LOOK: Tattoos in the NBA through the years
Tattoos have long been a part of the culture of the NBA. From Allen Iverson‘s iconic tats to LeBron James‘ extensive ink collection, many players have used tattoos as a way to express themselves and tell their stories.
In the past, tattoos were seen as a sign of rebellion and were frowned upon by many. However, in recent years, they have become more accepted and even celebrated in the league. Many players now use their tattoos as a way to connect with fans and showcase their personal style. Some players even use them as a way to pay tribute to loved ones or to tell their life story.
You can see many examples of that in the pictures below:
Cherokee Parks #44
1 Nov 2000: A view Cherokee Park #44 of the Washington Wizards tattoo on his lower…
1 Nov 2000: A view Cherokee Park #44 of the Washington Wizards tattoo on his lower leg taken during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Wizards defeated the Hornets 95-77. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Craig Jones /Allsport
Cherokee Parks #44
8 Nov 2000: A close up of Cherokee Parks #44 of the Washington Wizards tattoo during…
8 Nov 2000: A close up of Cherokee Parks #44 of the Washington Wizards tattoo during the game against the New Jersey Nets at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. The Nets defeated the Wizards 102-86. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport
BKN-BUCKS-76ER-IVERSON DANCE
Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson dances down the court late in the fourth quarter during the team’s…
Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson dances down the court late in the fourth quarter during the team’s defeat of the Milwaukee Bucks in game one of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals 22 May 2001 at the First Union Center in Philadelphia. The 76ers won the game 93-85. AFP PHOTO/Tom MIHALEK (Photo by TOM MIHALEK / AFP) (Photo credit should read TOM MIHALEK/AFP via Getty Images)
Kenyon Martin celebrates
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 9: Forward Kenyon Martin #6 of the New Jersey Nets celebrates…
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 9: Forward Kenyon Martin #6 of the New Jersey Nets celebrates after a dunk against the Phoenix Suns during the game at Continental Airlines Arena on December 9, 2002 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Nets won 106-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Tattoo detail
LOS ANGELES – MARCH 3: A detail of a tattoo on Cherokee Parks #44 of the…
LOS ANGELES – MARCH 3: A detail of a tattoo on Cherokee Parks #44 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the NBA game against the New Orleans Hornets on March 3, 2003 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Hornets won 111-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
NBA: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers
Chinese character tattoo on the calf of Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion during the game against…
Chinese character tattoo on the calf of Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center.
NBA: Dallas Mavericks Parade
Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Jason Terry shows his tattoo off to fans during the Dallas Mavericks…
Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Jason Terry shows his tattoo off to fans during the Dallas Mavericks parade at the American Airlines Center.
NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns
Phoenix, AZ, USA: Detailed view of the Nike shoes and Air Jordan tattoo on the leg…
Phoenix, AZ, USA: Detailed view of the Nike shoes and Air Jordan tattoo on the leg of Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the US Airways Center.
NBA: Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic
A detailed view of the tattoos on the arm of Chicago Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer…
A detailed view of the tattoos on the arm of Chicago Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer (5) during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center.
NBA: Toronto Raptors-Media Day
Details of tattoos on arm of Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) during Raptors Media Day…
Details of tattoos on arm of Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) during Raptors Media Day at The Real Sports Bar Toronto.
NBA: Atlanta Hawks-Media Day
Detail view of tattoos for Atlanta Hawks center Pero Antic (6) during the Atlanta Hawks media…
Detail view of tattoos for Atlanta Hawks center Pero Antic (6) during the Atlanta Hawks media day at Philips Arena.
NBA: Atlanta Hawks-Media Day
Detail view of tattoos for Atlanta Hawks center Pero Antic (6) during the Atlanta Hawks media…
Detail view of tattoos for Atlanta Hawks center Pero Antic (6) during the Atlanta Hawks media day at Philips Arena.
NBA: Atlanta Hawks-Media Day
Detail view of tattoos for Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) during the Atlanta Hawks media…
Detail view of tattoos for Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) during the Atlanta Hawks media day at Philips Arena.
