Why Do NBA Players Wear Rubber Wristbands?

Many NBA players wear rubber wristbands during games for a variety of reasons. Some believe that the wristbands help to keep them focused and mentally locked in on the task at hand, while others say that the wristbands help to absorb sweat and keep their hands dry. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that many players find wristbands to be helpful and beneficial during games.

History of the Rubber Wristband

The rubber wristband is a relatively new invention, with its origins tracing back to the early 1950s. However, its popularity with NBA players only began in the early 21st century. There are a few theories as to why NBA players started wearing rubber wristbands, but the most likely explanation is that they help to reduce sweat and improve grip.

The Livestrong Wristband

Created in 2004, the Livestrong wristband was originally introduced as a awareness and fund-raising tool for cancer patients by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The wristband was made famous by American professional road racing cyclist Lance Armstrong, who wore the band during his record-breaking seventh Tour de France victory. The Livestrong brand eventually evolved into a global cancer support community, with a mission to “empower” and “inspire” people affected by cancer.

The NBA and Wristbands

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the premier professional basketball league in the United States and Canada. The league was founded in New York City on June 6, 1946, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). It changed its name to the National Basketball Association in 1949 after merging with the National Basketball League (NBL). The NBA is an activewear sponsor, with Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour holding partnerships with the league.

Wristbands as a Statement

While it might not be the first thing you notice when watching an NBA game, many players choose to wear rubber wristbands on and off the court. These bands come in all different colors, but they often feature team logos or slogans. For some players, they’re simply a way to show support for their team. But for others, they can be used to make a statement about important causes or social issues.

For example, after the Orlando nightclub shooting in 2016, members of the Orlando Magic wore special green and white wristbands to honor the victims. Similarly, players on the Memphis Grizzlies wore blue wristbands during the playoffs in 2018 to bring attention to police brutality and racial injustice. And during the 2019 NBA Finals, both the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors wore black bands to honor Nipsey Hussle, a rapper who was killed earlier that year.

Players have also used wristbands to show support for teammates who are going through tough times. For instance, when Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in 2020, many players around the league honored him by wearing his signature “Black Mamba” wristbands.

So next time you’re watching an NBA game, take a look at what kind of wristbands the players are wearing. Chances are, they’re not just there for style points.

Wristbands for Charity

Many NBA players wear rubber wristbands as a way to show their support for various charities. For example, one popular wristband is the “I Can’t Breathe” wristband, which was created to show support for the family of Eric Garner, who died after being put in a chokehold by a police officer. NBA players such as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have been spotted wearing these wristbands during games.

The Benefits of Wearing a Rubber Wristband

NBA players started wearing rubber wristbands during the 1980s as a way to show support for various causes. Today, players continue to wear wristbands for the same reasons. Wristbands are also a way for players to show support for their team and teammates. Wearing a wristband can also have benefits for the player.

Wristbands as a Reminder

Wristbands can be a great reminder for players to stay focused during a game. If a player is starting to get sloppy with their shots or missing easy layups, seeings a wristband on their shooting arm can help them refocus and get back on track.

Another way wristbands can be helpful is by providing a visual cue for players to remember specific plays or sets. This is especially helpful for younger players who are still learning the ropes of the game. By having wristbands with different colors or patterns, players can quickly identify which play they should be running just by looking down at their arm.

Lastly, wristbands can also be used as a motivational tool. If a player is wearing a wristband with a slogan or positive message, it can help them stay positive and focused throughout the game even if things are not going their way.

Wristbands as a Motivational Tool

In addition to their practical functions, rubber wristbands can also be used as a motivational tool. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, you can wear a wristband that says “Lose 10 pounds in 2 months”. This will help to keep you focused on your goals. You can also find wristbands that say things like “100 pushups a day” or “Run 5 miles a day”. These types of wristbands can help to motivate you to reach your fitness goals.