See you in court: the best basketball memes
What are the funniest basketball memes? How do you make custom NBA memes? Where are all the free meme GIFs at? And why is Jordan always crying like a goddamn baby in them?
Basketball is probably the most exciting sport. Fast paced, easy to follow, and blessed with tons of drama – a rapid-fire ballet of speed, strength, agility and accuracy. No wonder it’s captured the imagination of millions around the world.
As such it’s no surprise that basketball so ingrained in our culture that the game has its own rich and fascinating meme culture. Today, we’re looking at basketball memes, with a little help from custom GIF meme maker Memix.
Let’s play ball…
CRYING JORDAN MEME
This iconic, universally-recognized meme that originated from a photograph of basketball legend Michael Jordan crying during his 2009 Hall of Fame induction speech. Jordan is totally emotionally overcome by the moment, shedding tears while delivering his heartfelt remarks.
The meme gained traction in 2015 when users began superimposing Jordan’s tear-streaked face onto other people or objects in various contexts, often accompanied by humorous or sarcastic captions. The juxtaposition of Jordan’s emotional display with seemingly unrelated scenarios created a humorous contrast that resonated with internet users. Bless!
The Crying Jordan meme quickly spread across social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit, and became a cultural phenomenon. It transcended the world of basketball and found its way into pop culture, permeating sports, politics, and even celebrity events. The meme’s versatility allowed it to adapt to different situations, serving as a mocking response or a lighthearted way to express disappointment or failure.
Why is it so successful? Simplicity, relatability, and the enduring popularity of Michael Jordan as a sports icon. It encapsulates the universal experience of defeat or frustration, making it a readily accessible and relatable form of humor for internet users.
While internet memes often have a limited lifespan, the Crying Jordan meme has persisted and continues to be referenced even years after its initial popularity. It has become a symbol of internet culture and a testament to the enduring impact of a single, evocative image.
LEBRON JUDGE MEME
LeBron James dressing as a judge was a unique and attention-grabbing moment from October 2020, during the NBA playoffs. LeBron arrived at a post-game press conference dressed in a black robe, complete with a white wig, resembling the attire, and vibe, of a judge.
Why? To address social justice and racial equality. By donning the judge’s attire, LeBron aimed to make a statement and draw attention to the need for justice and accountability in cases involving police brutality and racial discrimination.
The act of dressing as a judge symbolized LeBron’s desire to see fair treatment, equality, and systemic change in society. It was a powerful visual representation of his commitment to using his platform as an influential athlete to raise awareness and advocate for social justice issues.
While some may have interpreted his fancy getup as a lighthearted gimmick, it was, in fact, a deliberate and thought-provoking move aimed at starting conversations and inspiring action towards positive change. LeBron James continues to use his platform to advocate for social justice and make a lasting impact beyond the basketball court. What a legend.
BASKETBALL MARKETING MEMES
As one of the most popular sports on earth, basketball has an immense following. What does that mean? It means advertising!
It helps that basketball’s biggest stars and tall, handsome, strong charismatic characters. And that they don’t mind pulling silly faces for a few (million) bucks).
Why not hack the ads with a bespoke basketball GIF meme from Memix?
CONTROVERSIAL CALLS
As its a sport, a high-profile sport indeed, with huge sums bet on each and every game, shot and call, there’s plenty to talk about.
Maybe a call didn’t go your way? Or it did, but shouldn’t have done, and you got lucky. Let everybody in the group chat know exactly how you feel with a tailored GIF from Memix.
Nothing winds the other side up like a deftly rendered joke, in meme form.
Your mates will be cock-a-hoop.
Hey, IS STEALING MEMES ILLEGAL?
While we’re here, does anybody know IS IT PRONOUNCED GIF OR JIF?