Style and The NBA Playoffs

Style and the 2010 NBA Playoffs – Visuals from GQ and ASternWarning.com

Ever since David Stern instituted his at the time controversial NBA Dress code, its been an arms race between players to see who could out-style everyone else off the court.  As with the cold war which pitted powerful rivals against each other, this arms race went nuclear.

First it was the All Basketball Loving website ASternWarning.com that launched “Cardigan Watch 2010.”  Now, GQ has taken notice with their own slideshow of the best and worst NBA style from the post-season.

But can all these guys really be adhering to the dress code?  Read it for yourself:

1. General Policy: Business Casual
Players are required to wear Business Casual attire whenever they are engaged in team or league business. “Business Casual” attire means:  A long or short-sleeved dress shirt (collared or turtleneck), and/or a sweater… Dress slacks, khaki pants, or dress jeans… Appropriate shoes and socks, including dress shoes, dress boots, or other presentable shoes, but not including sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, or work boots.

That became the law of the NBA land in 2005.  Fastforward five years and you’ve got LeBron James wearing gigantic shawl collar sweaters with his own initials on the front, and Carmelo Anthony Rockin’ the Liberace / Chewbacca look.   I suppose these guys wouldn’t be professional athletes if they were shy.

There’s plenty to pick from when it comes to the worst dressed, but the official Dappered.com nomination for the best dressed of the 2010 playoffs is a man that GQ failed to mention.  Our pick:  Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat.  Whether he’s slick casual, or straight up all business, that man gets it done.