Brooklyn Nets, 2012-13
Tattoo percentage: 73% (11 players with tattoos, 4 without)
The Nets saw their tattoo percentage decrease slightly over last year.
Players with tattoos:
Andray Blatche
Blatche has tattoos on both arms and on his chest.
Keith Bogans
As described by Bogans in a NBA.com chat, “I have one tattoo of a taurus on my arm. It’s a bull, it fits my personality. The other one is a panther with a basketball … I got that when I was a little bit younger.”
MarShon Brooks
Brooks has several tattoos, including the name of his younger sister on his right wrist.
Reggie Evans
As reported by the New York Times, Evans has the state of Florida tattooed on his right arm.
Joe Johnson
Johnson has his mother’s name and an outline of the state of Arkansas (his birthplace) tattooed on his wrists.
Kris Joseph
Joseph and his three siblings all have a matching tattoo: the text “Diamonds Are Forever” and a diamond with each of their initials inscribed within.
Jerry Stackhouse
Stackhouse has tattoos on both arms and his chest.
Tyshawn Taylor
Taylor has tattoos on both arms and across his chest.
Gerald Wallace
On Wallace’s right shoulder is a great tattoo of a tiger.
C.J. Watson
In December of 2012, Randy Harris of Tattoos by Randy traveled to Brooklyn to put a full sleeve on Watson, sharing photos of the finished work on his twitter account.
Deron Williams
Williams has tattoos on both arms.
Players without tattoos:
Kris Humphries
Brook Lopez
Tornike Shengelia
Mirza Teletovic
Washington Wizards, 2011-12
Tattoo percentage: 50% (7 players with tattoos, 7 without)
The Wizards have matched last year’s number of tattooed players, which was 50% tattooed. Like last year, it’s notable that their marquee player, John Wall, has avoided tattoos for marketing reasons.
Players with tattoos:
Andray Blatche
Frank of Hawks Nest Tattoo, Maryland, posted a photo on his myspace page of a tattoo session with Blatche. The caption reads “my first tattoo, tattooing andray blatche of the washington wizards” which, if taken at face value, is hilarious. I think he just means it’s the first tattoo he’s done for Blatche or maybe for an NBA player or something, but instead it seems like it’s the first tattoo he’s ever given. Which falls into the identity the Wizards have unfortunately developed this year. Guys like Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire go to professional tattoo artists with long resumes of working with famous people and especially basketball players. But Blatche? No big deal, he gives a rookie artist his first shot.
Trevor Booker
Last year the Washington Post reported on Booker’s new forearm tattoo, one of those designs that creates the illusion that his skin has been peeled away, revealing machinery beneath.
Maurice Evans
Below a design of two hands holding the earth, Evans has tattooed some inspirational words which he described in a video interview: “It says ‘proba te dignum’ which is Latin for prove yourself worthy.”
Rashard Lewis
Before the start of his first pro season, Lewis got a tattoo on his right arm of a man clutching a basketball with his mother’s name—Juanita—marked on the ball itself. A 1998 profile has the 19 year old Lewis describing the significance of the design: “‘This is all I have right now,’ Lewis says, pointing to his arm, ‘my mother and basketball.’”
Shelvin Mack
It’s difficult to make out the design (I think it’s a “laugh now/cry later”), but Mack has a tattoo on his left arm.
Cartier Martin
Martin has tattoos on both arms.
Roger Mason Jr.
In 2007, Mason covered his left arm in a meticulous, richly-symbolic tribute to his father. “There’s references from five different centuries and three or four different genres of art,” his tattoo artist, Grant Cobb explained to the Washington Post. “It was something that kind of needed some work, but it means a lot to him, it was real personal….It was really cool to be able to do something like that for him.” Or, in the words of Mason’s then-teammate, DeShawn Stevenson, “that’s blazin’.” Mason himself feels indifferent to the praise: “”Everybody loves it who sees it, but the meaning is what’s important. That’s why I got it.” Bonus twitter post: “Tattoo’s just wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t hurt like heck!”
