Your Complete Men’s Basketball Checklist for 2024
All your apparel, equipment, and recovery needs for the upcoming season.
As the basketball season approaches, preparation will be your key to success.
One part of this preparation is, of course, the physical aspect.
Basketball is a demanding sport that requires no-easy-buckets defense on one end and finish-at-the-rim offense on the other.
There’s plenty of action happening on the basketball court, requiring high levels of skill and execution.
Putting the time into your training and practice regime will help ensure you’re ready for it.
But the other part of your preparation is making sure you have all the essential gear that the game requires.
Consider the high levels of focus required of basketball players: calling out screens, anticipating passing lanes, crisp on-point passes, and shots that touch nothing but net.
There’s no way you can do all of this at a high level if your gear is uncomfortable and causing distractions, or inadequate and holding back your performance.
Here, we’ve put together a complete checklist for the upcoming basketball season, including our top picks in each category to help you reach your peak level of play.
Whether you’re new to the game and looking for the right place to get started or a seasoned vet in need of a few updates or upgrades, we’ve got you covered.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
Full Basketball Apparel Checklist 2024
Whether you’re a point guard running the show or a center battling it out on the block, you’re going to need apparel that can keep up and hold up over the course of a demanding season.
Ill-suited athletic shoes could lead to injury and an inferior pair of compression shorts inevitably leads to constant adjustment and distraction.
Comfort, mobility, and support is crucial on the court. These are the top basketball apparel picks that provide it.
1. Basketball Compression Shorts: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts
Since basketball requires a lot of quick cutting, sprinting, jumping, and defensive shuffling, players need baselayer garments designed to handle high-intensity movement.
It’s also common for players to end up knocked down on the court, whether taking a charge or taking contact at the rim.
Compression shorts provide a secure baselayer, so no matter how much your basketball shorts shift, slide down, or ride up as you play, you can count on your compression shorts staying in place no matter what.
When you’re battling on the court, you want to stay in the zone, reacting freely and creating plays, not distracted or restricted by an uncomfortable fit.
Our top pick for the best basketball compression shorts this season is the Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts.
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts
Shop at Nike: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts (Long)
The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Compression Shorts utilize supportive and lightweight fabric in a stretchy design that offers a full range of motion.
These compression shorts sport sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology and strategic mesh fabric for improved airflow to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable.
Check out our full list of the Best Basketball Compression Shorts for 2024. And grab a few pairs for your upcoming season.
2. Basketball Compression Tights: Curry Brand ¾ Leggings
Here’s an alternative to compression shorts that has skyrocketed in popularity among basketball players in recent years.
Compression tights are a common sight on the best players at the highest levels of competition.
They offer all the same benefits as compression shorts while extending those benefits to more of your legs, resulting in better endurance and an overall more secure fit.
The ¾ length compression tight has become the de facto length for basketball, as many brands market this length as their standard basketball tights option.
Our top pick for the best basketball compression tights this season is the Curry Brand ¾ Leggings.
Shop at Under Armour: Curry Brand ¾ Leggings
The Curry Brand ¾ Leggings feature a very cool two-toned fabric design with Under Armour HeatGear technology and 4-way stretch for mobility.
These basketball compression tights sport strategic mesh panels for improved ventilation and comfortable wear under shorts.
Check out our full lists of the Best Basketball Tights in both ¾ Length and Full-Length.
3. Basketball Shoes: Nike G.T. Cut 2 Basketball Shoes
Basketball shoes are constructed to not only handle all the high-flying, quick-cutting, and sudden-stopping (on a dime) that the game possesses, but actually boost a player’s ability to perform those moves.
Responsive impact cushioning is common in basketball shoes as it provides comfort to high-impact areas and keeps you light on your feet.
Grippy outsoles with high-traction patterns are another common feature found in basketball shoes, as they allow you to move and cut quickly while also preventing slipping-related injury.
