The Best Basketball Shorts for Athletes

Take a look at what you're wearing right now. I'd wager there's a 50 percent chance you've got on basketball shorts, whether or not you're actually a basketball player. Basketball shorts have become a staple item of clothing, not just for basketball players and other athletes, but for average Joes as well. Today, there are probably thousands of different varieties of basketball shorts produced and sold, by just about any clothing brand you can think of. The right pair can help you perform your best on the court, but a great pair can also follow you on any of your daily adventures. With just a little bit of research, you can find the best basketball shorts for your needs.

Nike Dri-FIT DNA shorts are the best basketball shorts for folks who don't need any frills or just need an entry-level pair of shorts that can take them anywhere. These shorts provide a loose fit with classic basketball coverage and a breathable, double-layered construction. Notched side vents increase mobility, while the long drawcord and fold-over elastic waistband ensure you can create a perfect fit for all the best exercises for basketball players out there.

The Accelerate 3-Stripes shorts are Adidas's entry-level, all-around men's basketball shorts. The design is slim cut with side hem slits to increase mobility and flexibility on the court. As an added bonus, these Adidas shorts are constructed from 100 percent recycled polyester tricot to conserve resources and reduce emissions. Plus, it's machine washable!

Besides rocking a retro silhouette and color scheme, Nike's VaporKnit basketball shorts are intelligently designed to provide maximum mobility on the court. These high quality polyester mesh shorts are designed to breathe where you need it most, featuring moisture wicking ventilated vents. On the exterior, the shorts are outfitted with specialized "wipe zones" perfect for drying your hands mid-game.

Nike's Therma Flex Showtime shorts are one of the most versatile men's basketball shorts you'll find on the market. The knee-length design provides traditional coverage for that classic basketball silhouette, while the polyester/spandex blend fabric provides great flexibility and mobility. The primary function of Nike's Therma Flex fabric, besides a proprietary moisture transport system, is to manage your natural body heat, keeping you warm in less-than-ideal temperatures.

The James Harden bandwagon grew after game one of last year, and with these shorts in tow, it's no surprise why. These elegant and functional shorts were inspired by Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden. Compared to others on the market, this pair of basketball shorts is slimmer and shorter and is designed to move with your body. This streamlined design—constructed of polyester with an elastic waistband—allows for a single "stash" pocket for your valuables.

Alright, I'm not going to sit here and tell you that this pair of shorts is specially designed specifically for pick-up games, but these Adidas Pick-Up shorts feature everything you need to get through a casual game of basketball, like mesh side panels and a moisture wicking, cotton-blend material. These shorts are alsoextremely comfortable, making them a perfect choice for days when you have to run a few errands before you can stop by the court.

I'm not normally one for needless celebrity endorsements, but Nike's LeBron DNA shorts are truly some of the best basketball shorts money can buy, combining the very best in style and performance. These shorts contain all the standard features you'd expect from Nike, such as a thick waistband and zippered back and side pockets. In addition to these functional elements, the LeBron DNA shorts are a cut above the rest when it comes to style, featuring metallic gold accents to complement the black Dri-FIT fabric.

Adidas produces these Badge of Sport shorts with simplicity in mind. The pared-down construction is ideal for players who need to rapidly change directions on the court. Like other Adidas offerings on this list, these shorts are constructed primarily of recycled materials. Using recycled items and materials whenever possible is a great way to help keep our planet healthy. After all, if our planet is gone, where would we play basketball?

Nike's Throwback shorts are designed to recall a time when basketball was dominated by bright colors, massive sneakers, and loose-fitting uniforms. For those fond of this vintage basketball style, these shorts provide that same iconic silhouette, along with all the benefits of modern technology. These high quality shorts are constructed with a nylon exterior, a recycled polyester lining, and feature two front pockets with a rear pocket that snaps closed.

It's hard to imagine a more dominant or iconic athlete in any sport than Michael Jordan was in basketball. It's no accident that the Air Jordan line (produced by Nike) has been a major force in basketball apparel since 1985. While the Air Jordan line produces many of the best basketball shorts on the market today, this HBR model stands out because of its iconic design and cotton/polyester fleece construction, which can easily take you anywhere on or off the court. The best way to feel like a baller is to have the best basketball shooting equipment, and what's a jump shot without a cool pair of shorts?