Latest news with #draftnight
New York Times
23 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The evolution of NBA Draft fashion and the most emblematic suits from each era
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. Advertisement 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. — 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. Advertisement 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. Streaming and ticketing links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. (Photo of Samaki Walker: Andy Hayt / NBAE via Getty Images)
Globe and Mail
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Globe and Mail
NBA draft night fashion goes up against a New York heatwave
NBA draft night is all about getting dressed up, with players donning their finest suits for the walk on stage after their name is called. The weather in New York is better suited for shorts and flip-flops. With temperatures soaring to 38 Celsius in the city on Tuesday, players knew their nice attire on draft night was going to get a little uncomfortable. 'I thought, I was coming to New York, I was expecting some nice, cool weather, but it's going to be 99 degrees (37 Celsius) today in New York City. That's hotter than it is back home in Texas,' said Liam McNeeley, who is from Richardson, Texas. Georgetown big man Thomas Sorber had already changed out of his pants after an outdoor event earlier Tuesday, putting on shorts for his media session at a hotel. Little relief is expected Wednesday, so players were glad that most of their time would be spent indoors. But even just a few minutes felt like too much. 'First day I got here ... I was burning up,' said South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles, who wore a jacket and slacks Tuesday. But there was no chance he would slip into something more comfortable Wednesday. 'I have no choice but to stick with what I got,' he said. 'It's too late to switch up now. Way too late.' Cooper Flagg won't have to look far in the green room to see someone he knows. The expected No. 1 pick will have played with at least five players who could be drafted Wednesday night in Brooklyn. Duke teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach could also be top-10 selections, while McNeeley, Asa Newell of Georgia and Derik Queen of Maryland were teammates before that at powerhouse Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. 'So I think it's incredible going through this experience with them,' Flagg said. His college coach will also be there. Jon Scheyer plans to make the trip to possibly see not only Flagg, but possibly his entire starting five selected in the two-round draft. 'It's going to mean a lot, because it's kind of a final chapter,' Scheyer told The Associated Press. 'It's the final piece to the puzzle in terms of, all right, now you're passing him off to what's next. And he's going in the right place: being the No. 1 pick overall, doing what he's done this year at Duke, and he did it the right way. 'That's the thing I'm proud of. The fact that he got better, the fact that we had 35 wins, Final Four — everything we accomplished this year is to me just such a special thing. I'm going to be really proud to see him and then obviously our four other guys to hear their names called.' Sorber made two visits to Oklahoma City to meet with the Thunder, who have the No. 15 and 24 picks on Wednesday night. One of them was just before the team won the NBA championship on Sunday. 'Everybody was excited,' Sorber said. 'They were just ready for Game 7, so it was just a cool environment to be in.' Sorber, who had season-ending surgery on his left foot on Feb. 26, wasn't able to work out for the Thunder. Nor was he able to stay for Game 7, having to return home. But he was aware of the party atmosphere in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, when the Thunder celebrated with a championship parade. 'I've seen a couple videos, too,' he said. 'They're lit over there.' Walter Clayton Jr. earned a break after leading Florida to the NCAA championship. There just wasn't time for a long one. 'Two weeks,' he said. The Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four said he spent a few days in Gainesville, then a few more days at home with family in Florida. Then it was on to Los Angeles to dive into the pre-draft process. It seems to be going well. The All-America guard earned an invite to the green room, meaning league executives are high on his chances of getting drafted in a solid first-round position. Then it will quickly be to wherever he is taken, and on to summer league in early July. That's why he was thankful for the break he was able to take. 'I mean, I was still in and out of the gym here and there, but it was just two weeks getting off my feet, spending time with my family,' Clayton said. 'Obviously it was a long season, so just getting that time with them.'
