The 10 most bizarre superstitions in NBA history including Michael Jordan and LeBron James rituals

Pre-game rituals and superstitions in sport are commonplace.

Athletes tend to be creatures of habit and many like their preparations for performance to be replicated to precision every time in order for them to feel fully ready for action.

Some such superstition border on the bizarre, though.

Here are 10 of the most unusual rituals observed by NBA stars.

LeBron James throws chalk before every NBA game (Getty)

Jordan's lucky underwear

The greatest of the all was very specific about how he liked to prepare for games. Michael Jordan always wore a pair of shorts from his college team – the University of North Carolina Tar Heels – under his Chicago Bulls uniform.

And that wasn't all. MJ always used to ensure that he socks were pulled up to the exact same height on both sides.

KG's head-banging

Former Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett was renowned as one of the toughest and most aggressive players in the NBA during his career and his pre-game ritual appeared geared towards intimidations.

The 6ft 11ins power forward used to back his head against the stanchion holding up the hoop before every game.

Pre-game pyjamas

Shooting guard Jason Terry – a title-winner with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 – used to wear a pair of the opposition's shorts to bed before games.

The final straw

Two-time All-Star and a teammate of Terry's on the championship winning Mavericks in 2011, Caron Butler ritual was one that he observed not pre-game but in-game.

The 6ft 7ins small forward used to chew straws on the court. Butler would naw through up to 12 straws per game, until his unusual habit was outlawed by the NBA.

LeBron's chalk cloud

It's become a pre-game ceremony of sorts over the course of his storied NBA career – cameras flash as LeBron James wanders over to the scorer's table, fills his palms with chalk and throws it up into the air, creating a white cloud.

Secret handshakes

Another ritual LeBron runs through before games sees four-time MVP perform elaborate handshakes with every teammate.

The King has a different handshake routine memorised for every colleague, proving his memory is still sharp at the ripe old age of 40.

Left-hand man

Like Jordan, former journeyman wing Rasual Butler's lockerroom superstition revolved around his clothing.

The ex-Miami Heat and New Orleans Hornets player, without fail, would get dressed from left to left right every game.

Keeping it clean

A three-time All-Star and an NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons in 2004, Rip Hamilton enjoyed a stellar career.

And throughout his 14 years in the NBA, he would shower before every game.

PBJ FTW

The Boston Celtics share a team pre-game ritual: an hour before tip-off, they chow down on peanut butter and jam sandwiches.

It seems to be working, too, as the Celtics claimed a record 18th NBA title last season.

Ray's regimen

Former Celtic Ray Allen was a two-time NBA champion and one of the deadliest three-point shooters of all time.

And his success could be attributed to his strict game-day routine, which included a 90-minute nap, a meal of chicken and rice, shaving his head and warming up three hours prior to tip-off.