Image via Complex Original
Durags are like unicorns nowadays. Whenever you come across someone wearing a 'rag it's something that'll stick with you for the rest of your life (if you're like me, of course). We felt it necessary to look back at a time when durags were the norm. Many of our favorite athletes rocked durags to either keep their cornrows from unraveling under fitteds or to keep them waves spinning. Allen Iverson was and still is the king of this. He's also the reason why the NBA had to implement a dress code. Guys like Carmelo Anthony, Jermaine O'Neal, and Randy Moss were notorious for rocking 'rags underneath fitted caps. However, guys from the new generation like LeBron James utilize the durag technique to keep their waves intact.
We also dug out some very rare photos of OGs like Sam Perkins, Spud Webb, Michael Jordan, and the Showtime Lakers changing history while rockin' 'rags. So bring your brush and can of Sportin' Waves along while clicking through: Your Favorite Athletes in Durags.
*The making of this list was done while listening to Memphis Bleek's discography and Durag Dynasty's 360 Waves.*
Written by Angel Diaz (@ADiaz456)
Darius Miles
A young D. Miles can be seen here on a SLAM cover keeping his durag on with the help of a headband. He was an early champion of the NBA's durag era.
Sam Perkins
Sam Perkins wore a durag during an NBA game! A preseason game, but a game no less. He is now immortal.
Jermaine O'Neal
Jermaine O'Neal put trust in his durags to keep his cornrows from looking like Meek Mill's.
Randy Moss
An ode to the way Randy Moss rocked his fitteds. Always make sure it's cocked to a side to show off the color cordination.
Plaxico Burress
A young Plax can be seen here using the durag to keep his cornrows looking immaculate.
Carmelo Anthony
Inspired by A.I., Carmelo took his big brother's advice and wore durags in his early days.
President Obama
Toast to President Obama. He's an avid basketball players, therefore, he's an athlete just like the rest of us.
The Showtime Lakers
David Stern and the NBA don't want you to see these photos. Thanks to Durag Dynasty for unearthing them for the mass public.
Manny Ramirez
Manny with the Kid 'n Play version of the durag. You gotta keep those dreds in order, lord.
Spud Webb
How did you think he was able to jump so high? Waves give people confidence.
Tracy Morgan
Not an athlete but he's at a Knicks game. And that's good enough for us.
Michael Jordan
Even the greats believed in wearing durags for good luck.
Patrick Ewing
There's a reason many of the people you still see wearing durags today are usually OGs. There's only one way to keep them waves spinning 24/7/365.
Allen Iverson
Mulitple durag looks from the Godfather of this shit. Respect the king or get stepped over like Tyronn Lue.
