While this isn’t necessarily a new development, the issue of Dirk Nowitzki’s long-hair/headband combination is something that needs to be addressed. While we’ve seen everything from a crew-cut to long locks (and everything in between) from Nowitzki before, the headband is a new integration. I understand the practicality of rocking a headband with long hair, and I applaud him for not going the route of a Sasha Vujacic elastic hair band that lacks real functionality. But I find it strange for a player to integrate a headband to his arsenal this late in his career.
The headband is an identifying feature of many players’ overall image. Think about players like Cliff Robinson, Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles, LeBron James, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, Ben Wallace, Josh Howard and Gerald Wallace. While this short list is nowhere near exhaustive, the headband has been a mainstay for all of these players throughout their careers. That isn’t to say that these players haven’t gone through phases in their careers without a headband, but when they’ve omitted their headbands it certainly felt like something was missing. In some cases they even looked unrecognizable.
In the same way that these players mentioned above looked out of place or naked without their headband, Nowitzki looks equally strange to me with a headband. Nowitzki is now in his twelfth season in the league, and I can’t recall ever seeing him adorning the headband regardless of his hair style. His game has never changed, why change the style up now? Is he getting more practical and wise with age? Is he compensating for the downfall of his brethren, David Hasselhoff?
Maybe it’s because I think headbands are reserved for the flashier, or more image-conscious players. Sure, it’s intended to help keep sweat out of your eyes, but lets be honest – it’s more of a fashion statement than any thing. Do you think Dirk gives a damn about fashion, his image or being flashy? There’s nothing flashy about a turnaround elbow jumpshot. But it sure is effective. Is this headband addition just intended to keep the hair out of Nowitzki’s eyes to keep him effective? I fear change, and I need answers.
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The dirkster has just finally found a way to keep his long hair without it getting in his eyes. Good for him.