New Orleans Hornets, 2011-12
Tattoo percentage: 29% (4 players with tattoos, 10 players without)
So last year’s team lost half of their tattoos players (i.e. David West) in free agency. This year’s roster has been a mess since the Chris Paul trade and subsequent injuries, and has gone through a lot of changes. At a couple points, their tattoo percentage was as high as 33%, enough to get them tied with Charlotte for last place, but as of the trade deadline they’ve comfortably reclaimed the fewest tattoos title for themselves.
Players with tattoos:
Al-Farouq Aminu
Aminu came into the league with tattoos on the inside of both arms. It was tough to make out the details last year, but with his increased playing time on the Hornets, there have been a few more glimpses. I believe his right arm’s design includes a stone axe, and his left arm has (I think) feathers. He’s also added a tattoo on his left bicep this year.
Trevor Ariza
Among Ariza’s many tattoos are 5 designs dedicated to his younger brother, who died when they were both children. As described by a New Orleans Times-Picayune profile, these tributes are, “displayed on Ariza’s arms, chest and neck and include a sketch of Tajh’s likeness, clasped hands in prayer over Tajh’s name, and on the inside of Ariza’s left forearm, the words ‘Blood is thicker than water. I am my brother’s keeper. Rest in peace, Tajh. I miss you.’”
Chris Johnson
Among Johnson’s several tattoos is a basketball with his initials.
Lance Thomas
Thomas majored in visual arts while at Duke, using his talents to create posters for each of his teammates. According to an ESPN report, he also designed the tattoo on his right bicep, an elaborate portrait of New Jersey wearing a crown.
Players without tattoos:
Gustavo Ayon
Marco Belinelli
Eric Gordon
Xavier Henry
Jarrett Jack
Chris Kaman
Carl Landry
Emeka Okafor
Jason Smith
Greivis Vasquez
No longer on roster:
Jeff Foote: no tattoos
Trey Johnson: Johnson has tattoos on his left arm
DaJuan Summers: Summers has tattoos of his siblings’ names on his arm
Carldell Johnson: no tattoos
New Orleans Hornets, 2011-12
Tattoo percentage: 29% (4 players with tattoos, 10 players without)
So last year’s team lost half of their tattoos players (i.e. David West) in free agency. This year’s roster has been a mess since the Chris Paul trade and subsequent injuries, and has gone through a lot of changes. At a couple points, their tattoo percentage was as high as 33%, enough to get them tied with Charlotte for last place, but as of the trade deadline they’ve comfortably reclaimed the fewest tattoos title for themselves.
Players with tattoos:
Al-Farouq Aminu
Aminu came into the league with tattoos on the inside of both arms. It was tough to make out the details last year, but with his increased playing time on the Hornets, there have been a few more glimpses. I believe his right arm’s design includes a stone axe, and his left arm has (I think) feathers. He’s also added a tattoo on his left bicep this year.
Trevor Ariza
Among Ariza’s many tattoos are 5 designs dedicated to his younger brother, who died when they were both children. As described by a New Orleans Times-Picayune profile, these tributes are, “displayed on Ariza’s arms, chest and neck and include a sketch of Tajh’s likeness, clasped hands in prayer over Tajh’s name, and on the inside of Ariza’s left forearm, the words ‘Blood is thicker than water. I am my brother’s keeper. Rest in peace, Tajh. I miss you.’”
Chris Johnson
Among Johnson’s several tattoos is a basketball with his initials.
Lance Thomas
Thomas majored in visual arts while at Duke, using his talents to create posters for each of his teammates. According to an ESPN report, he also designed the tattoo on his right bicep, an elaborate portrait of New Jersey wearing a crown.
Players without tattoos:
Gustavo Ayon
Marco Belinelli
Eric Gordon
Xavier Henry
Jarrett Jack
Chris Kaman
Carl Landry
Emeka Okafor
Jason Smith
Greivis Vasquez
No longer on roster:
Jeff Foote: no tattoos
Trey Johnson: Johnson has tattoos on his left arm
DaJuan Summers: Summers has tattoos of his siblings’ names on his arm
Carldell Johnson: no tattoos
