Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Love & Sex

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players of 2012

As we gear up for the official start of the new NBA season, let's take a moment to pay tribute to our favorite hoop dreams. These brothers got game!
By Charli Penn · Updated October 28, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
Dwyane Wade

Miami Heat point guard Dwyane Wade might just be the sexiest player in the league (no disrespect, Gabrielle!). His fans lovingly refer to him as “D-Wade,” but when the smooth baller is nearby, there’s always more staring than speaking going on.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Dania Graibe
02
Tyson Chandler

After Tyson Chandler showed off his perfect physique in ESPN’s 2012 Body Issue, there was no doubt that his 7’1” stature is a winner! His upcoming season with the New York Knicks is must-see TV. 

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
03
Dwight Howard

This summer, six-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard left the Orlando Magic squad to join the Los Angeles Lakers, and we must say, the gold jersey is really looking good on him. We can’t tell what’s more distracting — those arms or that smile.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
AP
04
Royce White

Houston Rockets rookie Royce White is a bearded babe — the more facial fuzz, the better. We can’t wait to see him shine in the NBA, just like he did during his days playing for Iowa State. (Watch out, Common. The competition’s coming.)

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
05
Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose’s stunning physique is unmistakable on the court. Just looking at this man will make you an instant Chicago Bulls fan.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
06
Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard may be one of the Portland Trail Blazers’ rookies, but his intensity, plus that beefed-up body, makes it hard to believe he hasn’t been a pro for years. 

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
07
Kobe Bryant

Bryant is a mainstay on our annual NBA cuties countdown, and for good reason. We’ve been crushing over those long lashes and that perfect smile since we first laid eyes on him on the court. Take it to the hoop, Kobe! We’ll be right there waiting for you.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
08
Arron Afflalo

Arron Afflalo is a Los Angeles native with a to-die-for smile. He currently plays for the Orlando Magic, which is a perfect fit considering we think he’s unbelievable!

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
09
Wesley Matthews

And the award for the most kissable lips in the NBA goes to: Texan Wesley Matthews, who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers. Now we know what Kanye West meant about dripping swagu… We see you, Wesley!

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
AP
10
Russell Westbrook

Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook has become a fashion icon in his own right. His bold style and dreamy eyes make him a true a work of art. For now, he’s still on the injured list for the new season, but we’re rooting for a full recovery so we can see him on the court again real soon.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
AP
11
Courtney Lee

Boston Celtics fans are in for a treat each season when the spotlight shines on small forward Courtney Lee.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
AP
12
Blake Griffin

Tall, caramel cutie Blake Griffin plays power forward for the Los Angeles Clippers. Would it be too forward of us to ask if he’s single? Because we know quite a few women who would like to put in an application to be his one and only.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
AP
13
Elton Brand

Chocoholics, listen up: Dallas Mavericks power forward Elton Brand will satisfy your sweet tooth!

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
AP
14
Shannon Brown

Phoenix Suns shooting guard Shannon Brown’s lips deserve a time out all their own, and those bulging biceps are a real scene-stealer. His wife Monica is one lucky, lucky lady!

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
AP
15
Dahntay Jones

With his smooth skin and sultry stare, Dallas Mavericks small forward Dahntay Jones brings the heat to the court. Hi there, handsome!

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
AP
16
Carmelo Anthony

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony had us at “hello.” Those dreamy eyes and those squeezable cheeks are an instant hit with the ladies.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
17
Chris Paul
Los Angeles Clippers Player Chris Paul
Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
18
LeBron James

As the small forward for the Miami Heat, last season “King James” helped lead his team all the way to a championship. Click the “like” button if the only thing you remember about the finals is LeBron. (Wink!)

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
19
Kendall Marshall

When Kendall Marshall steps onto the scene, the ladies stop and stare. His eye-catching smile and Southern charm have made him one of the sexiest rookies on this year’s roster.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
20
Deron Williams

Brooklyn Nets baller Deron Williams is oh-so-easy on the eyes. The hunky point guard stands tall at 6 foot, 3 inches,  and never hits the court without his A-game.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
21
Justin Harper

Justin Harper plays power forward for the Orlando Magic, and we sure do feel the force. His arms are cut to perfection and his smile is #winning!

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
AP
22
Festus Ezel

Festus Ezel of the Golden State Warriors definitely knows how to turn up the heat when he hits the court. You can never have too much chocolate when it looks this good. Festus, where have you been all our lives?

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
23
Stephen Curry

Ohio native Stephen Curry makes the ladies swoon whenever he takes it to the hoop for the Golden State Warriors.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
24
Kevin Durant

With his sexy jaw line and endless swagger, Kevin Durant keeps things exciting when the Oklahoma City Thunder’s on the court. OKC! OKC!

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
25
Taj Gibson

Ladies, if you haven’t met Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson, you better get to know the Brooklyn native now. He’s a lifelong member of the bald and beautiful club.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
26
Rajon Rondo

The Boston Celtics point guard (look at those chiseled biceps!) means business on the court.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
Getty Images
27
Devin Harris

Devin Harris is the sexy new guard on the Atlanta Hawks’ squad. (He was traded from the Utah Jazz this summer.) You better guard your hearts, ladies, because that smile of his is a real charmer.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
28
Jameer Nelson

Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson keeps fans glued to the game with his almond eyes and sturdy physique.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
29
Jermaine Taylor

Jermaine Taylor’s flawless skin and ripped arms make him very easy on the eyes. This is his first season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and from the looks of it, he’s already fitting in quite nicely!

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players
AP
30
Sundiata Gaines

At just 26 years old, Sundiata Gaines travels the court like a veteran. This Indiana Pacer brings the sexy every game.

Eye Candy: The Sexiest NBA Players