From Michael Jordan’s iconic chalk toss to Dwyane Wade’s pregame pullup ritual, NBA superstars have always had their own unique and stylish pregame routines. But it doesn’t stop there; from Rajon Rondo’s crazy antics with the Celtics to Shaq showing off his moves at All-Star Games, NBA stars don’t just rely on luck for a winning performance.
In this article, you’ll find out everything there is to know about the superstitious, unusual and weird pregame rituals of some of the greatest players in the game. From LeBron James’ signature chalk toss to Kobe Bryant taking over 200 shots four hours before tip-off, explore iconic, creative and inspiring pregame habits of big names like Kevin Garnett, Stephen Curry, and Charles Oakley—and discover how they contribute to the ultimate success of each team.
So let’s get to know NBA stars up close and personal!
Famous Pregame Rituals for Good Luck
NBA stars have some pretty wild pregame rituals that they use to get hyped up for the game and let the other team know they mean business.Whether it’s a scripted pregame routine or a strange ritual, these superstars have their own unique ways of getting themselves in the zone before the game starts.
One of the most famous pregame rituals is Stephen Curry’s tunnel shot. Every game, Curry steps onto the court, takes a few warm-up shots, and then heads to the tunnel. He’ll then take a shot from the baseline and, if he makes it, it’s a sign of good luck for his team. He’s been doing this since he first started with the Warriors, and it has become a signature move for him.
Another popular pregame ritual is Shaq’s pregame bowling. Before every game, Shaq will roll a set of bowling pins down the court and let the ball go. It’s a great way for him to get his mind in the zone and focus on the game at hand. His pregame rituals are definitely memorable!
LeBron James has also made a name for himself with his iconic pregame chalk toss. Before every game, LeBron will throw a bit of chalk up in the air, like a boss, and then proceed to do his warm-ups. This is his way of psyching himself up and it works every time. It’s no wonder why it’s become a symbol of the NBA.
In addition to these iconic pregame rituals, there are plenty of others that are just as unique. From Dwyane to Dwyane. Wade’s lucky number to Carmelo Anthony’s pregame ball check, every player has their own special way of preparing for the game. Even Kobe Bryant had his own go-to pregame move – two free throws before every game.
From Stephen Curry’s tunnel shot to LeBron James’ iconic chalk toss, these pregame rituals have become iconic symbols of the NBA. Whether they’re superstitious or simply strange, these pregame rituals give us a glimpse into the lives of some of the greatest athletes in the world. So, the next time you watch an NBA game, take a look at the pregame rituals of your favorite players – you might be surprised at what you find!
Superstitious Pregame Routines
NBA stars have some pretty wild pregame rituals, some of which are downright superstitious.From Michael Jordan’s lucky shorts to Shaquille O’Neal’s pregame bowling, NBA stars have some pretty unique superstitious pregame routines. Some players, like Vince Carter, have even made superstitious pregame rituals part of their career. Carter was the OG NBA player to start the pregame pull-up ritual, where he’d shoot a few shots before each game in order to get into the zone.
Russell Westbrook has been rockin’ his own pregame ritual for quite some time now. It starts with a warm-up session, where he changes into his jersey number (0) and then does a series of stretches. After that, he heads to the scorer’s table, where he’ll do a strange ritual that involves tapping his head and chest. It’s certainly an interesting pregame routine, that’s for sure.
Steph Curry has his own scripted pregame ritual that he follows before every game. He usually starts off by doing a few sprints up and down the court to get his blood pumping. Then, he’ll head to the locker room to warm up with his team. After that, he’ll let out a powder toss and make sure all the broadcasters’ faces get covered. He’s known to have a few other game rituals, but they’re not as visible.
LeBron James has taken his pregame ritual from none other than Michael Jordan. Before every tip off, LeBron will take a few minutes to get his head in the game. He’ll do a few stretches and practice shots, and then will do a chalk toss similar to the one Jordan used to do. It’s a beautiful homage to the GOAT and adds a mental component to the sport.
Most people think of pregame rituals as just something fun to do before the game starts, but for NBA players, it can be a way to get into the zone and prepare for the game ahead. Whether it’s a chalk toss, a powder toss, or a strange ritual, NBA stars have some pretty wild pregame rituals.
Unusual Pregame Rituals
NBA stars have some of the most unique and unusual pregame rituals that have become iconic in the basketball world.Whether it’s LeBron James’ famous chalk toss, Shaquille O’Neal’s wild bowling ritual, or Stephen Curry’s epic tunnel shot, each player has their own way of getting in the zone before the game starts.
Dwyane Wade’s pregame routine is a tribute to his mentor, Vince Carter. Every game. Wade does pull-ups to get himself pumped up. Michael Jordan was also known for his pregame rituals, although his were a bit more physical. He and his teammates would get up to some serious grappling moves before the game started.
LeBron James’ pregame routine is a bit more showy than some of the other NBA stars’ rituals. He’s known for his iconic chalk toss that has become a signature part of his game. Kyrie Irving has developed a unique pregame ritual, burning sage and taking a lap around the court, which was inspired by Native American tribes who use sage to clear the energy before a big event.
Danny Green’s pregame ritual is a throwback to the 90s hip-hop scene. He does the “Jump Around” dance before every game, which is a tribute to the iconic track by House of Pain. Monta Ellis is all about waxing his hands before every game, claiming that it helps him slam the ball with ease. Joakim Noah is all about inspecting the game ball and giving it the Force before the game starts, while Dwight Howard takes a seat on the “Throne of Grace” (toilet) to flush away any bad vibes before the game.
