Who was the first NBA player to get a tattoo? On Ellis chest reigns an ink mural: a huge tree dedicated to his family and the words Family First. Below, you can check out a gallery containing some of the coolest tattoo designs on the bodies of current NBA athletes, from role players to superstars. Known as The Birdman, Andersen is known for his rim protection, mohawk, and tattoos. Paul is the franchise leader in assists and steals for both the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers. The Top 10 NBA Players with Face Tattoos [Past & Present] While he wasnt a top prospect, teams paid him for his hustle which allowed him to carve out a lengthy NBA career. The tattoo culture in the United States has always been prevalent in hip-hop music, and now that style is spreading to other genres such as basketball. He enjoys his role, likes playing the game, but is never too outspoken. The image appears to be that of a muscular man, which seems to be another self-portrait for the Big Shaqtus. Some players, like Jason Richardson, called the code racist. adventures. Not to be superstitious but a tattoo would definitely mess up the team mojo if he got one now, right? Tattoos are one way of expression. However, there are few who truly see the court as well as he does. Klay Thompson. Some of the artwork is cool. 3. Though some have questioned his defensive effort in the past, The Beard seems to be showing some improvement on that end of the floor. While we saw Iverson as one of the notable tattooed NBA players, he barely had any during his basketball days at Bethel High School. Posted November 14, 2018 Also known as Birdman, Chris Andersen sports an impressive brightly colored collection of tattoos, covering 75% of his body. The reporters do not find him beating around the bush and this makes the Miami Heat forward likable for many. Hes leading the NBA in scoring yet again, and he has become one of the greatest offensive players of all time. NBA Players' tattoos: Which NBA player has the best ink? Andrei Kirilenko. This article covers several of those stars who choose to abstain from tattoos, and discusses why they decided to avoid the needle rather than covering themselves in ink. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference right now. As the resident bad boy in the NBA, it was no surprise that Rodman was more inked up than the rest of the league. He played for a range of teams and never won a championship. but i do get your point, most nba players have tattoos now. All rights reserved. Still a scrawny kid back then, Melo showed glimpses of his scoring prowess that even made headlines when he rivaled LeBron James in the high school basketball scene. I was told if I get tattoos, I will get my a** beat, truthfully. In addition, there is a recurrent CRU THIK (his record company) tattoo that Allen had etched 4 times: on his right, left arm, right arm, and the initials CT on his neck. They pop without being eye-searingly garish. Despite his personality and style, he still has nothing on his skin. Iverson took a cue from Rodman and continued the trend, to the point now where roughly 70% of NBA players have tattoos. Some of the game's best players in LeBron James, Damian Lillard, and Anthony Davis are known for their tattoos. According to Sports Illustrated, by the end of the 1990s, almost every major league baseball player had gotten tattooed at least once. Players were required to dress in business or conservative attire before and after games. Tattoo artist Victor Escobedo was awarded $22,500 for his lion tattoo that was portrayed on UFC fighter Carlos Condit without his permission in THQ's "UFC Undisputed" game. Somenot so much. With so much popularity, one might think a few tattoos would be in order. A rose and his mothers name, Wanda, are also inked on his chest. Lance Fresh. Could Joel Embiid Be The Modern Hakeem Olajuwon? It is very rare in the NBA that a player carries no ink on his skin. People who get them commonly do so to reflect a personal love or interest. Although he was pretty much tatted up since high school, Smith actually showed no visible ink during his days with Lakewood High School. Kenyon Martins body is covered with over 20 tattoos, including roses, stars, his baby sons face and the text Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood on his right arm, a big cross, and the text I Shall Fear No Man, But God covering his back, Chinese symbols, or the text Bad Ass Yellow Boy on his chest. A player may not, during any NBA game, display any commercial, promotional, or charitable name, mark, logo or other identification, including, but not limited to, on his body, in his hair, or otherwise. According to the New York Daily News, the rule does not specifically mention tattoos, but the intent is clear. NBA players have a lot of tattoos because it's apart of basketball culture, many players have small tattoos that are made up of one big tattoo, usually covering their arms and torso. SECRET Tattoo Meanings Of NBA Players..Welcome back to Latest Hoops. Before Stephen Curry, it was Monta Ellis who ran the show in the Bay Area. Ben Simmons It might seem surprising to some people, but Ben Simmons is another well-known player without any tattoos. The 24-year old Australian was the No. So as soon as I afford to get to wear real diamonds, I went and got my ears pierced. What athletes have no tattoos? - Davidgessner Tattoos are pretty popular in the NBA. Michael McCann. Fans would remember Ellis as a lethal scorer