NBA FanHouse

Cavaliers' Daniel Gibson Shows Texas Pride on His Head

Chris Tomasson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST

ORLANDO -- If the state of Texas is planning on any commercials during NBA games over the next week, officials might want to hold off. Cleveland's Daniel Gibson will be a walking advertisement.

Just in time for Wednesday's big nationally televised game at Orlando, the guard has shaved onto the left side of his head a big map of Texas with a star on it. While it is the Lone Star State, Gibson, who is from Houston and a big baseball fan, calls it an "Astros star.''

"I'm the first one,'' Gibson claimed about being the initial NBA player with a state shaved onto his head for a game.

Gibson says he likes to have designs on his head, but that this is his "best one.'' Previous ones have included his uniform No. 1, a Batman emblem and a Superman logo in honor of recent acquisition Shaquille O'Neal.

"I always do different designs,'' said Gibson, who got the Texas outline shaved onto his head Tuesday in Cleveland shortly before the team flew to Orlando. "It's just something I like doing... I always try to do something different to bring some fun and excitement to the game. Everybody loves it. They say it's the best one.

"Everybody loves Texas.''

Gibson said the design will be visible for around a week. He said his hair will grow back long enough in two or three weeks for him to have enough for another creation.

"My barber who did it just goes by Milano,'' Gibson said of his Cleveland artist. "He calls himself the barber to the stars.''

With all due respect to Milano, though, he might want to improve his Cavaliers client list a tad before giving himself that title. Gibson says other Cleveland players who go there are Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker. But none of the four players who have played in an All-Star Game -- O'Neal, LeBron James, Mo Williams and Zydrunas Ilgauskas -- were named as Milano clients, although the billiard-ball heads of O'Neal and Ilgauskas wouldn't provide much of a canvas.

For now, though, Milano is getting rave reviews for his latest design.

"It's nice. I like it,'' said Cleveland forward J.J. Hickson, who nevertheless indicated no immediate desire to have his native Georgia displayed on his head. "It represents himself. I've never seen anything like that.''

Gibson, though, might not have cooperated as well as he could have for Texas' tourism bureau. The Cavaliers don't play a Texas team until a Nov. 28 meeting with Dallas, and the design figures to be long gone by then.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com and on Twitter @christomasson.

Cavaliers' Daniel Gibson Shows Texas Pride on His Head originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most Likely to Be Mistaken for Zach Galifianakis: Chris Andersen

Tom Ziller — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, NBA Hair Watch

NBA FanHouse walks through the Valley of the Most Likely; we shall fear no topic.

Chris Andersen -- better known as The Birdman -- has a long way to grow before gaining the beard notoriety of The Hangover actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis, but I think he can pull it off (albeit in a light shade). In August, on occasion of his basketball camp in Denver, Andersen revealed to the Denver Post he would not be shaving his beard until his wedding in June 2010. Andersen even quipped that he was "the grizzly bird," which makes no sense until you really meditate on it.

Based on the media day photos, Andersen shaved at some point late September. Bummer. But there's plenty of time to grow it full, as the Nuggets are expected to play into May (at least) again. In other summer hair news, Rip Hamilton and DeShawn Stevenson have both fashioned duck tails (aka hyphy patches aka neckstaches), which proves that Drew Gooden is the NBA's top trend setter. As Brett Pollakoff reported last week, Allen Iverson renounced his Samson look and Sasha Vujacic decided he wanted to look more like countryman Beno Udrih. (Smart move.) Any more hot NBA hair tips? Leave them in the comments.

Most Likely to Be Mistaken for Zach Galifianakis: Chris Andersen originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Hair Watch: New Looks for Iverson, Andre Miller, and Sasha Vujacic

Brett Pollakoff — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:25:00 EST

Filed under: Grizzlies, Lakers, Trail Blazers, NBA Hair Watch

Training camps by themselves provide a fresh start for every NBA team, but sometimes, players feel the need to take things to a more personal level to cleanse themselves of the previous season.

This was certainly the case for Allen Iverson, who has gone back to his trademark braids after a year where he was traded to the Pistons, and was unceremoniously used as one of the scapegoats for his new (now old) team's horrific downward spiral.

