The Top 8 Hottest Players of the NBA
May 7, 2012 - 1:37 pm by Adelle Platon TWITTER
While NBA players continue to ball so hard for the finals, the fellas aren’t the only ones finding good reason to tune in. Whether devoted fans or passive bystanders, the ladies can agree on one thing: basketball games mean serious eye candy. Not only do the b-ballers show an amazing display of athleticism on the court, some even sport the sexiest fashions or dabble in other ventures off the bench. Nothing is more attractive than a man with drive, especially to the paint.
Behold, the top 8 of NBA’s finest!
A last name like that already sets the precedent, but there really is much to adore in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Love. The 23-year-old is only one of five players in the league to start off a season with thirteen consecutive double-doubles (racking up a double-digit number total in one of either points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots during a game). The forward-center player may also be making his second appearance in the Olympic games this summer in London. What’s not to love about a possible contender for the MVP title?
Oklahoma City is guaranteed to make thunder whenever Kevin Durant is on the floor. The #35-wearing OKC forward has been the team’s main weapon in potentially sweeping past the Dallas Mavericks during the first round of the postseason games. On top of that, he’s all about sportsmanship. Whether it’s clowning against Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard in coaching the East and West teams during All-Star weekend or tweeting (@kdtrey5) well wishes to injured players Iman Shumpert and Derrick Rose, the DC native is no selfish MVP. And who can forget those long Durantula arms. Consider them better to hold you with.
Though La La may have already put a ring on it (with a reality show to prove it), her main man and Knicks star Carmelo Anthony does more than rack up points. The fully-tatted 6’8’’ small forward also owns his own music label, Krossover Entertainment, home to artists Diego Ca$h and Cassidy. Throw in that he’s daddy to cutie mini-Melo and son with La La, Kiyan, and you have the stats of a bonafide baller.
Nothing like a man with good offense, a lot of which Los Angeles Clipper Chris Paul has. The 26-year-old point guard has been wheelin’ and dealin’ (to steal from Walt Frazier’s book) in and out of every quarter. Whether you need assists, steals or an able facilitator, CP3 can give it. He also spends his down time giving back to the community with his “CP3 Afterschool Zone Program,” offering quality activities for the youth. Paul also has an adorable 2-year-old son who can imitate his daddy’s team mate Blake Griffin’s game face.
Before going pro, Kyrie Irving was scoring season highs at Duke University as a freshman. The Cleveland Cavaliers point guard may also be adding Olympic medalist to his resume after being invited to participate in the summer games in London to represent Team USA. Not that he isn’t already well-traveled. The 20-year-old has dual citizenship in Australia, his place of birth when his father played professional basketball down under.
While most of his post-MVP season has been marked with bumps and bruises, Derrick Rose continues to be one of the NBA’s most exciting players to watch. The Chicago Bulls’ point guard is still winning, nabbing the recent cover of GQ and landing $250 million to be the face of Adidas. The 23-year-old has been considered the Bulls’ babyface player but he has the moves to back it up.
There has to be something about Kobe. Despite his marital problems, it seems his personal life has little effect on his professional one. The 28-year-old L.A. Laker has more than enough game to average 28 points and potentially sweep past the Denver Nuggets during the first round of finals, inching closer to beating the Michael Jordan playoff record. He also has five championship rings to show for it. Sure, that other ring finger may need some more tender love and care but no denying a guy who can somehow always fix things up in the clutch.
It’s not easy playing for one of the top seeds of the NBA but watching any Miami Heat game will prove that Dwyane Wade makes it look effortless, or even downright showstopping. The 6’4’’ shooting guard has no problems with ball movement or locking in W’s night after night with sidekick Lebron James. The Marquette University attendee also gets major shine in T-Mobile commercials, Sean John modeling gigs, and men’s mags for his form-fitting fashion. Did we also mention he’s a 2008 gold medalist, owns his own charity the Wade World Foundation and is a loving father? Gabrielle Union scored with this one.
