If one comes, all come. Welcome to what will be known formally — or informally, depending on how you dress — as the 2022-23 NBA Style Weekly Rankings.
I grew up watching the evolution of fashion in the NBA, from draft night suits with enough fabric to dress a small town, to button-down shirts with vests and glasses that don’t require prescription, to players who came to the infamous pre-game locker room walk with whatever their imaginations allowed.
One thing has always been clear: fashion is an art form through which people express themselves just as much as a crossover or jumpshot – and it’s fascinating to see how things change from season to season. Depending on the player even from game to game.
The essence of this weekly signature is pure positivity. I’m not here to pick up fits that aren’t my thing. Instead, I’ll highlight the freshest seizures I’ve seen over the week.
Without further ado, let’s get into that.
Many thanks to @jarenjacksonjr @memgrizz for partnering with me to get the entire team’s hoodies + t-shirts. BG you are not forgotten and I can’t wait to meet you when you come out 🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/3UfvMyrC3G
— Jigg (@stayjiggyizzy) October 20, 2022
Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies wore hoodies showing their support for WNBA star Brittney Griner, who has been jailed in Russia for more than six months on drug smuggling and possession charges.
The Grizzlies have teamed up with forward Jaren Jackson Jr.’s mother for a fashion-forward show of solidarity with Griner. Fashion can always be a form of expression, but when that expression has a deeper meaning, the fit can be much more impactful.
The design features Griner smiling, a ball that reads “We Are BG” on the front, “Griner 42” on the back, and the Phoenix Mercury logo with flames on the sleeves. Aside from actually meaning something, this hoodie really is flying.
fleece from the east. (📸: @sammironko) pic.twitter.com/7YjpsZrEZd
— LeagueFits (@leaguefits) October 18, 2022
Not only did the Celtics defeat the Philadelphia 76ers on opening night, but they easily stole two spots in this week’s leaderboard. This Dolce & Gabbana fleece made the list, and it nailed it.
Tatum teamed the cozy look with baggy black cargo pants (a staple in my closet). It was 54 degrees again in Boston on Tuesday night, so it wasn’t just for show. Tatum’s fitness supports Deion Sanders’ “look good, feel good, play good” theory as he had a game high with 35 points, 12 rebounds and four points in the win.
And you can’t forget the Jordan 1s. Any time you can top off a fit with shoes, you have a great chance of making my weekly leaderboard.
the jaylen brown 2023 all-leaguefits team campaign begins now. (📸: @sammironko) pic.twitter.com/RYR3s8AKnV
— LeagueFits (@leaguefits) October 18, 2022
Brown’s fit tells me only one thing: he had no doubts the Celtics would beat the 76ers on opening night — and he was right. Brown finished the tournament with 35 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The monochromatic black and brown look was sleek and reminiscent of Blade or Matrix in the best possible way.
One thing you will learn over the weeks with these rankings: I love baggy and/or cargo pants. These pants pretty much check both boxes. The weather was chilly in Boston on Tuesday night so the leather jacket not only looked sleek but served a purpose (coming from a native Californian). In addition, the shades clearly let you know that he meant business.
This is a sleek mature look that was appropriate for a 35 piece model.
this is for anyone commenting “d’angelo russell dresses like a cool substitute teacher” on all of his leaguefits posts. pic.twitter.com/rQsadgGUpE
— LeagueFits (@leaguefits) October 19, 2022
James aside, Russell had the crispest fit I’ve seen in opening week and over the weekend.
The detail in his sweater catches the eye, and the contrast of the collared white shirt underneath really makes the dark green circles stand out. His pants are unique with the darker rectangles of fabric around the kneecaps, but not enough to detract from the extravagance of the sweater.
Let’s also take a moment to appreciate how the sleeve of his white shirt protrudes from under the sleeve of his sweater. Niceties like these will keep you in my weekly rankings and are usually pretty high on the list.
The matte forest green F-150 isn’t a bad accessory either.
Business. pic.twitter.com/6uNXAxuQnu
– Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 18, 2022
James swiped before he even stepped on the hardwood on opening night. Did he pay homage to his Draft night suit 20 years later I’ll leave you with something to ponder. What I can say for sure is that I think he was the best dressed player to end the season.
The double-breasted white-on-white shirtless suit with pearls and white Air Force 1s was an ode to Dej Loaf’s “Try Me” lyric: “Rock that all white when I’m feel godly.” James went for 31 points , 15 rebounds and eight assists in a loss to the Golden State Warriors off the field.
Take a look at the wristwatches. The pinky ring, the platinum Cartier bracelet and the black hues for the accessories. A near-perfect 9.5/10 from me for this fit. Well done Bron.
(Photo by LeBron James: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