Seeing as how feet and ankle injury is a primary concern in basketball, shoes that can reduce slippage, cushion jumps, and stabilize the foot will keep you in top form on the court.
Our top pick for basketball shoes this season is the Nike G.T. Cut 2 Basketball Shoes.
Shop at Nike: Nike G.T. Cut 2 Basketball Shoes
Shop at Nike: Nike G.T. Cut 2 Basketball Shoes (Team Colors)
The Nike G.T. Cut 2 Basketball Shoes feature a Zoom Air unit in the heel for first-step responsiveness and a React insole for comfort and support.
These basketball shoes utilize sticky traction with a hollow herringbone pattern for sharp cutting and stopping.
Check out our full list of the Best Basketball Shoes for 2024.
Optional Basketball Apparel Picks
Beyond the essentials, there are a few other apparel options that can be helpful to have.
Depending on your personal preferences, some basketball players prefer to wear a baselayer under their jersey.
Sleeveless options with sweat-wicking material tend to be the popular choice, as they don’t bunch up or interfere with your shooting form.
Our top pick for a basketball compression tank this season is the Under Armour HeatGear Compression Tank.
Shop at Under Armour: UA HeatGear Compression Tank
The Under Armour HeatGear Compression Tank is extra lightweight and breathable with stretch mesh panels on the back and side for strategic ventilation.
This compression tank is sweat-wicking, supportive, and offers a full range of motion.
And while most any pair of athletic socks will work fine when playing basketball, athletic crew socks tend to be the most popular choice among basketball players.
Our top pick for basketball socks this season is the Under Armour Team Crew Socks.
The Under Armour Team Crew Socks provide medium cushioning with embedded arch support to reduce foot fatigue and mesh panels for breathability.
These basketball socks are sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and available in multiple team color options.
Full Basketball Equipment & Accessories Checklist 2024
With a high-flying, quick-cutting court sport like basketball, having the right equipment and accessories is key to ensuring you stay competitive and injury-free.
You’ll need supportive equipment that lives up to its name, so that you can make plays and give your all without holding back.
All those uncelebrated accessories that keep you focused and playing hard.
Compression sleeves, both padded and non-padded, are a common sight on basketball players, as are ankle braces and kinesiology tape.
These are the top basketball equipment and accessories picks that get the job done and then some.
1. Basketball Compression Sleeves: Sleefs
Basketball players wear compression sleeves to assist in-game performance, protect against injury, and improve muscle recovery between games.
What makes compression sleeves such a perfect fit for basketball is that they offer stability and support to key muscles without limiting the player’s range of motion.
This is key for a sport like basketball that requires a high degree of skill, precision, quickness, and strength.
Our top pick for basketball compression sleeves this season is Sleefs Compression Sleeves.
Shop at Sleefs: Sleefs Arm Sleeve
Shop at Sleefs: Sleefs Leg Sleeve
The Sleefs Arm Sleeve and Sleefs Leg Sleeve feature a durable double-stranded fiber in a comfortable and stretchy design.
These compression sleeves keep muscles warm while remaining breathable and are available in a variety of colors.
Check out our full list of the Best Compression Sleeves for Basketball.
2. Basketball Padded Sleeves: McDavid
Padded compression sleeves offer all the same benefits that compression sleeves do with the addition of protective padding at the joints.
Basketball players compete in physically demanding seasons that can put quite a bit of wear and tear on the body.
The padding on these sleeves helps with injury prevention and reducing the impact of all those bumps and bruises that can add up over the course of a season.
And the snug and stretchy fit of the compression sleeve makes it the ideal way to add protection while still retaining flexibility and a full range of motion.
Our top pick for basketball padded sleeves this season is McDavid Elite HEX Padded Sleeves.
Shop at McDavid: McDavid Elite HEX Shooter Arm Sleeve
Shop at McDavid: McDavid HEX Padded Leg Sleeves
The McDavid Elite HEX Shooter Arm Sleeve and McDavid HEX Padded Leg Sleeve feature innovative HEX padding that anatomically wraps the joint without restricting movement.
