade and well-trimmed facial hair.

BuzzCut + Mid Drop Fade

Look:

The mid-drop fade looks crisp and stylish when precisely cut and blended into the hair.

3. Jayson Tatum

Get this:

Jayson Christopher Tatum Sr. was born March 3, 1998, in Missouri and is an American professional basketball player. He plays small forward for the Boston Celtics of the NBA after he was drafted in June 2017.

You see:

Tatum is a three-time NBA All-Star named the NBA Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player in 2022.

He is also an Olympic gold medalist representing the US in Tokyo 2020. He has made history as the only player in the NBA to score over 50 points more than once in a season.

Also: 

Jayson Tatum has built his skills and an excellent net worth of $25 million. He is, interestingly, the godson of Larry Hughes, a former NBA player, and his father’s friend. Tatum is cut by his barber Jules and is commonly seen sporting these hairstyles:

Short Curly Hair + Mid Taper Fade

Now:

Jayson Tatum often pairs this hairstyle with a clean-cut beard.

BuzzCut + Taper Fade

So:

This hairstyle is versatile and does not pose a risk to performance. Plus, it is attractive, neat, and stylish.

4. Kevin Durant

Listen:

Kevin Wayne Durant, also known as KD, is an American professional basketball player born September 29, 1988, in Washington, D.C.

His playing position is both small forward and power forward for the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA, and the Seattle SuperSonics drafted him in 2007.

Now:

Durant is popularly regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, with a long list of achievements on his record. Professionally, he consecutively won the NBA Championships in 2017 and 2018 and has a series of MVP awards.

Also: 

Kevin Durant is one of the highest-earning basketball players on and off the court, with a mindblowing net worth of $200 million. He typically wears short or cropped hairstyles without any extra flavor, and his go-to hairstyle looks like this:

Traditional BuzzCut

Get this:

Kevin Durant does not indulge in the whims of innovative hairstyles. He would much rather opt for an adaptable and easy-to-maintain haircut.

5. Paul George

Now:

Paul Clifton Anthony George, born May 2, 1990, in Los Angeles County, Palmdale, California, is an American professional basketball player. He plays small forward for the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA and is nicknamed PG-13.

You see: 

George was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2010 and has since become a seven-time NBA All-Star. He was titled the NBA Most Improved Player in 2013 and has won an Olympic Gold Medal.

Get this:

Paul George was raised by Paule, and Paulette George, his parents, and his net worth is estimated to be a magnificent $90 million. He typically sports short to moderate-length hairstyles and is also creative with styling. He is commonly seen sporting these hairstyles:

Short Curly Afro

Listen:

This hairstyle is low-maintenance, extremely versatile, and can be done with short to moderate-length hair.

Short Curly Afro + French Braids

Here’s the thing:

Paul George looks amazing with these french braids executed on his short to moderate-length hair.

6. Jalen Rose

Listen:

Jalen Anthony Rose is a sports analyst and former professional basketball player born in Detroit, Michigan. He played in the NBA as a small forward and point guard for six teams, including Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns.

In addition: 

Rose is currently a sports analyst for the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and ESPN. He has authored a best-seller, “Got to Give the People What They Want,” and founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy.

One more thing: 

Rose’s mother, Jeanne, raised him and coined his name from a combination of his father’s and uncle’s.

Jalen has an estimated net worth of $60 million and is cut by his trusted barber, Andy, who gives him outstanding cuts and keeps him looking dapper. Here are some hairstyles he has sported:

360 waves + Half-moon Part

Look:

Jalen Rose certainly looks good with this picture-perfect haircut. The waves almost look drawn, and the line-up and half-moon part are seamlessly carved.

Curly Afro Blowout + Taper

So:

This hairstyle, paired with Rose’s neatly cut goatee, is perfectly composed and attractive.

7. Luka Doncic

Fact:

Luka Doncic was born February 28, 1999, in Ljubljana and is a Slovenian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA. He plays as the small forward and point guard and represents the Slovenian national team.

Professionally:

Doncic has won the ACB Most Valuable Player and Best Young Player awards. He declared for the NBA draft in 2018 and won Rookie of the Year for the 2018/2019 season.

