The 25 Best Tattoos in the NBA

Finding a bunch of tattoos in the NBA is like finding hay in a haystack.

It's just that easy.

But narrowing it down to the 25 best took a critical eye.

Keep in mind these are the 25 best tattoos in the NBA today, so Allen Iverson won't be making an appearance. Neither will Rasheed Wallace.

But there's a good variety. Some make you laugh. Some make you cry. Some make you say, "Sick, dude, sick."

A lot of these tattoos are meant to tell a story. Some of them are dedicated to cartoon characters. And some, well, kinda scare me, but are still interesting nonetheless.

You'll find some obvious players in here, as well as some not-so-obvious ones.

I even found some video of a couple players describing their tattoos.

So, without further ado, here are the 25 best tattoos in the NBA.

Feel free to add some pics of other ones in the comments below.

25. Brad Miller, Houston Rockets

Some people may laugh at Brad Miller for getting a tat of Scappy Doo on his right arm.

But I find it great.

So many players are trying to be all macho with their tattoos, it's nice to see a player who has a sense of humor.

But for the record, I wouldn't get this tattoo.

24. Marcin Gortat, Orlando Magic

The Jordan tattoo on Gortat's right calf may not seem that great or original.

But it's the story behind it that makes it truly special.

Reebok asked the center to cover up this tattoo at one point or he wouldn't get a sponsorship.

His response?

"It helped me get to the NBA...it's not going anywhere."

Way to stick to your principles, Gortat.

23. Carlos Boozer, Chicago Bulls

Many people don't realize this, but forward Carlos Boozer of the Chicago Bulls grew up in Juneau, Alaska.

The snarling bear that appears to be clawing through his skin is a great way to honor his hometown.

22. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Those who feel Kobe isn't dedicated to wife Vanessa Bryant after the "adultery" scandal only need to look at his right arm as proof otherwise.

He got her freakin' name tattooed on his arm with a crown and everything!

21. Shawn Marion, Dallas Mavericks

Forward Shawn Marion got a Chinese symbol on his right calf that is supposed to be an ode to his nickname, "The Matrix".

That would have been cool.

But what it really means is even cooler.

Ready for it?

"Demon Bird Moth Balls."

That is way better. I couldn't even make up a more awesome phrase if I tried.

20. Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets

This tattoo has been with Chauncey for a while, back to his days with the Detroit Pistons.

His left arm says "King of the Hill".

Not to mention some crazy masks on his right arm.

Freakin' awesome.

19. Marcus Camby, Portland Trail Blazers

Props to Camby for having some truly noble sayings all over his body.

The Chinese tattoo on his right shoulder means "Strive to be the best".

The one underneath means "Love your family".

Well done, noble sir, well done.

18. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Didn't expect to see ol' Timmy on here, did ya?

Being the respected player he's been all these years, you also wouldn't expect him to be a Dungeons and Dragons fan.

But his tat of Skeleton Jester on his right shoulder blade attests to this.

He also has a tattoo of Merlin the Magician on his back.

17. Al Harrington, Denver Nuggets

Forward Al Harrington's right calf reads "I do it for the love".

Gotta respect that.

16. Jason Richardson, Phoenix Suns

Following in former Golden State Warrior teammate Al Harrington's footsteps, Jason Richardson has "THA FACTOR" tattooed on his back, which is a nickname that was given to him by Harrington and his former Warriors teammates.

He also has a plethora of other cool ones (courtesy of the Phoenix News Times):

"Another prominent tat is the image of a muscle man holding a basketball. Above the muscle man is a tattoo that his brother and cousin also have: "E.L.I.T.E." — which means "Enjoy Life Into the End." Many of THA FACTOR's tats are in honor of family members. There's an intricate image on his chest that includes the names of his brothers, cousins, and three children, along with Asian characters that spell out a private message. "Rich" is on his left bicep, and "boys" is on his right. This is a reference to his sons, whom he calls "rich boys." Chinese letters that represent the words "father," "strength," "talent," and "smooth" are on his left forearm. He's also adorned with a popular-among-NBA-players Grim Reaper image."

15. Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic

Magic guard Jameer Nelson has a tattoo of "All Eyes On Me" on his back, a tribute to the late 2-Pac.

Much respect, Jameer, much respect.

14. Matt Barnes, Los Angeles Lakers

Sure, he's got a buncha flames on his arms (big whoop), but what really made me give him props was his defiant stance against "haters", which is symbolized by "F.T.H."

I'll let ol' Matty boy tell you what that stands for (WARNING: EXTREME LANGUAGE).

13. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards

Gilbert's twisted family tree that reads, "Family Is A Haven In A Heartless World," probably demonstrates his thoughts on former teammate Javaris Crittenton not paying him debt...before he brought guns into the locker room.

Twisted, sure, but just twisted enough to work.

He also has "change we believe in" tattooed on each finger beyond his thumb.

12. Delonte West, Boston Celtics

A self-proclaimed "G," Delonte has a plethora of tats, including "The G Code," some shout-outs to some loved ones and some odes to God.

Well, I'll let him tell you the rest.

He starts explaining the tats at 1:25.

11. Shaquille O'Neal, Boston Celtics

Yes, I know Shaq is on the Celtics, but this is one of the better close-ups I could find of him.

His nickname "Diesel" is a great nickname fit for a tat, and the Superman "S" and "Man of Steel" engraving are classics.

Shaq could have just those two tattoos and I'd rank him high on the list.

But he also has his daughter's name, "Taahairh," chiseled onto his biceps, as well as "The World is Mine" and "Against the Law".

10. LeBron James, Miami Heat

LeBron's nickname "Chosen 1" is labeled on his upper back.

That's a declaration that stands by itself and probably has Cleveland fans squirming in their seats.

9. Marquis Daniels, Boston Celtics

From Jasper, Florida, Marquis not only has his area code inscribed on his back ("407"), he also has the ENTIRE STATE.

Now that's rep'ing.

8. Quentin Richardson, Orlando Magic

Talking about rep'ing, it's pretty obvious where Magic guard/forward Quentin Richardson comes from.

You guessed it, Chicago, Ilinois.

"Chicago's Own" ranks up there with "Chosen 1", he's got a cool eagle flying over the city, and "EST. 1980 Chi City" is an ode to when and where he was born.

Although I don't agree with that giant lion or "Q-Dogg", the rest is pretty awesome.

7. Stephen Jackson, Charlotte Bobcats

Stephen Jackson's tattoo on his belly is the ultimate "F U" commissioner David Stern has probably ever experienced.

Jackson was suspended for seven games of the 2007-2008 season after he fired a gun outside a nightclub.

So what better way to show he's learned than by inking praying hands in front of a church on his belly.

Except, those praying hands are holding a gun.

One of those tats that will live in infamy.

6. DeShawn Stevenson, Dallas Mavericks

DeShawn Stevenson has freakin' Honest Abe tattooed on his neck.

What's more awesome than that?!

I'll tell you what's more awesome...

5. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics

The REAL "Chosen One".

LeBron's tat may have meaning on the basketball court, but Paul Pierce's "Chosen One" inscription has far more meaning in the whole scheme of things.

It stems from a stabbing incident in 2000 when he was stabbed five times outside a Boston nightclub.

The phrase reminds him that he was meant to live.

4. Chris Andersen, Denver Nuggets

Chris Andersen, nicknamed "Birdman" for his leaping abilities, tattooed wings on the inside of his arms.

That's just freakin' awesome.

3. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks

Hey, J.R. Smith, if you're going to ink "Young Money" on your body, this is the way to do it.

Straight money.

2. Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks

I might be alone on this, but there's something about inking "Black Jesus" on your neck that I find awesome.

1. Kenyon Martin, Denver Nuggets

K-Mart not only has the exact replica of girlfriend Trina's lips on his neck, he also has a tat on his back that reads, "I shall fear no man but God."

That makes me feel powerful just hearing it.

Maybe that's what I should tell myself when I get up every morning.

Alright, that's it folks, hope you enjoyed the tattoos.

Hit me up with your thoughts.