It was a pretty big deal when Iverson cut his braids at the All-Star break last season, mainly because they had become a fashion statement that other players in the league looked to emulate over the years. But no one can blame him for reverting back to his old look, especially after a disastrous season in Detroit, one that Iverson is still bitter about to this day.

Andre Miller, the big offseason acquisition of the Portland Trail Blazers, also had a surprise in store in terms of his hair style at training camp. But while Iverson's look comes off as classic, Miller's can only be described as some sort of ridiculous abomination.

Thankfully, as reported by Joe Freeman of The Oregonian, Miller's look is only temporary.

"This is a routine every training camp," Miller said. "I've been doing this ever since I was little; letting my hair grow. Some guys wear five or six shirts. Some guys where three pair of socks. Some guys wear three pairs of shorts. I just wear stuff with my hair every now and then. Like I said, it's been a routine since I've been playing basketball. I don't really care what people think."

Miller said he usually sticks with the hairstyle through the first week of camp but trims it short for the season to "try and keep it more professional."

One player's look that should stick around more permanently is that of the Lakers' Sasha Vujacic.

Despite the fact that his team took home the title last season, Sasha can't honestly say that he was exactly a key component in that Lakers championship, uh, "machine."

One reason for his sub-par play, at least according to Phil Jackson, might have been the fact that Vujacic was too preoccupied with his hair to focus all of his attention on the game at hand.

"Sasha played with his hair last year more than he played on the court," Jackson said.

Vujacic agreed.

"Now, it's not in my eyes anymore and I don't have that compulsion thing going," Vujacic said.

Sure, Sahsha: it was the hair that made you miss all those wide open looks. Got it. *Whew.* Glad we got that straightened out, and just in time for the Lakers' title defense, too.

NBA Hair Watch: New Looks for Iverson, Andre Miller, and Sasha Vujacic originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thabeet's Fro-Hawk a Rookie Prank

Gary Washburn — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Grizzlies, NBA Hair Watch, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- Before his first NBA game, Memphis center Hasheem Thabeet wanted a modest haircut before hitting the floor at Cox Pavilion. The result was a rather disturbing looking Fro-Hawk and Thabeet was relegated to playing with the landing-strip hairstyle during the Grizzlies' 86-57 win over Oklahoma City.

Thabeet, the 7-foot-3 center, finished with nine points and two rebounds in 20 minutes. He made three of four shots and picked up a blocked shot and steal.

"Today, after I got my ankle taped, the barber was there and I was like 'Can I get a cut too?' and I just wanted a little trim and I got up, went to look at myself in the mirror and I had this," he said. "I didn't have time to go get it fixed. So I had to come [play], so I guess it's a rookie thing. I am OK. I will go get it fixed."

Of course, regardless if Thabeet rocks an Afro, Mohawk, cornrows or a mullet, the Grizzlies are tabbing him as their franchise center. He is far more advanced defensively than offensively, so his immediate impact will be rebounding and blocking shots.

"[The first experience] was good, with the first time with that group and we had to play together and stay together," he said. "A lot of people are expecting a lot from me and to be honest, I haven't played basketball for that long but I am making some good progress. I want to do better and make my teammates better. There are the first few days and I am going to get better."

Former Pitt standout Sam Young led Memphis with 14 points in 21 minutes while ex-UConn guard Marcus Williams set a summer league record with 17 assists in 29 minutes.

Thabeet's Fro-Hawk a Rookie Prank originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celtics Introduce Rasheed Wallace

Matt Watson — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:20:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Pistons, NBA Hair Watch, NBA Transactions

As if seeing him in green and white wasn't jarring enough, Rasheed Wallace showed up to his introductory press conference Thursday rocking cornrows. Considering how many players have given up the look in the last 12 months -- Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson and Ben Wallace stand out -- his new haircut already feels retro.

Of course, old school is just his style, from his trademark Air Force 1's, ratty workout clothes and dirty 13-year-old Ford Bronco that he still drives to games. And as he explained on Thursday, it was Boston's old school dedication to defense that convinced him to sign.

"One of the things that the guys up here do is play defense," he told reporters on Thursday. "They've been in the what, top three or four in defensive categories -- one and two -- in the last few years, so that's saying a lot about them and their whole defense right there. That's saying a lot about them and their whole defensive scheme. The bottom line is just to win. So, that pretty much swayed me right there."

