After a quick summer, we’re back in the tunnel, gazing as extremely lanky men stroll by in very expensive clothing. The tunnel, which functions as the entrance point to the stadium for all NBA players and doubles as a runway, has displayed an acceleration of style early this season.
The star criticism in recent years was without a doubt the apparent lack of individuality. The fit pic format almost felt like an obligation, (poor Alex Caruso was forced to wear a Yves Saint Laurent hoodie against his will), and an under-the-radar competition to see who could stack the most logos at once, instead of a personality vessel.
However, this year, the kids are proving to be more than alright. Mohair cardigans and alternative footwear flood the timeline where logo tees and hype sneakers once reigned. Below, we run down our ten favorite NBA fits of opening week. Death to the logo tee!
Jimmy Butler in Jorts
Close your eyes. Imagine Stone Cold Steve Austin shopping at Urban Outfitters. Open them.
It’s easy to fall prey to the unofficial pregame tunnel uniform: gaudy top with a luxury logo, amiri jeans, and hype sneakers. This is why it’s necessary to celebrate personality wherever, and however, it shows up.
Jimmy is a proud Texan who sings country music on the team bus, and that comes through in the jorts. The black high socks and the Doc Marten Slides blend in to resemble a work boot, but the open toes offer an easy out from any manual labor.
Punxsatawny Shai
Shai is sorta like the Punxsatawny Phil of the tunnel. Once you see him strutting in Amiri, you know we’ve got six more months of fire. For a fun 2021 wrinkle, Shai ditched the denim and went with a flared woven trouser.
He’s also maybe the only player in the league (world?) that can make Amiri jeans blend in. His move is to temper them with sneakers that deserve equal attention; in this case that means Gallery Dept x Lanvin Painted Leather Curb sneakers.
Mohair Monk
We love mohair cardigans. All my homies love mohair cardigans. Malik Monk freaks this cardi from Stolen Girlfriend’s Club with some printed denim. The most important piece in this outfit, though? The Magic Johnson tee by Grace Court Company -- referencing your own franchise’s legends is peak first-day-on-the-job flattery.
Silhouestbrook
It was either this outfit or LaMelo Ball’s remix of The Mask, but the two could not coexist on one list. And while we commend the lamborghini color coordination, Russ’ McDonalds couture triumphs because he’s the only one in the league who could pull it off.
That’s partially though because this tank top appears to be tailored to only fit his body – something only Russ would do.
David Duke Jr, Fashion Killa
With a mask, sunglasses, and babushka on, how we were able to recognize David Duke Jr., I'm not sure.
What is clear though, is that we’re going to see a lot of Duke in the future -- the suit bag in hand plus roller is a clear sign of an overpacker, a first-tier side-effect of a jawnz addiction.
The King of Product Placement
LeBron, now 36, is leaning into his age, leaving the Eric Emanuel and John Elliott on the rack (for now). In addition to opting for a double-breasted suit instead of a tee, this wisdom and understanding also shows itself in the obvious product placement.
Complementing the suit, Prada Cloudbusts, and game one hairline, is the Beats by Dre bag they give you when you buy a Beats Audio Cable for $19.95. In your 19th season you learn to leave no sponsorship unturned!
Kelly Has His Hands Full
So maybe the cardigan is the new logo tee? Not mad about it. Oubre adding his soundcloud rapper, emo attitude is a fun wrinkle. Duffle in the left hand, phone plus ipad in the right; do not ask Kelly to sign an autograph – it’s gonna give us all anxiety.
Jalen, The Savant
Rookies, like most young people in the process of finding their own personal style, display noticeable signs of experimentation. Often, this includes stacking logos for clout, or other sort of conspicuous dressing. But Jalen is wise beyond his years, rocking a deep cut like this kimono shirt from Italian tech design brand, Nemen.
The Bape cargos and Dior sneakers carry some loud names, but in this case, they let the fit talk as one voice.
Vacation P
This is like how Adam Sandler used to choose movies to act in based on where he wanted to go on vacation. PJ Tucker signed with Miami because he wanted to wear camp collars (Gucci in this case) and shorts.
At this point, the most prized sneaker billboard in the world is PJ Tucker’s hands. So here they are, teasing the unreleased Comme des Garçons Nike Foamposites before their release.
