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.
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
Lil' Chris helping dad get ready for his 9th straight All-Star appearance. #NBAAllStarTO pic.twitter.com/nKkrwTxPfU
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 14, 2016
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
Hard to find shinier kicks than Dwyane Wade's. #NBAAllStarTO pic.twitter.com/Op2IfzoZwx
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 15, 2016
Really, dude? REALLY? You’re better than this. Or are you?
*****
Gregg Popovich
"Wait. I'm trippin. I got weed at the crib." https://t.co/ZRwgNCGEGi
— Brandon / Jinx (@Jersey_Jinx) February 15, 2016
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
Craig Sager's suit game is
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.
#squadgoals pic.twitter.com/LzbpVPUSvF
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) February 15, 2016
*****
Derrick Rose & Son
What are you talking about dad? P.J. Rose, 3 sitting with his dad #ChicagoBulls Derrick Rose pic.twitter.com/9T533RBiFw
— Nuccio DiNuzzo (@ChiTribNuccio) February 10, 2016
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
Never stop dancing, Odell. pic.twitter.com/WxC2mvClMz
— Josh Planos (@JPlanos) February 15, 2016
The freeze-frame kinda says it all here, but Odell’s hair deserves some kind of award. Like, four of them.
*****
Kobe’s Jersey
West #24 hangs in the locker one last time #NBAAllStarTO pic.twitter.com/Rq9FxmtUMp
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 14, 2016
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
How Andre Drummond's custom coat won NBA All-Star Weekend https://t.co/ZWB6S4M6cb pic.twitter.com/SGv46AjxlQ
— GQ Style (@GQStyle) February 14, 2016
This jacket wins the world. Hey, ‘ya gotta win at something. Whatever works.
*****
Bill Murray
Bill Murray takes his love of the Cubs to the links at Pebble Beach. https://t.co/3T1jfbPmUC pic.twitter.com/O26lws3zAj
— theScore (@theScore) February 14, 2016
This man is a beautiful kind of insane.
*****
Draymond Green
No doubt in my mind Draymond got some Crown Royal tucked in his coat pocket. pic.twitter.com/OyBmkdYSMs
— Jared Cook Caught It (@PBS_Impulse9) February 13, 2016
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 blames Cam’s Super Bowl performance on his gold shoes: https://t.co/phN9uJ3Zpp pic.twitter.com/z5yT3PJrS4
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) February 11, 2016
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.