The 21 hottest NBA players in 2017 (PHOTOS)
There are many reasons to watch the NBA this season.
For one, the Toronto Raptors are still doing well, and will be a team to follow this year (not just because they’re the only Canadian team.) And even if you’re not a Raps fan, the playoffs still had many of us hooked as Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers took on another nail-biting series against Golden State Warriors.
So as we get ready to celebrate the official start of the NBA season, we thought we’d showcase another reason we appreciate this sport: the players.
But we’re not talking about stats or skills here. Instead we’re showing off their other, err, talents. So for those of us who appreciate this side of the sport, here is our list of the hottest NBA players to look out for this upcoming season.
See also
- The 20 hottest NHL players in 2017 (PHOTOS)
- The 8 hottest NHL coaches in 2017 (PHOTOS)
- Here's every Toronto Raptors player to follow on Instagram
- Here's how much money every Raptors player will make this season
Russell Westbrook
Age: 28
Position: Point guard
Current Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Anyone who follows Russell Westbrook knows that this man can model in a fashion show, and would be a natural. His Instagram shows the many sides of Westbrook, including his handsome features and stylish wardrobe. This man is not only a babe on the court, but pretty much everywhere he goes. He is one the very few people who can pull off plaid pants.
Blake Griffin
Age: 28
Position: Power forward
Current Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Besides gracing the covers of GQ, and paparazzi photos with Kendall Jenner, Blake Griffin is so much fun to watch during a game. His dunks are some of the most spectacular you’ll find in the NBA. But Griffin also rocks suits, and charms us all with that cheeky smile, not to mention those eyes. It’s all about those eyes.
DeMarcus Cousins
Age: 27
Position: Power forward
Current Team: New Orleans Pelicans
This two-time gold medal winner as member of the US National team is a gem. DeMarcus Cousins began his career in 2010 with the Sacramento Kings, and remains with them this year. And it must run in the family, as his brother Jaleel is also a pro basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks.
Chris Paul
Age: 32
Position: Point guard
Current Team: Houston Rockets
Another NBA face on GQ is Chris Paul. Paul married his high school sweetheart (aww) and is clearly a family man – which makes him all the more endearing. Besides playing for the Rockets, Paul also played for the USA’s national team at the London Olympics in 2012.
J.J. Redick
Age: 33
Position: Shooting guard
Current Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Southern boy Jonathan Clay “J.J.” Redick comes from a family of basketball players. Drafted back in 2006 to Orlando Magic, this handsome fella has spent the majority of his career in Orlando before being traded to the Clippers in 2013 where he spent the past four years. Redick is now a Philly baller.
Kyle Lowry
Age: 31
Position: Point guard
Current Team: Toronto Raptors
Many Toronto Raptors fans love Kyle Lowry. His boyish smile and friendship with teammate DeMar Derozan is THE definition of #SquadGoals. If you don’t watch the Raptors, but his name sounds familiar, he did also played for the USA team at the Rio Olympics last year.
Dwight Howard
Age: 31
Position: Centre
Current Team: Charlotte Hornets
Yes, Dwight Howard. We are excited. Dwight Howard is one of those names you hear a lot, even if you don’t follow the NBA. Having recently been traded to the Hornets, all eyes will be on him as we see if he’s still one of the top centres in the NBA. And look at that smile.
Chandler Parsons
Age: 28
Position: Small forward
Current Team: Memphis Grizzlies
His boyish features remind us of Justin Timberlake (in the best way possible) and Chandler Parsons even plays for Timberlake’s home team. Parsons is younger than most previous guys on the list, and was drafted in 2011. He’s had a few stints in modelling in 2014, which we’re not surprised by. Hellooo!
Stephen Curry
Age: 29
Position: Point guard
Current Team: Golden State Warriors
One of the more popular players in the pack, Stephen Curry is no stranger to the general public – and those who don’t watch any basketball. Perhaps it is because he’s arguably the best shooter in NBA history, although some would also say it is his eyes. Either way, Curry is a fave – and this is coming from someone who is not a fan of the Golden State Warriors.
Dwayne Wade
Age: 35
Position: Shooting guard
Current Team: Chicago Bulls
Oh Dwayne Wade. Maybe just slightly more popular than Curry, Wade’s name is synonymous with basketball. Having played in the league since 2003, Wade has definitely earned his position in the NBA. Besides being a philanthropist, his high-flying style of basketball has gained him global recognition. And he’s also been on several fashion magazines for his incredible sense of style.
DeMar DeRozan
Age: 28
Position: Shooting guard
Current Team: Toronto Raptors
Our favourite #SquadGoals teammates make it that much more fun to watch Raps games – not that we needed any more reasons to. DeRozan was drafted back in 2009, and we hope he just stays for a little while longer.
Kevin Love
Age: 29
Position: Power forward/Centre
Current Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
We love Kevin Love. Love became a style ambassador and campaign model for Banana Republic last year, and we are loving it. We also love watching him dunk that ball, and loved watching him on HBO’s Entourage (seventh season finale). And also love his Instagram.
Kyrie Irving
Age: 25
Position: Point guard
Current Team: Boston Celtics
Kyrie Irving has come a long way since he was NBA Rookie of the Year in 2011. The four-time NBA All-Star, he won an NBA Championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. And now, Irving will give you a good reason to watch those Boston games.
Ricky Rubio
This Spanish stud was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Timberwolves and spent six seasons in Minnesota before being traded to the Utah Jazz this year. And, looks like he’s rockin a man bun this season.
Age: 26
Position: Point guard
Current Team: Utah Jazz
Cory Joseph
Age: 26
Position: Point guard
Current Team: Indiana Pacers
Besides being playing in the NBA, this Canadian beauty is part of Canada’s men’s national basketball team. The attractive Canuck was drafted to the San Antonio Spurs is 2011, before coming back home in 2015 to play with the Raptors. Sadly, he’s now in Indiana… We miss you Cory!
Al Horford
Age: 31
Position: Power forward/Centre
Current Team: Boston Celtics
Um. The thing about Al Horford is, his smile. And this man can look damn good in a suit (see above). After becoming an unrestricted free agent last summer, he was signed to the Boston Celtics last year… giving us another reason to watch Boston this year.
Danilo Gallinari
Age: 29
Position: Small forward
Current Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Gallinari began playing professional basketball in Italy, before being drafted to the Knicks in 2008. He’s not just looking good on the court however as this stylish baller has modelled for brands including Armani. Delicious.
Tyson Chandler
Age: 34
Position: Centre
Current Team: Phoenix Suns
Beard or no beard, we swoon regularly over Tyson Chandler. The tatt’ed up ball player has made ads with Jack Black Grooming Products, and can easily pass for a model. Chandler has played for the US national team several times, and can apparently tattoo others. What a talented man.
Carmelo Anthony
Age: 33
Position: Small forward
Current Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
He’s been named an All-Star nine times and an All-NBA Team member six times, and he’s still going. Carmelo Anthony is one recognizable name, and for good reason. Besides the NBA, he’s been in four Olympics and has always been considered an asset to his teams. And he has one of the biggest smiles in the league. Doesn’t it just warm your heart?
Tristan Thompson
Age: 26
Position: Power forward/Centre
Current Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Another Torontonian to make the list is Tristan Thompson, who also represents Canada in international competition. Thompson won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016, and he’s back with the team this year (while he takes on daddy duties with Khloe Kardashian.)
LeBron James
Age: 32
Position: Small forward
Current Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Can’t have a list without a little royalty. LeBron James needs no introduction. He’s just King James.