Andrew Pace
In 2016, Houston Rockets basketball player Dwight Howard was caught using Stickum spray on his hands during a game. Stickum is an adhesive substance that improves grip. The use of such substances during games is banned by the NBA, and Howard's actions prompted the league to send a memo to all teams reminding them of this. While Howard was not fined or suspended for his actions, he did receive criticism, with some labelling him a cheater.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the substance | Stickum |
| Type of substance | Adhesive |
| Form | Spray |
| Purpose | To improve grip |
| Legality in the NBA | Illegal |
| In-game penalty | None |
| Disciplinary action | None |
| Alternative products | Quick-drying tape adherent, resin, chalk |
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What You'll Learn
Dwight Howard's use of Stickum
Stickum spray is a substance used to improve grip. In basketball, it is often used to improve grip on the ball. While it has been used in sports for a long time, its use is controversial and it is illegal in the NBA.
Houston Rockets player Dwight Howard was caught using Stickum spray during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 19, 2016. After the first free-throw attempt by Hawks forward Paul Millsap, Millsap noticed that the ball felt sticky after Howard touched it. The spray can was covered in tape, masking its label. Howard admitted to using the spray and said that he used it every game. He also said he didn't know why people were making a big deal out of it.
The NBA investigated the incident and decided not to discipline Howard. In a memo, the NBA stated that "the use of adherent substances, such as Quick-Drying Tape Adherent, during games is strictly prohibited. Substances that merely dry a player's hands will be permitted."
Howard's use of Stickum spray sparked debate among fans and commentators. Some people criticized Howard for using an illegal substance, while others defended him, arguing that it is a common practice in sports and should not be a big deal. Some also questioned why Howard was not disciplined by the NBA, despite admitting to using Stickum spray for years.
The substance has been a point of contention for many, with some arguing that it gives an unfair advantage to those who use it. The NBA's decision not to discipline Howard despite admitting to long-term use has also sparked debate.
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Stickum's illegality in the NBA
Stickum, an adhesive substance that helps players improve their grip on the ball, is illegal in the NBA. In 2016, Houston Rockets player Dwight Howard was caught using Stickum spray on his hands during a game against the Atlanta Hawks. Howard, who had been using the spray to keep his hands dry, admitted to using Stickum during every game over the past five years and was surprised by the negative reaction, stating that he had never been a cheater.
While the use of Stickum is banned by the NBA, the league announced that Howard would not be fined or suspended for his actions. However, the Rockets received an official warning for allowing the use of the substance. The NBA sent a league-wide memo clarifying that "the use of adherent substances, such as Quick Drying Tape Adherent, during games is strictly prohibited." The memo also specified that substances that merely dry a player's hands, like resin and chalk, are still permitted.
The incident with Howard occurred when he sprayed his hands with a substance from a can covered in white tape during a free throw break. The Hawks' Paul Millsap then handled the ball, which had been passed back to the court official, and stepped away from the free throw line. The ball was removed from the game, and both benches were warned that the use of Stickum is illegal.
The use of adhesive substances on a player's hands during an NBA game is prohibited because it can provide an unfair advantage. By improving a player's grip on the ball, Stickum can enhance their performance and give them an edge over their opponents. This goes against the spirit of fair competition that the NBA strives to uphold. As such, the NBA takes the issue of Stickum use seriously and has reminded teams that the use of such substances is strictly prohibited.
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The NBA's response to Howard's use of Stickum
The NBA's initial response to Dwight Howard's use of Stickum was to launch an investigation into the incident. Court official Monty McCutchen approached the team benches to warn the coaches that "Stickum is illegal in the NBA". The league then seized a can of the spray from the Houston bench.
The NBA ultimately decided not to discipline Howard, despite his admission that he had been using the substance for around five years. A memo from the NBA to the Rockets stated: "The use of adherent substances, such as Quick-Drying Tape Adherent, during games is strictly prohibited. Substances that merely dry a player's hands will be permitted."
While the NBA did not issue any fines or suspensions, other players and fans were critical of Howard's actions. Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams, for example, commented: "Maybe that's why he misses free throws, mate." Fans also expressed their disapproval, with one Reddit user writing: "They knew it was illegal and still did it."
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The use of adhesive substances in basketball
In 2016, Houston Rockets player Dwight Howard was caught using Stickum during a game against the Atlanta Hawks. Howard sprayed his hands with the substance during a break in play, and when he returned to the court, he grabbed the ball before passing it back for the free throw. The use of Stickum was brought to the attention of the officials when the opposing player, Paul Millsap, turned his nose up at the feel of the ball before passing it back to the court official.
The incident caused quite a stir, with some labeling Howard a cheater. However, Howard himself did not understand the backlash, claiming that he had never tried to hide his use of the spray and that he had only used it to keep his hands dry. He also stated that he had been using Stickum during every game for the past five years. Following the incident, the NBA sent out a league-wide memo reminding all 30 teams that the use of adhesive substances was "strictly prohibited".
While the NBA took the issue seriously, Howard was ultimately not fined or suspended for his actions. The Rockets organization received an official warning for allowing the use of the substance, but no disciplinary action was taken against Howard. This decision may have been influenced by the lack of an in-game penalty for such an infraction.
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The use of other grip-improving substances in basketball
While Stickum spray is illegal in the NBA, players have been known to use other grip-enhancing substances and techniques to improve their ball-handling abilities. One such method is the use of "fingertip moisteners," which are commonly found in stationery stores and are designed to replace the skin's natural oils, providing a better grip on surfaces such as paper and basketballs. These moisteners are not sticky but can improve grip strength, making them a popular choice for players looking for an advantage.
Additionally, players have been known to use water or saliva to moisten their hands and improve their grip. Some players also use leather cleaners or baseball bat grip tape to enhance their grip on the ball. While these methods are not explicitly banned, they can provide an advantage to players and are therefore worth noting.
Another technique is to warm up the hands, as cold hands can lead to a reduced grip. Players may also wipe their hands on the soles of their shoes, as the rubber on the shoes can provide additional grip. This technique is often used in conjunction with other grip-enhancing methods to further improve ball control.
Some players have also suggested the use of sticky substances such as Spider Tack or pine tar, which are commonly used in other sports. However, these substances are banned in the NBA, and their use is considered illegal. It is important to note that the use of any foreign substance to gain an unfair advantage is generally frowned upon and may result in penalties or disciplinary action.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Stickum is illegal in the NBA. It is considered an adhesive substance that helps improve grip and is, therefore, banned.
Dwight Howard was caught using Stickum spray on his hands during a game against the Atlanta Hawks in March 2016. The spray can was covered in tape to mask its label. While Howard was not fined or suspended, the NBA took the issue seriously and sent out a warning to all teams that the use of such substances was strictly prohibited.
Resin, which is often thrown in the air before games, and chalk are permitted in the NBA. Substances that merely dry a player's hands are also allowed.
