As the Cavaliers and Warriors kick off what’s sure to be a gruelling and entertaining championship series, it’s time to award some of the best style plays of the post-season. The players’ walk through arena tunnels have become like mini fashion shows, with athletes showing off their personal styles before pulling on their jerseys.
Here’s a look at the top 5 most memorable off-court looks from the 2017 playoffs
5. Patrick Patterson and PJ Tucker – Toronto Raptors
Taking twinning to a new level, Patterson and Tucker showed up for Game 4 against the Milwaukee Bucks in identical Saint Laurent crewneck sweaters. The kicker? A dinosaur printed on the front. Patterson broke it down perfectly in his Instagram post: “Saint Laurent Sweater: $800 Amiri Jeans: $700 YSL Shoes: $550 Walking into the locker room seeing your teammate in the EXACT SAME outfit as you: Priceless”
4. James Harden – Houston Rockets
It looked like Harden was paying tribute to the game’s refs when he showed up for Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a black and white striped t-shirt by Fendi. With an artsy print on front, it definitely added some splash to your typical stripes.
3. Rajon Rondo – Chicago Bulls
Rondo was injured during Chicago’s Game 3 against the Boston Celtics, but he managed to suit up (bench style) in a short-sleeve look that had that social sphere lit up. With Sports Illustrated simply tweeting a photo of the guard with the question, “what is this?” to other users poking fun at the cut costs of the outfit, Calyann Bartnett, stylist for Rondo and teammate Dwyane Wade (who also rocked a short sleeve suit earlier in the season) told the Chicago Tribune the look was about function over fashion. With a cast to nurse hit right thumb, Rondo wanted something he could fit his arm in. The jacket, by the way, was Hugo Boss.
what is this? pic.twitter.com/AMvbwgMdR9
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 21, 2017
2. Draymond Green – Golden State Warriors
Let’s call it deconstructed plaid? Draymond Green sported a plaid/crewneck shirt that NBA on TNT host and Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley described as something he “wouldn’t pay $25” for. While definitely a different take on a classic pattern, it was a bit confusing. In case you were wondering, the Margiela design retails for $660 US.
1. Russell Westbrook – Oklahoma City Thunder
Definitely one of the league’s MVPs in style, Westbrook did not disappoint this playoff season despite his team unable to advance. His most memorable look came before Game 2 against the Houston Rockets, rocking a bandana, sunglasses, unbuttoned shirt to show gold keys hanging off his neck, and denim with multi-coloured patches. Sound like a lot? It was – and we probably won’t forget it.
