Best and Coolest Basketball Wristbands

Basketball wristbands have seen their popularity rise in recent decades. Typically utilized as a fashion statement, these wristbands contain short messages, names, and causes which an NBA or basketball player may support and hope to evangelize.

Typically made of a silicone-like material, basketball wristbands easily slide onto the wrist and can be worn during a basketball game without interference to the player or the players shooting form.

However, basketball wristbands are by no means a necessary piece of equipment on or off the court. Often confused with sweatbands, a basketball wristband is simply a silicone-like fashion piece which rolls onto the wrist and typically displays a short message of support, remembrance, or tribute to a given cause or individual.

With that said, many basketball and NBA players will opt to wear wristbands to show their support for a cause or as an act of activism. Similarly, in recreational leagues, wristbands may be utilized as a means to identify teammates.

Below, we are going to review some of the best and coolest basketball wristbands. These wristbands are, in our own personal opinion, some of the best designed, most memorable, and pay tribute to some of the all-time greats to play in the NBA.

Can NBA Players Wear Wristbands During a Game?

Contrary to popular belief, the NBA does not have any rules regarding the wearing of either wristbands or sweatbands for an NBA player during a game. Rather, so long as the wristband or sweatband is not seen as a form of jewelry, which would typically be made of a metallic material, then an NBA player is allowed to wear one during a game or while seated on the bench.

However, importantly, the NBA is extremely careful in how their players present themselves both on and off the court. As such, an NBA player wearing a wristband with profanity or inappropriate language is strictly prohibited.

Similarly, if an NBA player looks to show support or evangelize a topic which the NBA is looking to remain quiet on, then they may be subject to fines and suspension. These topics can range from issues of race, to issues on politics and religion.

With the NBA looking to become a larger international organization, much of their marketing and perception if geared towards remaining professional and neutral on controversial topics. Now, we’re not saying whether or not that’s correct, but it is the stance of the NBA.

Motivational Basketball Wristbands

One of the best types of basketball wristbands are the motivational ones. Typically featuring short motivational inscriptions across the band, these bands are perfect for in-game motivation and confidence. With words and saying like, “challenge the impossible”, “you will achieve greatness”, “quitters never win”, and “winners never give up”, these wristbands are also perfect for a team of basketball players to build cohesion and team chemistry.

There are a number of basketball specific motivational wristbands available. However, you may notice, that they come in packs of 24 or 36 pieces. Again, this is done as a means to build team cohesion and chemistry.

If you are a basketball coach or a team captain, you may want to consider purchasing one of these for yourself and your teammates to further strengthen your team chemistry.

• 24-piece variety pack of motivational statements here
• 36-piece variety pack of motivational statements here

However, our favorite motivational basketball wristbands are these ones. In an all-black design, the inscription is printed into the silicone, giving it a cooler, more sophisticated look and design. More simple then the ones listed above, we find that it’s message is more resonating and benefits from its simplicity.

Tribute Wristbands

One of the more popular wristbands worn by basketball and NBA players are tribute wristbands. Tribute wristbands typically pay homage to a certain NBA player and typically one who has passed away. And, perhaps, overwhelmingly, these tribute wristbands look to pay respect to none other then basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

The Black Mamba was quite revered within the NBA and within the larger basketball community. Known for his resilience, commitment to the game, and work ethic, Bryant passed away tragically on January 26, 2020, at just the age of 41.

The victim of a helicopter crash, Bryant would pass away with eight others on in the helicopter crash, including his daughter Gianna.

While much of the details of the crash remain unknown, reports seem to indicate that due to light rain and fog that morning, the Los Angeles Police Department helicopters and most other air traffic were grounded.  The flight tracker showed that the helicopter Bryant was in circled above the L.A. Zoo due to heavy air traffic in the area.

At 9:30 a.m., the pilot contacted the Burbank Airport’s control tower, notifying the tower of the situation, and was told he was “flying too low” to be tracked by radar.

At that time, the helicopter experienced extreme fog and turned south towards the mountains. At 9:40 a.m., the helicopter climbed rapidly from 1,200 to 2,000 feet, flying at 161 knots or 185 mph.

At 9:45 a.m., the helicopter crashed into the side of a mountain in Calabasas, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and began burning.

Bryant, his daughter, and the other seven occupants were all killed on impact. Initial reports indicated that the helicopter crashed in the hills above Calabasas in heavy fog. In addition, witnesses reported hearing a helicopter struggling before crashing.

And if you were a fan of Bryant’s or simply would like to memorialize his passing, we found these basketball wristbands which pay tribute to the Black Mamba in an array of Lakers colors, representing the one and only NBA team Kobe would play for.