NBA’s new class turns heads with exceptional draft fits
The latest crop of hoops prospects — including Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr., who were selected with the first three picks — found out their futures Thursday at the 2022 NBA draft.
Fashion has become a mainstay across the Association and a staple of draft night as couture choices live on in draft lore. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green and Orlando Magic big man Bol Bol have donned eye-catching attire on the draft’s red carpet in previous years.
The 2022 rookie class stepped out with stylish outfits for Thursday’s draft at Barclays Center. Some of the prospects’ looks featured sleek suits, exceptional color coordination and intricate designs. Others showed off flashy jewelry, shades and other accessories.
Here’s a look at some of the best fits from Brooklyn, New York, at the NBA draft:
Paolo Banchero
The Duke Blue Devils’ standout donned a blinged-out purple suit with a hefty chain.
ELITE draft fit 💎 @Pp_doesit pic.twitter.com/dkSRecHtXq
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 23, 2022
Chet Holmgren
Gonzaga’s big man wore a black-on-black suit that featured a paisley pattern with velvet print. Holmgren also sported a chain with the numbers three and four displayed, an homage to his jersey number, 34.
Chet Holmgren showed up to the NBA Draft in STYLE 🤩 pic.twitter.com/69hQclsR6a
— ESPN (@espn) June 23, 2022
Jabari Smith, Jr.
ESPN’s projected first pick of the draft wore a suit jacket with several photos from his time at Auburn printed on the interior.
Fit check! 🔥@jabarismithjr #WarEagle x #AUNextLevel
pic.twitter.com/0aN33DtDQ0— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) June 23, 2022
Johnny Davis
Davis wore colors reminiscent of his time as a Wisconsin Badgers star.
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) June 23, 2022
Jaden Hardy
Hardy donned jewelry with significance behind it, along with an ivory-colored suit jacket adorned with multicolor gems.
ice alert 🥶 @JadenHardy1 shares the meaning behind his piece ahead of the #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/gLrsICZCYz
— NBA G League Ignite (@gleagueignite) June 23, 2022
that @JadenHardy1 fit 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/a4a39EmRgl
— NBA G League Ignite (@gleagueignite) June 23, 2022
Mark Williams
Banchero’s teammate showed off his Duke blue-inspired suit and complemented the look with some icy neckwear.
“It’s Duke Blue.”
-Big Mark to GQ pic.twitter.com/UzBjW9lydo— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) June 23, 2022
Walker Kessler
The Auburn Tigers’ big man represented his alma mater with a custom interior design in his suit jacket.
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 23, 2022
Bennedict Mathurin
Mathurin sported a red and black three-piece suit that was highlighted by its intricate design.
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) June 23, 2022
Malaki Branham
Similar to his peer above, Branham also wore an interesting pattern with black as the primary color, but silver served as the complementing color.
Ready for showtime!#NBADraft #DevelopedHere pic.twitter.com/D3FGDKO9hp
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) June 23, 2022
Tari Eason
Eason’s striking green suit is almost certain to catch the eye of Boston Celtics fans. The LSU Tigers star’s chain resembled the logo of Atari, the vintage video game system.
— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) June 23, 2022
Dyson Daniels
This top prospect by way of the G League Ignite turned heads with his striking silver suit.
a lot of meaning in the @DysonDaniels suit 💫🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/Ik4JiZMzAP
— NBA G League Ignite (@gleagueignite) June 23, 2022