Getting inked up is common in the NBA. All in all, Durant has a total of 15 known tattoos on his body. 10 on our list. 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. We hope this list and gallery of the most Tattooed NBA Players was entertaining and maybe even inspirational! Shane Battier comes in with "fake" tattoos every once. This includes a "black Jesus" tattoo on his chest. As you probably recall from Smith's shirtless summer of celebration, J.R. is basically covered in tattoos. Some players, like Jason Richardson, called the code racist. He can score in multiple ways and shines the brightest during Dame Time. In addition, it may not be well-known. i was shock to see these nba players! Jordan has a small tattoo above his left breast. West was never the most exciting NBA player, so perhaps it makes sense that he has one, or perhaps it's technically two, of the least-exciting tattoos in the league. The only problem? Kyle Lowrys name has become synonymous with the Toronto Raptors, as he has been the face of that franchise since 2012. While we saw Iverson as one of the notable tattooed NBA players, he barely had any during his basketball days at Bethel High School. But before the inked-up Melo we know today, he showed no ink during his high school days at Oak Hill. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. tattoos. Some people speculated he would get a few to celebrate his entrance into the league, but it seems the high-flying superstar is content with not having any right now. Next time you see Chris Paul standing out on the State Farm commercials, you can stop searching for a tattoo. The tattoo is a personal decision of the players and will not affect their game. Add comment. Random. The first known NBA player to get a tattoo was Larry Nance of the Denver Nuggets on December 2, 1977. From arm sleeves to cartoon characters, insane masks, Chinese symbols, motivational phrases, tribal ink, nicknames, portraits, or tattoos that tell a personal story, NBA players seem to use their bodies as a canvas for colorful and eye-catching self-expression. Smith got his first tattoo when he was 15: a picture of himself dunking. That was all him, and that's still here. But as early as then, Andersen was already dominating in terms of blocked shots with 4.7 a game. If you watch the NBA, you know how many guys have tattoos. If there was another player that had a notorious reputation, it was Allen Iverson. James Harden comes in at No. Can you put a single curtain panel on a window? You could go a lot of different ways with a tattoo featuring The Greek Freak as its headline, but the Milwaukee Bucks superstar doesnt have any ink yet. Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. Artists have an incentive to sign rather than pass up a client who could be a billboard for their work. Below this tattoo, he also carved the word Loyalty in Chinese. It's a personal decision that doesn't impact their game. Zion Williams. These days, it seems like more players are covered in body ink than those who are not and it makes sense considering the body is a wonderful canvas for self-expression. In addition, he got inked a growling bulldog on his left arm and the words The Answer (his nickname). The 5-time NBA All-star has everything but tattoos on his body. So I never got tattoos, I was also told if I wanted to get my ears pierced, then I had to be afford to wear real diamonds. Both factors could show why the superstar doesnt have anything on his body. GALVAN: Athletes like Josh Christopher feel that responsibility. "Carpe Diem" is a pretty well-worn phrase. Will there be more? Bubble letters on a tattoo? Why do NBA Players have So Many Tattoos? There are other significant religious symbols on Kevins body: a biblical inscription from Proverbs 15:33, across, and another biblical reference from Corinthians 5:7 (right side of his abdomen). However, he still doesnt have anything and likely never will. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. From dollar symbols to stars, crosses, alphabet letters, diamonds, skulls, portraits, dates, dices, angel wings, guns, floral designs, numbers, quotes, Egyptian monuments, cartoon characters, or logos, tattoos offered him an excellent opportunity to express his beliefs and pay tribute to his family and the people who inspired him and marked his life. These include Jason Kidd, Jerry West, Ralph Sampson, and Mychal Thompson. The only superstar duo without tattoos is Embiid and Simmonds. Posted November 14, 2018 A Splash Brothers tattoo may seem appropriate in Thompsons case. Hes done both without getting images on his body. Other prominent players are Klay Thompson (GSW), Joel Embiid (Sixers), Kyle Lowry (Raptors), and Nikola Jokic (Raptors). When are fastpitch softball tryouts in Tucson, AZ? It is very rare in the NBA that a player carries no ink on his skin. Tattoos or not, Embiid is still proving to be a monster on the low block. Love's arm tattoo walks a thin line between corny and cool. please like, comment and subscribe for more videos to come. Thanks for signing up. 