Athletes collaborating in skilled basketball with hair extending past the collar characterize a notable subset inside the sport. These people usually categorical private fashion and cultural id by their chosen coiffure, which may vary from maintained braids and dreadlocks to flowing, unrestrained lengths. Gamers resembling Andrew Wiggins, along with his persistently styled hair, and previous figures like Allen Iverson, whose cornrows grew to become iconic, exemplify this pattern.
The presence of this particular aesthetic inside the league signifies extra than simply private desire. It displays evolving cultural norms and the rising acceptance of various expressions of individuality inside skilled sports activities. Traditionally, rules relating to look have been stricter, however the rising affect of participant autonomy has led to higher leeway. Furthermore, this fashion can contribute to a participant’s model and marketability, enhancing their total profile.
The next sections will delve into the sensible issues of managing longer hairstyles throughout gameplay, study outstanding examples of athletes who’ve embraced this look, and discover the cultural significance it holds inside the context {of professional} basketball.
1. Model Expression
Model expression, manifested by hair size and styling selections, constitutes a big side of particular person id for athletes collaborating in skilled basketball. The choice to keep up lengthy hair is just not merely a superficial one; it often displays a acutely aware option to mission a selected picture or align with cultural or private values. For instance, some gamers undertake hairstyles rooted of their heritage, using braids or dreadlocks as a type of cultural illustration. Others could select a selected fashion to domesticate a singular private model that distinguishes them from their friends. The visible affect of longer hair on the court docket contributes to a participant’s total presence and may grow to be an integral a part of their public persona.
The sensible significance of this fashion expression lies in its potential to affect public notion and advertising and marketing alternatives. Athletes with distinctive hairstyles usually appeal to higher media consideration, which may translate into elevated endorsement offers and model recognition. Allen Iverson’s cornrows, for example, grew to become synonymous along with his rebellious and genuine picture, in the end contributing to his enduring recognition and marketability. Equally, modern gamers who embrace distinctive hairstyles leverage their visible id to attach with followers and construct a private model that extends past their on-court efficiency.
In abstract, the connection between lengthy hair and magnificence expression is a potent mixture in skilled basketball. It gives a platform for athletes to say individuality, join with cultural roots, and domesticate a particular public picture. This expression, whereas seemingly superficial, carries sensible implications for model constructing, advertising and marketing potential, and total participant id, shaping not solely how they’re perceived but in addition how they join with a world viewers.
2. Cultural Id
The presence of athletes within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation sporting lengthy hair often transcends mere aesthetic desire, serving as a potent expression of cultural id. For some, the selection to keep up longer hairstyles, resembling braids, dreadlocks, or afros, represents a direct connection to their heritage and a visual manifestation of their cultural roots. This symbolic illustration generally is a deliberate assertion of id inside a predominantly Westernized sport, reflecting a acutely aware effort to keep up and promote cultural traditions on a world stage. The visibility afforded by their place as skilled athletes permits them to grow to be ambassadors for his or her respective cultures, fostering consciousness and understanding amongst a various viewers. The choice to put on lengthy hair, due to this fact, is usually intertwined with a deeper dedication to honoring and preserving cultural heritage.
The affect of this cultural expression extends past particular person illustration. The widespread adoption of culturally vital hairstyles inside the NBA can contribute to a broader societal shift in perceptions and attitudes in direction of various cultural practices. When outstanding athletes publicly embrace their heritage by their look, it challenges standard norms and encourages higher acceptance of cultural variations. Moreover, it gives a supply of inspiration and empowerment for younger people inside these communities, reinforcing a way of delight and belonging. The visibility of those hairstyles additionally stimulates dialogue and schooling, prompting discussions in regards to the historic and cultural significance of particular types and their evolution over time. The impact is a extra inclusive and consultant panorama inside skilled sports activities and past.
In conclusion, the adoption of lengthy hair by NBA gamers serves as a tangible hyperlink to cultural id, carrying profound implications for each particular person expression and broader societal perceptions. It underscores the significance of illustration, fosters cultural understanding, and empowers people to embrace their heritage inside the public sphere. Whereas seemingly a easy stylistic alternative, the choice to keep up lengthy hair can act as a catalyst for constructive change, selling inclusivity and difficult standard norms inside a globalized world.
