Pop CultureBy Tim Ryan on

Sports and fashion are two explosive worlds that have increasingly embraced one another with each passing week. The blossoming romance is akin to the unbreakable bond between Mutombo and cookies. They go hand in hand. It works for the players, it works for the brands, and most of the time it even works for the fans.

What true naturals like Joe Namath thought was simply “lookin’ smooth” has turned into a giant publicity spectacle, which often leads to various endorsements from brands looking to move that all-important needle. And that’s when things inevitably snowball into an attention-forced abyss, like Von Miller’s furriest choices in headgear, or when Johnny Manziel channeled a medicore, chippy copywriter from Mad Men.

Seriously, this photo happened.

johnn-football-nfl-fashion

But then there’s all of those reliable fans, who — while always clamoring for the camera — never bow to the whims of snooty, highbrow fashionistas. What they do bring is a unique, expressive element of their own choosing, and one that usually coincides with just how bad or good their team is performing.

And thast — coupled with athletes, media personalities, and even spirited mascots — is what this very space is here to embrace.

This week’s edition pays lofty tribute to the visually, and at times, confusing world that IS the National Basketball Association

 *****

L.A Clippers

Well, this is downright adorable. And is ‘Lil Chris kidding me with those pants? Holy crap. Kid is a fashion-forward genius.

*****

Dwyane Wade’s Feet

Really, dude? REALLY? You’re better than this. Or are you?

*****

Gregg Popovich

So presidential. There isn’t one thing — seriously, NOTHING! — that this man doesn’t get right. I truly love the guy. It’s beyond refreshing to witness in an otherwise otherwise batch of stooges. Candor is key, folks.

*****

Craig Sager

As Omar aptly said, you come at the king, you best not miss.

Awwwwwww man, this guy is an amazing human. Craig Sager, simply impossible to dislike.

*****

Derrick Rose & Son

I can’t stop loving the hell out of this photo so, yeah, it’s gonna be here every week. I mean, come on, look at that kid’s face! To say it’s endearing would hardly do it justice.

*****

Odell Beckham Jr. & Von Miller

https://twitter.com/jplanos/status/699067497161498624?refsrc=email&s=11

The freeze-frame kinda says it all here, but Odell’s hair deserves some kind of award. Like, four of them.

*****

Kobe’s Jersey

At first glance, it was assumed that the Lakers posted a photo of a disgustingly sweaty Kobe Bryant jersey. Upon further inspection, it’s simply a digusting Kobe Bryant jersey.

*****

Andre Drummond

This jacket wins the world. Hey, ‘ya gotta win at something. Whatever works.

*****

Bill Murray

This man is a beautiful kind of insane.

*****

Draymond Green

https://twitter.com/pbs_impulse9/status/698316674773037060?refsrc=email&s=11

Simply put, this man is a hero and I would very much like to borrow that jacket sooner than later.

******

Cam Newton’s Cleats

Jim Fassel is certifiably insane and I implore Vincent K. McMahon to arrange a ladder match. TODAY.

Previous installments of this weekly feature from freelance writer Tim Ryan can be found right here.

About Tim Ryan

Freelance Writer, Editor, Humorist, and Fashion Critic. Currently in heated negotiations over the rights to Jack Sikma's striking perm and an authentic mold of Chris Sabo's goggles.

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