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. He has an extensive knowledge of football, basketball, and baseball, but he also likes to play other sports like soccer and hockey. The 7-foot Serbian also has a fairly clean stroke from the perimeter, which often draws opposing bigs out of position. Butler's life story features moments where he was practically homeless at some point. Unfortunately, on January 26th, Kobe lost his life together with his daughter Gianna in a tragic helicopter accident before adding Capris name to the list. While ink is a great way for players to show off their interests, many great players dont have anything on their body. Inspiration for Kevin Durants ink comes from his family, his religious beliefs, as well as to the people he looks up to the most. Its true that he could not do the same with the Sixers and also that he had a tough time gelling up with the Timberwolves. Allen went one step further and named his son Rahsaan. How do you find the rational number between 3 and 4? With NBA playoffs underway, players are showing off their talents and their style. But what does he still lack? Yeah, the tattoos. 0. - Advertisement - Contents. He is the NBA style guru. The profits from some Honor The Gift drops go toward supporting local causes. On the court, however, the Cameroonian big man is a force in the paint. Well root for that. 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. In 2005, the NBA instituted a dress code. An NBA legend, Kobe Bryant was known for his successful basketball career that spanned over 20 years and for etching his personal life and faith on his skin. Hence, it is more about a matter of choice and motivation for the NBA vet. Pip is the name of his tattoo, which he got when he was still playing. However, there are few who truly see the court as well as he does. What is Derrick Roses Height and Wingspan? This is just a design. NBA players had to win a little sartorial freedom. Antetokounmpo is in position to repeat as the NBA's Most Valuable Player, which is quite the accomplishment. King James is tatted up to the nines, and for the most part his ink looks good. So why is that Jimmy has no obsession with such a cool fashion symbol? Apart from the notoriety he earned for his basketball. While he wasnt a top prospect, teams paid him for his hustle which allowed him to carve out a lengthy NBA career. His lack of tattoos is perhaps an example of that mentality. Grant Hill Michael Finley uh uh uh Damn! Along with Joel Embiid, Simmons has the Philadelphia 76ers playing at the No. Emailed daily. 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. Are there any NBA players without tattoos? It's so disturbing. Hes leading the NBA in scoring yet again, and he has become one of the greatest offensive players of all time. Again, totally fine. An outstanding NBA scorer, Allen Iverson stands out for his impressive basketball skills and meaningful body inks. CP3's best friends LeBron, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony are all tatted up in a way. Andrei-Kirilenko-Tattoo. One Arena. It also doesn't hurt that most NBA teams have their own logo which makes getting a personalized piece of art even more desirable. During this time, he was the schools leading scorer and best three-point shooter before transferring to St. Benedicts. PILAR GALVAN, BYLINE: Lance Fresh knows how to dress. According to the New York Daily News, the rule does not specifically mention tattoos, but the intent is clear. He wore a tattoo of a mountain range on his arm to show support for other mountaineers who had died climbing mountains. Lance Fresh. Accuracy and availability may vary. Even if he only has one tattoo on his back, he is worth including on this list due to the impressive nature of this ink artwork. However, there are many who decide to abstain from the images for various reasons. He is the NBA style guru. However, the medieval vibe to it is nice and, in the end, there is a sword plunged into a skull. After bowing out in the second round of the playoffs, Giannis is looking to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1974. Coming into the league, Swift had no visible tattoos that carried high expectations. Jokic is an MVP candidate this season with averages of 26.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. AI, IMO, made neck tattoos OK for NBA players tattoos. 