Doncic played for Slovenia in 2016 at age 17 and helped them win their first EuroBasket title in 2017.

Note:

Doncic was raised by Mirjam Poterbin and Sasa Doncic, his parents. He currently has a net worth of about $25 million and commonly wears short tapered hairstyles but switches them up frequently. Look at some of his hairstyles below:

Short Weighted Comb Over + Taper

Here’s the thing:

The taper is a common feature in Doncic’s hair routine. Paired with a weighted combover, it frames his face perfectly.

Short Quiff + Taper

So:

This hairstyle done on short hair is perfect for square faces.

Short Side Part Comb Over + High Taper Fade

Listen:

Combining a combover side part with a high taper fade is one of Doncic’s go-to hairstyles.

8. Stephen Curry

Here’s the thing:

Wardell Stephen Curry II is an American professional basketball player born March 14, 1988, in Akron, Ohio. He plays point guard for the Golden State Warriors of the NBA after being drafted in 2009.

You see:

Stephen Curry is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time and arguably the best shooter in the history of the NBA. 

Get this:

Curry’s father,  Dell Curry, is a former NBA player, while his younger brother Seth Curry is a current NBA player.

Unsurprisingly, he has built a massive net worth of approximately $160 million. He typically wears short to moderate-length hairstyles crafted by his reliable barber Yusef Wright.

Here are some of his hairstyles:

BuzzCut + High Skin Fade

Now:

This hairstyle is easy to maintain and fairly common among basketball players.

Short Afro Blowout + Low Taper Fade

So:

When Curry’s hair is not super cropped, he would typically opt for a blowout.

Short Afro Hair + Mid Fade

Look:

The mid fade, coupled with a blowout and clean beard trim, is an aesthetically pleasant hairstyle.

9. Russell Westbrook

Get this:

Russell Westbrook III^, born November 12, 1988, in Long Beach, California, is an American professional basketball player. He plays point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA after the Seattle SuperSonics drafted him in 2008.

Also: 

Westbrook is a nine-time NBA All-Star and won the league’s MVP award in 2017. Additionally, he has the standing record for the most career triple-doubles in the history of the NBA.

Finally: 

Russell Westbrook has represented the United States twice in the Olympics and World Cup, winning gold medals. He has garnered an astounding net worth of $200 million and typically sports short haircuts. These are some of his common hairstyles:

Caesar Haircut + High Fade

Look:

The caesar haircut paired with a high fade is very classy and adaptable.

Crew Cut + Mid Fade

Now:

The crew cut is another versatile and easy-to-maintain hairstyle common among NBA players.

NBA Players With Long Hairstyles

1. Allen Iverson

Fact:

Allen Ezail Iverson was born June 7, 1975, in Hampton, Virginia, and is an American former professional basketball player. He played as the shooting guard and point guard in the NBA for fourteen seasons and earned “the Answer” and “Al” nicknames.

In 1996:

Iverson was drafted to the NBA and won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award the subsequent year. 

Note: 

He was an NBA All-Star eleven times and was also the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2001.  Iverson is often regarded as one of the greatest scorers and most influential players in the history of the NBA.

One more thing: 

Iverson’s hairstyles are typically braids styled by his hairstylist Saadiyah. He even has a cornrowed hairstyle inspired by and named after him. Here are some of his famous hairstyles:

Long Afro Hair + Patterned Cornrows

Now:

Iverson’s braids are typically cornrows in different shapes and patterns.

Long Afro Blowout

Look:

This hairstyle is the love child of a hot comb, blow dryer, and afro-textured hair.

2. Carmelo Anthony

Listen:

Carmelo Kyam Anthony is an American professional basketball player born May 29, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York City. He last played as the small forward and power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA.

You see:

Anthony was drafted in 2003 by the Denver Nuggets. He has since been titled an NBA All-Star ten times and is ranked 9th on the all-time NBA scoring list. He also played in the Olympics four times, winning one bronze and three gold medals.

Carmelo Anthony sports a lovely full thick head of afro-textured hair and is cut by Calvin Doherty. Below you will see him sporting cornrows and a messy beard:

Long Classic Cornrows + Beard

So:

The basic form of cornrows is a classy, protective style for long-haired fellows seeking a break from hair manipulation.

