Over time, many NBA players have forged a pre-game ritual, which they follow to the tee. LeBron James’ powder toss ritual is one of the more popular pre-game routines which has charmed fans for years. However, a 15x NBA All-Star believes that this ritual was actually kicked off by the “GOAT“, Michael Jordan.

While these rituals are nothing more than a superstitious belief, they seem to get the NBA stars hyped up before games. And of course, they never fail to entertain their fans.

LeBron James’ pre-game routine gets traced back to Michael Jordan

Dwyane Wade, because of his #3 jersey, used to do 3 pull-ups before the game. Stephen Curry needs to nail a tunnel shot before the match. If he makes the basket from the baseline, it’s a hallelujah for the team. However, LeBron James’ chalk toss routine is beyond comparison. It’s simple yet legendary. It is customary for basketball players to rub powder on their hands before the game to enhance their grip. But James makes a show of it. 

He flings a handful of powder into the air above him and watches the white-powdery cloud disappear with his arms stretched out. The ritual has become a part of James’ on-court personality. However, NBA legend Kevin Garnett, who is also known as the Big Ticket, credits this ritual to Michael Jordan.

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While this ritual is often associated with LeBron James, he was definitely not the first one to do it. It was His Airness, Michael Jordan, who used to clap his powdered hands before the game. Kevin Garnett shared a video of MJ clapping his hands in front of the commentators. Everyone got used to MJ’s pre-game routine. So much so that the commentators came prepared. Seconds before Jordan’s ritual, they opened up their umbrellas for cover. 

As Kevin Garnett shared MJ’s pre-game video, he commented, “Ever wonder where we all get the powder routine from…got from the GOAT himself…MJ…” Garnett also had a pre-game routine. Right before the tip-off, Garnett used to pound his head on a padded bolster, sometimes punching it with his clenched fists.

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Whether these game rituals actually help the players or not is a question for the skeptics.