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. The Joker is one of the best players in the league. Weve collected some of the best, and worst, examples of player ink that the NBA has to offer. Thompson has paired with Stephen Curry for three NBA championships. GALVAN: Players didn't always have that swag, that freedom to express themselves through their fits. Joel Embiid Embiid is a jovial character, and his smile is contagious. When the relationship between the basketball star and the hip-hop artist came to an end, he decided to turn his ex-girlfriends lips into a strange to say the least red and black crown. The tree is decorated with the star of David, a babys face, and an angel. Tattoos have been away for individuals to express themselves through art on their skin. Tattoos have become a significant fad in the NBA, with more and more pro-ballers being inked up. He paid fines for code violations. Going with the nickname 'Birdman,' Chris Claus Anderson pops at the top of the list when it comes to the most tattooed players of the NBA. Sourabh Singh is an NBA sports analyst for EssentiallySports, who has been 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. To showcase their wealth because tattoos are expensive. Name These NBA Stars without Tattoos! Isiah Thomas Blames Michael Jordan For Not Playing On The 1992 Dream Team Aikansh Chaudhary 00:00 / 00:10 Honorable Mention Zion Williamson Jan 1, 2015, 7:27 AM. Antetokounmpo is in position to repeat as the NBAs Most Valuable Player, which is quite the accomplishment. Even some members of the NBA team itself have tattoos. Giannis is the face of the current NBA, and he does it without ink. She said, Honey, would you put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?. Don't ask me why but I always pictured him having tats. And there is one more tattoo worth mentioning: the words SCREW YOU etched in capital letters on the fingers of both hands. Allen has the words RA Boogie etched on his neck as a tribute to Rahsaan, a childhood friend who was tragically killed. So much so that most pro basketball players have some sort of ink on their body. However, we wanted to single out a simple tattoo he has on his leg that reads, "Witness," which may call to mind those Nike ads. Though some have questioned his defensive effort in the past, The Beard seems to be showing some improvement on that end of the floor. Sporting over 35 tattoos, most of them are dedicated to those people, places, and events that impacted his life. In 2015, news broke that Butler had been charged with two counts of domestic violence against two different women. Robert Lewandowski. Please check your email for a confirmation. 12-26-2008, 03:20 AM #3. What is the pre employment test for Canada Post? It is very rare in the NBA that a player carries no ink on his skin. Maybe a big wave with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background? Tattoos are typically used for symbolism. But in August of 2019, the NBA published an article and included this little-known fact about him. Furthermore, they may also symbolize a meaningful moment in a players life. Even though Lowry could have put a tattoo of "never back down" or something related to grinding out results, he didn't. Those tattoos gave a nod to his priorities such as his love for basketball and family. NPR's Pilar Galvan says there's some history behind the clothes. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage). Michael Pippen, a former NBA great, has a little tattoo on his arm. The reporters do not find him beating around the bush and this makes the Miami Heat forward likable for many. Prior to this, he functioned as Managing Honor Award . Maybe his time in Houston had an impact on him? That's a big negative on the tattoo front. The Joker, as Jokic is known, has established himself as one of the NBAs best big men. Hes not just a force in the paint, however. Eddie can often be found reading up on his favorite sports stars' lives outside of the sporting world, because he wants to learn as much as he can about what makes them tick. We don't know why Boogie has a tattoo of the Statue of Liberty with a skeleton face. Impressive, right? Not to be superstitious but a tattoo would definitely mess up the team mojo if he got one now, right? While many NBA players have little to no reservation about where they get tattoos, usually their faces are off limits. Tattoos are one way of expression. We're going to eschew the religious portion of this design, because obviously your own belief system will guide your opinion on the content of this piece. During this time, The Answer dominated the high school basketball landscape and used the sport in order to make ends meet. I'm probably not going to add every single player without a tattoo, because probably a third of the NBA players don't have any tattoos. I would do anything I need to do to get a title, but I know after the titles in my hand, Im probably going to get (the tattoo) lasered off, Towns said, via Sporting News. Reasons why NBA players get tattoos. A glance at a photo of the 1992 USA Basketball "Dream Team," which