2012 NBA Draft Style Report: The Best and Worst Dressed Players
Best Dressed: Terrence Ross
After Russell Westbrook’s Magical Mystery Shirt Tour of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, we expected some inspired and perhaps even ill-advised fashion at last night’s draft. Compared to year’s past, the draftees collectively took a very conservative route. It was almost as if Commissioner Stern threatened to shut the Prudential Center’s lights off and go home if he read a single tweet containing the word “hipster.” Despite the four-eyed style of the NBA Finals press conferences, spectacles didn’t continue being trendy either. The first three players were selected… then picks four, five, six and seven were announced… but none of those players stole the show when they reached the podium.
Once the Raptors surprised us with the eighth pick, however, Ross also surprised us with his swag. The texture and color of his gray suit were perfect for the Summer. His baby blue gingham shirt definitely worked and the overall tailoring was impeccable. It’s difficult to find a good tailor when you are 6’7″. In the end, it was the hand-tied-not-clip-on green bowtie that put him over the top. From Andre 3000 to Winston Churchill, the men who have mastered the bowtie have been among the best who ever dressed. That said, do it the wrong way and you look like a clown. Ross did it right, and that, paired with his originality, gets him the nod over well-dressed fellow draftees like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Damian Lillard. James Harden and Joakim Noah have to be smiling today, because thanks to Ross the bowtie continues to be a draft staple.
Worst Dressed: Bradley Beal
No, no, no, no, no. The super-wide rust tie matched with the gray super-short, black trimmed vest and the gray super-long jacket. It just looks, well, off. Three-piece suits can be dapper, but this vest looks more like a bulletproof one or a QB flak jacket. Good thing for the Wizards that he balls better than he dresses.
Best Blazer/Jacket: Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard’s mini-plaid jacket with the black collar was pretty inspired (and his red pocket square let us know he knew he was going to the Blazers). Most players go with suits, but Lillard paired this blazer with black pants. It was a nice touch, very fifties.
Best Tie: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s silk knit tie, complete with a tie bar, would have made Don Draper proud. The light steel blue was an excellent color choice, too. Plus, this man actually knows how to wear a hat. It’s on his head, but still looks cool. He’s a smooth operator. His new boss/fashion nightmare Michael Jordan should consider taking notes.
Worst Trend: High Hats
What was up with players like Harrison Barnes and Quincy Miller barely getting their draft hats onto their heads. Barnes in particular appears to have Kid’s hairdo from House Party hidden underneath his Warriors lid. He looked like a truck driver from South Dakota circa 1987. Fellas, set your snapbacks to the proper adjustment, then pull em down a little bit.
Obligatory Goofy White Dude: Tyler Zeller
Looked awkward in not one, but two hats. Really appreciate the Cavs and Mavericks working out that trade.
Worst Facial Hair: Evan Fournier and Quincy Acy (Tie)
Acy went with what you could only call the Amish Kimbo Slice look. It almost looks like Venom’s black symbiote suit is taking over his neck and face. Then you have Fournier. The French are supposed to be suave. What’s up with the Backstreet Boy-style chinstrap, monsieur?