Do NBA Players Smoke? The Truth About Tobacco Use in Professional Basketball

I remember the first time I saw an NBA player smoking—it was during my visit to Las Vegas for the summer league back in 2018. Walking through a casino, I spotted a bench player from a Western Conference team lighting up a cigarette outside the arena. My initial reaction was disbelief. These are athletes at the peak of physical condition, right? But the reality is more complicated than we might think. When I dug deeper into this topic, I came across Von Pessumal, a Filipino professional basketball player who rejoined the Batang Pier—the same franchise that drafted him in 2016 when it was still called GlobalPort. His journey, like many others, highlights how tobacco use intersects with professional sports in ways that aren't always black and white.

Let's be honest: smoking and elite athletics don't seem to mix. NBA players rely on their lungs for endurance, sprinting up and down the court for 48 minutes, sometimes logging over 3,000 minutes in a single season. I've read studies suggesting that smoking can reduce lung capacity by up to 15-20%, which sounds like a career killer in a sport where every breath counts. But here's the twist—while the league has strict anti-drug policies, tobacco isn't entirely banned. In fact, back in the day, it wasn't uncommon to see legends like Red Auerbach lighting up cigars after big wins. Fast forward to today, and the culture has shifted, but not completely. I've spoken to a few insiders who estimate that maybe 5-10% of players still use tobacco in some form, whether it's cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless products. That's a tiny fraction compared to the general population, but it's still there, lurking in the shadows.

Take the example of Pessumal's career. When he was drafted by GlobalPort in 2016, the team was part of the PBA, where the pressures are immense—travel, media scrutiny, and the constant grind to perform. I can't help but wonder if some players turn to tobacco as a coping mechanism. From my own experience covering sports, I've seen how stress can drive athletes to habits they might otherwise avoid. In the NBA, the spotlight is even brighter. Players are constantly under surveillance, with social media amplifying every move. Imagine being a rookie trying to make your mark; the temptation to calm nerves with a cigarette after a tough loss might be real, even if it's not the smartest choice health-wise.

Now, I'm not here to judge—everyone has their vices. But as a fan who cares about the long-term health of these athletes, it's concerning. I recall a story from a former player (who asked to remain anonymous) sharing how he'd sneak a smoke during road trips, thinking it wouldn't affect his game. He'd tell himself, "I'm young, I'm fit, what's the harm?" But over time, he noticed his recovery slowing down. In a league where players run an average of 2.5 miles per game, according to some tracking data I've seen, that slight edge matters. The NBA has made strides with wellness programs, but tobacco use often flies under the radar because it's not as sensational as other issues.

Personally, I think the league could do more. Why not ramp up education on nicotine addiction, especially for international players who might come from cultures where smoking is more accepted? Look at Pessumal's case—he's bounced between teams, and that kind of instability can fuel bad habits. I've always believed that support systems are key. If teams invested in mental health resources alongside physical training, we might see fewer players reaching for a pack. Plus, let's not forget the influence of sponsorships and money. Tobacco companies have historically targeted athletes, and while the NBA has cut ties with such partnerships, the legacy lingers.

In the end, the truth about NBA players and smoking isn't a simple yes or no. It's a nuanced issue, woven into the fabric of professional sports. From my perspective, the trend is declining, thanks to better awareness and the rise of alternatives like vaping—though that's a whole other debate. But as long as stress and pressure exist in high-stakes environments, some players will likely continue to use tobacco. What matters is how the community addresses it. So next time you watch a game, remember that behind those incredible dunks and three-pointers, there's a human side, complete with flaws and struggles. And maybe, just maybe, that's something we can all relate to.