won gold at the Olympics and featured the talents of. The Pelicans forward is one of the most high-profile and fun-to-watch players in all of the NBA. On Ellis chest reigns an ink mural: a huge tree dedicated to his family and the words Family First. The majority of them are legally represented, at any rate. Damian Lillard is one of the most talented guards today. Who was the first NBA player to get a tattoo? It looks good, and it's certainly impactful. Simmons is somebody that can average close to a triple-double on any given night. He is one of a few footballers without tattoos. Tattoos are very common in Japan, where many basketball players have them done there because of the close-knit community of basketball fans. The 67 forward player signed a 4-year $142 million contract with the Miami Heat in 2019. Not every tattoo has to be meaningful or vibrant. At 18-9, the 76ers lead the Eastern Conference. Before the tattoos, Ellis had a breakout season where he averaged 20.2 points per game. The scrappy point guard is beloved in Canada for delivering the nation its first NBA championship in 2019. In fact, during the 2021-2022 season, 55% of the players in the league sported a visible tattoo. This massive 'Free Bird' tattoo is . In 2004, basketball player Kwame Brown became the first NFL player to wear a shirt with writing on his back. From his daughters portrait on his chest to an impressive Unstoppable Juggernaut (as a reference to his nickname) on his back or a cartoon collage on his left leg, it is clear that Wilson not only used his skin to pay tribute to his beloved ones, but he is also a huge fan of comics and cartoons. New and Popular Countries of the World Quiz . Tags: Ben Simmons, Chris Paul, Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, Jimmy Butler,. Paul is the franchise leader in assists and steals for both the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers. Jeremy Lamb: "Dagger" Getty Images Jeremy Lamb, shooting. Simmons has a proclivity for the flashy. Ben Simmons. In addition to the athletes mentioned above, several other notable people have tattoos of their favorite teams or players. Oh by the way: Shout out to Mike Scott and his literal emoji tattoos. As far as photorealistic tattoos on NBA players go, this may be the best of the bunch. His NBA career began in Chicago, where he played six seasons with the Bulls. He's not even 21 years old yet. Williamson is poised to become the next face of the franchise once he gets a little older. Michael McCann. However, things started to change when he got involved in a sexual scandal and was accused of rape. However, during his early Pistons days, Rodman barely had any tattoos to show. Stars like James, Lillard, McGrady, Kobe, and the like, their tattoo designs can be described as very classic, well-known to fans. For these players, let's take a look at the top ten NBA players without tattoos. The Serbian standout likely could have gotten a tattoo if he wanted. Given that hes one of the most popular tattooed NBA players, Andersens days with the Blinn Buccaneers of the National Junior College Athletic Association saw him without any visible ink. Ben Simmons It might seem surprising to some people, but Ben Simmons is another well-known player without any tattoos. However, unfortunately the tattoo we want to shout out is the one that is covered by an arm sleeve while he plays. Now a member of the Boston Celtics, Walker is continuing to produce, and he seems to have no discomfort in his previously injured knee. Ben Simmons It might seem surprising to some people, but Ben Simmons is another well-known player without any tattoos. The portraits of his family members are scattered all around his body: his grandmother (left leg), his daughters (upper left thigh, left leg), his wife (right thigh), his brothers (right side of his abdomen), his mother and the portrait of Jesus (chest), Nipsey Hussle, as well an homage to Michael Jordan (a pair of shoes, a figure holding a basketball, and an n 23 red jersey). Stars like James, Lillard, McGrady, Kobe, and the like, their tattoo designs can be described as very classic, well-known to fans. With zero tattoos, Giannis has become arguably the best player in the NBA. 4. On the flip side of Simmons, it should come as no surprise that Jimmy Butler has no tattoos. Jimmy Butler's "no tattoos" stance The five-time NBA All-physique Star's is devoid of tattoos. Create. Irving has the "Friends" logo tattooed on his arm. In a recent interview with GQ, Jimmy revealed, I do not, I do not have any tattoos. Team Stephen at Staples Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. DeShawn-Stevenson-Tattoo. People assume that rappers in the hip-hop industry have a lot of tattoos but that stereotype simply doesnt apply. The answer may lie in Jimmy Butler's history of abuse toward women. So far, his first healthy season in the league is seeing 24.