Sometimes the most unforgettable moments in sports come from the most unexpected places. For Jon Elmore, that place happened to be the top of his head, where Summer League cameras kept finding something worth focusing on. The 29-year-old guard’s response to his viral baldness has turned what could have been an embarrassing situation into a masterclass in self-deprecating humor.
How Did Elmore Turn His Baldness Into Basketball Gold?
Elmore, currently competing on a Summer League deal with the Stockton Kings, took to X after noticing broadcasters couldn’t take their eyes off his scalp during game coverage. Rather than shy away from the attention, he leaned into it with characteristic wit.
“Geez I’m balding. Can we move on. I had a new shampoo I thought was going to bring it back. It hasn’t worked. Can we stop talking about it,” he wrote.
Geez I’m balding. Can we move on. I had a new shampoo I thought was going to bring it back. It hasn’t worked. Can we stop talking about it 😂 https://t.co/kEwX21c2OS
— Jon Elmore (@elmore33) July 15, 2025
The moment sparked a wave of online attention, cementing Elmore’s arrival at Summer League as both a competitor and a charismatic personality. A Bleacher Report trend clip highlighted the “camera focusing on his balding hair,” turning a broadcast quirk into social media gold.
What Makes Elmore’s Basketball Journey So Compelling?
Behind the viral moment lies a legitimate basketball story. After a solid season with the Stockton Kings and a stint overseas with Turkey’s Manisa Basket, Elmore has proved himself a savvy playmaker and floor general. With the Stockton Kings in 2024-25, he averaged 10.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
His consistent production earned him his first NBA Summer League roster at age 29, a testament to his persistence in pursuing his NBA dream. The journey to this moment has been anything but conventional.
Elmore’s professional journey reads like a basketball atlas. He went undrafted out of Marshall University in 2019, despite being a two-time Conference USA scoring and assist leader. His college legacy includes becoming the only player in NCAA Division I history with 2500+ points and 750+ assists.
Following his college career, he played for Boston’s Summer League squad before taking his talents overseas. His international experience spanned Italy, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, and Turkey, building the global perspective that now serves him well back in the G League.
The NBA now beckons again, as the Kings brought him into the Las Vegas Summer League, where he’s injecting court skills with off-court charm.
Can Elmore’s Personality Help His NBA Chances?
The numbers tell part of Elmore’s story. In G League action with the Stockton Kings during the 2024-25 regular season, he appeared in 34 games and averaged 10.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 27.6 minutes per game.
His shooting efficiency remained steady throughout the season, connecting on 40.5% of his field goals, 33.5% from three-point range, and 83.6% from the free-throw line. When the playoffs arrived, Elmore elevated his game even further.
Starting all five playoff games, he averaged 12.4 points and 3.2 assists while hitting an impressive 45.2% from beyond the arc. These clutch performances in high-pressure situations demonstrate the kind of reliability NBA teams value.
As cameras capture his passing dexterity and sense of humor, Elmore is leaning into the moment. His newfound viral fame could serve as a springboard, letting both scouts and fans see a grounded, self-aware competitor who’s more than just hair-deep.
The combination of proven basketball ability and genuine personality makes Elmore the kind of player who could stick around. In a league where veterans often struggle to find opportunities, his willingness to embrace the spotlight while backing it up with solid play might be exactly what opens doors.