NBA: Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) shows off his tattoo during the first quarter against the…
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) shows off his tattoo during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
NBA: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers
A detail of a tattoo of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kevin Porter Jr. (4) during the second…
A detail of a tattoo of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kevin Porter Jr. (4) during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
NBA: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers
A detail of the tattoos of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson (8) during the second half…
A detail of the tattoos of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson (8) during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
NBA: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers
A detail of the tattoos of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson (8) during the second half…
A detail of the tattoos of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson (8) during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
NBA: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers
A detail of the tattoo of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson (8) during the second half…
A detail of the tattoo of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson (8) during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
NBA: Golden State Warriors at Oklahoma City Thunder
Golden State Warriors guard Ky Bowman s tattoo on his right leg during the second half…
Golden State Warriors guard Ky Bowman s tattoo on his right leg during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 120-92.
NBA: Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Lakers
Detailed view of the tattoo on the left arm of Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis…
Detailed view of the tattoo on the left arm of Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) as he warms up before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center.
NBA: Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons
Detail of the tattoos of Detroit Pistons forward Markieff Morris (8) in the first half against…
Detail of the tattoos of Detroit Pistons forward Markieff Morris (8) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Little Caesars Arena.
NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Philadelphia 76ers
Tattoo detail of Philadelphia 76ers forward Mike Scott before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at…
Tattoo detail of Philadelphia 76ers forward Mike Scott before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center.
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz
A detailed view of a tattoo on the left leg of Utah Jazz guard Nigel Williams-Goss…
A detailed view of a tattoo on the left leg of Utah Jazz guard Nigel Williams-Goss (0) prior to a game against the LA Clippers at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
NBA: Portland Trail Blazers at Oklahoma City Thunder
Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Trent Jr s tattoo on his arms during the second quarter…
Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Trent Jr s tattoo on his arms during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Philadelphia 76ers
The tattoo arm of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Treveon Graham (12) during the second quarter of a…
The tattoo arm of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Treveon Graham (12) during the second quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.
NBA: Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors
Detail view of the tattoos on Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (3) during the second…
Detail view of the tattoos on Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (3) during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
NBA: Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
A detail of the tattoos of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson (8) during the second half…
A detail of the tattoos of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson (8) during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings
A tattoo on the leg of New Orleans Pelicans center Jahlil Okafor (8) as seen before…
A tattoo on the leg of New Orleans Pelicans center Jahlil Okafor (8) as seen before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings
A view of tattoos on the arm of New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball (2) during…
A view of tattoos on the arm of New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Golden State Warriors
Detailed view of the tattoo on Golden State Warriors center Willie Cauley-Stein (2) during the third…
Detailed view of the tattoo on Golden State Warriors center Willie Cauley-Stein (2) during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Chase Center.
NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Golden State Warriors
Detailed view of the tattoo on Golden State Warriors center Willie Cauley-Stein (2) during the third…
Detailed view of the tattoo on Golden State Warriors center Willie Cauley-Stein (2) during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Chase Center.
NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Golden State Warriors
Detailed view of the tattoo on Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee (1) during the third…
Detailed view of the tattoo on Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee (1) during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Chase Center.
NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Golden State Warriors
Detailed view of the tattoo on Golden State Warriors guard Jacob Evans (10) during the third…
Detailed view of the tattoo on Golden State Warriors guard Jacob Evans (10) during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Chase Center.
NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Golden State Warriors
Detailed view of the tattoo on Golden State Warriors guard Jacob Evans (10) during the third…
Detailed view of the tattoo on Golden State Warriors guard Jacob Evans (10) during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Chase Center.
NBA: Phoenix Suns at Atlanta Hawks
A tattoo of Jimi Hendrix is shown on the leg of Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre…
A tattoo of Jimi Hendrix is shown on the leg of Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (3) during their game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.
NBA: Atlanta Hawks at San Antonio Spurs
Detailed view of the tattoos of Atlanta Hawks guard DeAndre’ Bembry (95) in the second half…
Detailed view of the tattoos of Atlanta Hawks guard DeAndre’ Bembry (95) in the second half of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center.
NBA: Orlando Magic at Golden State Warriors
A close-up of a tattoo on the arm of Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) as…
A close-up of a tattoo on the arm of Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) as seen during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
NBA: Orlando Magic at Golden State Warriors
A close-up of tattoos on the arm of Golden State Warriors guard D’Angelo Russell (0) as…
A close-up of tattoos on the arm of Golden State Warriors guard D’Angelo Russell (0) as seen during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Chase Center.
