>>10885776>The AnswerI see the catalyst as Allen Iverson. By today's standard, AI would be seen as "lightly" tattooed compared to people covered head to toe in star wars insignia, but at the time he was seen as a renegade, often referred to as a thug because of a criminal incident prior to his pro debut.
He was the transitioning face of the NBA after Jordan, and then-commissioner David Stern didn't like it, because you can't sell that image(gangsta/thug rap) to the Christian American market of the 90's, but that's another story.
Fans loved AI for his relentless play and his unabashed willingness to speak his mind at all times. It gave him an image of the little guy sticking to the man, and the people love a good David v Goliath scenario they can relate to(even if they aren't an NBA MVP). Not only did the fans adore and emulate him, but the next generation of NBA players did as well. Including none other than CCP Chairman LeBron James, the current face of the NBA who stated his favorite player growing up was AI.
Fast forward to today's NBA, and everyone is covered in tattoos, #3 is an extremely popular jersey among guards, wearing headbands and arm sleeves as fashion, despite the fact they don't suffer elbow tendonitis.
All because of one guy the NBA crucified many years ago under Darth Stern.