Brian Cook
Jordan Crawford
Nenê
Kevin Seraphin
Chris Singleton
Jan Vesely
John Wall
No longer on roster:
Hamady N’Diaye - has tattoos on his chest
Every Team’s Got One: Southeast Division
About one-sixth of NBA players have a tattoo of a basketball. It makes sense, lots of people commemorate their passions via tattoos: cyclists, chefs, shredders, LL Cool J. Still, what’s amazing is that every team has at least one player with a basketball tattoo, even the Hornets, who only have two tattooed players. Basketball tattoos range from iconic (Jordan jumpman; NBA logo), to narcissistic (Carlos Boozer’s self portrait), to symbolic (basketball wearing a crown, basketball meshed with a cross), to weird (Rip Hamilton’s gravestone). Going division by division, Every Team’s Got One will sort out the the highlights across the league, continuing here with the Southeast division. Click HERE to view other divisions.
Atlanta Hawks
Jamal Crawford:
Josh Smith:
Charlotte Bobcats
Joel Przybilla:
Tyrus Thomas:
and
Miami Heat
Mike Bibby:
Eddie House:
Mike Miller:
Orlando Magic
Jason Richardson:
Washington Wizards
Andray Blatche:
Rashard Lewis:
Washington Wizards, 2010-11
Tattoo percentage: 50% (7 players with tattoos, 7 without)
The Wizards tattoo situation is another one that’s rich with symbolism. You have guys like Blatche, McGee, and Lewis who just have these crazy assortments of tattoos—some highlights, some flashes of creativity, and some extreme WTF moments—but nothing’s really composed or organized. Nick Young has this great, positive message of faith, but it’s all tucked under his jersey, preserved for himself only. Mo Evans, the veteran of the squad and oldest player on the team presides over the young squad with a tattoo that says prove yourself worthy—in Latin. And then there’s Wall, who somehow demonstrates more heart and dedication talking abut the tattoo he wants but won’t get than the rest of the team sounds talking about the tattoos they actually have.
—
Player with tattoos:
Andray Blatche
While Blatche has several tattoos, including a basketball, scripture, and a dollar sign, in 2009 he described a tattoo he wanted but never got, inspired by a training camp session where he shattered a backboard while dunking over Hakim Warrick: “I came around a screen and just jumped as high as I can, because I knew he was a shot blocker, and I just came down hard and it shattered, pshhhh. I had to go the hospital, got a couple stitches in my arm. I was real happy. I was gonna get a tattoo about it, ‘Rim Breaking’ or something.”
Trevor Booker
A Washington Post profile printed at the beginning of the 2010-11 season praised Booker for his tenacity, and described a tattoo that represents the distillation of his attitude: “Booker wears his motto tattooed across his chest. It reads, ‘I am free of all prejudice/I hate all opponents equally.’”
Maurice Evans
Below a design of two hands holding the earth, Evans has tattooed some inspirational words which he described in a video interview: “It says ‘proba te dignum’ which is Latin for prove yourself worthy.”
Josh Howard
Howard has two tattoos in tribute to his grandmother—on his shoulder, he has her address, and on his chest, her portrait: “I stay humble. I always remember where I came from. Always have to do that. I have a tattoo on my chest and heart of my grandma to remind me.”
Rashard Lewis
Before the start of his first pro season, Lewis got a tattoo on his right arm of a man clutching a basketball with his mother’s name—Juanita—marked on the ball itself. A 1998 profile has the 19 year old Lewis describing the significance of the design: “‘This is all I have right now,’ Lewis says, pointing to his arm, ‘my mother and basketball.’”
JaVale McGee
In May of 2010, McGee posted photos on his twitter account of his new tattoo—a barcode between his shoulder blades.
Nick Young
Young prepared for the 2010-11 season by having the word “FAITH” tattooed across his chest, a move he described in an interview: “‘It feels like a new birth. I’m just ready to take on any challenge. I’m trying to get tattoos and coming back totally new — a new Nick,’ Young said, flashing a grin, then flexing to show he has hit the weight room this summer to add another seven pounds of muscle. ‘I can stomach the big dogs this year.’”
Players without tattoos:
Jordan Crawford
Othyus Jeffers
Hamady N’Diaye
Larry Owens
Kevin Seraphin
John Wall: Shortly after being drafted in 2010, an article discussed his decision to avoid tattoos: “Wall has declined to get tattoos because of concerns over his image for marketing reasons, but he is considering getting one on his chest, considering it strongly enough that he has a specific design in mind. It would be of his dad’s face, with clouds surrounding, and the words ‘Forever Living On.’”
