Tattoos have been away for individuals to express themselves through art on their skin. That includes many athletes across the globe, including players in the NBA. Some choose a design, symbol, or name that has meaning to them. Others will use words designed in art.
Some players will ink up their bodies to the fullest, like Michael Beasley, and others that want to keep the slate clean. It’s a personal decision that doesn’t impact their game. Some of the game’s best players in LeBron James, Damian Lillard, and Anthony Davis are known for their tattoos. For these players, we look at the top-10 NBA players that are tattoo-free.
Honorable Mention
Zion Williamson
Williamson could eventually look to get a tattoo one day but the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft is spotless. Williamson is poised to become the next face of the franchise once he gets a little older. He’s not even 21 years old yet. So far, his first healthy season in the league is seeing 24.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, with a 60.7% shooting percentage.
10. Ben Simmons
The 24-year old Australian was the No. 1 overall pick in 2016. Simmons is somebody that can average close to a triple-double on any given night. While his three-point shooting percentage is considerably low, he makes up for it with his defense and ball-handling skills. Simmons is a 6-foot-7 point guard, which is very hard to come by these days. Along with Joel Embiid, Simmons has the Philadelphia 76ers playing at the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference right now.
9. Klay Thompson
It’s hard to believe that after all these years of being a member of the “Splash Bros,” that no sort of art resembling that motto is tatted on his skin. Thompson has been out of the league the last two seasons due to injuries but when he is healthy, he is one of the best two-way players in the game. Thompson has paired with Stephen Curry for three NBA championships.
8. Kyle Lowry
The face of the Toronto Raptors, even with Kawhi Leonard was there, is one of the grittiest players in the league. Lowry has always been considered undersized and counted out. Even though Lowry could have put a tattoo of “never back down” or something related to grinding out results, he didn’t. Instead, he let his play do the talking on route to six consecutive All-Star appearances.
7. Karl-Anthony Towns
Towns are just 24 years old but feel like he has been in the league forever since being taken with the No. 1 overall pick in 2015. When taken, many thought that Towns was going to be the next Tim Duncan. He has produced at a high enough level to be taken in two All-Star games but Duncan had tattoos. Duncan had a yin yank gear-like tattoo on his right shoulder. As for Towns, he has nothing of the sort.
6. Chris Paul
Next time you see Chris Paul standing out on the State Farm commercials, you can stop searching for a tattoo. He doesn’t have one. Paul is the franchise leader in assists and steals for both the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers. CP3’s best friends LeBron, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony are all tatted up in a way. However, it looks like Paul never succumbed to peer pressure.
5. Jimmy Butler
Butler’s life story features moments where he was practically homeless at some point. Not trying to judge, but there was at one point where Butler had to thought about getting a tattoo just based on the crowd he was hanging around. Butler is living proof that stereotypes and assumptions are wrong because the man in Miami had defied all odds to get to where he is. The former first-round pick turned All-Star turned a face of the franchise is one of the best two-way players in the league and was instrumental in leading the Heat to the NBA Finals in 2020.
4. Joel Embiid
The only superstar duo without tattoos is Embiid and Simmonds. At 18-9, the 76ers lead the Eastern Conference. Not to be superstitious but a tattoo would definitely mess up the team mojo if he got one now, right? Embiid is currently enjoying one of the best seasons in his career, averaging 29.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
3. Nikola Jokic
Jokic is an MVP candidate this season with averages of 26.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. The Serbian standout likely could have gotten a tattoo if he wanted. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is said to own great tattoo shops and artists, not to mention that they are considered cheap. Instead, he chose to keep the body wiped clean.
2. James Harden
Harden never got into tattoos, rather the beard. Harden is the winner of the last three scoring titles and is trying to pair up with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to win his first NBA title. Tattoos are typically used for symbolism. His symbol comes from his face instead of his skin.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Given that Giannis is the recipient of the last two Most Valuable Player awards, he is arguably the best player on this list without a tattoo. “The Greek Freek” would be one of the coolest displays of word art on an individual but it all comes down to personal choices. Giannis ranks in the top-1o for scoring and rebounding, while he is third in the league in free throws attempted. After bowing out in the second round of the playoffs, Giannis is looking to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1974.
Next
5 Superstars That Could Have Played For The Lakers
NBA Rumors: Miami Heat Could Acquire Zach LaVine For Four Players
Stephen Curry Unanimous MVP Season vs. Stephen Curry This Season: They’re Nearly Identical
Could Joel Embiid Be The Modern Hakeem Olajuwon?
The Game Everyone Wants To Watch: All-Time Lakers vs. All-Time Heat
