Top 5 NBA players who have appeared at the Met Gala over the years

Tons of celebrities, including NBA players, made their way to New York on Monday night for the most prestigious cultural event, the Met Gala. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Benefit, popularly known as the Met Gala, has returned after a one-year hiatus.

Over the years, the glamorous event has had a fair share of NBA players making appearances. On that note, here's a look at the top five NBA players who have appeared at the Met Gala over the years.

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#5 Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony of the Portland Trail Blazers

Carmelo Anthony, who joined the LA Lakers on a one-year deal from the Portland Trail Blazers as a free agent, made an appearance at the Met Gala in 2016 alongside his estranged wife Lala.

Melo wore a tuxedo with a white jacket and a black 3D-printed bow tie, while Lala rocked a red dress.

The power forward, who is part of the top ten all-time scoring list in NBA history with 27,370 points, has never won a championship ring. His move to the Lakers is one he hopes will help him win a championship, playing alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.

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#4 Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade recently retired from the NBA.

Dwyane Wade was absent at the just concluded 2021 Met Gala. His wife, who was present, teased about him missing the event because he chose to watch the Bears game instead. However, Wade was present at the previous edition of the Gala in 2019. He matched his wife in a black tux with a hoodie sown to his jacket.

Wade has a career average of 22 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. He played his final career game in stellar fashion, recording a triple-double. He bowed out with 25 points, ten assists and 11 rebounds per outing.

As he is married to an actress, the former Miami Heat shooting guard is likely to make more appearances at such events in the future.

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#3 Russell Westbrook

General manager Rob Pelinka, Russell Westbrook and LA Lakers head coach Frank Vogel

Russell Westbrook showed up at the 2021 Met Gala two days ago for the first time as an NBA player.

He made a fashion statement, with his hair dyed to match his Ralph Lauren tux and stars designed strategically on his hair in line with the event theme.

While the point guard is an amazing competitor who thrives to win at all costs, he has taken on a new goal he intends to achieve soon. When interviewed by Vogue, Westbrook talked about his wish of becoming a fashion icon, daring and not afraid to rock a look and look good while at it.

The nine-time All-Star and 2017 Most Valuable Player in the NBA became the seventh former MVP to be acquired by the Lakers. He has joined an illustrious list of Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal, among others.

Westbrook, who recently topped the NBA's all-time triple-double list, is no stranger to social life. While he produces the goods on the court every night, he finds time to make appearances at social gatherings.

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#2 Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry (#30) of the Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry, who had an amazing 2020-21 NBA season, made an appearance at the Met Gala with his wife Ayesha. The power couple stole the attention of the photographers as they made their way to the red carpet.

Curry was wearing a Michael Jackson-inspired black outfit with gold accents on the shoulder. One sleeve sported one part of the jacket, and his jersey number (30) was on his other sleeve. He took to his Instagram account to share images stating that this was one for the books.

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#1 Amar'e Stoudemire

Amar'e Stoudamire (#1) of Tri-State

Amar'e Stoudemire made two appearances at the Met Gala, one in 2013 and another the next year. In both appearances, the former NBA star was on the red carpet with his wife Alexis.

The former Miami Heat center, who often doubles as a power forward, has a career average of 18.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. He played 14 seasons with four teams. Eight of those seasons were for the Phoenix Suns.

Stoudemire was selected to feature in six All-star games, winning the 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year award.