Here's what NBA players looked like before they were covered in tattoos

Tattoos are pretty popular in the NBA. Lots of players have them, and several of them have tattoos covering their arms and chests.

But even the guys who are covered, like "Birdman" and J.R. Smith, were once clean slates.

Some of the NBA players who now have the most tats looked like completely different people early in their careers.

NOW: Chris "Birdman" Andersen

The NBA's 25 highest-paid players

Andersen in 2003.

The NBA's 25 highest-paid players

NOW: J.R. Smith

Smith in 2004.

NOW: Carmelo Anthony

Anthony in 2003.

NOW: Iman Shumpert

Shumpert in 2009.

NOW: LeBron James

James in 2003.

NOW: Monta Ellis

Ellis in 2007.

NOW: Jamal Crawford

Crawford in 2001.

NOW: Wilson Chandler

Chandler in 2006.

NOW: DeMarcus Cousins

Cousins in 2009.

NOW: LaMarcus Aldridge

Aldridge in 2006.

NOW: Matt Barnes

Barnes in 2002.

NOW: Brandon Jennings

Jennings in 2008.

NOW: DeAndre Jordan

Jordan in 2007.

BONUS: Can you tell who this former player is? This photo is from 1988.

Yup, it's Dennis Rodman.

Now check out the highest-paid players in the league:

The NBA's 25 highest-paid players

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