NBA players and ink go together like sneakers and hardwood. It's basically a prerequisite at this point. But Kelly Oubre Jr. takes it to a different level. For him, it’s not just about looking "tough" or fitting a certain aesthetic. Every piece of work on his skin—from the sprawling portraits on his legs to the religious iconography on his arms—acts as a chapter in a living biography.
He's one of the most expressive guys in the league. You can see it in his clothes, his game, and definitely his tattoos.
When you look at Kelly Oubre Jr tattoos, you aren't just seeing ink. You're seeing New Orleans. You're seeing a kid who survived Hurricane Katrina. You're seeing a man who worships icons like Prince and Jimi Hendrix. Honestly, it’s a bit of a chaotic masterpiece. Let’s break down what all that ink actually means, because there is a lot to unpack.
The "Fear God" Statement
If you’ve watched Oubre play, you’ve probably seen it. When he goes up for a dunk or raises his arms, the words "FEAR" on his right arm and "GOD" on his left arm come together.
It’s bold. It’s impossible to miss.
Oubre has been open about his faith for years. He actually got some of his early ink during his lunch breaks in high school—something his dad eventually came around to once he realized they weren't just random doodles. The "Fear God" piece isn't about being afraid. To Oubre, it’s about obedience and knowing that a higher power has his back.
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He once mentioned in an interview that the idea came to him after a specific message he heard in church. It’s his grounding force. In the high-pressure world of professional basketball, where you can be traded tomorrow and forgotten the next, he uses that ink as a permanent reminder of where his priorities lie.
A Love Letter to New Orleans
Oubre’s right arm is essentially a map of his childhood. He was born in New Orleans, and even though Hurricane Katrina forced his family to relocate to Houston when he was just nine years old, the "Big Easy" never left him.
His right sleeve is packed with NOLA imagery:
- The Streetcars: A classic symbol of the city’s unique vibe.
- The Superdome: Where the magic happens (and a symbol of the city’s resilience).
- The Pelicans: Not just the team name, but the state bird of Louisiana.
- Jazz Musicians: A nod to the soul of the city.
- The Coordinates: He even has the longitudinal and latitudinal points of the city inked on him.
It’s a heavy tribute. It shows that no matter how many different jerseys he wears—Wizards, Suns, Warriors, Hornets, 76ers—he knows exactly where he came from. That New Orleans grit is part of his DNA.
The Musical Legends on His Legs
This is where things get really interesting. Most players get tattoos of their kids or maybe a lion. Oubre? He went with rock stars and pop icons.
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If you look at his legs, you’ll see some incredibly detailed portraits. We're talking Prince, Michael Jackson, and Jimi Hendrix. These aren't just casual fans' tattoos; they are high-quality portraits that take up significant real estate.
Why these guys? It’s about the "Tsunami Papi" persona. Oubre views himself as a rock star on the court. He vibrates at a different frequency than your average 3-and-D wing. Hendrix and Prince were individuals who broke boundaries and didn't care what people thought of their style. Oubre tries to bring that same energy to the NBA.
One of the more surprising pieces is the logo for the Misfits, the legendary horror-punk band. It’s a bit of a deep cut for an NBA player, but it fits Oubre’s "alternate" vibe perfectly. He’s not trying to be like everyone else. He’s into the subcultures.
That Controversial Shoulder Portrait
For a while, there was a weird rumor floating around the internet. People were looking at a portrait on Kelly’s left shoulder and honestly thought it was Mao Zedong.
Yeah, the former leader of China.
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Twitter went a bit wild with it for a second. But, as it turns out, the truth is much more wholesome. It’s a portrait of his mother. The lighting and the angle in some game photos just made it look a bit ambiguous from a distance. Oubre is extremely close with his family, particularly his father (Kelly Sr.), but the tribute to his mom on his shoulder is a staple of his collection.
The "Sacrifice" Stomach Piece
Across his torso, Oubre has the word "SACRIFICE" tattooed in large, stylized letters.
Think about the life of an elite athlete. It looks glamorous on Instagram, but the reality is thousands of hours in empty gyms, restricted diets, and being away from family for months at a time. Oubre got this one relatively early in his career.
It serves as a constant internal dialogue. Every time he looks in the mirror, he’s reminded of what it took to get to the league and what it takes to stay there. He’s also got "Resurrection" themes on his left arm, featuring Jesus, which ties back into that idea of giving everything up for a greater purpose.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Ink
If you’re looking at Oubre’s tattoos for inspiration, there are a few things you can learn from his approach:
- Themes over Trends: Oubre didn't just get "trendy" tattoos. He stuck to things that mattered: his hometown, his faith, and his musical influences. If you want a tattoo you won't regret, make it personal.
- Symmetry Matters: Notice how his "Fear God" tattoo uses both arms to complete a phrase. It creates a visual balance that looks great in motion.
- Invest in Portrait Artists: Portraits are notoriously hard to get right. If you want a tribute like Oubre's Hendrix or Prince pieces, you have to find an artist who specializes in realism. Don't cheap out on faces.
- Tell a Story: Your tattoos don't have to match perfectly, but they should tell a story. Oubre’s right arm is his past, his left arm is his faith, and his legs are his personality.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is likely to keep adding to his collection as his career progresses. Every new city and every new milestone usually ends up recorded in ink. For him, the skin is just another canvas to express the "Tsunami" lifestyle.
To get the most out of your own tattoo journey, start by mapping out the "chapters" of your life. Think about the locations, people, and beliefs that shaped you. Like Oubre, you can use your body to tell a story that words sometimes can't capture.