These padded sleeves utilize a breathable knit compression, moisture-wicking technology, and are available in several color options.
Check out our full list of the Best Padded Sleeves for Basketball.
3. Basketball Shoe Insoles: Move Game Day Pro Performance Insoles
Whether you’re experiencing some form of pain while you’re moving on the court (arch, ankle, knee, etc.) or simply looking for a performance boost, adding insoles to your basketball shoes might be just what you need.
A high-quality pair of basketball insoles will improve energy transfer in your feet for faster speeds and higher verticals.
And they’ll also increase support and reduce strain on your feet, which in turn reduces your risk for injury and limits wear and tear on your joints.
Our top pick for the best basketball shoe insoles this season is the Move Game Day Pro Performance Insoles.
Available on Amazon: Move Game Day Pro Performance Insoles
The Move Game Day Pro Performance Insoles feature an incredibly dynamic performance design that pairs a firm and bouncy foundation for take-offs with comfortable cushioning for soft landings.
Used by Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, Brandon Ingram, and more, these insoles sport a carbon-like composite for strong and adaptive movements and Active Heel Technology to reduce pressure where it’s needed most.
Check out our full list of the Best Insoles for Basketball Shoes.
4. Basketball Ankle Brace: Zamst A2-DX Sports Ankle Brace
With all the quick movements, cuts, jumps, etc. that occur on the basketball court, ankle braces are a common must-have item for many basketball players.
Whether you currently have an ankle sprain or are hoping to fend them off, an ankle brace is a great way to both prevent and assist in recovery from ankle sprains.
You’ll want an ankle brace that offers medial and lateral stability without adding bulk or hindering flexibility.
Our top pick for the best basketball ankle brace this season is the Zamst A2-DX Sports Ankle Brace.
Available on Amazon: Zamst A2-DX Sports Ankle Brace
The Zamst A2-DX Sports Ankle Brace offers a strong level of ankle support without limiting mobility.
Used by Steph Curry, Tray Young, and more, this ankle brace stabilizes and reduces excessive inward and outward high ankle movements.
5. Basketball Athletic Tape: KT Tape
Here’s something that basketball players will be glad they have in their bag: kinesiology tape.
A versatile option that’s great for minor injuries and pain, kinesiology tape can be applied nearly anywhere on the body to help alleviate muscle swelling, promote circulation, and maintain joint functionality.
Our top pick for basketball athletic tape this season is KT Tape PRO Kinesiology Tape.
Shop at KT Tape: KT Tape PRO Kinesiology Tape
KT Tape’s PRO Kinesiology Tape is highly breathable, offers flexible support, and remains firmly on skin through sweat and moisture.
Optional Basketball Equipment & Accessories Picks
Looking to shake off the rust leading up to the season or continue working on your game outside of team practice?
You’re going to need a quality practice ball and ball pump.
Our top pick for a basketball this season is the Spalding Cross Court Official Basketball, perfect for both indoor and outdoor play.
And our top pick for a basketball pump this season is the convenient and compact Nike Essential Ball Pump.
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: Spalding Cross Court Official Basketball
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: Nike Essential Ball Pump
Finally, you’re going to need a way to stash and transport all your apparel, equipment, and accessories to and from the gym this season.
Of course, we’re talking about an equipment bag and our top pick this season is the Nike Hoops Elite.
Shop at Nike: Nike Hoops Elite Duffel Bag
Shop at Nike: Nike Hoops Elite Backpack
Shop at Nike: Nike Hoops Elite Drawstring Bag
Available in duffel, backpack, and drawstring options for convenient and secure storage in your preferred means of carry.
Full Basketball Recovery Checklist 2024
Sore muscles are an unfortunate reality for any athlete, basketball players no exception.
And while there’s no silver bullet that offers instant relief, there are a few methods and tools at our disposal nowadays that we know work well at reducing muscle soreness and improving recovery time.