Joining Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge to greet Wallace at Thursday's press conference was Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen -- a gesture that didn't go unnoticed.

"As soon as I came around the corner into that little conference room, seeing these three guys there, that I wasn't expecting," Wallace said. "... To see these three guys there, that showed a lot, that showed me that they really want me to be a part of this team. Opening their arms to me and my family to be a part of the Boston Celtics family."

Of course, this wasn't the first time the Celtics have opened their arms to Wallace, who drew the ire of some of his former teammates in Detroit during the 2008 Eastern Conference finals for his pre-game hugs and jokes with Garnett, especially given his struggles to make a positive contribution (or even acting like he cared) for his own team.

It'll be extremely interesting to see how Wallace adjusts to life in Boston, and in particular sharing a locker room with Garnett, whose intensity has no off switch. It was clear the last couple of years that Wallace checked out mentally during the regular season, and due to age, injury or attitude, he was unable to flip the switch and step up his game in the playoffs. Part of the reason the Celtics have had so much success the last couple of years is because the veteran core leads by example, so Wallace likely won't be afforded the opportunity to coast without creating friction.

Latest NBA Images

Rashiyah Wallace, right, sits on the lap of her father, Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace, who was signed as a free agent, during a news conference at the NBA basketball team's training facility in Waltham, Mass., Thursday July 9, 2009. Wallace, a 14-year NBA veteran, averaged 12.0 points and 7.4 rebounds with the Detroit Pistons last season. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

WALTHAM - JULY 9: Rasheed Wallace #30 of the Boston Celtics poses with his new jersey and family during a press conference on July 9, 2009 at the Boston Celtics Practice Facility in Waltham, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rasheed Wallace

NBAE/Getty Images

WALTHAM - JULY 9: Rasheed Wallace #30 of the Boston Celtics holds his new celtics jersey during a press conference on July 9, 2009 at the Boston Celtics Practice Facility in Waltham, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rasheed Wallace

NBAE/Getty Images

WALTHAM - JULY 9: Rasheed Wallace #30 of the Boston Celtics poses for portraits on July 9, 2009 at the Boston Celtics Practice Facility in Waltham, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rasheed Wallace

NBAE/Getty Images

WALTHAM - JULY 9: Rasheed Wallace #30 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media after a press conference on July 9, 2009 at the Boston Celtics Practice Facility in Waltham, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rasheed Wallace

NBAE/Getty Images

WALTHAM - JULY 9: Rasheed Wallace #30 of the Boston Celtics holds his jersey over his face during a press conference on July 9, 2009 at the Boston Celtics Practice Facility in Waltham, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rasheed Wallace

NBAE/Getty Images

WALTHAM - JULY 9: Kevin Garnett #5, Paul Pierce #34, Ray Allen #20 and Rasheed Wallace #30 of the Boston Celtics talk to the media during a press conference on July 9, 2009 at the Boston Celtics Practice Facility in Waltham, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Garnett;Paul Pierce;Ray Allen;Rasheed Wallace

NBAE/Getty Images

Celtics Introduce Rasheed Wallace originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kobe Bryant Appears on Tonight Show

Will Brinson — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, NBA Fans, NBA Hair Watch, NBA Last Night, NBA Media Watch, NBA Videos, Interviews

There are some oddly interesting parallels between Kobe Bryant and Conan O'Brien; athleticism aside, of course. Both are seen as "rebels" -- to a degree -- and both are now champions (again, to a degree), with both having stepped out of the shadows of their former big men (Shaq/Leno). Or something. Either way, you could see a fantastic difference in Kobe's personality on the "Tonight Show" last night, owing mostly to his legacy being nearly complete. Hand-pounds to the Drs. of Hoop.

Kobe Bryant Appears on Tonight Show originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deciphering the Code of Ron Artest's Hair

Matt Watson — Tue, 05 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rockets, NBA Hair Watch, Playoffs

Cherry Picking recaps the previous day's NBA playoff action.

That's Ron Artest's new haircut, a "Von Hawk" inspired by a promise made to Von Wafer should the Rockets advance to the second round. Artest wasn't exactly thrilled about honoring the promise, but he delivered.

