Coach Carlisle impressed by Balkman's eyelid tattoos

Renaldo Balkman has tattoos everywhere. Including his eyelids.

While that may sound painful, it may be paying off. Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle likes the tattoos (and the dreadlocks), as he told The Dallas Morning News on Thursday:

“My first thoughts? I like his hairdo. And I like his tattoos a lot. There’s a lot of storytelling going on there. You know he’s got a high pain tolerance if he’s got tattoos on his eyelids. All that stuff impresses me before we even start talking about his game. That’s why I liked [DeShawn] Stevenson.”

Balkman is well known as a tough and spirited player, something Carlisle likes to have on his squads. Unfortunately, Balkman doesn't have a guaranteed deal, and 15 players in camp do.

Stranger things have happened, and Balkman could still put himself on the radar for another team or as a mid-season addition. 

The 2006 20th overall pick has played 221 games over six NBA seasons but hasn't appeared in an NBA game since February of 2012. He spent last season playing in the Philippines and Puerto Rico before impressing in the FIBA Americas tournament with the Puerto Rican national team.

Dap: Pro Basketball Talk