Best NBA Celebrations

Honorable mention

- Pointing first to a flexed bicep and then to one’s wrist. Big. Time. I’m not sure an NBA player has ever done this.

#5 The Jordan look into the camera/fist clench. It would be higher except no one else can do it. Kobe Bryant tried it in game 4 of the opening round of last year’s playoffs. His Lakers promptly lost the next 3 games and were eliminated. And while we’re at it, players should probably shy away from Jordan’s shrug taunt too.

#4 Pounding the chest. According to Jack MacCallum Eddie House, of all people, pulled this off to perfection against his former team (Charlotte Bobcats) last season. This prompted Bernie Bickerstaff to remark that House had a strong chest.

#3 Grabbing the front of one’s jersey to bring attention to your own number. This is best when done after game winning shots. See Paul Pierce.

#2 Rolling dice. Michael Jordan and a healthy Larry Bird used to pull this one out. It is both subtle and classic.

#1 Jumping on the scorer’s table. Really gets the hometown crowd into the game. Not to be confused with lying on the scorer’s table, which can ignite chaos.