Tattoos are becoming more mainstream and professional athletes are leading the charge. The NBA has always been known for its bright lights, flashy presentation and larger than life players. Pro basketball players are constantly looking for a way to put their own unique mark on the sport and tattoos are just one more way to do that.
These are some of the best tattoos in the NBA of the past and present.
Nate Robinson: Seattle Skyline
Seattle may not have an NBA since the Super Sonics moved to Oklahoma City, but current OKC Thunder guard Nate Robinson shows his love for his home town with the iconic Seattle skyline.Rasheed Wallace: Egyptian Mural
This four-time All-Star and 2004 NBA Champion is remembered for his unpredictable attitude as well as his talent on the court. This tattoo on his right arm depicts the Egyptian gods Akhenaten and Nefertit beneath the rays of the sun.Dennis Rodman: Snorting Bulls
There are few players who can match the flair of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman. But despite playing forward for the Chicago Bulls, Rodman insists the bulls on his chest represent his birth sign; Taurus.Derek Rose: Sweet Home Chicago
Derek Rose is one of the best young players in the game today and the NBA 2010-2011 MVP. Not only was Rose born and raised in Chicago, he is now a guard with the Chicago Bulls and he shows his respect for his home town on the back of his left hand.Chris Anderson: Birdman Wings
Chris “Birdman” Anderson is possibly the most heavily inked player in the league. The Denver Nuggets forward/center is also one of the top bench players in the NBA.Drew Gooden: Melting Clock
Gooden’s ink is a tribute to the painter Salvador Dali. The clock is set to 11:11 and the tattoo also features the image of St. Michael; a guardian angel.
