80s & 90s NBA Memes

Intro to 80’s & 90’s NBA Memes

Step back in time to the golden era of NBA basketball with our 80s and 90s NBA memes. The games were fierce, the fashion was bold, and the memes are still making us laugh today.

About the NBA in the 80s & 90s

The 90s NBA era was marked by fierce rivalries and iconic players like:

• Bird (see Larry Bird memes)
• Magic  (see Magic Johnson memes)
• Jordan (see Jordan memes)

The two decades also generated multiple dynasties such as the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls. It was a time of intense competition and cultural impact, shaping the league into what it is today.

Here’s a little taste of what the NBA offered in the 1980s.

And another taste of the 1990s with the NBA’s greatest plays from that decade!

Why the NBA in the 80s & 90s makes for funny memes

The NBA in the 80s and 90s was packed with memorable moments and unique personalities, making it ripe for funny memes that capture the era’s iconic hairstyles, short shorts, celebrations, and larger-than-life players in all their glory.

80s & 90s NBA memes

Here are the best of the best NBA memes of the 80s and 90s. Browse, laugh, and share quickly using the share button on each meme!

Utah Jazz in the 90s, Karl Malone & John Stockton

Quite the duo in the 90s.

I must go, my people need me

The dude being airlifted mid-game.

When someone asks you how tough 80s and 90 players were, show them this photo

No neck injury stopping this guy from crossing over.

Why did everyone look so old in the 80s and 90s? Clyde Drexler was 27 in this photo

Someone check that guy’s birth certificate!

Utah Jazz in early 90s: Eaton (7’4″), Malone (6’9″), Stockton (6’1″)

Quite the diversity in size!

John Stockton pulled up to game 6 of NBA finals in minivan

Alright kids, off to daycare while Daddy loses to MJ tonight (see all our Michael Jordan memes).

In 1980, Calvin Murphy wore a modified hockey helmet

Concussion protocol was different in the 80s, no doubt. Don’t miss all our basketball foul memes!

In the 80s, players like Bird & Magic, played harder to win a title than demanding a trade

Can’t argue with the facts. These fellas duked it out with their own teams for years! See all our Larry Bird memes.

LeBron vs the “Bad Boy” Pistons, Bill Laimbeer, is he too soft?

A match-up I’d certainly watch too! See all our LeBron James memes.

Teams that could’ve won the Finals if Michael Jordan didn’t exist

Pacers, Jazz, Blazers, Suns — rings for all without MJ. Don’t miss all our Charles Barkley memes.

Dee Brown was the first to dab on ’em in 1991

His no look dunk was an absolute classic.

Want more NBA memes?

We got you! See our entire listing of NBA memes.