Yi Jianlian
Brooklyn Nets, 2012-13
Tattoo percentage: 73% (11 players with tattoos, 4 without)
The Nets saw their tattoo percentage decrease slightly over last year.
Players with tattoos:
Andray Blatche
Blatche has tattoos on both arms and on his chest.
Keith Bogans
As described by Bogans in a NBA.com chat, “I have one tattoo of a taurus on my arm. It’s a bull, it fits my personality. The other one is a panther with a basketball … I got that when I was a little bit younger.”
MarShon Brooks
Brooks has several tattoos, including the name of his younger sister on his right wrist.
Reggie Evans
As reported by the New York Times, Evans has the state of Florida tattooed on his right arm.
Joe Johnson
Johnson has his mother’s name and an outline of the state of Arkansas (his birthplace) tattooed on his wrists.
Kris Joseph
Joseph and his three siblings all have a matching tattoo: the text “Diamonds Are Forever” and a diamond with each of their initials inscribed within.
Jerry Stackhouse
Stackhouse has tattoos on both arms and his chest.
Tyshawn Taylor
Taylor has tattoos on both arms and across his chest.
Gerald Wallace
On Wallace’s right shoulder is a great tattoo of a tiger.
C.J. Watson
In December of 2012, Randy Harris of Tattoos by Randy traveled to Brooklyn to put a full sleeve on Watson, sharing photos of the finished work on his twitter account.
Deron Williams
Williams has tattoos on both arms.
Players without tattoos:
Kris Humphries
Brook Lopez
Tornike Shengelia
Mirza Teletovic
Washington Wizards, 2011-12
Tattoo percentage: 50% (7 players with tattoos, 7 without)
The Wizards have matched last year’s number of tattooed players, which was 50% tattooed. Like last year, it’s notable that their marquee player, John Wall, has avoided tattoos for marketing reasons.
Players with tattoos:
Andray Blatche
Frank of Hawks Nest Tattoo, Maryland, posted a photo on his myspace page of a tattoo session with Blatche. The caption reads “my first tattoo, tattooing andray blatche of the washington wizards” which, if taken at face value, is hilarious. I think he just means it’s the first tattoo he’s done for Blatche or maybe for an NBA player or something, but instead it seems like it’s the first tattoo he’s ever given. Which falls into the identity the Wizards have unfortunately developed this year. Guys like Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire go to professional tattoo artists with long resumes of working with famous people and especially basketball players. But Blatche? No big deal, he gives a rookie artist his first shot.
Trevor Booker
Last year the Washington Post reported on Booker’s new forearm tattoo, one of those designs that creates the illusion that his skin has been peeled away, revealing machinery beneath.
Maurice Evans
Below a design of two hands holding the earth, Evans has tattooed some inspirational words which he described in a video interview: “It says ‘proba te dignum’ which is Latin for prove yourself worthy.”
Rashard Lewis
Before the start of his first pro season, Lewis got a tattoo on his right arm of a man clutching a basketball with his mother’s name—Juanita—marked on the ball itself. A 1998 profile has the 19 year old Lewis describing the significance of the design: “‘This is all I have right now,’ Lewis says, pointing to his arm, ‘my mother and basketball.’”
Shelvin Mack
It’s difficult to make out the design (I think it’s a “laugh now/cry later”), but Mack has a tattoo on his left arm.
Cartier Martin
Martin has tattoos on both arms.
Roger Mason Jr.
In 2007, Mason covered his left arm in a meticulous, richly-symbolic tribute to his father. “There’s references from five different centuries and three or four different genres of art,” his tattoo artist, Grant Cobb explained to the Washington Post. “It was something that kind of needed some work, but it means a lot to him, it was real personal….It was really cool to be able to do something like that for him.” Or, in the words of Mason’s then-teammate, DeShawn Stevenson, “that’s blazin’.” Mason himself feels indifferent to the praise: “”Everybody loves it who sees it, but the meaning is what’s important. That’s why I got it.” Bonus twitter post: “Tattoo’s just wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t hurt like heck!”