From the Houston Chronicle:

"I just got a little mohawk, a little Von Hawk with a little splash of Rockets," Artest said. "I thought it would be fun. When I first was traded, I put the Rockets' logo on it. Everybody liked it, so I did it again. I kept my word with Von. I didn't renege."

[...] "Now we can trust him," Wafer said. "He can play."

Why are we talking about Ron Artest's hair? There were two compelling basketball games on Monday night; this is the most important thing I can come up with? Fair point. But I'd argue that Artest's hair represents more than a barber with too much time on his hands -- it's also a peek inside the playful camaraderie this team has created.

Kobe Meets Battier's Force Field | RoundCast
Rockets Grind Out Win | Magic Fade But Don't Fear Celtics

Let's face it, the Rockets had every reason to come into Monday's game walking on pins and needles -- they're exploring completely uncharted territory, the first time in the Yao Ming/Tracy McGrady era that they've advanced past the first round. Going up against the vaunted Lakers in front of all the Hollywood glitz and glamor of the Staples Center, this team could have easily choked.

Instead, they came out swinging, knocking the Lakers on their heels while getting bruised and bloodied in the process. It's hard to play that aggressive knockdown style of ball without knowing the other four players on the court have your back. And odd as it might sound, honoring a silly locker room bet like Artest did not only injects levity and deflates pressure but also fosters trust.

Am I reading too much into this? Perhaps. But even if Artest's new 'do isn't indicative of Houston's brotherhood, it doesn't mean that brotherhood doesn't exist. Consider this locker room exchange between Aaron Brooks and Yao witnessed by NBA.com's Dave McMenamin shortly after Monday's game:

Brooks, still draped in his towel from a postgame shower, approached Yao who was icing his feet at his locker, not waiting to get dressed before relaying his concern.

"Don't play around like that, I was nervous," Brooks said.

"I was trying to say I was fine, it just hurt," Yao explained.

"Next time put your hand up and let us know that ... You took so damn long to get up."

Yao laughed and nodded before becoming serious again as Brooks readied himself to speak to reporters:

"By the way, great hustle when you dove to the floor for that ball."

On the surface it's just a funny anecdote, but it also shows 1) how much this team cares about each other; 2) the toughness they exhibit by playing through pain; and 3) how they hold each other accountable by acknowledging hustle.

To be fair, the Rockets could be the best, most hustling teammates in the world and still lose this series handily; in the end, talent reigns supreme.

But Houston's style of play -- physical, grind-it-out, defensive basketball -- demands cohesiveness and trust to be successful, and for at least one game in this series, the Rockets were successful. Credit should go wherever it's due -- so in some tiny, almost-but-not-quite-insignificant way, that means taking a quick moment to acknowledge Artest's new haircut and all that it represents.

Doing Lines

Dwight Howard gets first billing -- you just can't argue with 22 rebounds. He also pitched in 16 points on 6-12 shooting, three blocks and three assists. The Celtics quite literally don't have an answer for Howard when Kevin Garnett's in street clothes; the C's have yet to beat the Magic in three tries this year without KG. [Box Score]

Anytime someone mentions Ron Artest's impact on a game it's usually in reference to his defense, but how about his 21 points and seven assists against the Lakers? He shot 8-15 from the field, including 3-6 from beyond the arc. The only danger to a game like this is that he might get a little too comfortable living in three-point land, but so long as he does his best to irritate and annoy Kobe Bryant (32 points on 14-31 shooting), all will be forgiven. [Box Score]

Watching Film

That's LeBron James' acceptance speech made in his old high school gym after being awarded the NBA's MVP trophy, and while long (that's not even half of it -- see the rest at To The Tin), it's worth watching in its entirety simply because it's one of the rare* times that LeBron lets his guard down (at least a little) in front of a camera. The LeBron you see in that video comes across as genuine and humble, as opposed to the LeBron we're used to seeing, which is usually some combination of polished, marketed or coddled.

* It's a rare glimpse but not the only glimpse -- we him at similar ease this summer chowing on some Wendy's at a gas station with his Redeem Team teammates.

