We’re just about midway through November and still approaching the one-month mark of the 2019-20 NBA season, yet already we’re seeing some great action in the league. There are a lot of exciting narratives shaping up, and some of the most recent games are proof of that.
Luka Doncic dueled LeBron James, and while that game ended with a Lakers win, Doncic walked away with a priceless stamp of approval from the King. (Also, that same game saw Doncic’s second consecutive triple-double, and his third of four this season, so don’t feel sorry for him.) Meanwhile Kawhi Leonard sat out his second game this season — a high profile game against the Bucks — stirring up conversation about load management.
As the ball keeps spinning, we’re also keeping our eyes on the narratives outside the court, including the ones shaped by what players wear. Here are some of the league’s best and worst pre-game outfits from last week. We're already spotting some trends here that you can cop.
ON FIRE
Kawhi Leonard, before Clippers vs. Trailblazers
The best clothes tell stories. And while Kawhi’s never been known for great style, he has been quite the character, and the T-shirt he wore to a game against the Trailblazers tells a story that’s very much a part of that character.
After notching a W, the Fun Guy spoke at a press conference and said that he recently gave out backpacks to young students in Los Angeles and Moreno Valley. The beneficiaries then gifted him with this token of gratitude, which he wore to the game as a show of support. So never mind the ripped jeans. That tee — and those NBs — deserve commendations.
Ben Simmons, before Sixers vs. Trailblazers
As far as NBA stars and their pre-game tunnel walks go, Ben Simmons is a master of low-key style. He always keeps it simple, yet his outfits show a keen eye for colors and fit.
PJ Tucker, before Rockets vs. Bulls
Not everyone will love that jacket. In fact, we’re not totally sure that we do. But when you can step out in a very fresh pair of the first Air Yeezys, you deserve a couple of fire emojis. PJ Tucker did exactly that, and even flexed with an extra pair of ‘Olive’ Air Jordan 9s.
Patty Mills, before Spurs vs. Clippers
Loud and out-there fits can be tough to pull off. Just look at Russell Westbrook, who always either hits hard or misses the mark completely. In this game against the Clippers, Patty Mills hit hard with a laid back look.
LeBron James, before Lakers vs. Mavericks
LeBron James’ outfits are always best when he goes low-key. Here, it’s a gray trouser-denim jacket combination that everyone can wear, but not everyone can pull off the way he does. The Public School Air Force 1s are also a subtle super-flex.
Anthony Davis, before Lakers vs. Mavericks
If you’re going to wear a pair of animal print sneakers — or anything with loud animal print, for that matter — the rest of your outfit has to sail smoothly and quietly. Here’s Anthony Davis showing you how.
Damian Lillard, before Trailblazers vs. Sixers
Going all-black means letting go of color so you can focus on other aspects of your look: fit, fabric, texture. Here, Damian Lillard nails all of those — then, as a bonus, adds gold chains on top.
Tobias Harris, before Sixers vs. Suns
It’s always good to see basketball players veer away from streetwear looks with wild and oversized proportions. And Tobias Harris — who at 6’8”, is a whole foot taller than most of us — pulled off this preppy, 1960s casual look by making sure everything fit right.
D’Angelo Russell, before Warriors vs. Trailblazers
Here’s another guy who can doesn't need to stick to the streetwear playbook to stay fresh. Before his game against the Trailblazers, DLo wore something that you know was thought-out and very well put-together. Days after, he’d score a career-high 52 points against the Timberwolves.
BIG FAIL
PJ Tucker, before Rockets vs. Warriors
The league’s biggest sneakerhead might have only had sneakers on his mind when he put this fit together. The ‘Patta’ Air Max 1s go hard and show that Tucker really has deep sneaker knowledge. But the striped outfit and the hat somehow make that irrelevant.
Russell Westbrook, before Rockets vs. Nets
It’s a Canadian tuxedo with proportions all out of whack. This one’s a huge miss, Brodie.
Jordan Clarkson, before Cavaliers vs. Mavericks
Wide bottoms are making a comeback. We’re all tired of skinny, slim, ball-hugging jean fits, sure. But in 2019, baggy jeans look good because they’re thoughtfully tapered and cropped so that the fit still looks modern. Here, though, Jordan Clarkson goes way back to the '90s in the worst way possible. These parachute jeans are a style risk that didn’t pay off.
Chris Paul, before Thunder vs. Magic
There are so many things wrong here that we don't see the need to break it down. Let’s just put it this way: CP3 is having a pretty bad season.
Russell Westbrook, before Rockets vs. Warriors
Two RussWest misfires in one week? Just another day for the Houston Rockets point guard. It’s a pity, because with normal jeans in that wash, this outfit would have been incredible.
Marcus Smart, before Celtics vs. Hornets
You can see what Marcus Smart was going for here: the whole big pimpin’, bathrobe-wearing, Hugh Hefner pipe-smoking look. Because you don’t really wear a Versace bathrobe if that’s not what you’re going for. But it takes a certain type of guy to make that work, and at least here, Marcus Smart isn’t that type of guy.
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