NBA face mask: Why do some basketball players wear face masks and are some banned in the league?

Is the NBA face mask a fashion statement or an accessory that players wear out of necessity? The trend has gained popularity over the years, leaving fans wondering what role it plays on the court. In this article, we delve into the mystery of the infamous NBA mask and why some renowned players have made it part of their gear when they play.

Basketball is a highly physical game, and it is not unusual for players to encounter broken noses or cheekbones during matches. NBA face masks play a protective role, giving athletes an outstanding look. As more stars embrace this accessory, let us discover its purpose and the league's guidelines concerning the mask.

History of the NBA face mask

The NBA face mask was introduced to the court several years ago. In the early 1960s, Dolph Schayes (who died in 2015) wore a protective face mask in a game against the New York Knicks after incurring an injury. Wilt Chamberlain was also among the first NBA legends to wear the piece after suffering a broken nose and losing a few teeth in the mid-1960s.

In December 1977, a physical altercation arose during a game between Los Angeles Lakers Kermit Washington and Houston Rockets' Kevin Kunnert. As Rudy Tomjanovich of the Rockets attempted to separate them, he suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, broken nose and jaw.

Thankfully, he was back on the court after about five months of wearing a protective face mask. The role of this mask in facilitating his speedy return seemingly set precedence for future players to embrace it. However, they did not feature in the court until 2007.

Purpose of the NBA face mask

What are NBA face masks for? They play a medical and protective role for injured players and those who want to protect themselves from injuries or reduce the chances of incurring them. According to nbablast.com, medical technology advancements, like masks, have facilitated faster healing and allowed players to continue their careers without prolonged disruption.

Another reason why the NBA face mask has gained popularity is that some players wear them in honour of others who have undergone similar accidents. The accessory goes a long way in preventing further aggravation to injured areas, causing the athletes to miss crucial games.

NBA face mask rules

During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBA established rules for team personnel. Active players were expected to remain masked during the first half of the game and when they exited the court to sit on the bench. Head coaches and assistants remained covered throughout the games.

NBA face mask ban

In 1998, Mookie Blaylock of the Portland Trailblazers became the first player to be fined for wearing a mask during play. He received a flagrant foul 2 for throwing down his mask after making a shot. However, the exact reason why the NBA banned masks from this point remains unclear.

Why did NBA ban black masks?

Dr Robert Funk originally designed black masks to help athletes breathe more easily when diving into the water. Basketball players later adopted them as fashion accessories. However, the NBA banned players from wearing black masks, which saw many opt for clear ones.

Why were NBA masks banned? According to sportsmanist.com, after breaking his nose, LeBron James wore a black ''Super Hero'' mask in 2014 during a match against the New York Knicks. However, the NBA ruled that the black accessory violated the league's standards, advising that he wears a transparent protective one instead. Additionally, the leadership felt that the black piece gave him a competitive advantage because the others could not see his true facial expression.

Top NBA players who wear face masks

Today, masks are an everyday occurrence on the court. Whatever the reason these athletes wear them, the NBA face mask curse is here to stay. Here are some of the renowned players who have worn masks on several occasions:

Kobe Bryant

The late Kobe brought the ''Black Panther'' mask to life after Dwayne Wade broke his nose in 2012. He started with a clear mask but switched to a customized one due to fogging.

Richard 'Rip' Hamilton

The former Detroit Pistons shooting guard broke his nose twice in the 2003/20004 season and had to remain masked for four years to avoid reconstructive nasal surgery. His prolonged use of the protective gear earned him the nickname ''King of the mask.''

Kyrie Irving

Irving has used the mask twice in his career. In 2012, after sustaining a jaw bone fracture, he wore a black mask for safety on the court. In 2017, he appeared in a clear mask after his daughter allegedly hit him in the face, where he had the initial fracture.

Jaylen Brown

The Boston Celtics shooting guard and small forward sustained a facial fracture after colliding with teammate Jayson Tatum. He started using a protective face mask, and his mother advised that he continue using it to prevent further injury.

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What are NBA masks made of?

The protective gear must be made from light material that allows players to breathe comfortably and not hinder their peripheral vision. Most of the masks are made from clear, shatterproof polycarbonate, while others use lightweight carbon fibre combined with light plastic.

What is the best mask for NBA players?

The ideal mask for NBA players should offer protection and comfort so that their game is not affected. Additionally, the accessory should be a perfect fit for your face and not prone to fogging as you run around the court. Finally, an expert should recommend the mask to ensure the injured area is cushioned from further damage.

The purpose of an NBA mask depends on the user and the function it is serving. Given the speed and intensity of the sport, injuries and accidents are almost inevitable on the court. However, thanks to this innovative gear, players can guard up and recover faster when they occur.

Sports Brief published a list of basketballs you can use to play indoors. These balls have top-notch quality and are affordable. Depending on your preferred features, from texture to bounce, you are spoilt for choice. Here are some of the balls.

The Spalding NBA Official Ball is one of the most popular ones today. It is made of original leather and can retain air for a prolonged period. The Wilson Evolution Ball is also one of the preferred balls by today's players, although some feel that its texture is too much. Check out the article above for the top 10 balls you can choose from for your practice at home.