3. Endorsement Alternatives
The presence of distinctive hairstyles, together with lengthy hair, amongst NBA gamers can instantly correlate with enhanced endorsement alternatives. An athlete’s visible look, significantly one which units them other than their friends, contributes considerably to their marketability and model recognition. Longer hairstyles, whether or not styled as braids, dreadlocks, or flowing manes, can create a memorable picture that resonates with particular goal demographics and attracts the eye of manufacturers in search of to align with distinctive personalities. The cause-and-effect relationship lies within the enhanced visibility and memorability afforded by the coiffure, resulting in elevated recognition and, subsequently, extra profitable endorsement offers. Gamers like Dennis Rodman, regardless of (or maybe due to) his unconventional hair colours and types, secured quite a few endorsements, demonstrating the potential financial good thing about a particular look. This illustrates the significance of an individualized picture as a part that may drive endorsement income inside the skilled sports activities panorama.
Additional evaluation reveals that endorsement potential tied to lengthy hair is nuanced and depending on elements past mere size. Model, upkeep, and alignment with private values are essential. A well-maintained, culturally related coiffure projecting a constructive picture is extra prone to appeal to endorsements than a uncared for or controversial look. For instance, a participant recognized for group involvement who additionally sports activities neatly styled braids can attraction to manufacturers in search of to affiliate with authenticity and social accountability. Using hair-related merchandise additionally opens doorways for potential sponsorships with grooming and styling manufacturers. Allen Iverson’s cultural affect by his cornrows, regardless of preliminary league resistance, in the end contributed to his icon standing and attracted a variety of endorsements from athletic attire to client items. This demonstrated the industrial worth of his distinctive look.
In abstract, the connection between lengthy hair and endorsement alternatives is based on the creation of a particular, memorable, and marketable picture. Whereas longer hair alone doesn’t assure endorsement success, it gives a canvas upon which athletes can categorical their individuality and join with particular audiences. The sensible significance lies in understanding the nuances of fashion, upkeep, and cultural alignment to maximise the potential for attracting profitable partnerships. Challenges could embody navigating potential model controversies related to sure hairstyles or making certain the chosen fashion aligns with the participant’s total model and public picture. Nonetheless, the general pattern signifies that particular and culturally related hairstyles generally is a precious asset in securing endorsement offers inside the aggressive world {of professional} basketball.
4. Sensible Administration
The upkeep and administration of prolonged hairstyles current distinctive challenges for skilled basketball gamers. Rigorous bodily exercise necessitates particular methods to make sure consolation, security, and optimum efficiency. The sensible issues prolong past aesthetics, impacting gameplay and requiring a proactive strategy.
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Securing Hair Throughout Play
Free hair can impede imaginative and prescient, impede motion, and pose a security threat. Athletes often make use of headbands, hair ties, and braids to safe their hair throughout video games and practices. Headbands, significantly, serve to maintain hair out of the face, lowering distractions and sustaining focus. For instance, gamers with braided types usually use further bands on the ends to stop loosening throughout intense exercise. Securing the hair successfully is crucial for sustaining optimum athletic efficiency and stopping unintended harm.
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Hygiene and Upkeep
Frequent perspiration and shut bodily contact throughout video games necessitate rigorous hygiene practices. Common washing and conditioning are important to stop the buildup of sweat and grime, which may result in scalp irritation and different dermatological points. Moreover, relying on the coiffure, specialised merchandise could also be required to keep up the integrity of braids, dreadlocks, or different intricate types. The time dedication related to correct hair care might be vital, requiring dedication to keep up a presentable and wholesome look.
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Protecting Styling
Protecting styling goals to attenuate injury and breakage attributable to repeated bodily exertion and environmental elements. Braids, twists, and cornrows can defend the hair from friction and tangling, lowering the chance of break up ends and breakage. These types additionally supply a level of moisture retention, stopping dryness that may outcome from frequent washing. The number of a protecting fashion usually relies on the person’s hair kind, exercise degree, and private preferences, requiring a considerate and knowledgeable resolution.
