Image via Complex Original
The NBA has always stood out as a league that allows its players to stand out as individuals. With the freedom of expression relatively intact, players are allowed to express their individual styles everyday. Some players dress up with unique colors and some players decide to dress down, but either way we all take notice.
NBA fashion reached an all-time high when stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Russell Westbrook dressed in interesting and special attire during their postgame interviews, but the league has always had a heavy style influence dating back to the '70s. Even reporters like Craig Sager add their own personal flair with unique suits. From Walt "Clyde" Frazier's interesting collection to Russell Westbrook's unique interpretation of style, this is a History of Crazy NBA Style Choices.
RELATED: Russell Westbrook: Out of Bounds (2013 Cover Story)
Long Live Clyde
When: 1970s-Present
Walt "Clyde" Frazier always dresses to impress and he's made a career out of being a fashion maven from his time as a Knicks star to his transition to broadcasting. His style is unique and impressive, but there are sometimes where he can be down ridiculous. Clyde hounds and astounds crowds at every Knicks game with his special attire. See how he operates here.
Larry Bird: Jean Model
When: 1981
Yup. Check out the commercial for proof.
Magic Johnson's Throwback Fur
When: 1980s
Magic is usually not wearing anything questionable, but the fact that he wore a white tee right under a fur coat is hilarious in itself. That type of stuntin' will get you noticed by the Alphabet Boys. Just ask Frank Lucas.
Karl Malone's Short Tie
When: June 1985
You can take the boy out of the country but you can't take the country out of the boy.
Vlade Divac Gets Sloppy
When: June 1989
Vlade was out here looking a nuclear physicist. Very loose butthole, Vlade. Look alive out there.
Larry Johnson's Sign O' The Times
When: June 1991
Grandmama rocking crayon. We can die and go to hell now.
Dennis Rodman's Wedding Dress
When: 1996
*blank stare*
Samaki Walker Sees Money
When: June 1996
This remains Samaki Walker's only highlight as a pro. Grand opening, grand closing.
Tim Thomas' Awkward Suit
When: June 1997
Easily one of the worst suits ever. Yuck.
Mo Taylor's Teal Deal
When: June 1997
These guys used to raid Steve Harvey's closet.
Craig Sager Is The God of Suits
When: 2000s
For years, TNT's Craig Sager has been astounding the basketball universe with his unique and sometimes ludicrous style. He's pretty much worn every color possible over his time as a sideline reporter. The best part is when players critique his attire.
Drew Gooden's Draft Day Nightmare Suit
When: June 2003
Fuck, is that Kevlar? At least he's bullet proof.
Dwight Howard Has No Regard for Humanity
When: Circa 2004 - 2012
One word: Country.
Vladimir Radmanovic is a Monster
When: 2005
WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A.I. Switches It Up
When: 2005-2010
When the NBA switched up their dress code policy, Allen Iverson was forced to switch up his style leading to contrived attempts like this oversized suit. This probably is why Iverson left the NBA.
Damon Jones' Coat
When: 2007-2008
Have you seen Damon Jones' coat?
Joakim Noah's Struggle Outfits
When: 2007-Present
Joakim likes to dress in his own style, that varies all over the spectrum. We'd call it "awkward comfort." Do something with that hair, bro.
Lakers Paying Homage Gone Wrong
When: November 2007
Paying homage is great, but this was one of those times that it didn't work out. You see the Celtics didn't wear any short-shorts during that game. At least rock the the little jerseys too. That's just a half-assed attempt.
General B. Diddy
When: April-May 2007
Baron Davis always wears interesting outfits, and sometimes it just doesn't work out. Especially this idea to wear a green jacket that makes him look more military than basketball player. B. Diddy needs to tone it down, this isn't Communist China.
Shaq's Tickle-Me Bad
When: February 2008
Are you surprised? Shaq's country as hell. Who the hell is responsible that shirt and hat's existence?
Dwyane Wade Needs an Intervention
When: February-March 2009
That earring would make Lil B jealous. And that band-aid? Was he possessed by the spirit of Nelly?
Michael Jordan is Jean Blind
When: December 2009
For the love of God Michael, you're better than this. Be great.
Kobe Bryant's Questionable Photo Shoot
When: May 2010
We shed a single tear every single time we come across this nonsense.
Russell Westbrook's Lively Palette
When: 2011-2013
Russ Westbrook always catches peoples attention with his unique and tight clothing. Someone save this man from himself.
Rajon Rondo Loves Zebras
When: April 2012
Rondo usually isn't bad or extremely expressive when it comes to his style, but his zebra-themed outfit was just out of this world. TNT's Inside The NBA made sure to clown the Celtics star for it.
Amar'e Stoudemire Post-Fire Extinguisher Dud
When: April 2012
STAT looks like an extra in an '80s pop video. Blame it on the rain.
Nick Young Swagged Out
When: May 2012
Nick Young grabbed all of the attention after the Clippers playoff win with his post game attire. It's probably one of the best and the worst outfits at the same time, because he didn't wear Biggie Versace shades. He looks like Trinidad James' little cousin.
Dwyane Wade's Hot Pink Pants
When: May 2012
D-Wade thinks he can rock anything off the court, but the hot pink pants are definitely a no go. Get this man a new stylist.
James Harden's Sixth Man Suit
When: May 2012
When accepting an NBA award, always do it in style. James Harden showed out in his pink outfit looking like a backup singer for Sexual Chocolate.
Tyson Chandler's Hipster Cowboy Look
When: September 2012
New York has changed Tyson Chandler. He's made his first All-Star team and won his first Defensive Player of the Year award. He also has chosen to look like some kind of hipster cowboy or whatever the hell he's trying to do.
Steve Nash In Hollywood Pink
When: October 2012
It seems as if Hollywood has changed Steve Nash's style on and off the court. His style of play has changed due to the Lakers roster, and also his style has taken some twists and turns in La La land.
Andrew Bynum is Trolling Us, Get It?
When: November 2012
WTF, man?
Melo's First In Command
When: December 2012
Carmelo Anthony was a WWII vet in a past life.
LeBron James' Leather So Soft
When: February 2013
All-Star Weekend is where everyone tries new styles and starts new trends. LeBron was running with the leather sleeves which is just terrible. You know he was sweaty as hell.
Darryl Dawkins Knows No Boundaries
When: Infinity
Chocolate Thunder will live forever. He dresses like a vampire pimp.