It’s not cutting-edge news that the NBA and its cast of style-inclined athletes have helped to usher in an intriguing new era of fashion in sport. One where it is all too common to see your favorite forward front campaigns for famed ateliers, and more eyes are dissecting players’ pregame panache rather than their pick-and-roll coverages. 

Yet among all these burgeoning names and noteworthy pre-game looks, few have cultivated an identifiable style that can compete with the likes of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. In his second full season with the historic Eastern Conference franchise, the standout guard has more than solidified himself as a savant in between the lines, picking apart defenses with surgeon-like precision. But if you’re a real hoop fan, this is nothing new. What’s really drawn us in as of late is Haliburton’s emergence as one of the best-dressed players in The Association. 

Already regarded as a top guard in the NBA’s ascending generation, the four-year pro decided it was time to hone his off-the-court attire to match his innate in-game aura. Experimenting with form, fit, and a bit of flair, Haliburton delivered a record performance when it came to the number of Instagrammable looks he pulled out during the regular season—yes, I can’t stop thinking about that Prada jacket either.

And with statement style like that, the right people will always notice—even the Colonel himself. Recognizing the young hooper’s developing style acumen, KFC, the iconic restaurant chain, and legendary designer Jeff Hamilton—crazy combo, I know—teamed up to gift Haliburton some premium drip as he looks to lead his team on a deep run through this year’s NBA playoffs. 

NTWRK, NTWRK

“[Tyrese] is such a star,”  Hamilton, the admitted lifelong basketball diehard, affirms. “He’s got such a great sense of style on and off the court, which makes his inclusion in a project like this all the more validating for me as a designer and basketball enthusiast.” 

Arriving in the form of a premium leather jacket courtesy of Hamilton’s artisanal touch, this custom piece ain’t available for just any random body on the bench but rather a star who knows good taste—metaphorically and literally, in this case. 

Referential to KFC’s five new Saucy Nuggets flavors, this bodacious bomber is designed with intricate drip stitching and vibrantly colored thread on the sleeves to indicate your choice of flavors from the famed chain’s latest menu additions. Completed with a rounded collar and relaxed shoulders, metal buttons, and Hamilton’s unmistakable insignia, this jacket is definitely an imaginative step outside the norm, even for someone as fashionably fluid as the Pacers’ franchise cornerstone. 

Taking a moment in between a post-practice shootaround and pre-game film study, Haliburton connected with Highsnobiety for an exclusive talk on all things style, inspiration, and, of course, this saucy new addition to his already dynamic wardrobe. 

This season felt like a real statement in terms of how much you flexed your personal style. What prompted you to elevate your off-court fashion?

Early in my career, I wanted to focus fully on basketball and solidify myself as a pro first. So once that was established, I wanted to make fashion a bigger part of my identity because I always knew I had a good sense of style. I really believe in the saying, “Look good. Feel good. Play good.”

Definitely words to live by! Your style feels a bit more classic (lots of collared looks, overcoats, and luggage accessories). What draws you to these specific aesthetics and silhouettes?

I feel like these are more timeless looks and a lot of people my age don’t dress that way. I have an old soul, and that plays a big part in it. 

With that in mind, how does this collab with Jeff Hamilton and KFC fit into your personal style ethos then?

Jeff Hamilton is a historic part of fashion culture, so it's an honor to work with him. Mixing in KFC is fun, too, especially when it’s a fit I feel good in.

Do you feel like this collaboration is your starting point to take more risks in your dress sense? 

Definitely! I’ve started wearing pieces that are very different and out there from what I typically used to wear. It’s shown me that I’m versatile and that I can pull off a variety of looks. As long as I feel confident in what I’m wearing, nothing else really matters. 

What or who are some of your style inspirations?

I have a pretty long list of style inspirations, but most importantly, I would say my dad. Growing up, I always felt like he was the fliest, and I wanted to be like him. The endless possibilities in fashion really excite me, though. I love tracking trends and seeing how aesthetics come and go. I love that the baggy look is back in and that the more fitted, tapered look is coming back, too; it’s all really cool to see. 

With you paying such close attention to the bubbling trends, what does the curation process of your off-court attire during the season look like?

During the season, more eyes are on me and what I’m wearing, so I want to get my looks right. There’s always a camera there. In the off-season, thought I get to control what’s shown publicly, which is a refreshing switch-up.

What would you say connects you, Jeff Hamilton, and KFC? Why do these three forces make sense together? 

I’m aligning myself with two iconic brands, KFC and Jeff Hamilton, and hopefully, I can one day also be categorized in the same way.

NTWRK, NTWRK

As part of the one-off collection, a limited run of KFC Saucy Nugget x Jeff Hamilton leather jackets and accompanying bucket hats will be available to win via raffle on the NTWRK app tonight (May 7) at 5 PM PST/8 PM EST. Download the NTWRK app to enter for your chance to win.