Why do basketball players wear sleeves?

Allen Iverson (#3) wearing a basketball sleeve in a Denver Nuggets game. 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. read more

Arm compression sleeves worn in the NBA are often referred to as basketball shooting sleeves. They are worn to keep the shooting arm warm and prevent muscles from tightening up. One of the greatest shooters in the history of the NBA, Ray Allen, wears a basketball shooting sleeve. read more

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Sleeves On Their Non-Shooting Arm. Some pro basketball players choose to wear arm sleeves on their non-shooting arm for support and protection when using an arm bar on defence and bumping around in the post. Most pros wear an arm sleeve of the padded variety in this instance. read more