The NBA is filled with superstitious and unique players who stick to their pre-game routines religiously. Some routines are simple, while others are downright bizarre! Here are some of the wildest pre-game rituals in NBA history.
1️⃣ LeBron James – The Chalk Toss 💨
Before every game, LeBron James walks to the scorers’ table, grabs a handful of chalk, and tosses it into the air. This iconic ritual has been a staple of his pre-game routine since his early days in the NBA.
📝 Fun Fact: The chalk toss became so popular that fans in Cleveland, Miami, and LA started doing it too!
2️⃣ Kevin Garnett – Headbutting the Basket Stanchion 🤕
Kevin Garnett had one of the most intense pre-game routines in NBA history. He would violently headbutt the basket stanchion to get himself hyped up before games.
🔥 Why? It was his way of mentally locking in and intimidating his opponents.
3️⃣ Russell Westbrook – Dancing Before Tip-Off 🎶
Russell Westbrook is known for his high-energy playstyle, and that starts even before the game begins! He’s often seen dancing on the court during warm-ups, hyping up his teammates and the crowd.
📝 Did You Know? Westbrook’s dance routines have gone viral multiple times on social media!
4️⃣ Michael Jordan – Wearing His College Shorts 🩳
Even the greatest player of all time had a weird pre-game superstition. Michael Jordan always wore his University of North Carolina practice shorts underneath his Bulls uniform for every game.
🏆 Why? He believed they brought him luck and success.
5️⃣ Jason Terry – Sleeping in Opponents' Shorts 😳
This is one of the craziest NBA rituals ever! Jason Terry had a habit of sleeping in the shorts of the opposing team the night before a game.
🔮 Reason? He believed it helped him channel their energy and play better against them!
6️⃣ Dwyane Wade – Pull-Ups on the Rim 🏋️
Before every game, Dwyane Wade would do pull-ups on the rim after layup drills. This was his way of activating his athleticism before tip-off.
💪 Did It Work? Absolutely! Wade was known for his explosive dunks and acrobatic finishes.
7️⃣ Steph Curry – The Tunnel Shot 🎯
Steph Curry is famous for taking ridiculously deep shots in games, and his pre-game ritual reflects that! Before tip-off, he shoots a deep three from the tunnel.
🏀 Fun Fact: Fans always gather early just to watch him make the shot!
8️⃣ Shaquille O’Neal – Eating Fried Chicken 🍗
Shaq had a rather unusual pre-game meal – he loved eating fried chicken before games.
😂 His Reason? He once said it was his “secret weapon” for dominating the paint!
9️⃣ Kawhi Leonard – The Silent Routine 🤫
Unlike most players, Kawhi Leonard has no flashy pre-game ritual. Instead, he stays completely silent, focusing solely on his mental game.
🧘♂️ Why? Kawhi believes in calmness and discipline before stepping onto the court.
🔟 Superstitions and Rituals Are Here to Stay!
NBA players are known for their superstitions and unique routines. Whether it’s dancing, headbutting, or eating fried chicken, these pre-game rituals help them mentally and physically prepare for the game.
Which crazy NBA pre-game ritual surprised you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇🏀🔥
Keywords (7 with commas used)
NBA rituals, pre-game routines, NBA superstitions, basketball habits, famous NBA players, NBA game prep, weird NBA traditions
SEO Description
Discover the craziest pre-game rituals of NBA superstars! From LeBron’s chalk toss to Jason Terry’s bizarre superstition, these routines will shock you! 🏀🔥
Let me know if you need any changes! 🚀🏀
