Skip to main content

The 10 Most Memorable NBA Fashion Choices in the 21st Century

NBA players are uniquely visible athletes. As baseball dwindles in popularity and football remains a helmeted and faceless sport, basketball players remain some of the most recognized people in the U.S. and in the world. They are constantly in the public eye, and, subsequently, so are their clothes.

Related Guides

Famous people have always driven fashion trends, but perhaps no group has pushed and reflected what’s hot in menswear more than NBA players. From Allen Iverson in the early aughts to now, basketball has influenced men’s fashion for the last 25 years and then some. In that spirit, here are 10 of the most memorable NBA looks of all time.

Recommended Videos

Allen Iverson’s NBA Dress Code, 2004

Iverson’s looks were considered “controversial” at the time, like this oversized Milwaukee Bucks jersey and hat while he was employed by the Philadelphia 76ers, but we’d argue that he essentially spearheaded NBA players’ off-court style.

Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James’s Oversized Suits, 2003 

2003 NBA Draft
ESPN/Youtube

The NBA Draft is the first chance for new prospects to show off their off-court style, and old photos don’t disappoint if you’re looking for comedy over inspiration. LeBron’s all white and Melo’s strange, almost linen-looking gray are so odd, and made even more so given that they fit like extra-oversized trench coats. Imagine how much material, how much fabric it would take to visually shrink someone who is 6’8”.

Kevin Durant Nerd-Core Backpack, 2011

NBA/Youtube

In 2011, “Geek Chic” was the prevailing style amongst NBA players. This usually meant thick frames without prescription lenses and pattern button ups buttoned to the top, but Kevin Durant took it a step further with his backpack. What a choice to wear a backpack while sitting, and to lock it up across your chest like there’s homework in the back.

Russell Westbrook’s Photographer Vest, 2016

Russell Westbrook arrived wearing an "official photographer" vest.

As @royceyoung points out, one of Kevin Durant's hobbies is photography. pic.twitter.com/flaJz9GPTM

— ESPN (@espn) November 4, 2016

Speaking of Durant, Russell Westbrook here, in 2016, trolled his former teammate with this outfit he wore to their first game as opponents. Kevin Durant had shown a public interest in photography, and Russ took that to heart apparently. Russ is a man of many looks, but this one sticks the most for its pettiness alone. The style — which also featured a tastefully fitted white ensemble — stands out, though.

Latrell Sprewell’s Spinner Shoes, 2001

Latrell Sprewell - DaDa Commercial

Latrell Sprewell did plenty wrong in his career, but one thing he did right was include spinning rims on his signature sneakers. The Dada Supreme’s — the original Supreme — left a spinning wheel on the back. Fun, funny, whimsical, and oh so memorable.

JR Smith’s Supreme Shooting Sleeve, 2017

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Speaking of Supreme… JR Smith was one of two players in the 2017 season to rock a Supreme shooting sleeve, along with Kelly Oubre Jr. The crackdown from the NBA, again, came pretty quickly — JR, along with the rest of the league, was never allowed to wear a branded sleeve like this one again, but it remains one of the memorable moments where streetwear got into the league.

Tim Duncan’s Jean Shorts, 2002

https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/752960994649878530?s=20

Tim Duncan, one of the most respected and accomplished basketball players of all time, has a famously infamous style. When accepting the league’s MVP Award, he sported knee-length jean shorts and Air Jesus belt sandals. You have to respect it!

Kobe Bryant’s All-White Outfit, 2010

It's really the 10 year anniversary of the Kobe Bryant 'White Hot' photo shoot & story for the LA Times

(photographer: Ruven Afanador) pic.twitter.com/RoAPIhSsTy

— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) May 3, 2020

Kobe Bryant wore this for a feature shoot with the Los Angeles Times in 2010, when he was at the height of his powers, under the theme of “White Hot.” Social media was not yet at its height, and still this photoshoot has managed to live on because of how eye-catching it was. The headband under the hat, the unexplained wristband. A bowtie. So many questions here.

LeBron James’ Suit With Shorts, 2018

Lebron James - Suit with Shorts
Lachlan Cunningham/Stringer via Getty Images

In 2018, presumably as an act of camaraderie, LeBron James bought the entire roster of the Cleveland Cavaliers Thom Browne shorts suits for the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. At the very least, between the shorts, tall socks, and combat boots, it is very bold.

Nick Young’s Yeezy Sneakers, 2015

Speaking of bold choices, Nick Young made one to wear the Yeezy Boost 750s during a 2015 game. Kanye West claimed to have designed these shoes with athletic activity in mind, and Young certainly performed that night, but it’s hard to see anything besides Moon Uggs on a professional athlete here.

Colin Ainsworth
Colin Ainswroth is a feature contributor for The Manual who covers culture, fashion, and literature. From Austin, Texas…
The Seiko Prospex 60th edition is a collector’s holy grail
This limited edition Seiko Prospex honors 60 Years of dive watch dominance
The Seiko limited edition Prospex 60th edition up clse

Seiko is a brand long respected for its precision engineering and dive watch legacy, and this year  it commemorates a historic milestone with the Prospex Diver’s Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition. The release celebrates six decades of Seiko’s pioneering underwater technology, combining exceptional design with state-of-the-art functionality for both collectors and professional divers alike. Limited to only 1,100 pieces, this watch stands as a testament to Seiko’s ongoing commitment to innovation.

Iconic design and unmatched durability 

Read more
Nicks Boots teams with Rose Anvil on the ultimate jungle boot
Nicks Boots and Rose Anvil release a new jungle boot
model wearing nd4

Even though it's summer, that hasn’t stopped Nicks Boots from releasing new boots. Fresh off their collaboration with Carl Murawski, the heritage boot brand is joining forces with internet personality Rose Anvil on a new limited-edition piece. Considered their most durable jungle boot ever, this collaborative style takes the duo’s previous collaboration and upgrades it to be even more practical and chic. Built with Nicks Boots’ premium craftsmanship and materials, this boot contains high-end touches, thanks to Rose Anvil’s keen eye for leather goods. Named ND4, this boot is made for wherever your adventure takes you. With only a few pairs available in this style, this collaboration is a must-have before they run out. 

Nicks Boots and Rose Anvil take the jungle boot to a new level

Read more
HOKA’s Mafate Speed 4 Lite and Project Transport go full stealth
Hoka releases new Mafate and Project Transport sneakers
hoka mafate speed 4 sneaker

For any faithful Hoka fan, the Mafate Speed 4 Lite and Project Transport models have become some of the most interesting updates to the brand’s lineup in recent times. Both silhouettes have become staples for the brand by blending contemporary details with Hoka’s premier footwear technology. Now the brand is planning to bring both models back to the spotlight by including them in its rugged Stealth/Tech collection. With subtle design shifts and upgrades, these new additions offer the perfect blend of Hoka’s latest technology and a rugged design that’s built to last. As part of the Stealth/Tech collection, these sneakers feature a sleek and modern design that prioritizes durability and function over trendy details.

HOKA Stealth/Tech Mafate Speed 4 Lite and Project Transport

Read more