33 Cool Basketball Tattoos for Men

Dribble your way back in time and you’ll find the first instance of basketball taking place back in 1981. Though, you might really be surprised to see peach baskets for hoops and backboards made of wire. From Michael Jordan, the world’s great with the most playoff points, to the popular Dallas Maverick owner Mark Cuban, basketball is almost universally admired by every man.

Come for the slam dunk action, which was illegal for nine years back in 1967, or simply to cheer against the opposing team. One thing is for certain, it takes talent to precisely sink the ball into the basket. That swish sound doesn’t come easy; neither do the rebounds or assists either.

If you’ve been thinking of getting a basketball tattoo, the last thing you want to do is decide the game on a half court shot at the buzzer. To make things as easy as a free throw for you, I’ve put together a collection of the 33 best basketball tattoos for men. From the ball to the players themselves, here’s your alley-oop to great, manly design ideas.

1. Forearm Basketball Tattoos

Tattoo of a basketball player dunking a ball on a forearm with a printed image used as reference

Close-up of a tattooed forearm with a hand holding a basketball among clouds and Roman numerals

2. Bicep Basketball Tattoos

Detailed tattoo of a basketball player wearing a "Cavaliers" jersey with the number 2 on.

Tattoo of a stylized red and black face on an upper arm

A tattoo of a basketball, hoop, and play diagram on an arm

Tattoo of multiple championship rings and athletes on an arm

3. Arm Basketball Tattoos

Tattoo of a basketball player dunking, the word "Michigan," and an "M" in the background

Arm tattoo depicting hands gripping a basketball, with the hands appearing to wear an orange sleeveless shirt

Tattoo of a basketball on fire going through a net on an upper arm

Tattoo of a basketball player shooting with a crowd and 'Bowyer' banner in the background

4. Sleeve Basketball Tattoos

Close-up of a detailed tattoo featuring an anatomical heart on an upper arm

Tattoo of a basketball-themed design with number 24 and African-inspired elements on an arm

A detailed tattoo of a basketball player poised to shoot toward a hoop with "Charlton 83" emblazoned on the jersey

Tattoo featuring basketball players in action, "NBA" text, and a player in a jersey with the number 23

Tattoo of a basketball player in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey, number 24, dunking a ball

5. Back Basketball Tattoos

Black and gray tattoo of a hand gripping a basketball on the upper back

6. Calf Basketball Tattoos

Tattoo of a hand holding a basketball with wings on a calf

Tattoo of a basketball, player silhouette, abstract marks, and "be like water" text on an arm

7. Leg Basketball Tattoos

Tattoo depicting a basketball player in a yellow jersey dunking over an opponent in a black jersey

Tattoo of a basketball player with "Jordan" and the number 23 dunking a ball on an arm

Tattoo of basketball player in a Bulls jersey with number 23, dunking a ball on forearm

8. Shoulder Basketball Tattoos

Close-up of a shoulder tattoo depicting a basketball player in a jersey with the number 3

Tattoo of a muscular figure resembling Atlas holding up a large cracked basketball

9. Full Sleeve Basketball Tattoos

Individual with a detailed "Seattle Sonics" basketball tattoo on their upper arm

10. More Tattoo Ideas

Forearm tattoo of a skull incorporating basketball elements like a ball and court lines

Tattoo of a basketball going through a net on the back of someone's leg

Detailed portrait tattoo of a basketball player featuring a close-up and action shot with jersey

Tattoo of a basketball player in a red uniform, mid-jump with a red and black background

Tattoo of a crowned basketball with angel wings on the inner side of the leg

Crowned lion tattoo on the upper arm, detailed in black and gray ink

Tattoo of skyscrapers with a cartoon hornet playing basketball and hexagonal shapes in the background

Tattoo of a basketball player holding a ball with the number 23 on the jersey

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33 Basketball Tattoos for Men