100 Objects — Noah Lisk

Sleeve Is Fashion Not Medicine
- The elbow sleeve is primarily a fashion item, not a universal medical necessity in the NBA.
- Ramteen Arablouei noticed eight of ten players wearing sleeves on a random game night, signaling a sudden cultural shift starting in the 2000s. (Time 0:01:04)
1970s Perception Hurt The NBA
- The 1970s NBA suffered low viewership and was widely portrayed as “Too Black,” harming its mainstream image.
- Media narratives tied violence and drug rumors to Black players, creating pressure for an image overhaul. (Time 0:03:58)
Kermit Washington Punch Deepened Fears
- The Kermit Washington punch in 1977 left Rudy Tomjanovich with serious injuries and intensified fears about violence in the NBA.
- The incident reinforced racialized narratives of dangerous Black players harming white opponents. (Time 0:06:23)
Homemade Stockinette Debut
- Lenny Currier improvised a cotton compression stockinette to protect Allen Iverson’s swollen elbow during the 2000–01 season.
- Iverson debuted it on January 21, 2001, scored 51 points that night and kept wearing it. (Time 0:20:01)
Bursitis Forced A Quick Fix
- Iverson developed bursitis in his right (shooting) elbow from repeated floor contact and refused bulky pads.
- The injury needed rest, but he required an on-court solution midseason to keep playing. (Time 0:26:47)
Under Armour Turned Aid Into Trend
- Under Armour saw the sleeve’s commercial potential and produced sleeker compression sleeves that matched jerseys.
- The company turned a medical aid into a mass-market sports accessory sold in stores and online. (Time 0:31:20)
2005 Dress Code Targeted Iverson Style
- Commissioner David Stern instituted a 2005 business-casual dress code targeting elements of hip-hop influenced player attire.
- The ban covered do-rags, large chains, baggy jeans, Tims, sunglasses indoors, and more—directly challenging Iverson’s style. (Time 0:36:51)
Sleeve As Rebellion Symbol
- The sleeve symbolizes Iverson’s rebellion against NBA respectability norms and persists despite dress-code crackdowns.
- Players today wear sleeves as part of a visual legacy that resists regulation and celebrates self-expression. (Time 0:39:49)
Pregame Runway Is Iverson’s Legacy
- Iverson’s influence reshaped NBA player style and led to modern pregame runway culture.
- Players now use arrival outfits to push back on the 2005 dress code and showcase personal fashion. (Time 0:42:06)