RealGM

Stackhouse and Kobe used to wear those spandex that look like they were wearing pants. A lot of players wear finger bands. I'm not sure if McGrady still uses that leg sleeve. Iverson, Kobe, Carmelo, and other players wear that stupid arm sleeve and the only one with a legitimate excuse is Iverson since he has all those tattoos. Everyone else does not have a legitimate reason to wear those items. And I don't want to hear how wearing spandex throughout your legs, finger bands, etc, make you a better basketball player because all these players that wear this stuff don't play any better or worse with or without these accessories.

Oh, and I think Nash and Vujachic wear the rubber band and a head band

Maybe they try to be unique, fashionable, so you can say oh there's player X with the long sleeve or 2 colored wrist band lol

My opinion would be (besides the fact they are grown men and can do what they please) that it's a comfort level. They may play more relaxed with wearing certain things, I doubt Iverson wears his sleeve to hide his tats. It's not like they are rashes, he paid for them. When I used to play pick up games I felt like I could not shoot as well without a wrist band on my forearm, it's just a mental thing.

Style and to be unique I guess. Doesn't really bother me.

I think they are because of nagging injuries that transpire over a season.

I know Ray Allen wore the arm sleeve for a game in ECF because RIP was clawing the **** out of Ray's arm. That game is when Ray Allen broke his playoff long shooting slump. Since Ray has a mild case of OCD so something like that, he's been wearing it ever since. I bet a lot of players do it for a similar reason.

The leg sleeve that McGrady used to wear is made out of neoprene, which keeps the shin warm and thereby increases blood circulation.

These sleeves are used by high level athletes that have shin splints, but don't have the time to to rest for 3-4 weeks. So there is indeed a medical explanation.

But the finger sleeves on the other hand, are rather ridiculous.

For me, I wear an arm band on my left arm and a shooting sleeve on my right arm. It just feels comfortable for me, I don't do it for the looks or anything. Nowadays, I'm just used to wearing it every time I go hoop, but I don't know maybe NBA players like it for the same reason. I don't really think it's for appearance as much as it is for comfort.

Pain? Medical Issues?

I know when I play any sport that involves running, I have to wear a leg wrap/sleeve/band on my right leg, because of pain I will get if I don't wear it. I've noticed that when I wear it, the pain is less severe than when I don't wear it while doing the aforementioned.

Ask Lamar Odom.

like personally i wear one wristband on my arm under my left elbow like paul pierce, it just makes me feel as if my left hand has more control when i go up left so it balances out with my right hand because im righty becuase it squeezes the arm a bit more.

but thats only when i have real games, if im just playing pickup ball i dont do it.

it has nothing to do with "hiding tattoos". those are compression sleeves. they help keep the arm/leg/whatever warm, and help with circulation and general healing. they work well for preexisting and nagging injuries, and some people swear they also have some preventative value (or at least reducing recovery time when you do get injured).

the rubber band issue with some players on their head is to keep the hair out of their eyes. oberto wears one as well.

have you just never played a sport before or what

Carmelo wears it for a reason. Melo's sleeve has a noticeable pad on his left elbow as his elbow was constantly bruised/swollen from driving into the paint multiple times a game over a 82 game season.
But it is pretty hilarious that you think AI's "tattoo covering reason" is legit, because thats (Please Use More Appropriate Word).

I'm sure other star players have legit reasons, but guys like sasha vagivic probably would wear one or do wear one to look cool....

i love my nugz wrote:Carmelo wears it for a reason. Melo's sleeve has a noticeable pad on his left elbow as his elbow was constantly bruised/swollen from driving into the paint multiple times a game over a 82 game season.
But it is pretty hilarious that you think AI's "tattoo covering reason" is legit, because thats (Please Use More Appropriate Word).

I'm sure other star players have legit reasons, but guys like sasha vagivic probably would wear one or do wear one to look cool....

Yeah, only star players are allowed to wear accessories.

They wanna look good while playing good!

I just play naked..it feels more natural IMO..

i actually don't like basketball jerseys, when i wear them my nipples get all chafed and then im runnin around with a boner

wifebeaters ftw

Good luck charms maybe? Or just for the sake of wearing them.

As Deion would say, "When you look good, you feel good, and then you play good."
Also the NBA can sell a new type of merch.
http://store.nba.com/product/index.jsp? ... cp=1421533