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Potential Restrictions
Whereas rules have loosened over time, some leagues and groups should impose restrictions on hairstyles deemed unsafe or disruptive. Size, adornments, or types that pose a threat to different gamers may very well be topic to limitations. For instance, extraordinarily lengthy hair that’s not adequately secured may be thought-about a security hazard. Understanding and adhering to any related rules is essential for avoiding conflicts and sustaining eligibility to take part.
These aspects of sensible administration exhibit that sustaining longer hairstyles whereas actively collaborating in skilled basketball is a multifaceted endeavor. It requires cautious planning, constant effort, and adherence to hygiene practices. By prioritizing these sensible issues, athletes can successfully handle their hair with out compromising their efficiency or security.
5. Headband Use
Headband use amongst basketball gamers with prolonged hairstyles is a typical and sensible answer addressing each efficiency and aesthetic considerations. The accent serves a useful goal whereas additionally contributing to particular person fashion and id inside the sport.
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Securing Hair for Optimum Efficiency
The first position of headbands is to maintain hair out of the participant’s face, thereby making certain clear imaginative and prescient and stopping distractions throughout gameplay. Lengthy hair, if left unrestrained, can impede sight traces and hinder fast reactions, thus impacting efficiency. Using a headscarf successfully mitigates these points, permitting gamers to give attention to the sport with out the obstacle of unfastened hair. Gamers like LeBron James, recognized for sometimes sporting lengthy hair, often make use of headbands for this very goal.
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Absorption of Perspiration
Basketball is a bodily demanding sport that induces vital perspiration. Headbands, usually product of absorbent supplies, assist to handle sweat, stopping it from dripping into the eyes and inflicting discomfort or blurred imaginative and prescient. This operate is especially useful for gamers with lengthy hair, because the hair itself can entice sweat, exacerbating the issue. A dry brow contributes to improved consolation and permits for higher focus all through the sport.
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Model and Particular person Expression
Past their useful advantages, headbands supply an avenue for particular person expression inside the constraints of workforce uniforms. Gamers could select headbands in numerous colours, patterns, or widths to replicate their private fashion and create a particular on-court look. This ingredient of personalization permits athletes to showcase their individuality whereas adhering to workforce rules. In some instances, a selected headband fashion or colour may even grow to be related to a selected participant’s model or picture.
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Potential for Endorsement and Branding
The constant use of a selected headband model or fashion can current endorsement and branding alternatives for gamers with lengthy hair. Corporations could search to associate with athletes who prominently characteristic their merchandise throughout high-profile video games, leveraging the participant’s visibility to advertise their model. This potential for industrial achieve provides one other layer to the importance of scarf use inside the context {of professional} basketball.
In abstract, headbands function a multifaceted software for basketball gamers with lengthy hair, addressing each sensible wants and private expression. Their useful advantages contribute to enhanced efficiency, whereas their stylistic variations supply alternatives for branding and particular person id. The prevalence of scarf use highlights its significance inside the sport’s tradition and its position in navigating the challenges of managing longer hairstyles throughout rigorous athletic exercise.
6. Historic Tendencies
The evolution of hairstyles amongst skilled basketball gamers, particularly the acceptance and prevalence of lengthy hair, displays broader societal shifts and altering cultural norms. Inspecting historic tendencies reveals a gradual loosening of restrictions and an elevated acceptance of various private expressions inside the NBA.
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Early Rules and Conformity
Within the earlier a long time of the NBA, stringent rules relating to look have been widespread. Brief, neatly styled hair was typically anticipated, reflecting the conservative societal norms of the time. Lengthy hair, significantly types related to counter-cultural actions, was usually discouraged, if not explicitly prohibited. The emphasis was on uniformity and a clean-cut picture, doubtlessly limiting particular person expression.
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The Rise of Individualism and Cultural Affect
As societal attitudes developed, so too did the norms inside skilled sports activities. The rise of individualism within the late twentieth century led to elevated acceptance of various hairstyles. Moreover, the rising affect of hip-hop tradition and African American fashion introduced hairstyles like cornrows and dreadlocks into the mainstream, difficult conventional expectations. Gamers like Allen Iverson, regardless of going through preliminary resistance, popularized these types, paving the best way for higher acceptance.
