Image via Complex Original
Despite safety concerns and federal mandates, the hoverboard wave is still going strong. While the future of the motorized scooters remains to be determined, NBA players have been making the most of the 2015–16 season by having fun both on and off the court on the Segway-like devices. From insane how-did-he-even-do-that dunks to flex-worthy entrances (and exits), and even the threat of legal action, hoverboards have been the source of some of this season’s most unforgettable stories and highlights. Look back on the best incidents involving everyone’s new favorite method of transportation with The Best NBA Hoverboard Moments This Season.
Markieff Morris Leaves Phoenix in Style
When: Feb. 18, 2016
Immediately after being traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Washington Wizards last month, power forward Markieff Morris chose to make a grand exit out of Phoenix’s Talking Stick Resort Arena on a hoverboard. Unfortunately for Morris, a speed bump got in his way, adding insult to injury and causing him to trip off of the board. Since officially arriving in D.C., Morris’ productivity has taken a hit, and we can’t help but wonder if this hoverboard fail was the moment his downward spiral really started. Just kidding—sort of.
Aaron Gordon Flies Over a Hoverboarding Mascot During the Dunk Contest
When: Feb. 13, 2016
Yep, this one is every bit as crazy as it sounds. In just one of his many show-stealing dunks at this year’s NBA Dunk Contest, runner-up Aaron Gordon threw down a massive windmill after grabbing an alley-oop from the Orlando Magic’s mascot…while the mascot was spinning on a hoverboard. Instead of trying to make sense of this insanity, we’ll let the clip do the talking. Seriously, how did he not win after this one?
LeBron Puts His Foot Down
When: Nov. 29, 2015
At the beginning of the season, a story emerged that said the Cleveland Cavaliers had banned hoverboards from the Quicken Loans Arena. Names weren’t mentioned, but many reporters connected the dots and concluded that LeBron James had at least something to do with the decision. This came just months after teammate J.R. Smith’s NBA Finals arrival made headlines and caused some to question whether or not the Cavaliers were taking their opponents seriously. Cleveland ended up falling to the Warriors in the Finals, and the rest is hoverboard history.
Rajon Rondo Works on His Handles
When: Sept. 9, 2015
Following a turbulent 2014–15 campaign, Rajon Rondo landed with the Sacramento Kings just before the start of the new season. The versatile point guard then took to Instagram ahead of his Sacramento debut to show off his ball-handling skills while riding a hoverboard. Despite his nagging injuries in recent years, Rondo looked as smooth as ever while shaking and baking.
Mark Cuban Comes for Everyone’s Neck
When: Aug. 29, 2015
After purchasing a patent for hoverboard brand Hovertrax last August, billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was on a warpath, announcing his plans to sue anyone with a similar hoverboard design. That’s when a brand known as IO Hawk decided to do the unthinkable and reach out to Cuban directly on Twitter. In normal cases, it probably would have been brushed off, but the tweet contained an image of recent Mavericks signee JaVale McGee posing with IO Hawk’s president. Cuban fired back, threatening to sue the brand, and although he’s since given up his patent (and presumably the lawsuit, too), IO Hawk has been pretty quiet ever since.
Amir Johnson Practices His Jumper
When: Aug. 25, 2015
We’re talking about practice…on a hoverboard. Last fall, fresh after signing with the Boston Celtics, NBA vet Amir Johnson made use of the team’s practice gym by working on his shot while cruising around on the hardwood. It’s probably not the most thrilling clip you’ll see, but the fact that Johnson didn’t even have to take his backpack off while riding around on the hoverboard deserves some extra props.
Steph Curry Makes It Rain From Half Court
When: July 3, 2015
When he’s not busy helping Under Armour make billions and breaking NBA records, Steph Curry unwinds by pulling off highlight reel-worthy hoverboard stunts. After taking home his first ring in June, Curry gave everyone a preview of what was in store for this season by draining this half court shot on a hoverboard. Like so many of Curry’s extraordinary shots, he made this one looked surprisingly effortless despite having to maintain his balance at the same time.