Brian Cook
Jordan Crawford
Nenê
Kevin Seraphin
Chris Singleton
Jan Vesely
John Wall
No longer on roster:
Hamady N’Diaye - has tattoos on his chest
Every Team’s Got One: Southeast Division
About one-sixth of NBA players have a tattoo of a basketball. It makes sense, lots of people commemorate their passions via tattoos: cyclists, chefs, shredders, LL Cool J. Still, what’s amazing is that every team has at least one player with a basketball tattoo, even the Hornets, who only have two tattooed players. Basketball tattoos range from iconic (Jordan jumpman; NBA logo), to narcissistic (Carlos Boozer’s self portrait), to symbolic (basketball wearing a crown, basketball meshed with a cross), to weird (Rip Hamilton’s gravestone). Going division by division, Every Team’s Got One will sort out the the highlights across the league, continuing here with the Southeast division. Click HERE to view other divisions.
Atlanta Hawks
Jamal Crawford:
Josh Smith:
Charlotte Bobcats
Joel Przybilla:
Tyrus Thomas:
and
Miami Heat
Mike Bibby:
Eddie House:
Mike Miller:
Orlando Magic
Jason Richardson:
Washington Wizards
Andray Blatche:
Rashard Lewis:
Washington Wizards, 2010-11
Tattoo percentage: 50% (7 players with tattoos, 7 without)
The Wizards tattoo situation is another one that’s rich with symbolism. You have guys like Blatche, McGee, and Lewis who just have these crazy assortments of tattoos—some highlights, some flashes of creativity, and some extreme WTF moments—but nothing’s really composed or organized. Nick Young has this great, positive message of faith, but it’s all tucked under his jersey, preserved for himself only. Mo Evans, the veteran of the squad and oldest player on the team presides over the young squad with a tattoo that says prove yourself worthy—in Latin. And then there’s Wall, who somehow demonstrates more heart and dedication talking abut the tattoo he wants but won’t get than the rest of the team sounds talking about the tattoos they actually have.
—
Player with tattoos:
Andray Blatche
While Blatche has several tattoos, including a basketball, scripture, and a dollar sign, in 2009 he described a tattoo he wanted but never got, inspired by a training camp session where he shattered a backboard while dunking over Hakim Warrick: “I came around a screen and just jumped as high as I can, because I knew he was a shot blocker, and I just came down hard and it shattered, pshhhh. I had to go the hospital, got a couple stitches in my arm. I was real happy. I was gonna get a tattoo about it, ‘Rim Breaking’ or something.”
Trevor Booker
A Washington Post profile printed at the beginning of the 2010-11 season praised Booker for his tenacity, and described a tattoo that represents the distillation of his attitude: “Booker wears his motto tattooed across his chest. It reads, ‘I am free of all prejudice/I hate all opponents equally.’”
Maurice Evans
Below a design of two hands holding the earth, Evans has tattooed some inspirational words which he described in a video interview: “It says ‘proba te dignum’ which is Latin for prove yourself worthy.”
Josh Howard
Howard has two tattoos in tribute to his grandmother—on his shoulder, he has her address, and on his chest, her portrait: “I stay humble. I always remember where I came from. Always have to do that. I have a tattoo on my chest and heart of my grandma to remind me.”
Rashard Lewis
Before the start of his first pro season, Lewis got a tattoo on his right arm of a man clutching a basketball with his mother’s name—Juanita—marked on the ball itself. A 1998 profile has the 19 year old Lewis describing the significance of the design: “‘This is all I have right now,’ Lewis says, pointing to his arm, ‘my mother and basketball.’”
JaVale McGee
In May of 2010, McGee posted photos on his twitter account of his new tattoo—a barcode between his shoulder blades.
Nick Young
Young prepared for the 2010-11 season by having the word “FAITH” tattooed across his chest, a move he described in an interview: “‘It feels like a new birth. I’m just ready to take on any challenge. I’m trying to get tattoos and coming back totally new — a new Nick,’ Young said, flashing a grin, then flexing to show he has hit the weight room this summer to add another seven pounds of muscle. ‘I can stomach the big dogs this year.’”
Players without tattoos:
Jordan Crawford
Othyus Jeffers
Hamady N’Diaye
Larry Owens
Kevin Seraphin
John Wall: Shortly after being drafted in 2010, an article discussed his decision to avoid tattoos: “Wall has declined to get tattoos because of concerns over his image for marketing reasons, but he is considering getting one on his chest, considering it strongly enough that he has a specific design in mind. It would be of his dad’s face, with clouds surrounding, and the words ‘Forever Living On.’”
Yi Jianlian