NBA: Indiana Pacers at Utah Jazz
A detailed view of tattoos on the neck of Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) prior…
A detailed view of tattoos on the neck of Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) prior to a game against the Indiana Pacers at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers
The tattooed arm of Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma is seen as he warms up…
The tattooed arm of Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma is seen as he warms up before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings
A detail view of the tattoo on Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leg honoring…
A detail view of the tattoo on Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leg honoring the late Kobe Bryant before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings
A detail view of the tattoo on Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leg honoring…
A detail view of the tattoo on Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leg honoring the late Kobe Bryant before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
NBA: Boston Celtics at Oklahoma City Thunder
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) tattoo on his left leg during the first half against…
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) tattoo on his left leg during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
NBA: Miami Heat at Utah Jazz
A detailed view of a tattoo on the left leg of Miami Heat guard Andre Iguodala…
A detailed view of a tattoo on the left leg of Miami Heat guard Andre Iguodala (28) prior to a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
Kobe Bryant & Gianna Bryant Memorial
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: A man displays a Kobe and Gianna tattoo as fans…
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: A man displays a Kobe and Gianna tattoo as fans depart from the ‘Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant’ memorial service at the Staples Center on February 24, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Lakers NBA star Kobe Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed along with seven others in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on January 26. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant & Gianna Bryant Memorial
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: A man is hugged while he shows off a Kobe…
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: A man is hugged while he shows off a Kobe and Gianna tattoo as fans depart from the ‘Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant’ memorial service at the Staples Center on February 24, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Lakers NBA star Kobe Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed along with seven others in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on January 26. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks v Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 25: A view of Mike Scott’s #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers tattoos…
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 25: A view of Mike Scott’s #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers tattoos in a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Wells Fargo Center on February 25, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Utah Jazz v Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 03: Tattoos on Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz are seen…
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 03: Tattoos on Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz are seen in game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers v Atlanta Hawks
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 06: A tattoo on the leg of Lamar Stevens #8 of the…
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 06: A tattoo on the leg of Lamar Stevens #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is seen against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on October 06, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Sacramento Kings v Los Angeles Clippers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 01: The tattoo of Brandon Boston Jr. #4 of the LA…
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 01: The tattoo of Brandon Boston Jr. #4 of the LA Clippers for Terrence Clarke during play against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on December 01, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Miami Heat v Boston Celtics – Game Three
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 21: A detail view of the “100%” tattoo on Udonis Haslem #40…
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 21: A detail view of the “100%” tattoo on Udonis Haslem #40 of the Miami Heat’s nad is seen before Game Three of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 21, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Metropolitans 92 v G League Ignite
HENDERSON, NEVADA – OCTOBER 06: A tattoo on the leg of Shareef O’Neal #8 of G…
HENDERSON, NEVADA – OCTOBER 06: A tattoo on the leg of Shareef O’Neal #8 of G League Ignite, depicting his father Shaquille O’Neal, is shown during an exhibition game at The Dollar Loan Center on October 06, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
Stockton Kings v G League Ignite
HENDERSON, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 30: Shareef O’Neal #8 of G League Ignite wears Nike shoes in…
HENDERSON, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 30: Shareef O’Neal #8 of G League Ignite wears Nike shoes in the first quarter of a game against the Stockton Kings at The Dollar Loan Center on November 30, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. The Kings defeated Ignite 113-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder
New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes (10) tattoos during the second half against the Oklahoma City…
New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes (10) tattoos during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. New Orleans won 128-125.
NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Philadelphia 76ers
Sneaker detail and tattoos of New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes (10) in a game against…
Sneaker detail and tattoos of New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes (10) in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.
NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Charlotte Hornets
A detailed view of a tattoo on the leg of Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4)…
A detailed view of a tattoo on the leg of Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center.
New Orleans Pelicans v Washington Wizards
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 09: A detail view of the tattoo on Jaxson Hayes #10 of…
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 09: A detail view of the tattoo on Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans leg against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 09, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls v Washington Wizards
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 11: A detail view of the tattoos on the right arm of…
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 11: A detail view of the tattoos on the right arm of Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Capital One Arena on January 11, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls v Washington Wizards
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 11: A detail view of the tattoos on the right arm of…
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 11: A detail view of the tattoos on the right arm of Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Capital One Arena on January 11, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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