On the Blockquote

Jeff Clark from CelticsBlog finding the silver lining in Boston rallying from 28 points down to lose by five:

I'll leave you with a final good note: Between this game and the Bulls series and even tossing in the record setting Finals comeback game from last year; it all leads me to the same conclusion. This team is never, ever, ever out of it for sure until the buzzer sounds. We have Paul and Ray and championship defense and a whole lotta pride, so you can never count this team out.

Ben Q. Rock from Third Quarter Collapse, who thinks both teams should be ashamed:

The fourth quarter is not one fans of either team will want to savor. Sure, the game went right down to the wire, as just when it looked like the Magic would escape unscathed, Paul Pierce hit a three-pointer to give Boston a puncher's chance at a win, down 3 with 6 seconds remaining. But both teams squandered multiple opportunities to seize control in the period. Rajon Rondo, whose 14-point, 10-rebound, 8-assist line overstates his effectiveness in this game, played erratically and out-of-control, coughing the ball up 4 times in this period alone. And while I don't want to take a lot away from the Celtics, the fact that their comeback attempt was fueled in large part by a series of baffling plays should give them pause.

Deciphering the Code of Ron Artest's Hair originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 05 May 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaquille O'Neal Pranked by Teammate

Will Brinson — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:10:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, NBA Fans, NBA Hair Watch, NBA Media Watch, NBA Videos

Shaquille O'Neal is all for making a public spectacle of himself. Whether it be performing "Ice, Ice, Baby" for charity, Tweeting about his trip to Graceland or just making bloggers chase him around Phoenix malls for Suns tickets, he's always at the center of attention.

Today was no different, except Shaq wasn't in control. No sir, it was his Suns teammate (allegedly) Lou Amundson turning the tables on the Big Aristotle when he filled his car/van with pink styrofoam poppy things. Hilarity ensues, after the jump.

(Highlight: 6:15, Shaq dumps smaller man in vat of pink styrofoam.)

Shaquille O'Neal Pranked by Teammate originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Allen Iverson's Famous Haircut

Matt Watson — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Pistons, NBA Hair Watch, NBA Videos

If there was every any doubt that Allen Iverson's trademark cornrows were iconic (as opposed to Brad Miller's cornrows, which were ironic), consider that this is now our third post (ahem: first and second) about his haircut.

Just like Carmelo Anthony did a few months earlier, AI turned the shearing of his mane into a viral video with corporate sponsorship. Sign of the times, I suppose. Next up: Ben Wallace shaves his head, brought to you by Starbury shoes! (via TrueHoop)

Video: Allen Iverson's Famous Haircut originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reacting to a Braid-Less Allen Iverson

Matt Watson — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Pistons, NBA All-Star Game, NBA Hair Watch, NBA Videos

FanHouse has always had an unnatural curiosity about NBA haircuts, but as you can see, we weren't the only ones whose jaws dropped to the ground when a freshly-shorn Allen Iverson showed up to Phoenix without his trademark braids. More reaction from around the blogosphere after the jump.

* Shaquille O'Neal on Twitter: "Allen iverson cut off his braids, dam hes cute, lol"

* Marcel Mutoni at Deadspin: "And thanks to this new look, which was unveiled yesterday in Phoenix, A.I. now spends a considerably shorter amount of time in front of the mirror. Which drastically reduces the number of excuses for skipping out on practice."

* Tom Ziller at The Sporting Blog: "The least basketball-relevant All-Star starter this season, A.I. has guaranteed a ton more attention for himself this weekend. Since 1997 A.I. has rowed; the braids were long a symbol (along with his tattoos) of the urbanization of the NBA. Too many curmudgeons, nostalgiphiles and -- yes -- racists tied Iverson's image to the supposed downfall of the lig. A fairly common but decidedly non-white hairstyle became an image of old-school/New Wave militarism, and the war has been waged to this day."

* Alana G: "A.I.!!! You're killing me here. You cut off the braids? The cornrows... gone? What! Is it no longer cool for ME to have cornrows now? And oh my word you totally just ruined Halloween when I was going to do a repeat of last year's Slutty Allen Iverson costume. Sad face."

Craziest Hair in Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is just one of the many colorful characters in sports with an outrageous hairstyle. From afros to mohawks, weaves to mullets, let us take you on a visual tour of the most bizarre choices in sports. Click through to see more wild styles.

