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

Russell Westbrook

A post shared by Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) on Jun 7, 2017 at 12:28pm PDT

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

A post shared by Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) on Nov 13, 2016 at 11:29am PST

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

A post shared by DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) on Nov 20, 2016 at 3:02pm PST

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

A post shared by Chris Paul (@cp3) on Feb 27, 2017 at 10:32am PST

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

A post shared by JJ Redick (@jjredick) on Dec 2, 2014 at 7:44am PST

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

A post shared by Kyle Lowry (@kyle_lowry7) on Feb 13, 2016 at 7:04am PST

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

A post shared by Dwight Howard (@dwighthoward) on Jun 29, 2017 at 4:33pm PDT

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

A post shared by ChandlerParsons (@chandlerparsons) on May 23, 2017 at 11:56am PDT

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

A post shared by Wardell Curry (@stephencurry30) on Dec 7, 2015 at 8:00pm PST

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

A post shared by dwyanewade (@dwyanewade) on Aug 24, 2017 at 11:56am PDT

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

A post shared by DeMar DeRozan (@demar_derozan) on Sep 16, 2017 at 4:53pm PDT

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

A post shared by @kevinlove on Sep 28, 2017 at 10:20am PDT

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

A post shared by Kyrie Irving (@kyrieirving) on Jul 24, 2017 at 7:21am PDT

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

A post shared by Ricky Rubio (@ruuufio) on Jul 21, 2017 at 5:55am PDT

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

A post shared by Cory Joseph (@coryjoseph) on Feb 18, 2017 at 10:07am PST

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

A post shared by Al Horford (@al_horford) on Sep 21, 2015 at 2:44pm PDT



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

A post shared by Danilo Gallinari (@danilogallogallinari) on Jul 10, 2016 at 8:18am PDT

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

A post shared by Tyson Chandler (@tysonchandler) on Jul 30, 2015 at 2:16pm PDT

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

A post shared by Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) on Sep 26, 2016 at 2:50pm PDT

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

A post shared by Tristan Thompson (@realtristan13) on Apr 25, 2017 at 9:26am PDT

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

A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Oct 17, 2017 at 12:43pm PDT

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.