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Rest of League Restrictions
Over time, the NBA progressively relaxed its restrictions on participant look, reflecting a broader cultural shift in direction of inclusivity and private expression. Whereas particular guidelines relating to security {and professional} conduct stay, the league has typically grow to be extra tolerant of various hairstyles, together with lengthy hair. This evolution displays a recognition of gamers’ rights to specific their individuality and cultural id.
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Modern Tendencies and Future Outlook
Presently, a variety of hairstyles, together with lengthy hair in numerous types, are generally seen within the NBA. This pattern is prone to proceed, with gamers more and more utilizing their hairstyles as a type of private branding and cultural illustration. The long run may even see even higher acceptance of various hairstyles, doubtlessly difficult current norms and pushing the boundaries of private expression inside the sport.
The historic development from strict conformity to higher acceptance of lengthy hair amongst NBA gamers underscores the continued interaction between societal tendencies, cultural influences, and particular person expression inside skilled sports activities. It highlights a gradual shift in direction of inclusivity and a recognition of the significance of permitting athletes to specific their individuality whereas sustaining knowledgeable picture. The evolution of those tendencies displays the broader evolution of societal attitudes in direction of private look and cultural id.
7. League Rules
League rules instantly affect athletes with lengthy hair, governing parameters for look and security on the court docket. Traditionally, the NBA, like different skilled sports activities leagues, maintained stricter requirements relating to participant look, generally not directly affecting the permissibility of sure hairstyles. These rules usually targeted on sustaining knowledgeable picture and making certain participant security, resulting in cases the place significantly lengthy or unkempt hair might need been discouraged or required to be restrained. Present guidelines typically permit for longer hairstyles, supplied they don’t pose a security threat to the participant or their opponents. Subsequently, hair should be managed to stop obstruction of imaginative and prescient or interference with gameplay. The implementation of those rules instantly influences how athletes with lengthy hair handle their look and magnificence selections.
A sensible instance might be discovered within the constant use of headbands and hair ties by many gamers with longer hair. These equipment not solely maintain hair out of their faces but in addition exhibit compliance with league pointers that mandate hair should be managed throughout play. Moreover, particular rulings could tackle adornments or equipment worn within the hair, making certain that they don’t current a threat of harm. The significance of adhering to those rules is obvious within the potential penalties of non-compliance, which may vary from warnings to fines and even momentary removing from the sport. By adapting styling selections and using acceptable equipment, athletes can categorical their individuality whereas nonetheless adhering to league expectations.
In abstract, league rules play a crucial position in shaping the on-court look of gamers with lengthy hair. Though the particular guidelines have developed over time, the core rules of security and professionalism stay paramount. By understanding and complying with these rules, athletes can successfully stability private expression with the necessities of aggressive basketball, demonstrating each their individuality and their dedication to the game. Challenges persist in decoding and making use of these rules persistently, however the overarching purpose is to make sure a protected {and professional} atmosphere for all individuals.
8. Particular person Branding
Particular person branding, for athletes collaborating in skilled basketball who preserve lengthy hair, represents a strategic mechanism for enhancing marketability and establishing a definite public persona. The selection of haircut, on this context, turns into a deliberate ingredient of a broader branding technique. Longer hair, whether or not styled in braids, dreadlocks, or different distinctive varieties, can function a visible identifier, instantly associating the athlete with a selected picture or set of values. The cause-and-effect relationship is obvious: a memorable coiffure, when paired with constant efficiency and constructive public engagement, amplifies model recognition. The significance of particular person branding stems from its capability to translate on-court success into off-court alternatives, together with endorsements, sponsorships, and media appearances. Dennis Rodman’s unconventional hair colours and types, for instance, considerably contributed to his notoriety and marketability, demonstrating the ability of a particular visible id in constructing a model. The sensible significance of understanding this connection lies within the capacity to strategically leverage a participant’s look to domesticate a recognizable and precious private model.