Thomas E. Witte, Getty Images

Who: Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh Steelers | 2007
Strange Feature(s): Media day impression of an artichoke

Getty Images

Who: Pascal Hens, German handball player
Strange Feature(s): Blonde mohawk with rainbow-striped buzzcut around the sides

Frank Augstein, AP

Who: David Tua, Top heavyweight boxer
Strange Feature(s): Haircut that reminds us of Bert from 'Sesame Street'

Ross Setford, Getty Images

Who: Brandon Carter, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Strange Feature(s): Dyed mohawk with loose ends, magic marker on face notwithstanding

Paul Jasienski, Getty Images

Who: Nick Naitanui, Rugby player
Strange Feature(s): Frosted strips of chandelier-like dreadlocks

Paul Kane, Getty Images

Who: Drew Gooden, Chicago Bulls
Strange Feature(s): Beard with fringes and elongated mutton chops

Paul Beaty, AP

Who: Tiger Woods, golf star | 2001
Wow, even Tiger tried going blonde briefly years ago

David F. Martin, AP

Who: Dennis Rodman, former NBA star
Strange Feature(s): Dyed to look like rainbow ice, one of Rodman's many colorful 'dos

Mark Boster, AP

Who: Shannon Briggs, boxer
Strange Feature(s): Dreadlocks that look like bundled asparagus

Timothy A. Clary, AFP / Getty Images

* Hooped Up: "Since 1999, Death, Taxes, Shaq missing free-throws and Allen Iverson sporting braids have been the sure things in my life. Now two of these things are gone, because I decided to live forever in 2000 and Allen Iverson has now cut his trademark braids off."

* Bethlehem Shoals and Joey Litman at Free Darko: "BS: Or, let's put it like this: He was at least somewhat humble, and realized it was a new venue, when he first hit the league. Not redemption per se, but pragmatic. Then when the backlash came, he retreated into an especially dark (yes, keep the pun) and reactionary form of Romanticism.

JL: Kind of like he threw up his hands and said "I tried to play by the rules, I tried to be nice, but f**ck it. You don't seem to care, or get it, so i am just gonna do me." And oddly, doing him, rocking the braids, only reinforced what people were saying. It's like a weird Stockholm Syndrome in some way."

* Me: "Whoa, he looks different."

Reacting to a Braid-Less Allen Iverson originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Allen Iverson Cuts His Trademark Braids

Nate Jones — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:25:00 EST

Filed under: Pistons, NBA All-Star Game, NBA Hair Watch

My reaction, after the jump.

Today Allen Iverson showed up to the Eastern Conference All-Star practice with a new look. After 12-plus years with his trademark cornrow hair style, A.I. decided to trim them off. This is a big story because, when you think cornrows, the first thing that usually comes to mind is Allen Iverson. He basically started the trend in the NBA and still stuck with them even after many players cut theirs off. Just google "Allen Iverson Braids" or "Allen Iverson Cornrows" and you'll know what I am talking about.

This is also big because Iverson was often adamant that he had no plans to ever trim his trademark 'rows. Slam Online's Lang Whitaker reported via Twitter that A.I. plans on sending this trimmed hair to his mother as keepsake. The times, they are a-changin'. The next thing you know, A.I. will be headed to laser-remove his tattoos.

Allen Iverson Cuts His Trademark Braids originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DeShawn Stevenson Brings Back the Beard

Matt Watson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:17:00 EST

Filed under: Wizards, NBA Hair Watch

Last season had no shortage of storylines, but one of my favorites was the beard growing contest between DeShawn Stevenson and Drew Gooden. (The NBA: where "Abe Lincoln lookalikes" happens.)

Gooden conceded by shaving over the summer, allowing Stevenson to show up to camp (mostly) clean shaven. Big mistake. The Wizards opened the year 2-12, prompting at least one person to blame Stevenson's noticeable lack of face fur.

After helping the Wiz pick up their third win last night, Stevenson is a believer. From the Washington Post:

He also heeded the advice of his mother, who told him he needed to grow back his beard to regain his shooting touch. The beard hasn't grown back fully, but for at least one night, Stevenson proved to children everywhere that you should listen to your mother.

"Yes. I'm keeping the beard," Stevenson said. "We got one on the road against a team we thought we gave away the first game. This is a new month. We are 1-0 on this month."

It's a start, but he has a long way to catch up with Gooden's Pirates-inspired look.

Hat-tip: TrueHoop

DeShawn Stevenson Brings Back the Beard originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Is This the Real Reason Carmelo Cut His Hair?

Brett Pollakoff — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:36:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, NBA Hair Watch, NBA Videos

Here's a little video clip that supposedly shows the real reason that Carmelo Anthony ditched his trademark cornrows this season. He and one of his boys just happened to be sitting around playing some NBA Live, just happened to bet haircuts on the game, and (oh yeah) just happened to have cameras rolling while all of this went down.

Seems a little too convenient to have captured this moment on film, doesn't it? Especially from multiple camera angles? I'm going to go WAY out on a limb and say that things didn't exactly play out like this. Although this guy Munch trying to get 'Melo to actually bet his Olympic gold was pretty hilarious.

[via You Been Blinded]

Video: Is This the Real Reason Carmelo Cut His Hair? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Melo Ditches His Trademark Cornrows

Nate Jones — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, NBA Hair Watch

Those of you that watched the Lakers play the Nuggets on Saturday night might have noticed something different about Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony. After sporting his trademark cornrows since his high school days, 'Melo showed up to his first game of the 2008-09 season with a fresh cut.

Although some might think 'Melo cut his braids as part of an image make over, I am of the opinion that he was trying to tell us something. Maybe he was foreshadowing a new beginning for the Nuggets. Or maybe he was trying to say that the guy that made cornrows popular is about to be traded.

Okay, so maybe that's a stretch. I do agree that 'Melo was trying mark a clean start for his career and his image, but it's just so weird to see him without his 'rows. Sticking with that point, if 'Melo was trying to clean up his image, is it really fair that he would even feel compelled to trim his hair in order to portray a more squeaky clean feel? Is it fair to have a stigma attached to hair?

I may just be thinking way too hard about this, as many guys have trimmed off their cornrows in the last few seasons, including Ricky Davis, Rip Hamilton, and Jermaine O'neal. I wonder if Allen Iverson will ever bite the bullet and trim his. I highly doubt it.

'Melo Ditches His Trademark Cornrows originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drew Gooden Reveals New Beard's Inspiration

Tom Ziller — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Bulls, NBA Hair Watch

The state of NBA hairdom is in a bit of flux these days. Boris Diaw's afro, Daniel Gibson's Batman symbol, DeShawn Stevenson's swangin' flat top ... these are all beauties in their own rite, for sure. But for the third straight season, it appears Drew Gooden will take the top award for most gully/abnormal look in the league.

Two years ago, it was the Neckstache aka the Hyphy Patch aka Flypaper for the Ladies. Last season, Gooden grew a medium-sized animal on his chin to battle Stevenson in a beard-growing contest. (Gooden shaved first and lost. Rumors cite that the massive beard was close to blocking out the sun and ending civilization.) Anyone who caught a glimpse of Drew's Bulls in the preseason or in the Tuesday opener knows he has debuted this thing, a tentacle piece that belongs in a sci-fi flick more than the League of Style.

SLAM's Lang Whitaker has the scoop on the inspiration of this look.

His name for it? "The Johnny," Drew emailed.

The Johnny?

"The Johnny. (Like Johnny Depp - Pirates of the Carribbean)."

Alright, then. Good thing Gooden's going bald (Lang reports that's why he shaves up top), lest we get The Edward or The 21 Jump Street.

Drew Gooden Reveals New Beard's Inspiration originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Hair Watch: Boris Diaw Is Growin' It Out

Brett Pollakoff — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, NBA Hair Watch

Stories from a trip to Media Day for the Phoenix Suns.

When Boris Diaw made his entrance yesterday, I honestly didn't recognize him. His jersey was covered with a black t-shirt, and with his full head of hair, at first glance I figured he was just one of the newcomers that were invited to training camp. But when I heard someone behind me talking with a French accent, I turned around and made the connection. It's really a different look for him, but don't get too attached: Boris said he has things all planned out, and that as soon as the pre-season is over, he's getting it cut.

