In order to appreciate where you’re going, it’s sometimes helpful to look back at where you’ve been. With the recently released Netflix series “Starting 5″ currently climbing the trending charts and earlier phenomenon of the 2024 Olympics that took over in the summertime, this sentiment undoubtedly rings true for the hundred of athletes who competing for the top prize in their respective sports.
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So it’s in that vein we thought we’d look at the amazing glow ups at a handful of our favorite athletes. Whether they got their start as little kids or shined as high school/college sports stars, seeing these professionals go from A to B is nothing short of inspiring.
So let’s kick things off with the King of the Court himself: LeBron James. Before he would make history as the first men’s player from Team USA to be the flag bearer at this year’s Olympic games, James was a promising high school athlete who got drafted in the first round back at the NBA Draft in 2003. 21 years later, he’s still dominating and showing everyone why he’s GOAT.
Candace Parker
Candace Parker went from college hottie to professional WNBA bomshell and we absolutely love to see it!
Kobe Bryant
Though Kobe Bryant may no longer be with us, we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge his rise from cute basketball player to an all-around handsome baller.
A’ja Wilson
Though there’s only a 10 year difference between these photos, A’ja Wilson’s glow up is apparent and amazing—she was always beautiful though, let’s not get it twisted!
Dywane Wade
Black men are like fine wine — they just look better with time. And that’s definitely the case for NBA superstar Dwyane Wade.
Russell Wilson
I don’t think there’s ever been a moment in time where Russel Wilson wasn’t looking like a tall glass of water, but seeing his evolution from college ball until now is a beautiful sight to see nevertheless.
Lewis Hamilton
F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton has always been attractive but his baby face in 2006 has definitely matured over the years and turned him into a bonafide heartthrob.
Myles Garrett
I know a lot can happen in 10 years but seeing NFL star Myles Garrett go from college cutie to an all-around hunk is a sight to see.
Giannis Atentokounmpo
From playing on the youth teams in his hometown of Athens to getting drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 to now representing Greece in the 2024 Olympics—Giannis Antetokounmpo is continuing to be a formidable force in the game.
James Harden
It’s amazing what a beard and 15 years of bulking up will do. If you know, then you already know about James Harden, I don’t need to say much here.
Patrick Mahomes
While not much may have physically changed when it comes to Patrick Mahomes, his status in the NFL has definitely elevated thanks to his winning performance in the 2024 Super Bowl and becoming the first back-to-back MVP recipient since 1980.
Serena Williams
A GOAT from a young age, Serena Williams traded in her white beads for a more elevated look as she aged —a nd racked up over 20 Grand Slams across her professional tennis career while doing it.
Venus Williams
After showing her little sister Serena how to dominate on the tennis courts as a young one, Venus Williams made a name for herself and amassed several Grand Slams in her own right (and became a serious style icon along the way as well.)
Odell Beckham Jr.
There’s no denying NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. has always been a looker and a grade-A football star, even going back to his LSU days. Whether he’s rocking short colored hair, his famous blonde locks or a classic black along with notable fashions, Beckham Jr. continues to make a name for himself on and off the field.
Jaylen Brown
Much like Harden, it’s amazing what a beard and a complimentary hairstyle can do. But outside of Jaylen Brown’s amazing aesthetic, the fierce NBA star continues to shine on the court as a player for the Boston Celtics.
Anthony Davis
Going from a Kentucky Wildcat to telling everyone to “Fear the Brow” as a professional NBA star, Anthony Davis (or AD, if you prefer) continues to prove he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Karl Anthony Towns
After playing college ball alongside AD back in Kentucky, Karl-Anthony Towns would go on to still make waves after being drafted in the NBA in 2015.
Shannon Sharpe
While some may argue Shannon Sharpe looks the exact same as he did back in 2003, it’s clear “Unc” has evolved from just a NFL star to now a staple in pop culture thanks to his popular “Club Shay Shay” podcast.
Colin Kaepernick
‘Fro or no ‘fro, NFL star Colin Kaepernick has proven that he’s more than athlete in many ways than one, sparking national conversations about the tie between sports and activism. And for that we’re grateful.
Kevin Durant
From AD to KD—Kevin Durant has been a consisten force since his initial draft to the Seattle Supersonics back in 2007. And while we’ve seen him sport a bit more facial hair and sharpened his skills over the year—Duran’t consistent level of high performance remains a mainstay in the NBA.
Steph Curry
Whether or not you consider LeBron James, Michael Jordan, or Kobe Bryant to be the NBA GOAT—there’s one name you must always consider and that’s Steph Curry. From flaunting his skills and signature sly smile back at Davidson College to doing more of the same and earning multiple NBA championship wins—Curry is not one to shake your head at.
Jayson Tatum
Though Jayson Tatum may be a relative newcomer to the NBA (he got drafted back in 2017), his skills and talents and all the things that made him shine at Duke University continue to make him a household name as a Boston Celtic.
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