Washington Post
12 hours ago
- Climate
- Washington Post
NBA draft night fashion to meet blistering New York heat, as players know suits will get sweaty
NEW YORK — NBA draft night is all about getting dressed up, with players donning their finest suits for the walk on stage after their name is called. The weather in New York is better suited for shorts and flip-flops. With temperatures soaring to 100 degrees (38 Celsius) in the city on Tuesday, players knew their nice attire on draft night was going to get a little uncomfortable.
Associated Press
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Associated Press
NBA draft night fashion to meet blistering New York heat, as players know suits will get sweaty
NEW YORK (AP) — NBA draft night is all about getting dressed up, with players donning their finest suits for the walk on stage after their name is called. The weather in New York is better suited for shorts and flip-flops. With temperatures soaring to 100 degrees (38 Celsius) in the city on Tuesday, players knew their nice attire on draft night was going to get a little uncomfortable. 'I thought, I was coming to New York, I was expecting some nice, cool weather, but it's going to be 99 degrees today in New York City. That's hotter than it is back home in Texas,' said Liam McNeeley, who is from Richardson, Texas. Georgetown big man Thomas Sorber had already changed out of his pants after an outdoor event earlier Tuesday, putting on shorts for his media session at a hotel. Little relief is expected Wednesday, so players were glad that most of their time would be spent indoors. But even just a few minutes felt like too much. 'First day I got here, I was like 'God damn.' I was burning up,' said South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles, who wore a jacket and slacks Tuesday. But there was no chance he would slip into something more comfortable Wednesday. 'I have no choice but to stick with what I got,' he said. 'It's too late to switch up now. Way too late.' Flagg and Friends Cooper Flagg won't have to look far in the green room to see someone he knows. The expected No. 1 pick will have played with at least five players who could be drafted Wednesday night in Brooklyn. Duke teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach could also be top-10 selections, while McNeeley, Asa Newell of Georgia and Derik Queen of Maryland were teammates before that at powerhouse Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. 'So I think it's incredible going through this experience with them,' Flagg said. His college coach will also be there. Jon Scheyer plans to make the trip to possibly see not only Flagg, but possibly his entire starting five selected in the two-round draft. 'It's going to mean a lot, because it's kind of a final chapter,' Scheyer told The Associated Press. 'It's the final piece to the puzzle in terms of, all right, now you're passing him off to what's next. And he's going in the right place: being the No. 1 pick overall, doing what he's done this year at Duke, and he did it the right way. 'That's the thing I'm proud of. The fact that he got better, the fact that we had 35 wins, Final Four — everything we accomplished this year is to me just such a special thing. I'm going to be really proud to see him and then obviously our four other guys to hear their names called.' Chance to join the champs? Sorber made two visits to Oklahoma City to meet with the Thunder, who have the No. 15 and 24 picks on Wednesday night. One of them was just before the team won the NBA championship on Sunday. 'Everybody was excited,' Sorber said. 'They were just ready for Game 7, so it was just a cool environment to be in.' Sorber, who had season-ending surgery on his left foot on Feb. 26, wasn't able to work out for the Thunder. Nor was he able to stay for Game 7, having to return home. But he was aware of the party atmosphere in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, when the Thunder celebrated with a championship parade. 'I've seen a couple videos, too,' he said. 'They're lit over there.' Clayton's break Walter Clayton Jr. earned a break after leading Florida to the NCAA championship. There just wasn't time for a long one. 'Two weeks,' he said. The Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four said he spent a few days in Gainesville, then a few more days at home with family in Florida. Then it was on to Los Angeles to dive into the pre-draft process. It seems to be going well. The All-America guard earned an invite to the green room, meaning league executives are high on his chances of getting drafted in a solid first-round position. Then it will quickly be to wherever he is taken, and on to summer league in early July. That's why he was thankful for the break he was able to take. 'I mean, I was still in and out of the gym here and there, but it was just two weeks getting off my feet, spending time with my family,' Clayton said. 'Obviously it was a long season, so just getting that time with them.' ___ AP Basketball Writer Aaron Beard in Durham, North Carolina, contributed to this report. ___ AP NBA:
