Both my sister and I are driving ourselves crazy (short trip!) trying to figure out what the black bands on the left shoulders of NBA uniforms signify. Not every guy has one, and it seems rather random. I’ve had different people offer ideas: a mourning band for someone who has died; the guy wearing it has been elected to the All-Star game; the guy wearing it is the team captain. Help a newbie out and let me know what the deal is. Thanks!!!
The only black arm bands I’ve seen, were of the mourning type you spoke of. They are worn in memory of a team mate, coach, owner, etc., who has passed away.
There may be other arm bands worn by players, but I haven’t seen them. You may see only one player on a team wearing one, but it probably means that he was traded to that team, and someone on his former team died, and he’s paying tribute to him, even though the rest of his “new” team mates are not.
The black bands are worn in mourning. They are supposed to be on each uniform for an entire team. After all, that is why they are called uniforms.
I think the only one of the four NBA teams still playing that sports a black band is the Lakers who are wearing one in the memory of Wilt Chamberlain.
The Celtics used to love wearing black bands.
The black bands started out for mourning the passing of a teammate or colleague and used to be somewhat temporary (easily removeable). In the past few years, they’ve become a permanent part of the uniform. I don’t know how far it dates back.
I don’t think the black bands are permanent. I’ve noticed that the Blazers are wearing one, but one of their assistant coaches died this year, so that’s probably who it was for.
I think the Sixers wore a black band this year in honor of Chamberlain also.