Cigars and champagne seem to go hand-in-hand when NBA teams celebrate championship victories. The tradition likely started decades ago when infamous Boston Celtics executive Red Auerbach would puff on victory cigars from his seat on the bench when he felt the game was firmly in hand.
Since then, the victory cigar has become ingrained in NBA championship celebrations and locker room revelry.
Michael Jordan famously smoked cigars after winning each of his six titles with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. The image of Jordan clutching the Larry O’Brien Trophy in one hand and a cigar in the other is etched in basketball lore.
But beyond just celebrating victories, numerous NBA stars have developed a genuine passion for cigars over the years. For players like Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal, cigars are more than just props during celebrations – they are a hobby to be enjoyed year-round.
Michael Jordan
As mentioned, Jordan is probably most responsible for popularizing cigars in the NBA. After first trying one when Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf gifted him a cigar after Chicago won the 1991 NBA Finals, Jordan quickly developed an appreciation for cigars built on the feelings of relaxation and success they gave him.
Jordan has stated his favorite cigar is the Cuban Cohiba, specifically the Limited Edition Double Corona, which he usually paired with playing golf. During his historic NBA career, Jordan smoked a cigar before Bulls home games to ease the stresses caused by Chicago traffic on his drive to the arena.
Throughout Chicago‘s dynasty in the 90s, Jordan frequently shared victory cigars with teammates Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen in the locker room after clinching NBA titles.
Shaquille O’Neal
The larger-than-life Shaq has an affinity for large cigars to match his massive 7-foot-1(2.16m), 300-pound (136kg) frame during his playing days. The 4-time NBA champ enjoys the smooth draw of expensive Cuban cigars and Padrón’s premium smokes.
Shaq has shared his passion for cigars publicly much more than Jordan ever did. He once went on a well-documented tour of the Padrón factory in Nicaragua.
And there’s a classic video showing Jorge Padrón presenting Shaq with a box of the brand’s cigars as his eyes light up in delight.
Charles Barkley
The former MVP and legendary power forward Charles Barkley developed his enjoyment of cigars during his long rivalry with Michael Jordan throughout their NBA careers. And it was Jordan who introduced Barkley to the world of fine cigars.
Barkley told Cigar Aficionado that Jordan gave him some important advice when gifting Chuck his first cigar:
“Have two humidors – one for people who know what they’re doing and one for people who don’t.”
Today, Barkley keeps four large humidors stocked full of Cubans and Padróns at his Arizona home. He enjoys smoking while playing golf and admits to having far more cigars than he lets on publicly.
Dominique Wilkins
Legendary Atlanta Hawks high flyer Dominique Wilkins made his name in the NBA with thunderous, acrobatic dunks. Since retirement, he’s brought his creative talents to the cigar world as well.
In 2019, Wilkins introduced his boutique cigar label called M.X.S. by Dominique Wilkins, produced by A.C.E. Prime. The medium-to-full-bodied cigar uses a flavorful Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers.
Phil Jackson
Arguably the NBA’s greatest head coach, Phil Jackson captured 11 NBA titles with Michael Jordan‘s Bulls and Shaq/Kobe Lakers. He picked up his appreciation for cigars along the way.
Known for embracing Native American culture and spirituality, Jackson views cigar smoking as more spiritual than oral indulgence. He enjoys how cigars relax his mind and enable him to slow things down when needed.
Some of his favorite premium smokes include Montecruz, Romeo y Julieta, and Macanudo cigars from the Dominican Republic. And when he can get his hands on contraband Cubans, he enjoys puffing on Cohibas as well.
LeBron James
Since rising to fame as a teen phenom labeled “The Chosen One,” LeBron James‘ every move has been captured by cameras and crowds. His passion for victory cigars is no exception.
Upon losing the 2011 NBA Finals, James took note when he saw Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrating with his players while smoking a cigar. From that point on, James actively embraced the tradition with childlike zeal and became a full-on cigar aficionado.
James enjoys sharing cigars with teammates like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who introduced him to fine cigars in Miami. Among his favorites are the Cuban Behikes and Magnum 50s. He also puffs on Rocky Patel Javas, Drew Estate Acids, and Yaxel Ortizes.
The iconic image of LeBron raising the 2016 championship trophy in one hand and a cigar in the other cemented his place in NBA cigar lore at just 31 years of age.
Sources:
www.holts.com/clubhouse/cigar-culture/basketball-players-who-smoke-cigars
www.holts.com/clubhouse/cigar-culture/lebron-james
