Image via Complex Original
Over the past few years, NBA players have evolved into some of the fashion world’s biggest style icons. These days it’s not uncommon to see professional players sitting in the coveted front rows of fashion shows or modeling in designer campaigns. For some, their looks off the court have garnered even more attention than their actual game play.
Since the league’s controversial dress code was implemented back in 2005, players had to ditch the athletic shorts and oversized tees, but many opted instead to experiment with more fashionable designer gear.
Some players in the league are definite standouts for their trendsetting personal style. Check out our list of The 10 Most Stylish Players in the NBA Right Now.
LeBron James
Over the years, LeBron James has really stepped up his game to become one of the most stylish players in the league. James isn’t afraid to take risks when it comes to getting dressed, especially with accessories like his wool fedoras and limited edition watches.
Even with his towering frame, James has been spotted in designers like Thom Browne, Givenchy, Valentino, and Balenciaga. He also produced the first NBA fashion show earlier this year.
James Harden
James Harden is another player who isn’t afraid to experiment with his style. The Houston Rockets guard, known for his signature beard, has had the Internet in a frenzy over his unique post-game outfit choices, from his floral Givenchy “skirt” to his Dries van Noten harness shirt. The two-time All-Star has cemented his place as one of the league’s best dressed.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant kills it off and on the court. He once described his style as “off-the-wall,” and we’d have to agree. His sometimes outrageous choices have gotten him noticed by the fashion world. We’ve seen the Oklahoma City forward go from glasses and backpack nerd-chic, to stunting in next-level designers like Versace and Givenchy.
Durant has also tried his hand at designing, with an eyeglass line for Nike and underwear line with Neff Wear.
Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook likes to make big fashion statements, but what do you expect from a player whose slogan is “why not?” No one can deny that he has been one of the most influential players when it comes to style, especially with the no frame glasses trend.
The Oklahoma City point guard recently showcased his sensibilities as the creative director for True Religion and teamed up with Barney’s New York to release an apparel collection.
Nick Young
He didn’t get the nickname “Swaggy P” for nothing. Nick Young confirmed that he is one of the league’s most stylish when he gave us a look inside his closet. The L.A. Laker had hangers dripping with tons of designer goods from Saint Laurent to Supreme. Not to mention his incredible sneaker collection could qualify him a certified hypebeast. We appreciate his low-key Cali vibes.
Tristan Thompson
Tristan Thompson hasn’t been on our radar long, but he pulled off some pretty fire fits this past season. Maybe it was from spending all that time with LeBron? Regardless, the Cleveland Cavalier cleans up pretty well, flexing on everybody in En Noir and Thom Browne. He even jumped on the hat trend, rocking some post-game headgear like the oversized flat-brimmed hat Twitter had a lot to say about.
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade is one of the players that set the standard for off-court dressing. He is a certified trendsetter, donning customized MC Hammer jumpsuits and hitting NYFW with wife, Gabrielle Union. When he isn’t sitting front row, the Miami Heat guard can be found designing socks for Stance.
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony has the steeze of a true New Yorker. The Knicks forward has come a long way since that horrible draft day suit. Now, his off-court style is always on point and he never strays from setting off his looks with one of the luxury watches or an over-the-top hat from his collection. We have to give him props for staying on top of his style and being tuned in to designers like Public School and Virgil Abloh.
Amar’e Stoudemire
Amar’e Stoudemire has been flexing with his style for a while now. The power forward has described his personal fashion as “clean and classy,” but his recent looks have incorporated more avant-garde designers like Raf Simons and Rick Owens.
He has a tendency to set off his fits with just the right accessories, like gold rings and chains. His reputation for stunting with his style has earned him a front row seat at fashion shows around the world.
Tyson Chandler
Tyson Chandler may stand over 7 feet tall, but that doesn’t stop him from experimenting with cutting edge designer gear. Previously named one of the most stylish New Yorkers, the Phoenix Sun once admitted that he likes dramatic goth pieces like capes. That is pretty unexpected for a basketball player, but his tendency to push the boundaries with his style through designers like Rick Owens has made him an icon in his own right.