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, with a 60.7% shooting percentage. Some players will ink up their bodies to the fullest, like Michael Beasley, and others that want to keep the slate clean. There is a reason why there are so many tattoos in the NBA: it looks cool. The NBA has notified Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith that he could face a fine for each game he fails to cover-up a new tattoo on his right leg. His killer cross-ups and skillfully aimed passes are often borrowed by other players. They wear long pants and long sleeves most of the time too. Some of the artwork is cool. 1. Muscala's Mario tattoo looks great, and he's a delightful and beloved pop culture icon that is instantly recognizable. Still makes me laugh. Though some have questioned his defensive effort in the past, The Beard seems to be showing some improvement on that end of the floor. Williamson could eventually look to get a tattoo one day but the No. Sometime after joining the Bulls in 2017, he stopped wearing sleeves. The image appears to be that of a muscular man, which seems to be another self-portrait for the Big Shaqtus. On the one hand, it's something of a macho, tough guy design. But if there is a tattoo that stands out, the huge tattoo on his back features the full James 1:2-4 psalm, the portrait of Jesus, the number 35, and an angel holding a basketball. It was only just a few years ago when the 31-year-old gave fans a glimpse of his impressive set of tattoos. Kyle Lowry. It's hard to believe that after all these years of being a member of the "Splash Bros," that no sort of art resembling that motto is tatted on his skin. It is extremely unusual in the NBA for a player to have no ink on his skin.Other prominent players are Klay Thompson (GSW), Joel Embiid (Sixers), Kyle Lowry (Raptors), and Nikola Jokic (Raptors). The 24-year old Australian was the No. First discovered in ancient Egypt, it became popular again when Elvis Presley got his first tattoo in 1959. He also has Quagmire from "Family Guy," which is not so awesome. Finally, on his chest, close to his heart, there is a set of praying hands in between his mother and grandmothers initials. Your email address will not be published. Some choose a design, symbol, or name that has meaning to them. JOSH CHRISTOPHER: Somebody might not be in the NBA or play basketball, but, like, when you get fly and you put on clothes, people are going to rock with you just because they have that love for fashion. No chains, shorts or T-shirts. As for Towns, he has nothing of the sort. One study has found that about 56% of NBA players are tattooed.In contrast . Perhaps one of the most surprising players to abstain from ink is Zion Williamson. 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. He was still a young but talented player who was trying to make a name for himself. However, like the rest of our entries on this list, Klay doesnt have any tattoos. In addition, it may not be well-known. 2023 Dunk or Three. As such, he hasnt had anything permanent to ink just yet. Jimmy Butler is a player who has been around the proverbial block. Back when his father was making headlines, Ball was just a guard trying to live up to the expectations and play ball. Anything you can think of is probably etched on his body: crosses, crowns, swords, skulls, chains, birds, phoenix wings, Chinese symbols, dices, stars, numbers, etc. LeBron James Steve Mitchell-USA. We're not entirely sure why a guy who grew up in North Carolina and went to college in Louisville has a Willie tattoo. Jimmy Butler's "no tattoos" stance The five-time NBA All-physique Star's is devoid of tattoos. Some of the game's best players in LeBron James, Damian Lillard, and Anthony Davis are known for their tattoos. Are there any NBA players without tattoos? With so much popularity, one might think a few tattoos would be in order. A trend initiated by Dennis Rodman and Allen Iverson, tattoos allow NBA players to express themselves in and outside the playing court. FRESH: He's the guy who single-handedly challenged it, and they literally had to create the dress code because of him. but i do get your point, most nba players have tattoos now. Andreis back is fully covered with a tattoo representing a warrior riding on a dragons back. Always free! Andrei. In fact, he was warned by the late David Stern. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. Even though Chris has retired from the courts of NBA since 2017, he is still considered as a tattoo icon in the league's history. NBA players weren't always free to express themselves through their outfits. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 1 overall pick in 2016. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. Despite his personality and style, he still has nothing on his skin.