The evolution of NBA Draft fashion and the most emblematic suits from each era

New York Times

5 hours ago

The contemporary NBA Draft broadcast is so many things. It's a coronation of new talent and a hinge point for each franchise. It's a festival of 'what if' and a convention for trade-making.
It's also basketball's closest thing to a red carpet. The draft has been televised since 1980, and players' styles have been molded and informed by the passage of time. We won't be able to fully appraise this draft class for at least a few years. We will instantly know who looked fresh, though.
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In honor of this year's draft, we decided to revisit past eras of NBA Draft fashion and see how the league's most emblematic draft-night suits reflect its fashion evolution.
Coverage will also be streamed on ESPN+. Round 2 is on Thursday with the same 8 p.m. start time and will air on ESPN.
One of the most dominant, graceful players in NBA history made his national debut looking like Michael Jackson's 'Off the Wall' album cover. The advent of basketball sartorialism was slow and modest, starting with an aesthetic somewhere between the Rat Pack and the stock traders. Michael Jordan wore a navy suit with faint pinstripes. Patrick Ewing rocked straightforward charcoal. Straying from the white dress shirt was, in the early days, a non-starter.
Sounds like: 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough'
Variation begins with the ties. The No. 1 pick of the 1991 draft wore an aqua tie with a busy pattern. It could be grafted straight from wallpaper in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' LJ wasn't alone, either:
Jerry Tarkanian poses with Stacey Augmon, Greg Anthony and Larry Johnson during the 1991 NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/HLfhiBXzGs
— SI Vault (@si_vault) June 22, 2017
A super-chill palette of teals, purples and oranges. Here's to the halcyon days of the early '90s.
Sounds like: 'Electric Relaxation'
No one will ever look this good across all possible mediums. The mere sight of this draft night 'fit can boost serotonin and end grudges. Walker ended up having a journeyman's career as a backup big man, but he led the decorated '96 class in looking cool. The ivory get-up with its matching bowler should be enshrined in Springfield. Of critical importance, the late '90s suits started getting bulkier.
Sounds like: 'Hypnotize'
We can safely declare these suits as the biggest in recorded history. The popular pick for this phase of fashion is the 2003 class. LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and company donned a small nation's worth of fabric on their big night. But the true gem was dropped one year prior — Gooden's XXXXXXXXXL baggy suit had not one single button in sight. Did anyone in the NBA press pool ask him about this? Did his lack of buttons hinder his NBA career? From the looks of it, Gooden's fashion inspiration was either Doctor Evil or a waterproof garment bag.
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Sounds like: 'Hot in Herre'
This is where our modern suiting style first comes into focus. The suits slimmed down, while the accessories got more subtle. There was an early bend toward minimalism, but it was still the pastel accent and cufflink era. Wide ties were a necessity, but color options definitely expanded. Jennings pulled up dressed exactly like David Stern. Lesson learned — before leaving the house, always call the commissioner and ask what he's wearing.
Sounds like: 'Cooler Than Me'
By the mid-2010s, players had leaned into the sleek tapering, ultra-skinny ties and artful patterns that we recognize as today's baseline. Karl-Anthony Towns' 2015 threads fit the aesthetics of the Tumblr times. Brandon Ingram's grayscale suit offered restrained elegance and supreme hipness.
Sounds like: 'Bad and Boujee'
All bets are off at this point. The button-down dress shirt went from humble whites to altogether unnecessary. Like the past few drafts, Wednesday night's fashion maximizes creativity and customization. Everyone is now encouraged (if not expected) to wear something one of one. Now, the only thing considered unfashionable is a lack of inspiration.
Sounds like: Whatever you're listening to at this present moment! We're all caught up for 2025.
See you Wednesday night for the next stage of the NBA fashion evolution.
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(Photo of Samaki Walker: Andy Hayt / NBAE via Getty Images)