Pregame fashion has become woven into the fabric of the NBA, with some players building a reputation for their wardrobe selections.
Washington Wizards small forward Kyle Kuzma became one of the league’s front-runners in eye-catching outfits during the regular season.
“I always look at fashion not as I’m just putting on clothes, but I’m putting together a story and putting together a look that when you see me, it’s a conversation piece,” he told the Boardroom.
Kuzma’s squad didn’t make it to the postseason, so he won’t be able to wear his unique fits on the pregame runway. But a handful of players stepped up and stood out in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Jaren Jackson Jr.Memphis Grizzlies, Game 6
Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr.. arrived to a potential series-clinching Game 6 against Minnesota wearing a multicolored Versace sweater and blue Air Jordan 1s.
game 6 otw. pic.twitter.com/5rQtUHpjr0
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) April 29, 2022
After the game, Grizzlies teammate Dillon Brooks pitted his outfit against Jackson’s.
“First off, before you guys start, who has the better fit: me or Trip [Jackson]?” Brooks said.
Jackson’s fit didn’t win over Brooks’, per the reporters. The 22-year-old didn’t seem bothered by the outcome.
“That’s because I’m experimental… I push boundaries,” Jackson said.
DeMar DeRozanChicago Bulls, Game 5
Ahead of the Bulls’ win-or-go-home contest against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, DeRozan honored Illinois music artist Juice WRLD with his outfit. The Chicago guard wore a Juice WRLD Galaxy Hoodie made by fashion company Vlone. Juice WRLD, whose real name is Jarad Higgins, died due to a drug overdose in Dec. 2019.
lead the way, @DeMar_DeRozan. pic.twitter.com/SHXVz3vozV
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 27, 2022
Ben SimmonsBrooklyn Nets, Game 3
Simmons’ look Saturday courtside against the Boston Celtics contrasted the Nets’ black and white uniforms perfectly.
Ben Simmons’ outfit really stands out on the Nets bench 😅 pic.twitter.com/psIWvKvxWS
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 24, 2022
Chris-PaulPhoenix Suns, Game 3
Ahead of Friday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Paul put together an impressive suit combination. Remove the color choice.
Ready-to-ball.#RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/aPPVkZNPai
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 23, 2022
Serge IbakaMilwaukee Bucks, Game 3
Ibaka has been an NBA fashion guru during his 14-year career, especially with his striking scarves during his days with the Toronto Raptors. His eccentric fashion made another appearance heading into Game 3 against the Chicago Bulls. The casual fit featured a brim hat, cardigan and a handbag.
Serge stylin’.
📸 @MotorolaUS pic.twitter.com/er58fzV1Pa
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 22, 2022
Marcus SmartBoston Celtics, Game 2
Smart won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, the first time a point guard has secured the honor since Gary Payton during the 1995-96 season. Given it is Smart’s first time winning DPOY, he donned a special robe that signified his accomplishment by him entering Game 2 against the Brooklyn Nets.
Marcus Smart pulled up with the DPOY robe @smart_MS3 🔥 pic.twitter.com/h8lz1KBTJo
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 20, 2022
james harden and Tyrese MaxeyPhiladelphia 76ers, Game 1
Harden is no stranger to luxury couture. Last year, he was seen at Paris Fashion Week and was named to the board of Saks Fifth Avenue.
Ahead of his playoff debut with the Sixers, he sported the Louis Vuitton Blue & White “Puppet” Varsity Jacket. The colorful crocheted stuffed figures pinned on the coat really make the jacket stand out.
here they eat.#PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/p8lJF7dV1j
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 16, 2022
Maxey wore No. 3 before being drafted by Philly, but since that number is retired in honor of Allen IversonI had to decision to make.
“All my life, I’ve worn 3. Couldn’t get that one here,” said the first-round pick.
He paid tribute to the Sixers legend by wearing an Iverson jersey that featured several photos of the Basketball Hall of Famer.
this jersey. 👀 @TyreseMaxey 🤝 @AllenIverson pic.twitter.com/YfbFnqpLMV
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 16, 2022
It ended up being a fitting outfit choice. Maxey’s 38 points in Game 1 were the most in a playoff opener by a 76ers player since AI in 2003.
jordan clarkson and Bojan BogdanovicUtah Jazz, Game 1
Some players have an adventurous take on fashion, while others opt for the classic suit and tie look. With a little customization, these Jazz stars had no issues rocking the tried-and-true combination.
Clarkson donned a white Midnight Studios button-up shirt with a black tie and slacks, with the leather harness adding a modern spin on an old classic.
Bogdanović chose a more traditional route with his all-black ensemble and a pocket square that provided a splash of color.
smooth ♠️#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/aVlD1Jmi1i
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 16, 2022
Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors, Game 1
After missing a month with a foot injury, Curry returned to the Warriors’ lineup on April 16 against the Denver Nuggets. The coat he wore in his first game back took vibrancy to a new level.
📍 #WarriorsGround pic.twitter.com/G5iksHasNt
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 16, 2022
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