The NBA’s Big Balls Dance: The Story Behind the Iconic Celebration
The Origin of the Big Balls Dance
Sam Cassell is a three-time NBA champion and one of the brightest coaches in the league. But the Houston Rockets icon’s greatest legacy in the NBA is arguably a controversial celebration known as the Big Balls Dance.
The Movie Inspiration: Major League II
The move originates from the 1994 movie Major League II in which baseball player Isuro Tanaka tells teammate Pedro Cerrano that he has “no marbles” while making the gesture.
Cassell’s Influence on the Phenomenon
After watching the film, the then Minnesota Timberwolves star decided to incorporate the move into his game – and a phenomenon was born.
The Dance Spreads Across the NBA
After Cassell’s lead, a number of players have adopted the move – including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Eddie House, Kevin Martin, Marco Bellinelli, and Caron Butler.
The Original Originator
Cassell claims he was the originator of the dance, stating, “I saw the movie Major League, so I took it from there.”
Controversy and Fines
The celebration drew a lot of laughs but the NBA cracked down on it, handing out fines between $15,000 and $25,000 for players who performed the dance.
Criticism from NBA Legends
LeBron James faced criticism from NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after being fined $15,000 for performing the celebration in 2021.
Defending the Dance
Cassell doesn’t understand why players are fined for the move, stating, “They do [worse] things in the league now than that.”
Style Moves Off the Court
Cassell has become a major factor in the Celtics’ success this season as an assistant coach. Off the court, he has partnered with online eyewear retailer Zenni Optical to create a new eyewear collection.
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