Once dismissed as a niche interest, anime has exploded into the global mainstream, shattering language barriers and cultural borders. This vibrant world of Japanese animation has found an unlikely but passionate home: the high-flying, hardcourt world of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The days of anime being an obscure hobby are long gone. Today, it's a source of inspiration, motivation, and personal expression for some of the league's biggest stars, who proudly wear their fandom on their sleeves—and sometimes, permanently on their skin.
From Niche to Norm: Anime's Slam Dunk in the NBA
The connection between elite athleticism and animated storytelling is stronger than ever. It's now common to see players celebrating with moves inspired by their favourite characters, discussing plot twists in locker rooms, or showcasing custom gear. Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans once estimated that a staggering 80% of the NBA watches anime. This passion is visibly transforming the league's culture, manifesting in custom-designed sneakers, intricate tattoos, and even pre-game rituals. The stigma around being an "anime-head" in professional sports is rapidly disappearing, proving that one can be a fierce competitor while drawing strength from these epic narratives.
Meet the League's Top Otaku Athletes
Here are five NBA players who are not just casual viewers but true ambassadors of anime culture, each finding a unique connection between their craft on the court and the stories on screen.
1. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Zion Williamson has effectively become the NBA's unofficial anime ambassador. His dedication goes far beyond watching episodes; it's a core part of his identity. He has a large tattoo of Naruto's Eight Trigrams Seal on his stomach, a permanent symbol of his deep connection to the series. Williamson has collaborated with the Jordan Brand to release special Naruto-inspired sneaker colourways, like the "Rasengan" edition. For him, Naruto's journey—battling immense expectations and harnessing inner power—mirrors his own career path through injury and intense public scrutiny. He famously attended Comic-Con in a Hokage-style outfit, solidifying his status as the genre's biggest fan in the league.
2. De'Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings)
The Sacramento Kings' lightning-fast point guard, De'Aaron Fox, is a lifelong devotee of Dragon Ball Z. He openly credits the series' explosive energy for influencing his aggressive, high-speed style of play. Fox most identifies with Vegeta, the proud Saiyan prince, admiring the character's relentless drive to improve and surpass his limits. His fandom is showcased through custom Dragon Ball Z edition sneakers featuring a personalised "Vegeta" logo. A regular attendee at fan conventions, Fox's commitment to the anime community extends well beyond casual viewing on team flights.
3. Daniel Gafford (Dallas Mavericks)
Dallas Mavericks' center Daniel Gafford is another ardent anime enthusiast. His primary loves are Dragon Ball Z and the newer hit, Demon Slayer. He sports a prominent tattoo on his left knee depicting Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan—a tribute to his childhood heroes. More recently, Gafford added a fresh tattoo of Kyojuro Rengoku from Demon Slayer on his hand. For Gafford, anime is more than entertainment; it serves as a mental reset, reinforcing themes of perseverance and never giving up, which he applies directly to his game.
4. Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
Boston Celtics star and 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown is drawn to anime for its intellectual depth. He appreciates the medium's creative storytelling and complex psychological and philosophical plots. Brown has publicly praised series like Death Note for its moral dilemmas and Demon Slayer for its breathtaking animation. He views anime as a brain-challenging art form and often shares his recommendations with younger teammates, encouraging them to expand their creative horizons beyond basketball.
5. Steven Adams (Houston Rockets)
The famously strong Houston Rockets center, Steven Adams, is a dedicated fan of the long-running epic One Piece. The series' adventurous, pirate spirit aligns perfectly with his own personality. Adams revealed in an interview that he used his downtime during injury rehabilitation to catch up on the mammoth task of watching over 1,000 episodes. His fandom even caught the attention of Crunchyroll, which promoted him for the All-Star Game in 2019. Adams' interests also extend to other popular titles like One Punch Man, Naruto, and Hunter X Hunter.
The Anime NBA Era is Here to Stay
The intersection of anime and the NBA is no passing trend. It represents a broader cultural shift where personal passions and professional personas seamlessly merge. Whether it's a player mimicking a Kamehameha wave after a dunk or lacing up sneakers that tell a story, the influence of Japanese animation is now a permanent fixture in the league. These athletes demonstrate that the values of friendship, perseverance, and fighting spirit celebrated in anime resonate powerfully on the basketball court, inspiring a new generation of fans and players alike.
