There is no sports organisation in the world which uses social media to their benefit than the National Basketball Association. They realise that the players on the court can be quite flamboyant and charismatic off it. Instead of trying to censor the athletes - like a certain other American organisation - they have allowed them to be themselves to a certain extent. It allows the entertainment to transcend from the arena to the social media feeds of fans. Here at Balls.ie we have put together a list of NBA players to follow on Instagram in 2017.
NBA Players To Follow On Instagram:
Nick Young, aka Swaggy P, is quite the character to say the very least. The LA Lakers player is a gift to the media once he has the mic in front of his mouth.
What to expect: Honestly, trying to predict what Swaggy P does next would be impossible. Just follow him and enjoy.
Lebron James - Cleveland Cavaliers
Love him or loathe him, Lebron James is at the very top of the game right now. Whichever the sport, it is always fascinating to get an insight into the elite athletes lives. While the content may be filtered, documenting James' rise and road to their triumphant championship win last season was a joy to behold - unless of course, you're a Warriors fan.
What to expect: A lot of feel good content.
Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers
After a frustrating start to life in the NBA where the Cameroonian missed the entire first two seasons after signing a contract in Philadelphia. However, he has more than made up for it as the Sixers have already won more games at the halfway point of this season than the entirety of 2015/16.
Out of all the NBA players to follow on Instagram, Embiid should be an essential follow.
What to expect: Pleas to get a date with female celebrities. #NBAVote
James Harden - Houston Rockets
James Harden = great. James Harden's beard = the best. The Houston Rockets franchise player is well on his way to cementing his legacy as one of the best in the modern game.
What to expect: Facial hair. A whole lot of facial hair.
Considering the fact that Robin Lopez started all 82 games in a season on three occasions really begs the question as to where he gets time to stay relevant on social media. The vast majority of the the Chicago Bulls' players Instagram posts are humourous.
What to expect: A lot of what you see below. Tomfoolery.
Boris Diaw of the Utah Jazz appears to a genuinely interesting person, judging by his Instagram posts. When not on the court, the Parisian is enjoying the outdoors.
What to expect: Hiking and holiday photos (the good kind).
One of the most widely recognisable faces in the NBA today. Blake Griffin has become somewhat of a superstar in recent years but has been plagued with injury in the 2016/17 season. Nevertheless, his social media game hasn't deteriorated as his following now exceeds 3 million.
What to expect: Pictures with teammates and the odd 'tbt' post.
The Pacers Paul George's was rumoured to have wanted out of Indiana earlier this season but his focus is now solely on securing a play off spot. The small forward's Instagram account suggests life is good in the Hoosier state.
What to expect: On-court action. Pictures with celebrities. Posing while fishing on an Indiana lake. Living the life, in reality.
Jimmy 'Buckets' Butler has secured his place on the NBA All-Star team for the third consecutive year. The adopted son of Chicago, the Bulls small forward is now in his prime at 27 years of age.
Expect to see: Throwback pictures of his childhood and time spent on the gridiron - as Butler remains true to his Texan roots.
Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
The 'Greek freak' has had a metoric rise from selling bootlegged goods in Greece as a teenager to being one of the hottest prospects in the entire organisation. At just 22 years, Giannis has the whole country keeping an eye on proceedings in Milwaukee.
It is worth going back to his first posts on Instagram to review just how much he has come along in stature.
What to expect: A young European athlete living the American dream.
Of course, there are many big personalities in the league but undoubtedly these are the NBA players to follow on Instagram.
