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BASKETBALL'S CULTURE is so rich it can be hard to keep up with. What, with the gear, fashion, and propensity for flair, the sport is in a league of its own—and way more than just a leather ball and pair of glass backboards. With such a dynamic nature, hoops is a fun and relatively easy category to gift within.
Now, anybody can don a jersey of their favorite team. Real b-ball fans want something more, like a hoop attachment that will help their jump shot or a perfectly-fitting pair of shorts. Basketball enthusiasts crave the same style and eclectic taste that many of the sport’s greatest figures possess, from Russell Westbrook to Damian Lillard.
Frankly, there are a lot of popular gifts out there in basketball land that keep on giving. There are great old playoff games, dunk contest highlights, and more, all just a few Youtube clicks away. But next time you’re looking to really impress the hoops fan in your life, look to the selections below. Rookies and veterans of the sport alike will put them to serious use.
Read more: Best Gifts for Men
Let 'em know you're varsity with this crewneck. It's great for a chilly morning shoot around or just hanging out.
Basketball shoes have become huge fashion statements and this pair fits the bill. Inspired by the brain's firing synapses, the shoes feature wavy patterns, the kind of neurological powers one uses when making quick decisions on the court.
We lost NBA great Kobe Bryan way too early but his legacy lives on. This book explores just how potent the Lakers guard was on the court, bagging multiple championships en route. Per usual, Bryant is eloquent throughout, a true scholar of the game.
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Best Basketball Tool
Spalding Spalding Back Atcha® Ball Return Training Aid
Best Basketball Tool
Spalding Spalding Back Atcha® Ball Return Training Aid
If you're putting in the hours on your own, you can waste a lot of time shagging balls. This handy device will send the rock right back to you, allowing you to get more shots in.
The pinstripe is a vintage basketball look that’s always in style. This pair, a collaboration with the NBA’s greatest shooter Steph Curry, offers breathable fabric and a slick fit. There are even zipper hand pockets for your keys and other valuables.
Read more: Best Gym Shorts
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This graphic tee is an animated take on being posterized, or, in basketball terms, being dunked on in historic fashion. It’s clever, a little silly, and shows off the sport’s entertainment side. It’s a calling card that you can wear that says you speak the great language of hoops.
Read more: Best T-Shirts for Men
Pack your ball, sneakers, and gym towel in this great duffel. It’s a bag so sharp it belongs in the many runway arena tunnels of the National Basketball Association. There’s an external pocket for your water bottle and an internal stowaway section specifically for sweaty gear.
Read more: Best Gym Bags
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Basketball involves a fair amount of finger dexterity and strength. These little gizmos help you articulate your finger fitness. They’re also a great gift for the most fidgety of friends, and a nice stress reliever as well.
You can't have too many solid pairs of basketball shorts. This option is stylish and free-flowing, meaning you'll look good as you dribble through the competition.
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Best Basketball Video Game
2K NBA 2K23 - Nintendo Switch
Best Basketball Video Game
2K NBA 2K23 - Nintendo Switch
The NBA 2K franchise has become as prominent of a dynasty as the Bulls of the 90s or the Warriors of late. While playing the real sport is still top shelf, this is a very close second, one of the most realistic and fun-to-play games out there.
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Best Vintage Basketball Gift
Pacsun Space Jam Vintage Dyed T-Shirt
Best Vintage Basketball Gift
Pacsun Space Jam Vintage Dyed T-Shirt
Space Jam sums up all the glory of the 90s, involving colorful animation, Michael Jordan, and a soundtrack featuring the likes of Coolio and Seal. This is a great gift not only for the basketball fan, but the basketball culture fan.
With a well-designed logo and trim fit, these are the ultimate warm-up pants for the basketball fan. Whether you’re lounging and watching a game or playing pick-up at the park, they’re just what the basketball doctor ordered.
Read more: Best Sweatpants for Men
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Athleisure is where it’s at, especially in basketball. These sweatpants boast a slim fit, neat cuffs, and a classic drawstring. Better, they’re a collaboration between Todd Snyder and Champion, a company that knows a thing or two about being game ready.
Dress like the pros circa 1960 with these classic crew socks. They breathe well and look very, very good alongside a pair of Chuck Taylors.
Read more: Best Unique Gifts for Men
Mark Stock
Mark Stock is a food, drink, and outdoors writer from Portland, Oregon. He spent years making, selling, and sipping Pinot Noir in the Dundee Hills before a full return to his journalistic roots in 2016. In addition to Men's Health, he writes for SevenFifty Daily, Sip Northwest, The Somm Journal, The Drake, Willamette Week, Travel Oregon, and more.