It seems to have begun with Ivan Iverson wearing an arm sleeve, Kobe Bryant had one from time to time, and now it is frequent attire in the NBA. College players are getting into the action. Is this just a fashion statement or is there some other reason? I first thought it was to hide some arm tattoos, but I’m not sure about that.
Ivan Iverson?
This will probably get moved to the Game Room, but I believe the answer is its a compression sleeve. Helps with blood circulation and keeps the arm warm. Supposedly.
Here’s an article discussing and dismissing it as a placebo.
http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-playing-field/200804/allen-iverson-kobe-bryant-and-basketballs-placebo-effect
Here’s a post where it was discussed before.
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=178267&highlight=compression+sleeve
They used to wear them on their legs, too:
But Commissioner Stern banned them.
From this point on, Allen Iverson is forever “Ivan Iverson” to me. I realize it’s just a typo, but that cracks me the hell up.
In addition to what others have said, sleeves like that would also help against floor burns, though I agree they are mostly for looks.
It’s his hard-working proletariat brother.
PRACTICE?!? PRACTICE?!? WHY YES, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT PRACTICE. AND I SHALL GO THERE FORTHWITH!