Chloe Zhang
In the NBA, it is common for players to wear plastic masks to protect themselves from sustaining or aggravating facial injuries. The fast-paced and physical nature of the sport means that players are at risk of sustaining injuries such as broken noses or cheekbones, and the mask acts as a protective measure to prevent further damage. The masks are typically made from clear, shatterproof polycarbonate, although some players have also worn carbon-fibre masks in the past. While the masks are uncomfortable and not ideal, they allow players to continue participating in games while recovering from facial injuries.
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What You'll Learn
To prevent further injury to the affected area
In a fast-paced and physical game like basketball, it is common for players to sustain facial injuries. In the past, players with facial injuries had two options: sit out the game or play with an ill-fitting, uncomfortable mask that obstructed their vision.
Today, players have access to well-fitting, protective masks that shield their faces from accidental hits and nudges, preventing further injury to the affected area. These masks are typically made from clear, shatterproof polycarbonate, although some older masks were made from lightweight carbon fibre, which is no longer approved by the NBA.
For example, LeBron James wore a black carbon-fibre mask to protect a broken nose during the 2013/14 NBA season. The mask allowed him to play without risking further injury to his nose. Similarly, Kobe Bryant wore a plastic face mask after suffering a broken nose and concussion during the 2012 All-Star Game. Rui Hachimura of the LA Lakers also wore a face mask to protect his broken nose and prevent further injury.
The use of protective masks allows players to continue participating in games while recovering from facial injuries. It is a crucial piece of equipment that helps players avoid further damage and accelerate their healing process.
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To accelerate the recovery process
In a league as physical as the NBA, it is common for players to suffer facial injuries, such as a broken nose or cheekbone. In the past, players with these injuries had two options: sit out and heal, or play with an uncomfortable and bulky opaque face shield.
The introduction of protective face masks has allowed players to continue playing while protecting their faces from further injury and accelerating the recovery process. The masks are made from clear, shatterproof polycarbonate or lightweight carbon fibre, and they cover the affected area to prevent aggravation and further hits. This allows players to participate in crucial games while still recovering from injuries.
For example, Kobe Bryant wore a plastic face mask in 2012 after suffering a broken nose and a concussion during an All-Star Game. LeBron James also wore a mask in 2014 to protect a broken nose, opting for a lightweight carbon-fibre material. Rui Hachimura of the LA Lakers and Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns have also worn masks during the 2023-24 season to protect their noses.
The use of protective face masks in the NBA has been credited with helping players recover from facial injuries while still being able to participate in games. It is a significant improvement from the old-fashioned opaque face shields, allowing players to maintain their peripheral vision and avoid further injury.
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To protect against nose injuries
In basketball, players wear plastic masks to protect against nose injuries. The fast-paced and physical nature of the sport means that players are at risk of sustaining facial injuries, including broken noses. The mask acts as a protective barrier, shielding the injured area from further impact and allowing the player to continue participating in games.
Plastic masks are often worn by players who have recently suffered a nasal fracture or broken nose. For example, Kobe Bryant wore a plastic mask after his nose was broken during an All-Star Game in 2012. LeBron James also wore a mask, albeit a jet black carbon-fibre one, to protect his broken nose during the 2013/14 NBA season. Rui Hachimura of the LA Lakers wore a mask specifically to cover and protect his broken nose.
The masks provide protection and support the recovery process, allowing players to return to the court sooner than they otherwise could. They prevent aggravation of the injury and shield the nose from accidental hits or nudges during play. This is particularly important in a league as physical as the NBA, where close contact and contesting for rebounds are common.
Some have even speculated that the masks may offer a performance advantage, with players appearing to gain a boost in ability after donning them. However, it is essential to note that wearing a mask can also be uncomfortable and restrictive for the players.
While the primary purpose of the plastic masks is protection, they have also become associated with a certain level of intrigue and even superhero status. The black masks, in particular, have been noted to give players a distinctive and memorable appearance, adding an element of style to the court.
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To avoid nasal reconstructive surgery
In the past, basketball players with broken noses had two options: they could sit out and heal, or they could play wearing a mask. In the 1970s, the first masks looked like the opaque face shields worn by hockey goalies. These masks were one-size-fits-all and restricted players' peripheral vision, making them more vulnerable to physical harm from other players.
Today, most masks are made from clear shatterproof polycarbonate. They are worn to protect players' faces from accidental hits and nudges that could aggravate an existing facial condition, especially nose injuries. In this way, the masks help players avoid nasal reconstructive surgery by allowing them to continue playing without risking further injury.
For example, Richard Hamilton wore a mask for most of his career to avoid nasal reconstructive surgery after breaking his nose multiple times. Kobe Bryant wore a mask in 2012 after suffering a nasal fracture during a hard play by Dwyane Wade in the All-Star Game. LeBron James also wore a mask after breaking his nose, scoring 31 points in his return game against the Knicks.
Some have speculated that the masks give players a boost in performance, although there is no consensus on this.
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To prevent a broken jaw from worsening
In basketball, a highly physical sport, it is common for players to sustain facial injuries such as broken noses, cheekbones, or orbital bones. In the past, players with such injuries had two options: sit out the game or play with an uncomfortable, one-size-fits-all mask that obstructed their peripheral vision and risked further injury.
Today, players have access to protective face masks that shield their injured facial areas from accidental hits or nudges, accelerating the healing process and allowing them to continue playing. These masks are typically made from clear, shatterproof polycarbonate, although some older masks were made from lightweight carbon fibre, which is no longer approved by the league.
One notable example of a player wearing a mask to protect a broken jaw is Kyrie Irving, who wore a black mask, earning him comparisons to a superhero. LeBron James also wore a black carbon-fibre mask to protect a broken nose, although the NBA has since discontinued the use of black masks, opting for clear masks instead.
While the masks can make players uncomfortable, they provide essential protection, preventing further damage to the injured area and allowing players to return to the court sooner. This protective gear ensures that players can continue competing while minimising the risk of aggravating their injuries.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball players wear plastic masks to protect their faces from accidental hits and nudges that could aggravate an existing facial condition.
The most common injuries requiring players to wear a mask are broken noses, cheekbones, facial or orbital bones.
LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, Joel Embiid, and Richard Hamilton are some of the notable players who have worn masks.
Most masks are made from clear shatterproof polycarbonate. Some older masks were made from lightweight carbon fibre, which are no longer approved by the league.
Some people believe that the masks give players some sort of boost, but this is not a widely accepted theory.
