Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James: He’s not only bringing his talent back home, he’s bringing his sense of style with him. As a good leader of any fashion crowd, he’s paving the way by pairing a traditional fedora with a motorcycle jacket, dark skinny jeans, and high tops. The jewelry is very minimalistic. He doesn’t mix metals. His silver necklace and ring compliments the biker hardware.
Kyrie Irving: A studied look with the balance between the gray flannel pant, white dress shirt and jean jacket. The jacket becomes the center of the look and then you add the sneakers and headphone and you have the perfect balance between dressy and downtown. It’s the tension between the two worlds. The fact that the sleeve is rolled up to reveal the gold watch means nothing is left to chance. His grooming is very sharp with a well-shaped beard and the clean and angular hairline.
Iman Shumpert: In his short time as a player in the spotlight, he has developed a clear sense of fashion boundaries. His all-over print shirt is offset by the use of a neat cardigan and slim dress khaki. The black-and-white sneakers complement the palette of the shirt and works well with the minimal backpack. Carrying the backpack like a brief case shows he wants to be seen as a mature man.
Tristan Thompson: Like many of his teammates, he’s sporting the fedora in a very casual manner. The simple navy short sleeve sweatshirt paired with cropped white jeans and no socks shows off his comfort level. The choice of white jeans and elongated dark-colored top reveals that he knows how to dress for elongated proportions. He knows that accessories deliver the fashion message aka the playful printed sneakers and camo Dopp kit. The gold chain inside the T-shirt and the gold watch are signs that he is very accessory driven.
Brendan Haywood: There’s nothing new about a painterly T-shirt paired with dark denim and a casual vest. But when worn with black sneakers, a black bag and fedora, it becomes a cool downtown ensemble. And the oversize framed reading glasses put the final touch in the cool factor.
J.R. Smith: What works in SoHo doesn’t work walking down the streets of Cleveland. It’s not easy to pull off a distressed biker jean in light blue, but when adding a cobalt crop bomber and a Louis Vuitton Dopp kit, the outfit screams fashionista. Things could easily be solved with a more subtle denim choice. But we love the white T-shirt. Maybe a little more teamwork?
Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry: Not even his good looks can save him from this elongated check shirt. A couple of inches longer and we would be in short dress territory. He normally does better, but at his level, you can never let your style guard down.
Klay Thompson: The black-and-white gingham shirt is a big trend on the women’s runway, but I don’t think he is aware of that. His untucked shirt and denim-friendly belt and dark jeans is a typical uniform of the bros having a beer on a Saturday night. We expect more from NBA star players.
David Lee: Such a waste — great bone structure, good hair and a great athletic build, but he doesn’t show it off. It’s sabotaging purposely. His untucked dress shirt, loose fitting jeans and black sneakers feel more like the end of the night of a dress down Friday. If he is opting for that look, at least wear a sport shirt.
Andre Iguodala: He’s the best dressed on his team. His choice of retro dressy polo paired with a subtle carrot gray dress pant and white sneakers reveals his knowledge of current trends and an ability to be a stylist without being a victim. Maybe a trade to the Cavaliers is in order based on the fact that he loves a fedora?
Draymond Green: Not everyone can wear everything. This vividly printed polo short is aimed at a skater boy. He is a power forward and his fashion choices should enhance that persona. An elongated top with skinny jeans and colorful sneakers don’t do him justice.
Andrew Bogut: He has enough money to get all his clothes made to measure. We understand that at seven feet tall it’s not easy to find casual wear. But a good-fitting pair of khakis, nice sport shirt or T-shirt, and a cropped jacket would take him really far. His haircut and a well-groomed beard shows potential.
Festus Ezeli: A for effort. He obviously has his tailor on speed dial. At 6 feet 9 inches, the suit fits him pretty well. But a darker color worn with a pair of lace-up shoes would elevate the ensemble. Not sure about the polka dot pocket square, but we like the fact that he is trying.