Additional evaluation reveals that profitable particular person branding with lengthy hair requires cautious consideration of authenticity and alignment with private values. A coiffure adopted purely for shock worth, with out real connection to the athlete’s id, could lack credibility and fail to resonate with audiences. Conversely, hairstyles rooted in cultural heritage or private expression can strengthen a participant’s model by conveying authenticity and constructing real connections with followers. Allen Iverson’s cornrows, although initially met with resistance, in the end grew to become synonymous along with his rebellious spirit and cultural delight, contributing to his enduring attraction and model recognition. The strategic use of social media platforms to showcase hairstyles and interact with followers additional enhances particular person branding efforts, permitting athletes to regulate their narrative and domesticate a loyal following.
In conclusion, the hyperlink between particular person branding and athletes with lengthy hair is a robust intersection of fashion, id, and marketability. A thoughtfully chosen and persistently maintained coiffure can function a cornerstone of a participant’s model, amplifying recognition and unlocking industrial alternatives. The important thing lies in authenticity, strategic administration, and alignment with private values. Whereas challenges could come up in navigating potential controversies or sustaining a constant picture, the potential rewards of profitable particular person branding are substantial, solidifying an athlete’s legacy each on and off the court docket. This strategy is relevant to a broader theme about how athletes categorical and outline themselves on or off the court docket.
9. Fan Notion
Fan notion considerably influences the reception of athletes with lengthy hair within the NBA. The visible distinctiveness created by longer hairstyles, resembling braids, dreadlocks, or free-flowing lengths, usually sparks instant reactions and shapes preliminary impressions among the many fanbase. This notion, pushed by elements together with cultural biases, aesthetic preferences, and associations with specific personalities, impacts fan engagement and may have an effect on an athlete’s total recognition. A constructive notion, stemming from a well-maintained and trendy look, can result in elevated fan assist, merchandise gross sales, and social media following. Conversely, unfavorable perceptions, doubtlessly arising from stereotypes or perceived unprofessionalism, can lead to criticism and lowered recognition. The significance of fan notion lies in its direct affect on an athlete’s public picture and industrial viability. Examples, such because the preliminary combined reactions to Allen Iverson’s cornrows and the following embrace of his iconic fashion, spotlight the dynamic and evolving nature of fan notion relating to hairstyles.
Additional evaluation reveals the nuanced interaction between coiffure, participant efficiency, and fan sentiment. Distinctive on-court efficiency usually mitigates unfavorable perceptions related to unconventional hairstyles. A participant who persistently delivers sturdy outcomes is extra prone to be embraced by followers, no matter their private fashion selections. Moreover, the adoption of culturally vital hairstyles can resonate deeply with particular segments of the fanbase, fostering a way of connection and loyalty. The strategic use of social media permits athletes to handle their picture and instantly interact with followers, shaping perceptions and addressing potential criticisms. The prevalence of social media within the fashionable sports activities panorama amplifies each constructive and unfavorable reactions, underscoring the necessity for athletes to be aware of their on-line presence and the potential affect on fan notion. Conversely, an athlete with lengthy hair and a unfavorable on-line persona, can have an effect on fan notion negatively.
In abstract, fan notion constitutes an important part within the reception of NBA gamers with lengthy hair. Preliminary impressions, formed by cultural biases and aesthetic preferences, considerably affect an athlete’s recognition and industrial alternatives. Distinctive efficiency and strategic engagement with followers can positively affect perceptions, whereas unfavorable stereotypes and on-line controversies can have detrimental results. The challenges of managing fan notion require a proactive and nuanced strategy, emphasizing authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and a dedication to each on-court excellence and constructive public engagement. This underscores the broader theme of how public picture shapes an athlete’s profession trajectory and total success.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the presence and implications of lengthy hair amongst athletes collaborating within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation. These questions are meant to make clear widespread misunderstandings and supply factual context.
Query 1: Does the NBA have particular guidelines governing the size of gamers’ hair?
Whereas the NBA doesn’t impose express restrictions on hair size, rules do tackle security considerations. Hair should be maintained in a way that doesn’t impede imaginative and prescient or pose a threat to the participant or their opponents.
