Basketball sleeve
{{Short description|An accessory that some basketball players wear}}
Image:Practice....jpg (#3) wearing a basketball sleeve in a Denver Nuggets game against the Golden State Warriors.]]
A basketball sleeve, like the wristband, is an accessory that some basketball players wear. Made out of nylon and spandex, it extends from the biceps to the wrist. It is sometimes called a shooter sleeve"[http://www.freep.com/article/20081207/SPORTS03/812070451/1051/SPORTS Iverson fans: what's up with your sleeve?]". Detroit Free Press. December 7, 2008. Retrieved on January 8, 2009. or an arm sleeve.
Origins
Allen Iverson began using a basketball sleeve during the 2000-01 season due to bursitis in his right elbow.Chris Broussard. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/06/sports/pro-basketball-now-a-leader-iverson-turns-image-around.html Now a Leader, Iverson Turns Image Around]". New York Times. June 5, 2001. Retrieved on December 31, 2008. Afterward, fans wore the sleeve as a fashion statement,Larry Platt. [https://books.google.com/books?id=bdsrzKm6_AEC&dq=basketball+sleeve+iverson&pg=PA9 Only the Strong Survive]. Harper Collins, 2003. 9. and by 2008, the sleeves were the most popular non-apparel items sold by the league. According to an NBA Store spokesperson.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2008/05/16/headbands-help-boost-nbas-bottom-line.html|title=Headbands Help Boost NBA's Bottom Line|date=May 16, 2008|publisher=CNBC|work=SportsBiz|authorlink=Darren Rovell|first=Darren|last=Rovell}}
Other players, including Ray Allen, Vince Carter, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Paul Pierce, John Wall, Kyrie Irving, Dwyane Wade, Paul George, Kobe Bryant,Steven Kotler. "[http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-playing-field/200804/allen-iverson-kobe-bryant-and-basketballs-placebo-effect]". Psychology Today. April 17, 2008. Retrieved on January 8, 2009. and LeBron JamesDavid Lee Morgan. "[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-31557321_ITM LeBron's arm sleeve will multiply]". Akron Beacon Journal. January 4, 2007. Retrieved on January 8, 2009. have worn the sleeves as well.
Iverson continued wearing his basketball sleeve long after his elbow had healed. Some players believe the mild compression they provide helps keep their shooting arm warm and improves circulation. Although some studies show improved circulation and reduced soreness, there has been no definitive study on the use of basketball sleeves.{{Cite web |url=http://im-sports-blog.com/2014/02/14/sports-compression-sleeves-do-they-really-work/ |title=Sports Compression Sleeves: Do They Really Work? |access-date=2014-03-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318012300/http://im-sports-blog.com/2014/02/14/sports-compression-sleeves-do-they-really-work/ |archive-date=2014-03-18 |url-status=dead }}
