5 of the NBA’s most stylish players: from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Russell Westbrook, these pro basketball stars amaze off the court with their iconic streetwear looks and fresh twists on luxury
Some of the most stylish American athletes are in the NBA, including (from left) Russell Westbrook, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Devin Booker. Photos: @laclippers, @shai, @dbooknations/Instagram
From Michael Jordan’s and Shaquille O’Neal’s pro-model signature sneaker lines, to Larry Bird’s Chuck Taylors, NBA’s finest have long had a big impact on fashion
Athletes play a huge part in steering style trends, from magnifying sneaker hype to showcasing watches and jewellery.
And among the most stylish American athletes are those in the NBA. Fashion and the NBA have always had a unique relationship. From the days of Chuck Taylor-wearing Larry Bird, to the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan pioneering the concept of pro-model signature shoes, looking the part as an NBA star can matter as much as the game itself.
A pair of Nike Air Ship basketball shoes worn by Michael Jordan in his rookie NBA season in 1984 sold for nearly US$1.5 million at auction in October 2021, at Sotheby’s in Las Vegas. Photo: Sotheby’s
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Today’s players take a creative approach to style with their game-day looks and at postgame interviews. These stylish ballers are not only bringing another element of interest to the league but are influencing trends with the way they dress, and in some cases, leading trends by working with designers and luxury brands.
Here, we look at five of the most stylish players in the NBA and how their style impacts what could end up in your wardrobe.
1. Devin Booker
Devin Booker wears a white suit with brown trainers. Photo: @dbooknations/Instagram
The Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker has appeared as many times in the tabloids as he has on the basketball court over the past couple of years. That’s thanks to his previous relationship with influencer, model and business mogul Kendall Jenner. Perhaps Jenner’s affinity for fashion helped inspire Booker’s fashion journey. But one thing is for certain: his sneaker collection began long before he started dating Jenner.
Devin Booker, wearing an open tan shirt and black trousers, with then-girlfriend Kendall Jenner, in September 2021. Photo: @leaguefits/Instagram
Booker’s connection to the fashion world goes well beyond his affinity for trainers. His Instagram, documenting his glamorous life on and off the court, has amassed 5.7 million followers.
Sneakers autographed by Kobe Bryant and dedicated to Devin Booker, as shared by Booker on his Instagram in March 2016. Photo: @dbook/Instagram
He recently joined the ranks of Nike ambassadors and launched his signature shoe, the Nike Book 1. Earlier this year, Booker hid signed shoes around Indianapolis during the NBA All-Star weekend for fans to find.
Gloria Fung is a lifestyle journalist with bases in Hong Kong and Vancouver. Formerly the health and wellness editor for global media syndicate The Sporting News, she’s also an experienced editor specialising in luxury lifestyle, watches and jewellery. She also writes about beauty, travel, food and drink, pop culture and entertainment, for publications including the South China Morning Post, Tatler Hong Kong, Hashtag Legend, as well as the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
