Bynum and other great NBA hairstyles
(Screencap via @Jose3030)
By Jeremy Repanich
Andrew Bynum, though sidelined with a knee injury, still managed to make an impact during Wednesday's Sixers-Pistons game. On the court, Detroit won for the first time this season. but it was hard to focus on the game with Bynum's showing off his new follicle stylings on the bench. We suspect some sort of heat treatment (blow dryer? flat iron?) was employed to straighten and create his fluffy hair helmet. Bynum’s new 'do also got us thinking about other great hair of the 21st-century NBA. Here are seven of our favorites from the past decade.
Tread On Me
In his Motor City days, Rip Hamilton found an odd automotive sponsorship opportunity. Instead of his normal corn rows, he had his hair styled to resemble the tread of a Goodyear tire.
(Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Vladimir Radmanovic's Braids
Back in 2005, the Sonics had their last great year as a franchise. They surprised the league by making it to the second round of the playoffs, narrowly losing to the eventual champion Spurs. Yet, that's not what fans were talking about when the playoffs started. They were marveling at Radmanovic's inexplicable new braids. The best touch? The green and gold rubber bands that mirrored the team colors.
(Jeff Reinking/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Scot Pollard's Mohawk
The journeyman center played for five teams in 11 years, but is better remembered for his countless hairstyles. The frosted Mohawk with the Captain Lou Albano rubber-banded goatee had to be one of his finest.
(Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Daniel Gibson Reps Texas
The Cavaliers' shooting guard and proud University of Texas alum wanted to let people know he supported his Longhorns when they took on Alabama in the BCS championship game in January 2010. While we applaud his effort, the craftsmanship was just OK, especially when you consider the next entry.
(Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
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Metta World Peace, Company Man
We could have selected many World Peace hairstyles, but we especially enjoyed his homage to the Sacramento Kings, back when he still called himself Ron Artest.
(Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Sideshow Andy
The NBA's lovable energy guy, Anderson Varejao, has sported his signature Sideshow Bob-esque curly locks since he came into the league and teamed with LeBron James. Though the King abdicated his throne in Cleveland, his jester remains. But Varejao's game is far from a joke, especially considering his outstanding 35-point, 18-rebound performance earlier this week.
(Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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The Birdman is Peacocking
Chris Andersen, he of many, many, many tattoos, is no stranger to hair gel. The upshot is that this style has to really improve his aerodynamics on the court.
(Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)