Query 2: How do gamers with lengthy hair handle it throughout video games?
Athletes generally use headbands, hair ties, and braids to safe their hair throughout gameplay. These equipment stop hair from interfering with imaginative and prescient and motion, making certain optimum efficiency.
Query 3: Does having lengthy hair have an effect on a participant’s endorsement alternatives?
A particular coiffure, together with lengthy hair, can improve a participant’s marketability and model recognition, doubtlessly resulting in elevated endorsement alternatives. Nonetheless, success relies on sustaining a constructive picture and aligning with model values.
Query 4: Are sure hairstyles thought-about extra skilled than others within the NBA?
Perceptions of professionalism are subjective and evolve over time. Whereas some hairstyles could also be considered as extra conventional, the NBA typically embraces variety in private expression, supplied security pointers are met.
Query 5: Does lengthy hair current hygiene challenges for NBA gamers?
Prolonged hairstyles require diligent hygiene practices to stop the build-up of sweat and grime. Common washing, conditioning, and protecting styling are important for sustaining cleanliness and stopping scalp irritation.
Query 6: How has the acceptance of lengthy hair within the NBA modified over time?
Traditionally, stricter look requirements prevailed. Nonetheless, societal shifts in direction of higher inclusivity have led to a leisure of restrictions, permitting for elevated private expression by hairstyles.
In abstract, these questions spotlight the complexities surrounding the presence of lengthy hair amongst NBA gamers, encompassing problems with regulation, security, branding, and cultural acceptance.
The next part transitions to analyzing notable examples and case research.
Navigating the Court docket
Sustaining optimum efficiency and professionalism presents distinctive challenges for athletes with lengthy hair. Strategic selections and disciplined routines are important to mitigate potential impediments.
Tip 1: Prioritize Safe Restraint: Make the most of sturdy headbands and hair ties to attenuate distractions. Go for moisture-wicking materials to handle perspiration, making certain a transparent visual field all through the sport.
Tip 2: Implement Protecting Styling: Make use of braids, cornrows, or related types to cut back friction and forestall breakage. These strategies defend hair from the trials of gameplay and cut back the necessity for fixed changes.
Tip 3: Emphasize Hygiene and Upkeep: Common washing and conditioning are paramount. Select merchandise formulated for frequent use and designed to keep up moisture stability, stopping dryness and scalp irritation.
Tip 4: Handle Weight and Bulk: Extreme hair quantity can affect agility and create discomfort. Think about strategic layering or trimming to attenuate weight and bulk, making certain unrestricted motion.
Tip 5: Align Model with Private Model: Choose a coiffure that displays particular person id whereas adhering to skilled requirements. Authenticity strengthens model recognition and fosters real connections with followers.
Tip 6: Seek the advice of with Professionals: Search steerage from stylists skilled in athletic hair care. Knowledgeable recommendation ensures optimum styling strategies and product choice for sustained efficiency and well being.
Tip 7: Adhere to League Rules: Guarantee compliance with all relevant guidelines relating to look. Understanding and respecting these pointers avoids potential conflicts and maintains eligibility to take part.
Adhering to those rules promotes each efficiency and picture, translating the potential obstacle of lengthy hair right into a strategic asset.
The next part will current concluding ideas on the subject.
Conclusion
This exploration of “lengthy hair NBA gamers” has revealed a multifaceted matter extending past mere aesthetics. Issues vary from sensible administration throughout gameplay and adherence to league rules, to expressions of cultural id and the cultivation of particular person branding. The historic evolution demonstrates a shift towards higher acceptance of various private types inside skilled sports activities. These influences work together, making a dynamic panorama through which athletes negotiate private expression inside the constraints {of professional} expectations.
Understanding the interaction of those elements gives precious perception into the evolving relationship between athletes, their identities, and the skilled atmosphere. Continued dialogue and consciousness are important to foster an inclusive and respectful ambiance that values each particular person expression and aggressive integrity. The tendencies mentioned recommend a unbroken evolution of those norms inside skilled basketball and past.
