Fear the Beard: The Best Beards in the NBA, Position by Position

Facial hair in the NBA is a big deal.

It basically tells everything about the character of many league players. While some players like to keep it clean-shaven, others opt for the manly beards. It's hard to explain what impacts you about a player's personality when they're on the court, but with some players you just know. The best beards in the NBA are things fans look at when trying to identify different players. 

In the following slides I will show the five best beards in the NBA, position by position. 

PG: Baron Davis

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Baron Davis #1 and Rasual Butler #45 of the Los Angeles Clippers talk on the court during the season opening game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 27, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The La

Baron Davis is famous around the league for growing thick afros as facial hair.

Players may or may not be intimidated by the beard, but they have to respect someone who can grow a beard as thick and overpowering as that of Davis. 

He just seems like the type of person who has to go to the barber twice a week. The photo even shows his former teammate Rasual Butler admiring its greatness. 

SG: James Harden

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DALLAS, TX - MAY 25: James Harden #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder sticks out his tongue in the fourth quarter while taking on the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on

The sixth man to the young and electric Oklahoma City Thunder has made his identity with that beard.

Every time he comes off the bench, the fans get energized and everything speeds up. His thunderous dunks in transition combined with his provoking facial hair drive the opponents crazy. 

And you can just ask Rick Carlisle. This man is bound to be a star someday and will very soon not just be an "energy guy off the bench" but an important starter for the Thunder. Even though his beard is almost identical to Baron Davis, it still entices the crowd and his team. His thick afro beard says everything about his game. 

SF: Deshawn Stevenson

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WASHINGTON - APRIL 24: DeShawn Stevenson #2 of the Washington Wizards celebrates a play in front of LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at the Verizon Center on Apr

Who can forget as a Wizards fan when Deshawn Stevenson attracted Soulja Boy to the Verizon Center in the mocking of Lebron James. During that game, Stevenson had the defining moment of his career as he sunk a demoralizing three right in James' face to hand the Cavs a 36-point loss. 

Stevenson's beard says everything about him and his personality. Its a majestic beard—one that shows his cockiness. It's not thick and well-rounded like James Harden's, but more of a thin, triangular-shaped beard. Stevenson is the ultimate energy guy, and his beard just complements the way he rolls. 

PF: Ben Wallace

Can I just say that twirly string hanging off Big Ben's chin tells you everything you need to know about him?

It's fun enough for every once in a while, when a man decides to grow a funny beard but this. It's special. An intriguing character in the NBA, Ben Wallace can be shy at times but is not afraid of coming out of his shell and let his voice be heard. 

And frankly, that beard is not only eye-catching but it's the symbol for his intriguing character. 

C: Ronny Turiaf

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 24: Ronny Turiaf #14 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER

Ronny Turiaf began his NBA career in the company of one of the all-time greats, Kobe Bryant.

Even though he didn't play much in Los Angeles, he made an impact on the second unit. Landry Fields pointed out that he has a very underrated basketball IQ and helped a lot throughout his rookie year. You wouldn't think an NBA player as presumably unimportant as him had such a big impact on a young rookie. 

Turiaf has a very tough exterior and likes to show it on the court. He is loud and plays very feisty. He sports a full-on beard, thick and heavy with a soul patch that is hard to match. He actually kind of resembles a caveman.

Well, however you interpret him, you will never take away his grandiose beard.