NBA Hair Watch: Boris Diaw Is Growin' It Out originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drew Gooden Lacks the Resolve Necessary to Win Beard Contests

Tom Ziller — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Bulls, Wizards, NBA Hair Watch

In a stunning development spotted by Dan Steinberg of the D.C. Sports Bog after being reported by SLAM in this month's issue, it has been learned that Drew Gooden has shaved his beard, thus conceding a bet made with Wizard DeShawn Stevenson last year.

Gooden looked strong early in the contest, with a bushy fullness far preferable to Stevenson's scraggy mess. But beauty is not an end, and apparently Drew just couldn't handle all that fur. It's too bad; media day -- with all its glorious photo ops -- is only a few months away.

Still, this loss of follicle madness barely registers in comparison to last summer's bombshell about the premature death of The Neckstache. Drew, please stop breaking our hearts.

Drew Gooden Lacks the Resolve Necessary to Win Beard Contests originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Hair Watch: Dwyane Wade Goes With the Chrome Dome

Brett Pollakoff — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Heat, NBA Hair Watch, USA Basketball

Ah, summertime. The heat can really get to people, you know? Just ask our man Dwyane Wade here. It seemed to me that his previous 'do was short enough, but apparently that Vegas sunshine is so intense that he just had to go and shave off that half-an-inch of hair that was obviously smothering his head and causing him to overheat. I think I like the previous look much better, although if he's beginning to experience some of that Jordan-esque male pattern balding, maybe he just didn't have a choice.

[HT: Sportfiends via BallHype]

NBA Hair Watch: Dwyane Wade Goes With the Chrome Dome originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Utah, Only Clowns Bleach Their Hair

Tom Ziller — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:08:00 EST

Filed under: Jazz, NBA Hair Watch

TrueHoop guest host Maurice Brooks found this bizarre column out of Utah, in which the Salt Lake Tribune's Ross Siler uncovers Jazz coach Jerry Sloan's crusades against bleached hair and Kyrylo Fesenko's goofy persona. Fesenko bleached his hair, which apparently (as Siler tells it) sparked these comments from the coach.

"He's got a long way to go to make himself a better player," Sloan said. "He has skills, but sometimes the outside things will take you right out of this game. If those things are more important than basketball, that's where you get in trouble."

"A lot of people have skills," Sloan added. "A lot of them are sitting on the sidewalk wondering what happened 20 years ago when they had a chance. He's got to figure out what he wants to do and play basketball or be a clown."

Ooh, harsh! This might be derived from other Fesenko maturity issues (there's an allusion to a short attention span and more than one tardy arrival to practice), but that doesn't make curmudgeonly old Sloan's connection between a peroxide kit and unsavory personality traits any less funny.

But maybe Sloan has a point. This could -- at least in part -- explain Darko.

In Utah, Only Clowns Bleach Their Hair originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stephon Marbury Better Not Be Changing His Number Any Time Soon

Will Brinson — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Gossip, NBA Hair Watch, NBA Media Watch

So after all the talk that Stephon Marbury could/should/nearly almost certainly will be heading elsewhere after this season, you have to wonder why on Earth he would go out and get a huge number inked on the side of his dome.

After all, there's a ton of downside. What if you get traded? What if your new number's not available? What if you're a Jeff Gordon fan? What if you realize 20 years from now you don't want half your face covered in ink? None of these questions stopped Starbury though.

Stephon Marbury NewStephon Marbury bounded off the Knicks team bus at Vegas' Valley High last night - a new tattoo inscribed on his left temple. The "3" logo found on his Starbury sneaker and apparel line is now a permanent part of his bald head.
Good thing the permanent tattoo ink wasn't used on his Knick jersey.

Now bear in mind that in this same article, about five lines down, Starbury discusses the fact that he might not be coming back next year. Not to mention that he knows he nearly got straight up cut before the season. Oh, and he's also been quoted as saying that "there was a reason then ... can't think of it now" with relation to another one of his tats.

Which begs the question -- all shoe deals and endorsements aside -- why on Earth are you getting a giant number tattooed on your head, Steph?

I know it has worked out well for everyone else that's ever gotten something like this done, but it just seems a little crazy to me ...

Stephon Marbury Better Not Be Changing His Number Any Time Soon originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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