Over the course of a long season with all those grueling practices and high-energy games, these recovery tools might just become your new best friend.
1. Basketball Compression Therapy: Hyperice Normatec
By using targeted air pressure to improve circulation, compression therapy boosts your body’s natural recovery process, removing metabolic waste and replenishing your muscles with nutrient-rich blood.
With all the running, jumping, shuffling, and more that basketball players do up and down the court, it’s easy to see why compression therapy boots are a popular choice.
Basketball players that incorporate compression therapy into their recovery routines feel fresher from one practice or game to the next, while also noticing a bump in overall endurance and performance.
Our top pick for the best compression therapy boots for basketball players is the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs.
Available on Amazon: Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs
The Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs feature a dynamic and intuitive design with patented precision Pulse technology.
These compression boots provide 7 levels of compression and ZoneBoost technology to replicate your natural muscle pumps and one-way leg valves.
Check out our full list of the Best Compression Therapy Boots.
2. Basketball Massage Gun: Hypervolt Go 2
You’ve no doubt seen these all over recently. Just turn on any professional sporting event and you’ll see athletes on the bench or sidelines working their muscles over with massage guns.
But massage guns aren’t just for professional athletes. They’re an effective and easy-to-use tool for any active individual.
And athletes that incorporate percussion therapy into their warm-up and recovery routines feel fresher from one workout or game to the next, while also noticing a bump in overall flexibility and mobility.
Our top pick for the best massage gun for basketball players is the Hypervolt Go 2.
Available on Amazon: Hypervolt Go 2
The Hypervolt Go 2 has a perfect handheld ergonomic design that’s extra lightweight (only 1.5 pounds), portable, and very easy to use.
This massage gun features QuietGlide technology for nearly silent use, 3 powerful percussion speed, and 3 hours of batter life per charge.
Check out our full list of the Best Massage Guns for Athletes.
3. Basketball Heat Therapy: Hyperice Venom 2
If you’ve ever strained or pulled a muscle, felt pain in your back or neck that limited your mobility, there’s a good chance your immediate response was to apply heat to the area.
Using a heating pad on a specific part of the body to relieve muscle pain is one of the most common applications of heat therapy and a go-to for many basketball players.
One of the easiest to use and noticeably effective heat therapy methods is use of a heated compression sleeve or brace to increase blood flow and deliver targeted relief to your muscles.
Our top pick for the best heat therapy wrap for basketball players is the Hyperice Venom 2 Back.
Available on Amazon: Hyperice Venom 2 Back
The Hyperice Venom 2 Back features HyperHeat technology for a consistent even heat delivered 6x faster than a standard heating pad for extra quick relief.
This heated back wrap sports an adjustable compression strap for a customized fit, 3 levels of heat, and up to 3 hours of battery life.
Check out our full list of the Best Heat Therapy Sleeves and Braces.
4. Basketball Cold Therapy: McDavid Flex Ice Therapy
Put some ice on it.
It’s probably the first thought that pops into your head for treating pain and reducing swelling.
One of the easiest to use and noticeably effective cold therapy methods is a cold compression sleeve or brace that delivers targeted relief.
Cold compression sleeves are a great way to ice down your knees after a game or provide treatment to a tweaked ankle, helping you feel fresher and ready to go the next time you step on the court.
Our top pick for the best cold compression sleeve for basketball players is the McDavid Flex Ice Therapy Sleeve.
Shop at McDavid: McDavid Flex Ice Therapy Sleeve (Knee)
Shop at McDavid: McDavid Flex Ice Therapy Sleeve (Elbow)
Shop at McDavid: McDavid Flex Ice Therapy Sleeve (Ankle)
The McDavid Flex Ice Therapy Compression Sleeves features a flexible gel sleeve design that delivers 360-degrees of compression and either cold or hot treatment.
These cold therapy sleeves utilize an easy pull-on design that stays-in-place while on-the-go and are available in knee, elbow, and ankle designs.
Check out our full list of the Best Cold Therapy Sleeves and Braces.
