NBA social media rankings: 30 players to follow this season
As part of theScore's 2016-17 NBA preview, here's Part 2 of our rankings of the league's most follow-worthy social media stars:
15. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
- Twitter: @rudygobert27
- Instagram: @rudygobert27
- Snapchat: @rrrrudy
Gobert's a fun follow. In addition to regularly cracking jokes and sharing memes, the big man has poked fun at NBA 2K's rendering of French national teammate Evan Fournier, going so far as to ensure it received the Crying Jordan treatment.
The best Stifle Tower 2K tweet, however, concerned his own video game avatar:
Aye @rudygobert27 what happened to you fam pic.twitter.com/d3pLkEj25g
— Mark Russell Pereira (@Mark_R_Pereira) September 18, 2015
Who did this to me??? https://t.co/NGJx97okjg
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) September 18, 2015
14. C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
- Twitter: @CJMcCollum
- Instagram: @3JMcCollum
- Snapchat: @CJM313
McCollum isn't afraid to speak his mind. The reigning Most Improved Player interacts with fans - recently saying Steph Curry can't guard him - and jumps at every opportunity to make fun of his peers. He'll cleverly clap back at homophobic tweets, too.
@CJMcCollum I follow your gf on snapchat whats good with all these suspect manis and pedis👀 you're blazing down the wrong trail
— Richie (@RichieTags) August 15, 2016
I can give you 106million reasons why I'm heading down the right trail https://t.co/rqNItlTDAe
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) August 15, 2016
13. Jeremy Lin, Brooklyn Nets
There's plenty of variety in Lin's feeds. Expect to find him playing Dota, cooking for family and friends, acting in skits (he's friends with famous YouTubers), or showing off a bold new hairstyle.
12. Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls
- Twitter: @DwyaneWade
- Instagram: @dwyanewade
- Snapchat: @MrDwyaneWade
There's something for everyone on Wade's social media accounts, as the veteran shares photos of his trendy outfits, shoes, wine, and family having fun. Bonus: He and wife Gabrielle Union are the best sources for updates on the banana boat bros.
11. Lance Stephenson, New Orleans Pelicans

- Twitter: @StephensonLance
- Instagram: @stephensonlance
- Snapchat: @born_ready23
Mr. Born Ready is one of the most eccentric characters in the league, and a big fan of Snapchat filters. Here he is celebrating 2K Day:
10. Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat

- Twitter: @youngwhiteside
- Instagram: @hassanwhiteside
- Snapchat: @youngwhiteside
Whiteside's great because he's funny, creative, and has no filter. When he's not hooping, he's usually playing video games or drinking Fiji water.
This was his reaction when reports emerged that teammate Wade was joining the Bulls:
Mood pic.twitter.com/xdfb7br3U4
— Hassan Whiteside (@youngwhiteside) July 7, 2016
9. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
Nowitizki's Twitter is gold. Count on the future Hall of Famer to make witty and self-deprecating remarks.
I wonder what @swish41 has to say about @kpelton's player profile about him. pic.twitter.com/XeNbUuJWJT
— Gonz Joe (@JoeGonz_17) September 8, 2016
Ha. Spot on. Only problem is I ran like that my whole career.... https://t.co/QoG4yHjvET
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) September 8, 2016
It used to be quick sand. Now it's full on dry cement.... https://t.co/QoG4yHjvET
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) September 8, 2016
8. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

- Twitter: @russwest44
- Instagram: @russwest44
- Snapchat: @russwest44
Why not? That's the question most often posed by Westbrook, the NBA's fashion king.
7. Richard Jefferson, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Snapchat: @RJeff24
This 36-year-old is a contender for the league's best Snapchatter. While Jefferson has used the medium to share major news - like when he re-signed with the Cavs - his stories are usually filled with mundane, but awesome, snippets from his life.
6. Brandon Jennings, New York Knicks
- Twitter: @brandonjennings
- Instagram: @BrandonJennings
- Snapchat: @thedealer3
Jennings tweets about his 2K rating and what LeBron deserves to be paid, among other hot takes. He also asks the hard-hitting questions, like "Why Scott Skiles step down?" and "Damn Harrison Barnes can't get no tick?"
In announcing his free-agent decision this summer, the candid guard paid homage to his funny fans:
I'll be wearing #3 😂😂😂 #lovemyFans pic.twitter.com/Y8lzbg57QD
— Brandon Jennings (@brandonjennings) July 6, 2016
5. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Twitter: @KarlTowns
- Instagram: @Karl Towns
- Snapchat: @ka_towns
KAT has fun. The up-and-coming star's feed has featured him sharing his NBA 2K takeaways, riding a tiny tricycle, and praising players while roasting others.
He has a serious side, as well, taking to social media to put the league on notice:
4. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
- Twitter: @Money23Green
- Instagram: @money23green
- Snapchat: @money23green
There's never a dull moment with Green. The outspoken forward uses social media to call out other players, voice political opinions, accidentally share personal, NSFW content, and document fun times as a pro baller.
How could you hate this team 😂 TEAM USA 🏀 singing A Thousand Miles on the plane: 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Alysha Tsuji (@AlyshaTsuji) July 30, 2016
SC: money23green pic.twitter.com/Zsj6l8Ufwf
3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
- Twitter: @JoelEmbiid
- Instagram: @joelembiid
- Snapchat: @joelembiid
Embiid is a genuinely funny young man. From his unsuccessful public attempts at wooing Rihanna and recruiting big names, to his references to ex-Sixers GM Sam Hinkie's Process, the rookie has truly embraced social media and will provide gold for years to come.
2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

- Twitter: @KingJames
- Instagram: @kingjames
- Snapchat: @kingjames
King James is striving for greatness, and sharing his journey with us regular folks. Follow him for all things hoops, business, fashion, family, fun, and more - like prompting the NBA to fix its app. Power move.
1. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

- Twitter: @carmeloanthony
- Instagram: @carmeloanthony
- Snapchat: @carmelokanthony
Like other stars, Anthony's feed features the things that matter most to him: his family, fashion, and charity work. However, Melo has set himself apart by addressing social issues and becoming the face of the league this summer on that front.
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