that covered his body up with tattoos. View Profile View Forum Posts NBA Superstar Join Date Jul 2006 Posts 14,559. The world knows his love for Italian wines and also for country music. Christopher is a Jordan brand athlete. What Famous Tattooed NBA Players Looked Like When They Had None NBA players weren't always free to express themselves through their outfits. It might seem surprising to some people, but Ben Simmons is another well-known player without any tattoos. "The Greek Freek" would be one of the coolest displays of word art on an individual but it all comes down to personal choices. CP3's best friends LeBron, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony are all tatted up in a way. We're also fascinated by whatever is going on right next to it with the power, heart and volume symbols. These include Jason Kidd, Jerry West, Ralph Sampson, and Mychal Thompson. What is the tattoo on Jordan Henderson leg? Perhaps having words framed to look like a suit is a bit convoluted, but the artwork is immensely impressive. As a tribute to his relationship with the Chicago Bulls, Rodman etched two bulls on both sides of his chest. Why do NBA Players have So Many Tattoos? - Basketball Word! Makers of NBA2K sued for using players' tattoos Everyone has their own choice when it comes to tattoos. Andrei. Antetokounmpo is in position to repeat as the NBA's Most Valuable Player, which is quite the accomplishment. Muscala's Mario. Even some members of the NBA team itself have tattoos. PILAR GALVAN, BYLINE: Lance Fresh knows how to dress. Finally, on his chest, close to his heart, there is a set of praying hands in between his mother and grandmothers initials. Allen has the words RA Boogie etched on his neck as a tribute to Rahsaan, a childhood friend who was tragically killed. We're not entirely sure why a guy who grew up in North Carolina and went to college in Louisville has a Willie tattoo. Just slathered in them. The only superstar duo without tattoos is Embiid and Simmonds. FRESH: Now you see it - not just clothes, just, like, style, swag, just braids, tattoos, Vans. The Golden Age of Tennis, 22 Most Beautiful Female Beach Volleyball Players in the world, Top 25 Hottest Female Surfers in the World Right Now, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Biography & Personal Life Facts, Kyle Lowry Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life. If taking it all home wasnt enough, its unlikely anything ever will be. He doesnt need any tattoos to show off his skill. The answer may lie in Jimmy Butler's history of abuse toward women. They didn't want to talk about them having a bad game or shooting 2 for 10. Wilson was only 16 when he got his first tattoo on his right arm: a cross with a basketball inside it and the words God Bless This Game. As an homage to his grandmother, Barbara, Kevin had a dove and her name etched on his chest. We have carefully selected 25 of the very weirdest, interesting and flat out awesome tattoos of NBA players. Though the tattoos aren't immediately identifiable, they grab you instantly and look beautiful. Why Do NBA Players Have So Many Tattoos? (4 Reasons) PILAR GALVAN, BYLINE: Lance Fresh knows how to dress. Isiah Thomas Blames Michael Jordan For Not Playing On The 1992 Dream Team Aikansh Chaudhary 00:00 / 00:10 Honorable Mention Zion Williamson Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. In fact, during that time period, more than 100 players received tattoos of their initials. At the end of the day, its a personal choice that doesnt affect the game. Kyle Lowry seemed like he would for a long time during his run with the Raptors, especially after their Championship run back in 2019. Williams may eventually want a tattoo, but the 19-year NBA draft pick is . How do I check my child support status in Texas? Williamson is poised to become the next face of the franchise once he gets a little older. The face of the Toronto Raptors, even with Kawhi Leonard was there, is one of the grittiest players in the league. He was still a young but talented player who was trying to make a name for himself. However, that changed slowly as the years passed. His lack of tattoos is perhaps an example of that mentality. From sneakers to suits, whether it's in the arena tunnel or on the runway, players are putting it on, not only for themselves, but CHRISTOPHER: I feel like we should make it our duty as athletes to push our peoples forward. But as early as then, Andersen was already dominating in terms of blocked shots with 4.7 a game. In fact, there are many high-profile or well known athletes who dont have anything at all. But, even if he has no tattoos on his arms, his chest, abdomen, back, and legs tell a different story about Christianity, faith, family, gratitude, and respect. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. It is very rare in the NBA that a player carries no ink on his skin. That's a cool idea. Ink on the neck is always a bad idea. It's so disturbing. Although he has yet to win a championship, Melo has become a decorated player in the NBA. However, unfortunately the tattoo we want to shout out is the one that is covered by an arm sleeve while he plays. When are fastpitch softball tryouts in Tucson, AZ? That's a big negative on the tattoo front. Birdman flanked his eye-catching mohawk hairstyle with two skulls (back of his head), and the words GIVE ME WAR and FOREVER NIGHTMARE on the back of his neck. On the court, however, the Cameroonian big man is a force in the paint.