The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. With star players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, it’s no surprise that millions of fans tune in to watch their favorite teams play. Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of NBA players wearing masks and goggles during games. While some may wear these items for fashion reasons, more and more are wearing them for safety reasons. This article will explore why NBA players wear masks and goggles, as well as look at the history behind this trend.
This article will examine why NBA players choose to wear masks and goggles while playing and how it has become increasingly common among professional athletes. Through research into the history of mask-wearing in basketball, we can gain insight into why more players are choosing to protect themselves on the court. We will also look at some of the benefits associated with wearing protective gear while playing basketball and discuss how medical advancements have impacted decisions around player safety in sports today.
What is the History Behind Masks and Goggles in the NBA?
Wilt Chamberlain was one of the first NBA players to wear a protective mask, and it became a trend in the league ever since. During his career, he suffered a broken nose and some lost teeth, which prompted him to resort to wearing a protective basketball facemask. Wearing masks or goggles has become increasingly popular among NBA players over the years due to the risk of facial injuries, as well as making a fashion statement.
On December 7, 1977, the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets clashed in what would become an infamous game. During the third quarter, a physical altercation between Kevin Kunnert of the Rockets and Kermit Washington of the Lakers ensued. As Rudy Tomjanovich attempted to break up the fight, he was punched directly in his face by Washington.
The punch caused Tomjanovich to suffer severe injuries including a fractured skull, broken jaw and nose, as well as spinal fluid leakage. Miraculously, five months after the incident, Tomjanovich returned to the court wearing a white face mask for protection. Due to its success in allowing him to return from such serious injuries so quickly, it set a precedent for future players to follow suit. Amazingly, despite these adversities, Tomjanovich even managed to earn another All-Star selection post-punch.
NBA Face Mask Purpose
Today, many NBA players choose to wear masks and goggles for protection on the court. Wearing protective gear can help reduce the risk of injury to their faces and eyes. The most common type of mask worn by players is a full-face guard that covers the entire face, including the mouth and nose. This type of mask helps protect against facial injuries such as broken noses, which are quite common in basketball.
Goggles are also commonly worn by NBA players while playing to protect their eyes from possible eye injuries or contact with other players’ hands or fingers. Due to the increasing prevalence of serious facial injuries in sports, wearing protective masks and goggles has become more commonplace in recent years. In addition, advances in medical technology have enabled athletes to return from serious facial injuries much faster than before. As a result, wearing protective equipment can also be seen as a show of solidarity for those who have suffered similar accidents.
Overall, there are many benefits associated with wearing masks and goggles while playing basketball in the NBA. Not only does it reduce the risk of serious injury but it can also serve as a tribute to those who suffered serious facial injuries.
Why Were Black Masks Banned by the NBA?
The exact reason behind the NBA’s ‘ban’ on black masks worn by certain players remains a mystery, yet theories abound. It may have been an effort to help players maintain good visibility on the court, ensure other players could see their eyes, or simply because of its appearance.
While the league does not appear to officially restrict players from wearing a black mask, they did single out LeBron James and request he change his. This has led many to speculate that this was a targeted decision with the intent of singling him out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that NBA players have numerous reasons for choosing to wear masks and goggles while playing. Wearing protective gear can help reduce the risk of facial injuries as well as eye injuries, both of which are common in basketball.
In addition, advances in medical technology have enabled athletes to recover from serious facial injuries much faster than before. Moreover, wearing a mask or goggles can also be seen as a show of solidarity for those who have suffered similar accidents. It is an important reminder to all athletes about the importance of safety in sports today.
Why is Jaylen Brown on the Celtics wearing a mask?
Jaylen Brown has been seen wearing a face mask during games to protect an injury. Players often wear clear, fitted face masks to shield a facial fracture or other facial injuries, allowing them to continue playing while minimizing the risk of further damage.
