This past week marked Kawhi Leonard’s glorious return to Toronto (of course the Canadians were nothing but grateful) and Luka Doncic’s first significant injury this season (a “moderate ankle sprain” that could have him out for two weeks).
These also happened: the Bucks, led by an increasingly monstrous Greek Freak, kept their win streak going (now at 18 games!) and the Lakers, led by “the best duo since Simon and Garfunkel,” kept Laker-ing with a win streak of their own (now at 13, before facing off with the Hawks).
For the most part, the trends have stayed on track in the NBA — both on and off the court. Here are this week’s best- and worst-dressed players coming out the pre-game tunnels.
ON FIRE
Kevin Love, before Cavaliers vs. Rockets
It’s easy to see, at this point, that Kevin Love has the most thoughtful, thoroughly considered style in the league. His outfits — like this one, which features an Ovadia & Sons knit shirt — are always smart, sharp, and grown-up. He gets our vote for best-dressed this week.
LeBron James, before Lakers vs. Heat
Remember last week’s trainwreck of an all-white outfit? Well, it’s as if LeBron James saw that, then decided he’d show everyone how to wear white right. The key: keep the cuts simple, and wear different shades of off-white together. Not every part of your outfit should look like an item from a Mr. Clean commercial.
James Harden, before Rockets vs. Cavaliers
For his consistent shooting, James Harden is an inconsistent dresser. But here, he gets it right, and makes the matching colors work. Desert sand and black mix well here.
Alex Caruso, before Lakers vs. Timberwolves
The NBA pre-game tunnel walks are not normally the place and time to wear shorts. But the Bald Mamba bucks that rule with this cozy and appropriately logo-laden outfit.
Carmelo Anthony, before Trailblazers vs. Nuggets
Finally, Melo gets some redemption from the tracksuit-and-trench combos of late. Here, his look is simple, but luxe — appropriate for a veteran player who wants to show that he should have nothing to prove at this point in his career.
BIG FAIL
PJ Tucker, before Rockets vs. Pistons
It’s one thing to wear your team colors, and it’s another thing to look like a bright red Teletubby walking into a game. PJ Tucker is occasionally well-dressed, but here, he overdosed on one color.
Kelly Oubre Jr., before Suns vs. Grizzlies
This must have been a squeaky tunnel walk. Way too much black leather going on here — obviously, our boy Kelly’s trying to channel a old-school gangster look, a la GoodFellaz. Too bad that style didn’t age too well.
Jordan Clarkson, before Cavaliers vs. Spurs
Again with the MC Hammer jeans, Jordan? We love you over here, man, but this has to stop. We get it — wide silhouettes are in, and we see that you’ve tried pairing it with a tailored coat, to show that you know exactly what you’re doing. But when you reach as far back as the 90s for parachute denim pants, we’re calling foul.
Ben McLemore, before Rockets vs. Magic
A lot of guys are trying to make the shirt-tied-around-the-waist thing work. But if that’s ever going to take off, it definitely won’t be with shorts and a T-shirt that looks like it was made for edgy teenagers.
Jayson Tatum, before Celtics vs. Sixers
The patterns and colors on this outfit look like Jayson Tatum walked out of an American Boulevard. Suffice it to say that this is not how you wear Gucci.
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