3. Kevin Porter Jr

Fact:

Bryan Kevin Porter Jr. was born May 4, 2000, in Seattle, Washington, and is an American professional basketball player. He plays point guard for the Houston Rockets of the NBA and is known by his initials KPJ.

Note: 

Porter was born to Ayanna, his mother, and Bryan Kevin Porter Sr., his father, a sportsman in the1990s. He has built a net worth of about $1.5 million and has sported a gorgeous long curly afro. You will find the hairstyle below:

Long Curly Afro + Two Dreadlocks

Now:

Kevin Porter pairs his long curly afro with two dangling dreadlocks at the front of the hair.

4. Anthony Davis

Get this:

Anthony Marshon Davis Jr., born March 11, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois, is an American professional basketball player.

He plays the power forward and center positions for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA and was drafted in 2012 by the New Orleans Pelicans.

Note: 

Davis is an eight-time NBA All-Star and won an NBA championship in 2020. He has also won gold medals representing the US at the Olympics and FIBA World Cup.

Anthony Davis has amassed a net worth of approximately $130 million and wears his afro in long to moderate lengths. 

One more thing:

His trusted barber Calvin Doherty has also refused to shave off his signature unibrow as he believes it is a part of his brand. He is commonly seen sporting these hairstyles:

Long Afro + Half-moon Part + Low Taper Fade

Look:

This hairstyle can be done on long to moderate-length afro-textured hair and has a crisp half-moon part.

Long Afro + Two Strand Twist

So:

The two-strand twist is a common hairstyle among long-haired black men. It is durable and easy to maintain.

Long Afro Hair + French Plaits

Listen:

The French braid on long kinky hair is a neat, trendy, attractive option for basketball players.

5. Coby White

Fact:

Alec Jacoby "Coby" White was born February 16, 2000, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and is an American professional basketball player. He plays point guard for the Chicago Bulls of the NBA after being drafted as the seventh overall pick in 2019.

You see:

White was a top high school college basketball player who played for the North Carolina Tar Heels. He finished as the highest prep scorer in the state’s history and was selected for the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2020.

Although he is a rookie, he has a net worth of about $1.3 million and creatively styles his long curly hair. He is commonly seen sporting these hairstyles:

Chunky Two-Strand Twists + Low Ponytail

Here’s the thing:

Coby White looks stunning in these thick two-strand twists bound together at the back of his head. The two dangling twists add an edge to the hairstyle.

Long Curly Hair + Man Bun

Now:

This raging, untamed hairstyle is vibrant and expressive. You can tell White means business.

6. Kawhi Leonard

Listen:

Kawhi Anthony Leonard was born June 29, 1991, in Los Angeles, California, and is an American professional basketball player. He plays small forward for the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA after being drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2011.

Now:

Leonard has won the NBA championship twice in 2014 and 2019, and is a five-time All-Star. Nicknamed “the Claw,” He was one of three players to win the award for the Finals MVP with multiple teams. 

Also:

Kahwi Leonard is signed with the Clippers in Los Angeles as a free agent and has an $80 million net worth. He has stylish and innovative hairstyles for long hair done by his barber Daniel. He has been spotted wearing these hairstyles:

Long Kinky Hair + Zigzag Sectioned Cornrows

Get this:

This refreshing, unique, innovative hairstyle is perfect for expressive people who love to try new things.

Long Afro Braids + Beard

So:

You can braid your long afro hair into small or large sections and moisturize regularly.

NBA Players With Controversial Hairstyles

1. Trae Young

Here’s the thing:

Rayford Trae Young is a professional basketball player born September 19, 1998, in Lubbock, Texas. He plays point guard for the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA after being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018.

Note:

Young played for the college basketball team Oklahoma Sooners. Nicknamed "Ice Trae," He was selected for the 2019 NBA All-Rookie First Team and is a two-time NBA All-Star.

Also:

Many believe his thinning hair would be better remedied by shaving the hair off completely. Here are the defaulting hairstyles:

Thinning Messy Curly Hair + Low Taper

Get this:

Trae Young’s thinning hair has been a topic of discussion in the NBA, but he couldn’t be bothered.

