NBA players with big beards are James Harden, LeBron James, Chris Andersen, Tyson Chandler, Anthony Davis, Jaylen Brown, and more.

Notably, beards have gained significant popularity among men lately, and NBA players are no exception to this trend.

Although in terms of performance, there is no direct correlation between having facial hair and on-court success, it can help players define their individuality and sweeten their overall appearance.

Some players believe that having a beard adds a touch of maturity or huskiness to their looks. Additionally, whiskers can also be part of a player's brand image. Harden promotes merchandise for beard grooming and trimming products by showcasing his facial hair growth.

Besides the face fuzz, sporting long hair has become a trend in the NBA, with Steven Adams hair being the most eye-catching.

James Harden

The 76ers star James Harden beard is one of the most stylish in the NBA. Harden began to grow out his facial hair during the late 2000s.

James Harden looks chic in a orange long coat and his iconic hirsute chin
Source : pinterest

Fast forward to 2023, his beard has become such an illustrative trait of Harden's impression. He maintains a well-groomed pointed goatee, which is a full and thick dark hair covering his chin, jawline, and upper lip.

LeBron James

LeBron James is often mentioned when discussing basketball players with beards. King James is known for his prominent Chinstrap beard style.

LeBron James looks great in stylish outfit in March 2023
Source : instagram

The all-time leading scorer in NBA history has a unique fashion of facial hair, which he has maintained over the past decade. Also coined as Philly style, his beard features a neat chin area with carefully shaped, slender mutton chops that give a distinctive appeal.

Interestingly, James LeBron sported a clean-shaven look during his early days as a rookie and in high school at St. Vincent-St. Mary.

Chris Andersen

Chris Andersen has gained recognition as one of the bearded players in the NBA. Chris played 17 seasons in the league before retiring in 2017.

Birdman Chris Andersen won the NBA trophy in 2013
Source : pinterest

For almost a decade, Anderson has been eminent for his daring and unique sense of style in the NBA. Following an NBA championship win with Miami in 2013, he began flourishing his whiskers.

Between the sky-high mohawk and a body full of colorful tattoos, the 6-foot-10 former NBA center boasted a long, blonde and bushy beard which he usually styled in a braided fashion.

Nikola Mirotic

Nikola Mirotic is counted among popular NBA players with beards. Mirotic spent 7 seasons in the NBA before returning to EuroLeague in 2019.

During his brief stay in the United States, he not only left his mark on the game but also became popular for his striking bearded appearance.

Nikola Mirotic played one season with the Orleans
Source : facebook

His beard is another one that's instantly recognizable, which is long and thick. However, to everyone's surprise, Mirotic shaved it off in 2020, only to grow it back later and restore his magical facial look.

Quincy Acy

Quincy Acy is a retired NBA player who sported an impressive beard during his playing days. Acy currently serves as an assistant coach at the Wichita State Shockers.

Quincy Acy signed for the Brooklyn Nets in 2017
Source : pinterest

Just like his basketball career, fans always had a lingering curiosity about his imposing chin mane. Despite having a head full of hair, Acy has never fully embraced the idea of sporting a complete mustache to match.

Quincy consistently maintained a distinct impression with his nicely groomed and evenly trimmed facial hair, showcasing a fascinating look.

Kyle O'Quinn

Kyle O'Quinn is a notable figure in the basketball world thanks to his stunning substantial beard. Kyle plays for the Japanese B League side the San-en NeoPhoenix.

Kyle O'Quinn celebrated his 33rd birthday in March 2023
Source : twitter

The 33-yeard-old began his NBA journey with Orlando in 2012 and played his last game in the league in 2020 with Philadelphia. Despite his brief stint in the NBA, O'Quinn left a lasting legacy with his remarkable beard.

Although his jawline is more trimmed than others, it still retains all the qualities of attractiveness. Bleacher Reports stated that only a "100" emoji could describe its beauty.

Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler is a former NBA player with ferocious facial hair. Chandler became an NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

The 7-foot-tall center played for eight NBA franchises starting with the Chicago Bulls in 2001 and culminating his career with Houston in 2020.

