5 best flows of the NBA season

The NBA has become more than just a basketball league; it's a platform for style and self-expression. And while a close-cropped look remains the preferred hairstyle thanks to its aerodynamic benefits and the clear line of sight it provides, some players sacrifice those advantages in exchange for lustrous locks.

Here are the five best flows in the NBA.

Elfrid Payton

Payton has arguably the most unique 'do in the league, a tsunami that crests about a foot above his scalp and cascades down his forehead while forming a sort of natural awning over his face. You have to admire Payton's dedication to his flow; he refuses to do away with it, even though it can get in the way of his already wonky jump shot.

Steven Adams

He justifiably ties it up in a ponytail during games, but when Adams lets his hair down it's a sight to behold: a shaggy, shiny, voluminous mane that tumbles past his shoulders.

Kelly Oubre

The man who calls himself Wave Papi has an appropriately smooth flow that exudes control and chaos in equal measure.

Quin Snyder

Snyder's glossy shag can serve multiple purposes, looking no more or less fitting when the coach preens like a men's magazine model ...

... than when he taps into his sinister side with movie-villain screen presence:

Ricky Rubio

Snyder's point guard boasts the finest slicked-back flow in the game. Rubio's hair perfectly encapsulates the fluidity and finesse with which he plays.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)