Messy Curly Taper + Straight Line

So:

Trae Young will even add a straight line to his taper to beautify his thin, messy curls.

2. Dennis Schroder

Fact:

Dennis Schroder, born September 15, 1993, in Braunschweig, Germany, is a professional basketball player. He last played as a point guard for the Houston Rockets of the NBA.

Get this: 

Schroder played for SG Braunschweig and Phantoms Braunschweig in Germany, before declaring for the 2013 NBA draft. He was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 17th overall pick and signed with them.

Lastly: 

He has a net worth of $90 million and has been trolled for his receding hairline and praised for his unique blonde highlight. Take a look at his special hairstyles.

Short Afro + Blonde Highlight + Fade

Listen:

Dennis Schroder claims his mother styled his hair with the blonde highlight, which has become his signature look.

Classic BuzzCut + High Bald Fade + Receding Hairline

Riddle me this:

Do you think people should mock players for the natural effects of aging on their hairline? Your answer doesn't matter to some NBA fans, as Dennis Schroder’s receding hairline has received much hate over the years. 

3. Jeremy Lin

Look:

Jeremy Shu-How Lin was born August 23, 1988, in Torrance, California, and is a Taiwanese-American professional basketball player. He last played as a point guard for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

Also: 

Lin belonged to the NBA Development League until 2011/2012, when he joined the New York Knicks.

He was the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese origin to play in the NBA. He also won an NBA championship in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors making him the first Asian American to do so.

Get this: 

The man behind his bizarre hairstyles is a middle-aged Chinese barber named Jimmy, who works in a hair salon near Paolo, Alto, California. You will find these hairstyles below:

Spiky Mohawk + Taper Fade

Get this:

Linsanity would have been a perfect word to describe this spiky mohawk hairstyle. Instead, it describes Lin’s inspired movement after an unexpected NBA championship win in 2012.

Double Dutch Braids + Man Bun + Undercut

Now:

Jeremy Lin is popular for sporting some bizarre hairstyles. These double dutch braids do not top the chart, but they certainly made it to the list.

Straight Hair + Dreadlocks

Listen:

Many African American NBA fans and players believed that Jeremy Lin had no business wearing a hairstyle rooted in black history.

However:

Lin claimed to have sought advice from his black teammates on his hairstyle and cultural appropriation. Whatever the verdict was, it was controversial, so the hairstyle made our list. 

4. Dennis Rodman

Get this:

Dennis Keith Rodman was born May 13, 1961, in Trenton, New Jersey, and is an American former professional basketball player.

He played as a power forward and small forward for six teams in the NBA, including the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.

Moving on:

Rodman was drafted by Detroit Pistons in 1986, after which he won five NBA championships and several other awards. He was nicknamed “the Worm” and was arguably the best rebounding forward in the history of the NBA.

Rodman was a disturbed child, and after a failed suicide attempt, he became notoriously controversial and explored piercings, tattoos, and hair colors. 

Did you know that:

His hair was done by his stylist, David Alfonso Chapa, and was always vibrant, colorful, and sometimes meaningful and expressive. These are some of the unconventional hairstyles he wore:

Blonde Mohawk + Skin Fade

Here’s the thing:

Dennis Rodman is famed for sporting some of the most outrageous hairstyles in the history of the NBA. This brightly colored mohawk, coupled with the drastic transition to the skin fade at the sides, leaves you wondering if Rodman was perfectly normal.

BuzzCut + Hair Color + Patterns

Here’s the thing:

Dennis Rodman had a gallery of ideas for the colors and patterns on his hair. Admittedly, some were not so pleasant to view, but that was not his goal. Ultimately, Rodman sought to express himself.

Conclusion

In summary:

The NBA is an institution famed not only for its competitive play and mastery of basketball but for its style. Its players wear unique, fashionable, and even unconventional hairstyles that play a role in their branding as basketballers.

To that end:

We have provided a reviewed composition of note-worthy NBA players with their distinctive haircuts in this article.

Be sure to consider your face shape, hair type, lifestyle, and personality before selecting any hairstyle if you’re looking for haircut inspiration.

All in all:

We are eager to hear your opinions and additions to our list of NBA players with their signature haircuts. Don’t forget to ask questions and tell us what you think in the comment section below.