Tyson Chandler beard and hair transformation in 2022
Source : gettyimages

Chandler went through a major change in his appearance, going from having hair to being bald. This transformation helped him create a distinct image for himself.

During his time with the New York Knicks in 2011, Tyson perfected his facial hairstyle, which he continues to maintain to this day.

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis started growing a full beard in 2017 which gradually developed into its current shape.

The iconic duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James is known not just for their basketball skills on the court but also for their impressive facial hair.

Lakers star Anthony Davis during an NBA game in February 2022
Source : instagram

Davis, a native of Chicago, began to grow a small mustache while he was at the New Orleans Pelicans. Popular for his unique unibrow, his beard is also quite remarkable and has gained attention from NBA fans.

The 6 feet 10 inches tall power forward sports a thick, curly beard that covers a large portion of his face, including his cheeks, chin, and neck.

Marcin Gortat

Marcin Gortat is a former NBA player from Poland who weighs in on the great beards debate.

The assistant coach for the Washington Wizards has a distinguishable, pointed beard that adds an interesting touch to his appearance.

Marcin Gortat with his iconic beard and mohawk hairstyle
Source : facebook

Gortat used to have a mohawk hairstyle along with a beard. Although he got rid of the mohawk, the pointed and somewhat intimidating beard still remains.

Fans grew accustomed to seeing Gortat with his facial bristles, to the point that seeing a picture of him with a clean shaved face just does not feel right.

Steven Adams

Steven Adams comes in the list of long-haired NBA players. Adams hairstyle and facial foliage resemble that of Aquaman star Jason Mamoa.

The Evolution Steven Adams facial build
Source : reddit

The New Zealand-born basketball player currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies has a beard that is a bit more craggy compared to others. It's a wild, dense beard that he doesn't bother tidying up. 

During his second season in the NBA, Adams revealed that he stopped visiting the barber because it was too expensive for hair and beard maintenance.

Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown has kept a well-maintained beard throughout his NBA career. The Celtics selected Brown as the 3rd overall pick in the 2016 Draft.

The two-time NBA All-Star shooting guard sports a thick, tightly curled beard that reaches down the sides of his face and stops at his jawline.

Jaylen Brown made it into All-NBA Second Team in 2023
Source : pinterest

The neat and sharp line on his cheek gives his beard a well-defined and clean appearance. Jaylen Brown is dedicated to keeping his beard in impeccable condition by trimming it meticulously and making sure that every curl stays perfect.

Andre Drummond

Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond boasts thick unkempt full facial whiskers with a wavy hairstyle making his look very distinctive.

Andre Drummond swimming during lockdown in September 2020
Source : facebook

Drummond has consistently maintained some level of facial hair throughout his life. During his college years, he sported a well-groomed goatee, and currently, he sports one of the most amazing beards in the NBA.

Although Andre has trimmed his long hair on a few occasions, the 6 feet 11 inches tall center displayed hesitance towards shaving his beard.

Carlos Boozer

Carlos Boozer has worn different beard styles over the years during his time in the NBA. Boozer was often recognized for his well-groomed beard.

He started growing his beard back in college. At present, his shiny hairless head stands out, drawing even more notice to the thick, untamed hair growth covering the rest of his face.

Boozer is known for his full, thick beard. He keeps the beard short on the sides and longer on the chin pointing the tip of the goatee upwards.

Joel Freeland

Joel Freeland is considered one of the NBA's most belittled beard farmers. Freeland was a power forward for Portland Trail Blazers for 3 seasons.

When he first made his appearance in the league, Joel did not have a noticeable facial fair as he liked to keep it clean and shaved. However, as he grew older, so did the number of tresses on his face.

The 36-year-old keeps a medium-length circular beard accompanied by a thin mustache, to give a more rugged look.

Nikola Pekovic

The Montenegrin former basketball player Nikola Pekovic looks very intimidating because of his beard.

When you see Pekovic with his many tattoos and thick, full beard, he looks really scary. His vicious beard enhances his entire appearance.

Nikola Pekovic photoshoot while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves
Source : twitter

It would be ideal if his playing style closely resembled that of a strong defender or dominant rebounder, but many still compare the former Wolves center to an actual wolf.