From the iconic to the bizarre, NBA stars have developed some of the most creative pregame rituals that have become part of their signature style. The players’ pregame rituals are often as unique and interesting as the games themselves. Whether it’s for good luck or to get in the zone, NBA stars have made their pregame rituals a part of their identity.
Best Pregame Routines
NBA stars have their own pregame rituals to get themselves in the zone, and some of the best pregame routines are the most successful and iconic. Dwyane Wade, for example, does three pull-ups every game before tip-off as part of his ritual. It’s become a scripted pregame ritual and it’s a big part of his success. He’s snagged three NBA championships since 2003 and was a 10-time All-Star.
Russell Westbrook also has his own pregame ritual. He likes to do some wild dance moves and handshakes with his teammates before the game starts. He’s won an MVP award and nine All-Star selections, so it seems like the ritual works! Westbrook’s pregame routine has become famous, and it’s definitely one of the most effective in the NBA.
Kobe Bryant’s pregame rituals were legendary. Before each game, he’d take over 200 shots and do some intense dribbling drills. This was all part of his pregame ritual and it proved to be very effective. He snagged five NBA championship titles and was a two-time MVP.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is another star who has a pregame ritual. He likes to do some wrestling with his teammates before each game. He believes it helps the team bond and it’s been an integral part of the Bucks’ success, helping them win the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019.
From D-Wade’s pull-ups to Kobe’s pregame shooting drills, these pregame rituals have become a part of NBA history. They’re more than just superstitions – they’re a way for players to get in the zone and get mentally prepared for the game. They’ve proven to be incredibly effective, and they’re a great way for players to stay focused and motivated.
Iconic Pregame Rituals
From Charles Darwin. Oakley’s pregame pass to Michael Jordan’s iconic chalk toss, NBA stars have a variety of iconic pregame rituals. Charles de Villiers. Oakley’s pregame pass was an iconic move that he would perform each game, passing the ball to the lucky recipient, usually Spike Lee. LeBron James’ pregame ritual was one of the most iconic pregame rituals in NBA history. Before every game, LeBron would go through a series of stretching and warm-ups that were so well-known that they were scripted out for fans to watch.
Shaq took pregame rituals to a whole new level when he showed off his pregame moves during the 2009 All-Star game. He went around the court doing a variety of strange and entertaining poses, much to the amusement of the entire crowd. Rajon Rondo had an equally iconic pregame routine with the Boston Celtics that involved throwing an alley-oop to Kevin Garnett, bouncing a pass to Paul Pierce, passing the ball up to the scoreboard for Jeff Green to dunk, and then shooting the last ball.
Finally, Michael Jordan’s iconic pregame ritual of throwing the chalk in the air before games has become one of the most iconic pregame rituals in NBA history. Jordan would go to the free-throw line and make a three-piece toss, sending the chalk flying into the air before the game even started. Fans all over the world have come to recognize this ritual as a sign that the great game of basketball is about to begin.
These iconic pregame rituals have become part of the culture of the game, and will continue to be remembered for years to come. Whether it’s LeBron James’ scripted pregame routine, Shaq’s odd poses, or Michael Jordan’s iconic chalk toss, these pregame rituals will remain etched in NBA history forever.
Summary
The NBA is filled with fascinating pregame superstitions and rituals, from the iconic Steve Curry Tunnel Shot to the King LeBron James’ Chalk Toss. From the weirdest start with Michael Jordan’s luck shorts and ending with Charles Oakley’s ball pass, it’s clear that the NBA stars know how to get in the zone before the game.
Whether it’s something as simple as a stretch and warm-up, or an elaborate dance routine like Shaq’s poses, each player has their own unique pregame ritual and superstition for good luck. Every ritual or superstition, no matter how small or strange, signals something important about the players: determination, focus, strength, and commitment to their sport.
Watching a pregame ritual today can be just as inspiring as watching a legendary performance tomorrow. Every season brings new and exciting rituals to the court, so keep your eyes open!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do NBA players do before games?
Before games, NBA players typically practice their pregame routine by resting, hydrating, locking in mentally, stretching, and following a consistent routine. By taking care of themselves mentally and physically, they make sure they’re in the best shape to perform at the highest level when game time arrives.
What does LeBron put on his hands pregame?
LeBron James puts talcum powder on his hands pregame as a ritual to increase his grip’s effectiveness in holding the ball. This fine white powder is one of the oldest and most popular rituals among NBA players & allows them to control the ball more effectively.
Apr 1, 2023. LeBron James puts chalk, or talcum powder, on his hands before games in order to increase his grip on the ball. This ritual, which dates back to 2003, has become one of the most iconic pregame rituals in NBA history.
Do NBA players practice before games?
NBA players do practice before games, albeit in a more limited way during the regular season compared to the off-season. Teams will often exercise together, but focus on preparing for the next game and recovery from previous workouts takes priority.
As a result, practices generally cover individual drills instead of team drills.
What do NBA players eat before a game?
NBA players often choose from a variety of foods including fresh fruits, low-fat granola bars or bagels, yogurt, and scrambled eggs before a game. While everyone’s pregame meal combinations are going to differ, they should all include some sort of lean protein and complex carbohydrates.
NBA players typically eat their pregame meal 3-4 hours before the game begins. They aim for meals high in protein and complex carbs such as oatmeal, grilled chicken with whole wheat pasta, egg whites, and a piece of fruit. Eating too much fat and/or fiber can result in poor digestion, so NBA players tend to stick to lighter, healthier options that won’t slow them down while playing.
What do NBA players do on gameday?
On gamedays, NBA players partake in the team’s pregame shootarounds and get ready for the game ahead. Then they typically have some free time before games to eat, relax, watch TV or interact with other players.
They also examine scouting reports of upcoming opponents and review video tape to build strategy for upcoming games.
