Tattoos have always been a source of personal expression for individuals around the globe, and that includes NBA players. In fact, the sport of basketball has transcended athletics and entered the world of culture, and tattoos play a big part in that. Some choose a name, symbol, or portrait, while others go for entire works of art. Allen Iverson can be looked at as a big inspiration for tattoos in basketball, as his aesthetic choices impacted generations to come. Many of today's great athletes are known for their distinct works of body art. Philadelphia 76ers superstar LeBron James, for instance, has a crowned lion on his right bicep. This was his first arm tattoo, but like many others who've had a taste of tattooing, it wouldn't be his last.
However, there are also those who choose to leave their bodies free of ink. It's a personal decision, after all. Having a blank canvas has really been taking over the NBA in recent years. So, who are the best NBA players without tattoos?
15. Joel Embiid
Of all the players on this list, Joel Embiid might be the one fans are last to realize doesn't have a tattoo. That is because he has spent too much time throughout his career on the sideline in street clothes. Even so, Embiid is clearly one of the best players in the NBA when healthy, and if he remains that way this year, the Philadelphia 76ers could win the NBA Finals.
14. James Harden
James Harden doesn't have a tattoos, but that wouldn't have been his defining accessory/look anyway. That honor instead belongs to the reason he is nicknamed “The Beard.” Harden has luscious locks coming out of his face and the ability to hit step back jump shots better than anybody else. Will he be able to drop the postseason regressor label this year, though?
13. Chet Holmgren
With Jalen Williams suffering a gruesome and likely season-ending injury in the opening days of the 2026-27 season, Chet Holmgren now has to step up as the Oklahoma City Thunder's second best player. Holmgren has all of the potential in the world. He is one of the best shot blockers in the league, and he can do guard-like things on offense in a 7-foot-1 frame. Holmgren still needs to somewhat prove himself after a rough playoff showing, though.
12. Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija was born in Israel, and it is unclear if his Jewish ties play a part in his lack of ink, or if he doesn't have tattoos for personal reasons. What is clear is that he is nearly unstoppable when he gets downhill. Avdija is an incredible slasher who most thrives in finishing inside while drawing contract.
11. Scottie Barnes
Scottie Barnes has one of the most unique personalities in the NBA. He is a joyful, borderline goofy player, so it is no surprise that he doesn't follow the basketball pack when it comes to getting tattoos. Barnes has also spent his entire professional career north of the border, and it is possible that tattoo culture in Toronto is different than it is stateside.
1o. Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton spent all of last season sidelined. The Indiana Pacers guard tore his achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. If there were going to be a time to get inked up, it would have been during a season in which he wasn't going to play. Haliburton stayed tattooless, though, and he is back on the court now. It is worth mentioning that his achilles recovery was far from smooth. He dealt with weight issues and a battle with shingles.
9. Jamal Murray
As you get down this list, you will realize that there are players from all over the world who don't have tattoos. It is common for international players to be without them, and that includes players from Canada. Jamal Murray is one such example. Fresh off his first All-Star appearance, Murray forms one-half of one of the best duos in the NBA, but more on his teammate later.
8. Cooper Flagg
The 2025 number one pick, Cooper Flagg, hasn't had enough time to get tatted up since entering the league and earning Rookie of the Year honors. It is unclear if tattoos will or won't come int he future, but more development from the Duke product who has already established himself as one of the best players in the league certainly will.
7. Tyrese Maxey
Tyrese Maxey is such a blur on the court that it would be hard to see tattoos even if he had them. Maxey averaged 28.3 points per game last season thanks to his three-level scoring abilities.
6. Jaylen Brown
The third 76ers star on this list, Philadelphia has built their team with players who don't have any tattoos. Jaylen Brown keeps his look clean. After all, on top of being a two-way star, he has long been the Vice President of the NBAPA.
5. Donovan Mitchell
Article Continues BelowWhile the tattoo design potential is their because of Donovan Mitchell's “Spida” nickname, the Cleveland Cavaliers star does not, in fact, have any body art. Mitchell and Harden form arguably the best backcourt in the entire NBA, but they certainly are the best without tats.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak isn't a fan of tattoos. Giannis Antetokounmpo has two MVP awards but no tattoos. This is his first season away from the Milwaukee Bucks, where he became arguably the best player in franchise history. Now, he is with the Miami Heat, although his team has struggled to begin the year.
3. Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama seems to focus on basketball and nothing else. Not even tattoos could distract the 7-foot-4 alien who has trained with monks. As one of the most highly touted prospects ever, Wembanyama has been in the spotlight since his youth. He has been stone cold and locked in since the beginning.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won back-to-back MVPs. By this point, he certainly has a case as the best player in the NBA. For now, he still ranks second, even amongst those without tattoos. Gilgeous-Alexander's decision isn't a family thing because cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker is covered with tats.
1. Nikola Jokic
Four straight international stars, for straight players without tattoos. To nobodies surprise, it is Nikola Jokic who rounds out this list. Despite being a 7-foot triple-double machine, not much about The Joker screams NBA player, at least not when it comes to how he looks. He isn't the fittest center, but the Serbian knows how to hoop.